Gum Disease Treatment Options
Gum disease treatment isn’t something most people think about—until it becomes necessary. Maybe you’ve noticed your gums bleeding when you brush or floss. Or perhaps you’ve been dealing with persistent bad breath, sensitivity, or even loose teeth.
These are red flags that your gums are waving to get your attention. The good news? You have options. And it’s never too late to take control of your gum health.
First, a Quick Reality Check
Gum or periodontal disease doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a slow, sneaky condition that starts with plaque buildup and leads to inflammation of the gums, known as gingivitis.
If treatment is not received, it can develop into periodontitis, which damages the bones and tissues that support your teeth.
The worst part is that gum disease is a major contributor to adult tooth loss. But here’s the better news—you can stop it, manage it, and often reverse the early stages.
That’s where gum disease treatment comes in.
Non-Surgical Gum Disease Treatments
If your gum disease is caught early, you’ll likely be able to avoid surgery altogether. With consistent care, these minimally invasive options can make a big difference.
1. Professional Dental Cleaning
This is your starting point. A routine cleaning removes plaque and tartar that brushing and flossing at home can’t handle.
If you’re in the early stages of gum disease, this might be enough to reset your gum health, especially when combined with better daily hygiene.
It’s also a wake-up call—if your Leederville dentist or hygienist flags early signs of gum disease during a cleaning, it’s your chance to change course before things get serious.
2. Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning)
Think of this as the next level. Scaling removes hardened plaque (calculus) from above and below the gumline. Root planing promotes gum healing and reattachment by smoothing the tooth roots.
It’s a more involved procedure than a regular clean, but still non-surgical. You might need a local anaesthetic for comfort, and it’s often done over a couple of visits. This treatment is a game-changer for mild to moderate gum disease.
3. Antibacterial Therapies
Sometimes, bacteria need an extra nudge. Antibacterial mouth rinses, gels, or oral antibiotics may be recommended for your treatment. These help reduce the bacterial load and inflammation while your gums heal.
Surgical Gum Disease Treatments
If gum disease has advanced, non-surgical treatments alone might not be enough. That’s where surgical options come into play. They might sound intimidating, but these procedures are often the best route to preserving your teeth and overall health.
1. Flap Surgery (Pocket Reduction Surgery)
Flap surgery may be helpful if there are deep spaces between your teeth and gums. Your dentist lifts the gums, removes the tartar buildup underneath, and repositions the tissue snugly against the teeth.
The goal is to reduce the space where bacteria can hide and to promote better healing. Recovery is usually smooth, and many patients feel relief as inflammation subsides.
2. Bone Grafting
When gum disease has caused the loss of bone around teeth, a bone graft can help restore it. This might involve using your bone, donor bone, or synthetic material.
It sounds intense, but the goal is simple: to give your teeth a stronger foundation and prevent further loss.
3. Soft Tissue Grafting
Soft tissue grafts can restore coverage if your gums have receded significantly, exposing tooth roots and causing sensitivity. This improves both comfort and appearance, and helps protect those vulnerable areas.
Lifestyle and Maintenance: The Heart of Long-Term Success
Whichever treatment you need, it won’t work in isolation. Gum disease thrives when habits don’t change. After your treatment, you’ll need to maintain excellent oral hygiene at home—brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush, flossing daily, and using any prescribed products like mouth rinses or interdental brushes.
And let’s talk about your dental visits. They matter more than ever now. Your dentist might recommend more frequent cleanings (every 3-4 months instead of every 6) to keep things stable.
How to Choose the Right Treatment for You
You don’t have to figure it out alone. Your Leederville dentist will evaluate your specific situation—your symptoms, the severity of the disease, your general health, and your comfort level with particular procedures—and recommend the best course of action.
But you do play a big part in your recovery. Ask questions, be honest about what’s realistic, and follow through with your care plan. Your gums are worth it.
Why It’s Worth Treating Gum Disease Now
Pushing gum health aside is easy, especially if you’re not in pain. However, gum disease is not limited to oral health; it has also been connected to respiratory disorders, diabetes, heart disease, and pregnancy difficulties. Keeping your gums healthy supports your entire body.
Beyond the health reasons, there’s your quality of life. No more bleeding gums, bad breath, or worrying every time you eat something crunchy. Just the ease and self-assurance that a healthy, clean smile brings.
Gum Disease Treatment in Leederville
If you’ve been putting off dealing with bleeding gums, gum recession, or loose teeth, now is the time to act. Gum disease treatment doesn’t have to be scary or overwhelming, but ignoring it only makes it harder down the road.
Book an appointment with your local dentist today and start a conversation about your gum health. A thorough check-up and personalised treatment plan could be the turning point. You don’t have to navigate this alone; your future smile will thank you.
Contact us on (08) 9242 4400 or visit us at 322 Vincent Street in Leederville.
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Contact Info
Dentists on Vincent Leederville
Address: 322 Vincent St, Leederville, WA 6007
Phone: (08) 9242 4400
Opening Hours
Mon: Closed
Tue: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Wed: 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Thu: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Fri: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Sat: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM (by appointment)
Sun: Closed
PARKING/PUBLIC TRANSPORT
There is ample car parking across the road from the practice
There are cafes and eateries within walking distance
LOCATION
Dentists on Vincent is located in Leederville, 14 min from Northbridge and only short stroll from Leederville Oval and Water Corporation
Leederville dentist also serving local communities in West Leederville, Northbridge, North Perth, Wembley, Floreat, Mount Hawthorn, Subiaco, Menora, Coolbinia and Jolimont.