Telopea Park Dental

A Great Dentist

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(02) 6106 9333

General and Aesthetic Dentistry

Brindabella Specialist Centre, Level 1
Suite 12, 5 Dann Close, Garran, ACT 2605

Telopea Park Dental > Services > Periodontal Health

The skilled team at Telopea Park Dental can help you maintain healthy gums and smile.

Your Gum Health Is Our Mission and Priority

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Gum Disease Treatment in Garran

Couple smiling on a beach after being treated for periodontal disease, Garran ACT Every healthy smile is built on a foundation provided by a robust set of gums. These oral tissues are the anchors that maintain your teeth' position and alignment while also protecting the softer tooth roots from damage and decay. So the first line of defence against gum disease is your home routine of daily brushing and flossing.

But your dentist also has a principal role in maintaining your gum health. While home maintenance removes many bacteria and plaque, some inevitably remain, especially along the gum line. When you are faithful with your routine visits, the team at Telopea Park Dental can remove those deposits and help address any periodontal disease.

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is a condition where bacteria has developed in your gums to the point of infection. We want you to know that any active infection in your body can lead to more significant problems. Experts have associated periodontal disease with heart disease, stroke, chronic pain, and diabetes. This is why we advocate for treating periodontal disease in its early stages.

Here are some signs of gum disease:

Bleeding gums when you brush or floss
Swelling
Redness
Gum pain
Elongated tooth appearance
Bad breath

If you are currently experiencing any of these symptoms, we suggest you call our clinic to make an appointment. We are ready to help create a plan for infection control and then restore your oral health.

We at Telopea Park Dental strongly advise against ignoring your periodontal disease. If untreated, your gum infection can advance into periodontitis, which could lead to tooth and bone loss. Early detection and treatment are the keys to maintaining your future oral and overall health.

How We Treat Gum Disease

The earliest type of gum disease is called gingivitis, and we begin addressing it with a thorough clean. For many patients, six-month visits and excellent at-home habits control their gingivitis and may reverse the condition.

Your hygenist may recommend a deep-cleaning procedure called scaling and planing for patients with more advanced periodontal disease. During the scaling portion, a Telopea Park Dental team member will numb your gums and clear the hard deposits accumulated above and below the gum line. Then, the planing procedure smooths away the rough spots where new plaque could accumulate.

If you are suffering from a severe case of periodontitis, Dr Kropinak may refer you to a specialist who may resort to surgery to correct your condition. This level of intervention strongly supports our policy of detecting and treating gum disease before it becomes too severe.

Let us partner with you to improve your gum health and overall well-being.

Tips for Lowering the Risk of Gum Disease

Man smiling getting treated for gum disease, Garran ACT Here are some things to consider when alleviating your periodontal disease:

Diet – Foods and drinks heavy in sugars and acidic are a twin threat to your gums. Minimising your consumption of soda, sugary sports drinks and juices will help your gum health, along with prolific consumption of clear water between meals to rinse away harmful deposits.
Smoking – Tobacco use is hard on your teeth and gums, with many compounds causing discolouration and irritation.
Teeth grinding – If you grind your teeth at night, ask one of our team about a nightguard to protect your tooth enamel from unnecessary wear.
Sensitivity or pain – Never ignore tooth or gum pain as it may indicate a tooth fracture or other damage that can make you more susceptible to infection and periodontal disease.

Periodontal Treatment in Garran

Gum disease is a treatable and often reversible condition that too many people allow to progress without giving it the required attention. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of gingivitis or periodontal disease, we invite you to contact us at Telopea Park Dental to learn how we may treat you and, as a result, positively impact your overall health.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is gingivitis?

In the early stages of gingivitis, bacteria in plaque build up, causing the gums to become inflamed and to easily bleed during tooth brushing. Although the gums may be irritated, the teeth are still firmly planted in their sockets. No irreversible bone or other tissue damage has occurred at this stage.

The good news is that you can prevent and reverse gingivitis by simply brushing your teeth, flossing, and having regular dental cleanings and checkups with your dental professional.

How can I prevent periodontitis (gums disease)?

Periodontitis is common but largely preventable. It's usually the result of poor oral hygiene. Brushing at least twice a day, flossing daily and getting regular dental cleanings every 6 months can greatly improve your chances of successful treatment for periodontitis and can also reduce your chance of developing it.

What's the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis?

Gingivitis and periodontitis are both types of periodontal disease. The key difference though is that gingivitis mild and reversible, while periodontitis is not. This is because periodontitis involves bone loss, which cannot be recovered.

What is periodontitis (gum disease)?

Periodontitis, also called gum disease, is a serious gum infection that damages the soft tissues around your teeth and without treatment can destroy the bone that supports your teeth. Periodontitis can cause the teeth to become loose and leads to tooth loss if untreated.

Healthy gums are firm, pale pink and fit tight around teeth. Signs and symptoms of periodontitis can include:

Bad breath
Gums that bleed easily when brushing or flossing
Swollen or puffy gums
Bright red or inflamed gums
Loose teeth
Painful chewing
Gum recession - making your teeth look longer than normal
New spaces developing between your teeth and/or
a change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite

Periodontitis is common but largely preventable. It's usually the result of poor oral hygiene. Brushing at least twice a day, flossing daily and getting regular dental cleanings every 6 months can greatly improve your chances of successful treatment for periodontitis and can also reduce your chance of developing it.

How can I get rid of my bad breath?

To reduce or prevent bad breath related to oral health:

Brush your teeth twice a day
Floss at least once a day
Brush your tongue
Clean your dentures or dental appliances
Avoid dry mouth. Drink plenty of water
Adjust your diet. Avoid foods such as onions and garlic that can cause bad breath.
Regularly get a new toothbrush

Schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings twice a year to have your teeth examined and cleaned.

Meet Our Doctor:

Dr. Eric Kropinak stands in front of a desk, Garran ACT

Dr Eric Kropinak BSc., BDent. (USyd)
Dentist - Sydney Trained, Canberra Perfected!

Dr. Eric Kropinak BSc., BDent. (USyd) gained his Bachelor of Science degree in 2003. Four years later, he earned his Bachelor of Dentistry from the University of Sydney. He has practised in Canberra for over 18 years, honing his skills and expertise though numerous hours of continuing professional development per year. Dr Kropinak is focused on professional and essential dentistry for patients of all ages.

He has numerous memberships and affiliations worth noting, including:

Australian Academy of Dento-Facial Aesthetics (AADFA)
Australian Dental Association (ADA)
Australian Society of Endodontics (ASE)
Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons (RACDS)

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