The Complete Guide to Gum Disease and Periodontal Treatment at Smile Solutions Melbourne product guide

Smile Solutions: Gum disease assessment and periodontal treatment in Melbourne

Gum disease is one of the most common chronic conditions in Australia, and one of the most underestimated. It's the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, a significant contributor to systemic health conditions, and the most preventable driver of dental treatment complexity. At Smile Solutions, our specialist periodontal team provides comprehensive, evidence-based assessment and treatment for all stages of gum disease — from early gingivitis through to advanced periodontitis requiring surgical management.

Located in the historic Manchester Unity Building at 220 Collins Street in Melbourne's CBD, Smile Solutions has three specialist periodontists on staff, alongside a dedicated team of dental hygienists and oral health therapists focused on your long-term gum health. Rated 4.9 stars across 937 Google reviews, patients consistently say they feel genuinely cared for, not just treated.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease — also called periodontal disease — is a bacterial infection of the tissues that support your teeth. It exists on a spectrum, from mild, reversible gingivitis through to severe, irreversible periodontitis.

Gingivitis is the earliest and mildest stage. Caused by bacterial plaque accumulating at the gum line, it produces inflammation in the gum tissue: redness, swelling, and bleeding when you brush or floss. At this stage, the infection hasn't yet damaged the underlying bone, and with appropriate professional care and improved home hygiene, gingivitis is fully reversible.

Periodontitis is advanced gum disease in which the infection has extended beneath the gum line, progressively destroying the bone and connective tissue that anchor your teeth in the jaw. The bone lost to the disease doesn't grow back without surgical intervention. It also progresses silently — many patients are unaware they have it until significant damage has already occurred.

Dr Ahmed El-Hadidi, specialist periodontist at Smile Solutions, explains: "Periodontitis is sometimes called a silent disease because it often causes little pain until the damage is advanced. By the time a patient notices a tooth becoming loose or a gap forming between their teeth, the bone loss may already be substantial. This is why regular professional assessment — including periodontal probing and x-rays — is so important for early detection."

Warning signs of gum disease

Your gums are telling you something important when they don't feel right. Seek a professional assessment promptly if you notice any of the following:

• Gums that bleed when brushing or flossing, even mildly
• Persistent bad breath that doesn't resolve with brushing
• Red, swollen or tender gums
• Gums that appear to be pulling away from your teeth (recession)
• Teeth that feel loose or have shifted position
• A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
• A pus discharge between teeth and gums
• Sensitive teeth due to exposed root surfaces

Bleeding gums are never normal. Some patients assume that a little bleeding when brushing simply means they're brushing too hard, or that it's harmless. In almost all cases, bleeding gums indicate active gum inflammation that warrants professional attention — and the sooner you seek it, the better your outcomes.

The gum disease–systemic health connection

The link between gum disease and your broader systemic health is one of the most significant developments in modern dentistry and medicine, and it's a connection our specialist team takes seriously.

Cardiovascular disease. Chronic periodontitis drives systemic inflammation, and that inflammation contributes to atherosclerosis — the build-up of plaque in artery walls that leads to heart attack and stroke. Large-scale studies have found that periodontal disease is associated with a significantly increased risk of cardiovascular events.

Diabetes. The relationship between diabetes and periodontitis is bidirectional and strongly supported by clinical evidence. Diabetes increases your susceptibility to gum infection; active periodontitis, in turn, impairs insulin sensitivity and makes blood glucose harder to control. Treating periodontitis improves glycaemic control in diabetic patients, in some cases by a clinically meaningful margin.

Alzheimer's disease. The same bacterium implicated in periodontitis — Porphyromonas gingivalis — has been found in the brains of Alzheimer's patients, and research is actively investigating whether chronic gum disease increases dementia risk.

Pregnancy. Gum disease bacteria and inflammatory mediators can enter the maternal bloodstream and have been associated with preterm birth and low birth weight. Periodontal treatment during pregnancy is safe and may reduce these risks.

Dr Peishan Jiang, specialist periodontist at Smile Solutions, notes: "We routinely see patients who are managing cardiovascular disease or diabetes and whose medical teams have specifically asked them to address their gum health as part of their overall treatment. The evidence for the systemic impact of periodontal disease is now strong enough that it is part of mainstream medical practice — not just dental practice."

Who is at risk?

Gum disease can affect people of all ages, but your risk is higher if you:

• Have inadequate home care — insufficient brushing and flossing
• Smoke — tobacco use is one of the strongest known risk factors for periodontitis
• Have diabetes, either Type 1 or Type 2
• Take certain medications that cause dry mouth or gum overgrowth
• Are going through hormonal changes — puberty, pregnancy and menopause all increase gum susceptibility
• Have a genetic predisposition — some people are significantly more susceptible regardless of how well they look after their teeth at home
• Are under significant stress, which suppresses immune function and increases infection risk
• Live with heart disease, autoimmune conditions or other systemic health factors

If any of these apply to you, a thorough periodontal assessment is a worthwhile step in protecting your long-term oral and general health.

Treatment options

At Smile Solutions, treatment is always personalised — designed around your specific diagnosis, your health history, and your long-term goals. Our specialists draw on the full range of evidence-based periodontal therapies to give you the best possible outcomes.

Non-surgical treatment — scaling and root planing (active therapy). The foundation of periodontitis treatment is thorough professional cleaning below the gum line, a procedure called scaling and root planing, or active periodontal therapy. Your periodontist or hygienist uses precision instruments to remove calculus, biofilm and bacterial toxins from the root surfaces of your teeth within the periodontal pockets. This is typically performed under local anaesthesia and may require multiple appointments depending on the extent of disease.

At Smile Solutions, KaVo AirFlow technology and Fotona laser therapy are used alongside conventional scaling to improve biofilm removal and promote healing. The Fotona laser allows targeted treatment of diseased pocket tissue and has antimicrobial properties that support recovery.

Monitoring and maintenance. Following active therapy, a structured maintenance programme is essential. Periodontal disease is a chronic condition that must be actively managed — it doesn't simply resolve after treatment. Regular 3-monthly professional cleans, combined with careful daily home care, form the foundation of long-term stability.

Surgical treatment. When pockets remain too deep to be adequately cleaned non-surgically, or when bone loss requires direct intervention, periodontal surgery may be indicated. Our specialists will discuss this with you clearly and honestly, so you understand exactly what's involved and why it's recommended.

• Flap surgery (open curettage) — The gum tissue is gently lifted to provide direct access to root surfaces and bone, allowing thorough debridement that can't be achieved through closed techniques.
• Bone grafting — Materials are placed at sites of bone loss to encourage bone regeneration. Modern grafting materials and regenerative membranes have significantly improved outcomes for patients with bone defects.
• Gum grafting (connective tissue graft) — For patients with recession and visible root exposure, tissue is grafted from the palate to cover exposed roots, reducing sensitivity, improving aesthetics and providing protective soft tissue coverage.
• Crown lengthening — A surgical procedure that repositions the gum line to expose more tooth structure, used when teeth are too short for restoration or as an aesthetic procedure to reduce a "gummy smile."

Dr Simon Hinckfuss, specialist periodontist and implant surgeon at Smile Solutions, explains the treatment philosophy: "Our goal with every periodontitis patient is stability — bringing the disease under control, maintaining that control long-term, and preserving the teeth and bone the patient has. Surgery is not the first step; it is reserved for sites where non-surgical treatment cannot achieve adequate access. But where surgery is indicated, early intervention produces better outcomes than waiting."

The specialist periodontal team at Smile Solutions

All periodontal treatment at Smile Solutions is provided by — or under the direct supervision of — board-registered specialist periodontists.

Dr Ahmed El-Hadidi is a specialist periodontist with extensive experience in both non-surgical and surgical periodontal treatment. He has a particular interest in the systemic connections of gum disease and brings a thoughtful, evidence-informed approach to every patient consultation.

Dr Peishan Jiang is a specialist periodontist focusing on comprehensive periodontal treatment and regenerative procedures, known for her warm, thorough approach and commitment to personalised patient care.

Dr Simon Hinckfuss is a dual-qualified specialist periodontist and implant surgeon who provides periodontal surgical treatment alongside implant placement in a coordinated approach that considers your full oral health picture.

Dr El-Hadidi advises patients who are uncertain whether they need specialist care: "If your hygienist has identified pocketing greater than 4 millimetres at multiple sites, if you have documented bone loss on x-rays, or if your gum disease is not responding to hygiene treatment — a specialist periodontist consultation is appropriate and important. Early specialist involvement produces better outcomes than waiting until disease is far advanced."

Periodontal treatment pricing at Smile Solutions

• Specialist periodontist consultation: from $300 AUD
• Active periodontal therapy (scaling and root planing): from $550 to $1,500 AUD per quadrant depending on severity
• Gum grafting (connective tissue graft): from $1,800 AUD
• Crown lengthening (surgical): from $900 AUD

Flexible payment plans are available through Payright, Humm and MyDentaPlan.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get gum disease even if I brush my teeth every day?

Yes — and this surprises many patients. Good brushing habits significantly reduce your risk, but brushing alone doesn't clean between the teeth. Even with excellent home care, some people have a genetic susceptibility to periodontitis that means they develop the disease at a higher rate than average. Regular professional assessment and cleaning matters for everyone, regardless of how diligent your home care routine is.

I was told I have gum disease years ago and had it treated. Has it been cured?

Periodontal disease is managed rather than cured. Once you've had periodontitis, you'll always carry some susceptibility to it. Regular maintenance appointments — typically every 3 months for patients with a periodontitis history — are essential to prevent recurrence and catch any new activity early. Dr Peishan Jiang advises: "Patients who complete their active treatment and then return to annual or biannual appointments often see their disease reactivate. Three-monthly maintenance is not a recommendation that can be relaxed once initial treatment is finished."

Are bleeding gums during pregnancy normal?

Pregnancy gingivitis is very common because of the hormonal changes that increase gum sensitivity to bacterial plaque. But "common" doesn't mean harmless. Bleeding gums during pregnancy should be assessed and treated, both for your comfort and because of the documented association between active gum disease and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Our team provides gentle treatment that is safe throughout pregnancy.

Does gum disease treatment hurt?

Active periodontal therapy is performed under local anaesthesia, which effectively manages discomfort during the procedure. Post-treatment soreness is typically mild and easily managed with over-the-counter pain relief. Periodontal surgery also involves local anaesthesia and may involve a recovery period of several days, during which soft foods and careful home care are recommended. Our team will walk you through every stage so you know exactly what to expect.

Can I keep my teeth if I have periodontitis?

In the majority of cases, yes — with appropriate treatment and consistent maintenance. The prognosis for individual teeth depends on the severity of bone loss around each tooth, your systemic health, and your commitment to home care and maintenance appointments. Our periodontists provide honest, personalised prognoses for each tooth at the time of your assessment, so you have a clear picture of what's achievable.

How is laser used in gum disease treatment?

The Fotona laser targets diseased tissue within periodontal pockets and reduces bacterial load in a way that meaningfully supplements the mechanical cleaning performed with scaling instruments. It's used alongside conventional treatment, not as a replacement for it — particularly useful in areas of difficult access and in patients managing inflammation that hasn't fully resolved with conventional scaling alone.

Book your periodontal assessment

Early diagnosis and treatment of gum disease is the most effective way to preserve your natural teeth long-term and protect your broader health. Whether you've been told you have gum disease, have noticed warning signs, or simply want a thorough assessment of your gum health, the Smile Solutions periodontal team is ready to help.

Call 13 13 96 or visit www.smilesolutions.com.au to arrange your appointment. Complimentary consultations are available for patients referred by their general dentist. Smile Solutions is open Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm, and on weekends.