Periodontal Care and Treatment FAQ

Australian Periodontal Group (AusPerio) is Melbourne's original specialist periodontal clinic, founded in 1967. We remain independently owned and committed to evidence-based care, long-term outcomes, and trusted collaboration with the wider dental profession. Our clinicians hold advanced postgraduate qualifications in periodontology, implant dentistry, and prosthodontics. We consult from two locations: Suite 2, Level 10, 24 Collins Street, Melbourne CBD and 26 Codrington Street, Cranbourne.

A periodontist is a dental specialist who has completed several additional years of postgraduate training beyond dental school, focused exclusively on gum disease, bone loss, and implants. This means more accurate diagnosis, refined surgical technique, and better long-term outcomes. While your general dentist manages overall oral health, a periodontist handles complex gum conditions, bone loss around teeth, and surgical procedures. Our specialists at AusPerio are registered with AHPRA and many are actively involved in teaching, research, and professional education.

No — you are welcome to book directly at our Melbourne CBD or Cranbourne clinic without a referral. Many patients are referred by their general dentist, and bringing any recent X-rays or dental records is helpful for your first appointment. If you have private health insurance with extras cover, your insurer may require a referral to maximise your rebate, so it is worth checking with them beforehand. For referring dentists: we provide detailed written reports following every appointment and return patients to you for ongoing care.

Both our Melbourne CBD clinic (Suite 2, Level 10, 24 Collins Street) and our Cranbourne clinic (26 Codrington Street) offer the same full range of specialist periodontal and implant services. Our CBD location is convenient for patients working in the city or inner suburbs including Southbank, South Yarra, Carlton, and Fitzroy. Our Cranbourne clinic serves patients in Melbourne's southeast, including Berwick, Narre Warren, Frankston, Pakenham, and the Mornington Peninsula. Our reception team can help you choose when you call to book.

Periodontal disease — sometimes misspelled as 'peridontal disease' — is a bacterial infection affecting the gums, bone, and supporting structures of your teeth, and is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Early-stage gum disease is called gingivitis; when it progresses to affect bone it is called periodontitis. Warning signs include gums that bleed when you brush or floss, red or swollen gums, persistent bad breath, teeth that feel loose or have shifted, receding gums that make your teeth look longer, and pain when chewing. Early assessment is strongly recommended — the condition is treatable, and our specialists can design a personalised program to control disease and protect your natural teeth.

Periodontal disease cannot be 'cured' in the way an infection is cured, but it can be controlled very effectively with professional treatment and consistent home care. Once active disease is treated — typically through non-surgical periodontal therapy and, where needed, advanced surgical management — most patients maintain healthy gum tissue long-term with a regular periodontal maintenance program. Think of it like managing blood pressure: treatable, controllable, and liveable with the right ongoing care.

Yes — there is well-established research linking periodontal disease to several systemic conditions. Chronic gum inflammation is associated with increased risk of heart disease, stroke, poorly controlled diabetes, adverse pregnancy outcomes (including pre-term birth and low birth weight), and respiratory disease. The relationship is bidirectional: diabetes, for example, both worsens gum disease and is worsened by it. Treating periodontal disease has been shown to improve diabetic blood sugar control. At AusPerio, we treat gum health as an essential component of your overall wellbeing.

Periodontal maintenance is a specialised cleaning and monitoring program for patients who have been treated for gum disease. Unlike a standard dental clean, it involves measurement of pocket depths, assessment of bone levels, and removal of plaque and calculus from below the gumline. Research consistently shows that patients on a program every three to four months have significantly better long-term outcomes. Your periodontist will recommend the appropriate interval based on your individual history and risk factors — and our team works closely with your referring dentist to ensure continuity of care.

Gum grafting is a periodontal plastic surgery procedure used to treat gum recession — where gum tissue has pulled back from the tooth, exposing the root surface. Signs include teeth that look longer than before, sensitivity to hot or cold, a visible notch near the gumline, or an uneven gum line. Recession can result from periodontal disease, aggressive brushing, teeth grinding, or naturally thin gum tissue. Without treatment, exposed root surfaces are vulnerable to decay, sensitivity, and further recession over time. Grafting restores protective tissue, improves the appearance of your smile, and reduces sensitivity permanently.

At AusPerio, our preferred material for gum grafting is autogenous tissue — graft material taken from your own mouth, typically from the palate (roof of the mouth). Autogenous grafts are considered the gold standard in periodontal plastic surgery. Because the tissue is your own, it integrates naturally, carries no risk of immune rejection or disease transmission, and consistently produces the best long-term outcomes in root coverage, tissue thickness, and aesthetics. Some clinics use synthetic materials or animal-derived (xenograft) substitutes, which can be suitable in specific circumstances, but autogenous tissue remains the benchmark by which all other materials are measured. We will discuss the most appropriate material for your individual situation at your consultation.

Yes — gum recession following orthodontic treatment is more common than many patients realise. When teeth are moved through bone during orthodontics, particularly if they are pushed toward the outer boundary of the jaw, the gum tissue overlying the root can thin and recede. This is often not apparent until braces or aligners are removed. Post-orthodontic recession can affect both appearance and long-term tooth stability. Root coverage using autogenous connective tissue grafting — using your own palatal tissue — is one of the most predictable and well-established treatments available, and our periodontists routinely manage this type of case. If you or your orthodontist have noticed recession during or after treatment, an early assessment is worthwhile.

Bone grafting is a surgical procedure that rebuilds or augments bone that has been lost due to periodontal disease, tooth extraction, trauma, or long-term denture wear. Adequate bone volume is essential for dental implant placement — implants need a solid foundation to integrate successfully and remain stable long-term. Bone grafting may be needed at the time of tooth extraction (socket preservation) to prevent bone loss, prior to or at the time of implant placement to increase bone volume, or as part of regenerative treatment for advanced periodontal disease. Without sufficient bone, implants may not be possible — or may fail over time. Bone grafting expands treatment options and significantly improves long-term outcomes.

Autogenous bone — taken from your own body, typically from another site in the jaw or mouth — is widely regarded as the gold standard for bone grafting. It contains living bone cells and growth factors that actively stimulate new bone formation, and carries no risk of immune rejection or disease transmission. The result is genuine, robust new bone that integrates fully with the surrounding jaw. Xenografts (derived from bovine or cow bone) are a common alternative: the organic component is removed during processing, leaving a mineral scaffold that supports bone ingrowth. Xenografts are generally safe and well-tolerated, but are a substitute rather than a replacement for the biological richness of your own bone — integration is slower, and the long-term quality of regenerated bone may differ. At AusPerio, graft material selection is based on the clinical requirements of your case, but where autogenous bone can be harvested appropriately, it remains our preferred choice for complex grafting situations.

Lateral window sinus augmentation — also called a sinus lift or lateral sinus graft — is a surgical procedure that increases the bone height in the upper jaw to enable implant placement in the posterior (back) region. When upper back teeth are lost, the sinus cavity above can expand downward over time, leaving insufficient bone depth for a standard implant. In this procedure, a small opening is made through the side wall of the sinus, the sinus membrane is gently elevated, and bone graft material is placed into the space created. Over several months, this graft matures into functional bone capable of supporting a dental implant. This is a well-established, predictable procedure with a long track record in specialist implant surgery, and typically requires a healing period before or at the time of implant placement — your periodontist will advise on the most appropriate staging for your case.

We understand that dental anxiety is common and that some procedures can feel daunting. AusPerio offers a range of options to ensure your treatment is as comfortable as possible. The most appropriate option depends on the nature of your procedure, your level of anxiety, and your medical history — and will always be discussed with you at your consultation. Our options include: local anaesthesia, oral sedation (anxiolytic medication), conscious sedation (intravenous sedation), and referral for treatment under general anaesthesia where required.

Local anaesthesia is the injection of anaesthetic directly into the treatment area, numbing the gum and surrounding tissue so you feel no pain during the procedure. It is the standard approach for the vast majority of periodontal and implant procedures — including deep cleaning, gum grafting, implant placement, and most surgical treatments. For straightforward cases in patients without significant anxiety, local anaesthesia alone is usually entirely sufficient. Most patients find that periodontal procedures are far more manageable than anticipated.

Oral sedation involves taking a prescribed anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) medication — typically a benzodiazepine such as temazepam — one to two hours before your appointment. The medication reduces anxiety and promotes a calm, relaxed state, but you remain conscious and able to respond throughout. It does not provide pain relief on its own, so local anaesthesia is still used alongside it. Oral sedation is a practical option for patients with mild to moderate dental anxiety. Because the medication impairs coordination and judgment, you will need a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you for the remainder of the day.

Conscious sedation — also called intravenous (IV) sedation or twilight sedation — involves the administration of sedative medication directly into a vein, producing a deeply relaxed, drowsy state. You remain conscious and can respond to instructions, but most patients have little to no memory of the procedure afterwards. It is appropriate for patients with significant dental anxiety, those undergoing longer or more complex procedures such as full arch implant surgery or extensive bone grafting, or patients who simply prefer to have no awareness of treatment. Local anaesthesia is still used alongside conscious sedation. A responsible adult must take you home and you should not drive or make important decisions for 24 hours following the procedure.

For patients with extreme dental anxiety, complex medical requirements, or those undergoing extensive surgical procedures, treatment under general anaesthesia may occasionally be appropriate. Under GA, you are fully unconscious throughout, administered and monitored by a specialist anaesthetist in a hospital or day-surgery facility. This option is reserved for cases where clinical complexity or patient circumstances make it the safest choice. Where GA is indicated, AusPerio will refer and coordinate care with the relevant facility and anaesthetic team — and this will be discussed openly at your consultation if it is the right approach for your situation.

Our specialists offer the full range of advanced periodontal and implant treatments, including: non-surgical periodontal therapy; ongoing periodontal maintenance programs; advanced surgical management of gum disease; dental implant placement including immediate implant protocols; bone grafting and sinus augmentation; implant site development; gum grafting and recession treatment; crown lengthening; and regenerative and advanced surgery using biomaterials and microsurgical techniques. Treatment is always tailored to your individual diagnosis and long-term oral health goals.

Scaling and root planing (SRP) is a non-surgical therapy that removes bacterial plaque and calculus from below the gumline, then smooths the root surface so gum tissue can reattach. It is the first-line treatment for most cases of periodontal disease. Local anaesthesia is used throughout, so the procedure itself is comfortable. Mild tenderness and sensitivity in the days following is normal and resolves quickly. Most patients are surprised by how manageable it is.

Crown lengthening is a procedure that reshapes the gum and bone to expose more tooth structure. It may be needed to enable restorative dental work when there is insufficient tooth above the gumline for a crown or filling, to improve smile aesthetics, or to correct a gummy smile. It is a relatively minor procedure with a significant impact, performed by our specialist periodontists.

Regenerative surgery uses advanced biomaterials and microsurgical techniques to rebuild bone and supporting tissue that has been lost to gum disease or trauma. Techniques include guided tissue regeneration (GTR), where membranes encourage the regrowth of bone and gum tissue, and bone grafting. Our goal is to support healing and maximise long-term outcomes — restoring what is needed to support your natural teeth or dental implants.

Your first appointment includes a thorough periodontal assessment, a review of your dental and medical history, and a clear discussion of your treatment options. Where indicated, we will take X-rays or a 3D CBCT scan to aid diagnosis and planning. You will leave with a written treatment plan outlining what is recommended, in what order, and with full cost estimates. There are no surprises — no treatment begins until you are fully informed.

Most healthy adults who have lost one or more teeth are potential candidates for dental implants. Suitability depends on the amount and density of available jawbone, overall gum health, general medical health, and factors such as smoking. Uncontrolled periodontal disease must be treated before implants are placed — this is precisely what our periodontists specialise in. A thorough examination and 3D CBCT scan at our Melbourne CBD or Cranbourne clinic will confirm suitability and allow precise treatment planning. Even patients previously told they are not implant candidates may have options with modern techniques including bone grafting and sinus augmentation.

Dental implants are titanium fixtures surgically placed into the jawbone that function like natural tooth roots — permanent, stable, and bone-preserving. Bridges are fixed prostheses that rely on crowning adjacent healthy teeth, which requires those teeth to be ground down. Dentures are removable and can become less stable over time as the jawbone shrinks. Implants are the gold standard for tooth replacement — they look, feel, and function most like natural teeth, and they prevent the bone loss that follows tooth extraction.

Full arch reconstruction — commonly known as All-on-4 or All-on-X — replaces all teeth in the upper or lower jaw using four to six strategically placed implants supporting a fixed bridge. Unlike removable dentures, the result is fixed in place, allowing patients to eat, speak, and smile with confidence. It is suited to patients with multiple failing or missing teeth, those struggling with loose dentures, or those with advanced gum disease or bone loss. At AusPerio, full arch reconstruction is led by registered specialist periodontists, ensuring precision, long-term stability, and durable outcomes.

The timeline depends on your individual circumstances. After implant placement, a healing period of two to four months is typically required for osseointegration. In some cases, an immediate implant protocol allows a temporary restoration shortly after surgery. Where bone grafting or sinus augmentation is needed beforehand, additional healing time is required. For full arch reconstruction, the process includes consultation, surgical placement, immediate restoration where appropriate, healing and integration, and then a final custom-designed bridge. A clear personalised timeline is provided at your consultation.

Dental implants placed by specialist periodontists have a long-term success rate of approximately 95–98% over ten years in non-smoking, healthy patients. Periodontists are specialists in the gums and bone — the structures most critical to implant success. With proper planning, specialist placement, and ongoing maintenance, well-placed implants are designed to last for many years, often decades.

Most patients experience mild to moderate swelling and discomfort for two to four days after implant surgery, well controlled with over-the-counter pain relief. We recommend soft foods for the first week and avoiding strenuous exercise for 48 to 72 hours. Most patients return to desk work within one to two days. Smoking should be avoided during healing as it significantly raises the risk of implant failure. AusPerio provides detailed pre- and post-operative guidance, and our team is available to answer questions at every step.

A single dental implant in Melbourne typically costs between $4,500 and $7,000 in total, depending on case complexity, whether bone grafting or sinus augmentation is required, and the type of crown. Full arch reconstruction involves different pricing discussed in detail at consultation. At AusPerio, we provide a fully itemised treatment plan with all costs before any work begins. Many private health funds with major dental extras cover contribute toward implant treatment, and payment plan options are available.

Most private health insurance policies with major dental or extras cover contribute toward periodontal treatments such as deep cleaning, surgical treatment, and maintenance programs. Dental implants are covered by some — but not all — higher-level extras policies. The amount varies significantly between insurers and policy tiers. We recommend contacting your health fund with the relevant item numbers, which our team can provide. Medicare does not cover routine dental or periodontal treatment for most adults.

Yes. We understand that specialist dental treatment is a significant investment, and we offer flexible payment plan options to help spread costs over time. Details and eligibility are discussed at your treatment planning consultation. We believe cost should not be a barrier to receiving the specialist care you need, and our team will explain all available options at either our Melbourne CBD or Cranbourne clinic.