Periodontics

Foundation Dental Services offers one of the leading periodontal and oral medicine specialist teams in Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast. They work closely with both patients and the referring general dentist to evaluate and treat gum issues (i.e. Periodontitis or Periodontal Disease) and any oral medicine concerns. Treatment is always undertaken from a contemporary, holistic approach.

Understanding that dental surgery and clinical procedures can create anxiety for some, the FDS team take the time to talk with you about the proposed treatment plan and listen carefully to your concerns or questions before moving on to any treatment steps. At FDS we are focussed on minimally invasive, comfortable care. We always let the patient set the pace to minimise any anxiety or discomfort.

Foundation Dental

Opening Hours

Monday - Friday: 9.00 - 5.00

Working in close consultation with both you and your dentist, Foundation Dental Services can help with:

  • Gum Care (Periodontitis or Periodontal Disease) via comprehensive evaluation, treatment and long-term supportive care.
  • Acute Gum Issues (abscess or pain)
  • Chronic Bad Breath (i.e. Halitosis) or Sensitive Teeth.
  • A second opinion on complex treatment plan options with careful evaluation of tooth support and prognosis.

If you need gum care and to explore your periodontal treatment options, the following information is provided to help answer your questions about the basic processes and clinical options to best restore the health of your gums. Your FDS clinician will provide further details at your consultation.

What is a Periodontist?

All periodontists first have to complete a five-year General Dental Degree. It is then a requirement that they spend a period of time in general dental practice. They can then apply to be admitted to a specialist training program, which is very competitive with only a few successful applicants accepted each year at the major dental schools.

Completing a further 3 years of study and passing a series of examinations the practitioner can then obtain a Post Graduate Degree in Periodontics. This Post Graduate Degree qualification then allows them to apply to the Dental Board be registered as a Dental Specialist.

Once qualified and board registered, Periodontists usually restrict their practice to the field of Periodontology, which encompasses: the treatment of gum problems (i.e. Periodontitis), minor oral surgery procedures, placement of dental implants and soft tissue problems (i.e. oral medicine concerns).

In summary, a registered Periodontist has completed 7-8 years of full time study to gain their qualification in a highly selective process.

Contact us for an appointment today.

Our experience places us well up among the leading specialist groups in South-East Queensland, yet we also strive to maintain that ‘personal touch’ by being independent family owned & operated.

What is Periodontitis or Periodontal Disease?

Periodontitis (or “infection around the teeth”) has also been called Pyorrhoea (pronounced “pie-re-ah”), Periodontal Disease or Gum Disease. It involves a deep bacterial infection of the gums caused by various germs found in dental plaque. Over time, this leads to the progressive loss of attachment between the teeth and the supporting gums. Eventually, without treatment, a person will become “long in the tooth” and finally their teeth can loosen up and fall out.

How do I know if I have it?

Often people are unaware that they have any gum problems. That is why Periodontitis is referred to as a “Silent Disease”. However, there are many signs that may indicate that you have a problem:

  • Gums that are swollen, bleed easily, have receded or are very red
  • Persistent bad breath (i.e. halitosis) or a bad taste in the mouth (particularly in the mornings).
  • Loose teeth or drifting of the teeth out of position.
  • Food getting trapped, rapid calculus (tartar) build-up, sensitivity or gaps appearing.

Your dentist may also become aware of it by noticing bone loss on your x-rays or finding “pockets” (i.e. attachment loss) when checking your gums as part of a normal dental examination.

How did I get it?

Periodontitis is very common. However, a certain number of people in the community will be more susceptible to this problem. The cause of Periodontitis is quite complex. Some people appear to have it in combination with other systemic illnesses (i.e. diabetes). In other people there is a family history of gum problems or early tooth loss. In another person a local factor may accelerate the problem (i.e. smoking). This means that in one person the Periodontitis may have a very specific cause, while in another it may be very difficult to find out why the problem is present. One thing that has been confirmed is that if plaque and calculus is not regularly removed then there is an increased risk of accelerating the damage from Periodontitis.

Can it be treated?

Periodontitis usually responds very well to treatment, and we often start with the following treatment schedule:

  • A careful examination and measurement of tooth attachment levels.
  • Thorough deep professional debridement of the bacterial build up from under the gums
  • Help with your home care regime
  • Regular reviews and supportive care appointments.

In most cases this is enough to halt the attachment loss and manage the problem. However, once you have been diagnosed with Periodontitis you will always remain ‘ at risk’ of developing this concern again.

This means that it is extremely important that if you have had treatment for this problem – that you keep to the recommended supportive care schedule. Otherwise the bacteria that cause Periodontitis will slowly re-establish themselves and the benefits from treatment will be lost.

What happens to me at Foundation Dental Services?

The clinician will take a very thorough medical and dental history to try and locate any specific cause for your particular problem. A detailed examination of your teeth will then be carried out to see how much damage the Periodontitis has already caused.

This collection of information usually includes arranging diagnostic x-rays. The clinician will then discuss the findings with you and your dentist and recommend an individual treatment plan to best address your particular concerns.

Will treatment be uncomfortable?

We are committed to providing the most comfortable procedures as possible. Whenever a deep cleaning procedure is to be carried out the clinician will numb the area with an anaesthetic to ensure minimal discomfort. If you are worried or unsure of a procedure, discuss it with the FDS clinician before treatment. Following treatment the teeth may be sensitive to cold drinks or food but this usually passes with time. You may also notice the gums ‘ shrinking’ and becoming ‘ firmer’ . This is quite normal as they become healthier, less swollen and return to their proper shape.

Contact us for an appointment today.

Our experience places us well up among the leading specialist groups in South-East Queensland, yet we also strive to maintain that ‘personal touch’ by being independent family owned & operated.

How much does it cost?

A detailed treatment plan, including a written quote outlining the costs of treatment will be provided following the initial consultation appointment. Seeking care under a specialist banner doesn’ t necessarily mean you will be charged a lot of money. At Foundation Dental Services we are very conscious of the costs of health care and limited health dollar. We always strive to deliver good value for money in our services with competitive pricing. In the long run it is often more cost effective to have a specialist quickly identify and treat an issue before it becomes a more complex and expensive issue. In the treatment of Periodontitis, a “penny of prevention” is definitely better than a “pound of cure”.

How long does it take?

The collection of your medical history and clinical dental data is usually completed at the first appointment. Depending upon your treatment plan, there will then be a series of two to four appointments to thoroughly treat a small section of your mouth at a time. We then recommend regular ongoing monitoring. The review program is tailored to your specific needs. The ideal would be to eventually only need annual gum check-ups with FDS and your general dentist caring for all your other dental needs.

Will I get anything back from my health fund?

Rebates from the funds vary depending upon the fund you have chosen and your level of ancillary cover. It is best to approach your fund directly and ask what support they offer to treat periodontal issues.

Foundation Dental Services is proudly independent and does not have any third party agreements with any particular health fund. We will work with your fund to the best of our abilities to deliver optimal care.

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    FOUNDATION DENTAL

    We work in close consultation with our referring general dentists & allied health practitioners to achieve the best possible treatment outcomes - with a healthy, stable mouth the ultimate goal.

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