Periodontal Treatment in Adelaide

“Periodontal” means around the tooth, referring to the tissues that support and anchor your teeth — including the gums, ligaments, and jawbone.

Periodontal disease (also known as gum disease) is an infection caused by the build-up of plaque and bacteria along and beneath the gumline.

There are two main stages:

• Gingivitis – the early, reversible stage, marked by red, swollen, or bleeding gums.
• Periodontitis – the advanced stage, where the infection damages bone and connective tissue, leading to loose teeth or even tooth loss if untreated.

Without proper treatment, gum disease can affect not just your smile but also your overall health, having links to heart disease, diabetes, and other systemic conditions.

You may not always feel pain with gum disease, but early detection is key.

Common signs include:

• Gums that bleed during brushing or flossing
• Red, swollen, or tender gums
• Persistent bad breath (halitosis)
• Receding gum line or longer-looking teeth
• Loose or shifting teeth
• Pain when chewing
• Sensitivity to hot or cold

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to schedule a gum health assessment at Oval Dental as soon as possible.

At Oval Dental, our goal is to stop infection, restore gum health, and preserve your natural teeth for life.

Treatment depends on how advanced the condition is, but typically includes:

1. Professional Deep Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing)

This is the cornerstone of periodontal therapy.

• Scaling removes plaque, tartar, and bacteria from above and below the gum line.
• Root planing smooths the tooth roots, helping the gums reattach and preventing further bacterial growth.

This deep cleaning may be completed over one or more appointments, depending on the severity of the infection.

2. Antibacterial Gels

In some cases, we apply antibacterial rinses or gels to disinfect infected gum pockets and promote faster healing.

3. Ongoing Maintenance and Review

Once the gums have healed, we schedule regular periodontal maintenance visits (every 3–6 months) to monitor gum health and prevent reinfection.

4. Surgical Treatments (If Needed)

In advanced cases, periodontal surgery may be required to clean deep pockets or regenerate lost bone and tissue. This is always considered the last resort, and we’ll guide you through all options before proceeding.

At Oval Dental, we combine experience, modern dental technology, and a caring approach to provide treatment that is both effective and comfortable. Our North Adelaide clinic is designed to be welcoming and stress-free, making dental care easier for the whole family. Whether you’re here for a simple check-up or ongoing care, we’re committed to helping you achieve and maintain a healthy, confident smile.