BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT

Before your appointment, one of our team members will be in contact with your dentist to obtain a copy of your referral and any relevant x-rays. We will send you a patient information form and medical history questionnaire to be completed prior to your appointment if possible.

CONSULTATION APPOINTMENT

At your consultation appointment we will complete a full history, examination, special tests and radiographs if necessary. This includes:

• Medical and dental history

• Smoking history

• How you are currently caring for your teeth (eg. floss, type of toothbrush, mouthwashes)

• Soft tissue examination - reviewing the soft tissue of the mouth for any irregularities

• Periodontal examination - accurate recording of pocket depths, bleeding, tooth mobility, gum inflammation, suppuration (pus), plaque and tartar levels. Pocket depths of 1-3mm are normal and healthy, and deeper pockets indicate the presence of gum inflammation. The deeper the pocket, the more severe the bone loss and gum disease.

• X-ray examination - this usually involves a full mouth (OPG) x-ray, and small (intra-oral) x-rays of any areas that we require further detailed information about. If you do not have a recent full mouth x-ray, we are able to provide you with a referral to have one taken at a radiology clinic, which will be bulk billed at no cost to you. Any intra-oral xrays that are required during your consultation do not incur an additional cost.

• Assessment of occlusion (bite)

From this examination, we will be able to form a picture of your current periodontal health and discuss your treatment options and the relevant costs.

We will send a report to your dentist with our findings and liaise with them about your future treatment.

TREATMENT

We provide modern periodontal treatment and minimally invasive surgeries using proven and evidence-based materials and therapies, with a focus on first-rate treatment and friendly service. This includes minimising patient discomfort and anxiety where possible. Ongoing care (periodontal maintenance) following periodontal treatment is also provided, to assist you in maintaining optimal periodontal health into the future. We will coordinate with your general dentist and hygienist to help you achieve this goal. Read more about periodontal treatment here.

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.