General dentistry
Gum disease treatment
Gum disease ranges from gingivitis — inflammation that is usually reversible — through to periodontitis, where the bone supporting the teeth is lost. Bleeding when brushing, persistent bad breath, gum recession and loose teeth are all reasons to be assessed.
- Provided by Dr Shruti Biyani, Principal Dentist
- 3/54 Nullarbor Avenue, Franklin ACT 2913
- HICAPS on-the-spot claiming
How we assess whether it's right for you
- Periodontal charting to measure pocket depths around each tooth
- X-rays to assess bone levels where indicated
- Review of contributing factors such as smoking, diabetes and medications
Suitability is decided after an examination, not from a photograph or a phone description. If a treatment is not right for you, your dentist will say so and set out what else is available.
What the process involves
1. Diagnosis
Your dentist explains the stage of gum disease and what is realistic to achieve.
2. Debridement
Plaque and calculus are removed above and below the gum line, sometimes over more than one visit and with anaesthetic.
3. Home care coaching
Technique, interdental cleaning and product advice tailored to your situation.
4. Review
Re-measurement after healing to check the response and set a maintenance interval.
Risks and limitations
- Bone already lost to periodontitis does not grow back with cleaning alone; treatment aims to stabilise, not reverse, that loss.
- Gums may recede as inflammation settles, which can leave teeth looking longer and feeling more sensitive.
- Results depend heavily on daily home care and on managing risk factors such as smoking.
Alternatives to consider
- Referral to a periodontist for surgical or advanced management
- Extraction and replacement planning where a tooth has lost too much support
Any dental procedure carries risks. This page is general information, not a diagnosis or personal advice. Outcomes vary between people, and suitability can only be determined after an examination by a registered dental practitioner.
What affects the cost
- Fees depend on the treatment actually required, and are confirmed in a written plan before treatment begins.
- Periodontal treatment is usually quoted per visit or per quadrant after charting, along with a maintenance schedule.
- Health fund rebates vary by fund, level of cover and remaining annual limits. We can process claims on the spot with HICAPS where your fund supports it.
See fees and payment options for health funds, CDBS, DVA and payment plans.
Ready when you are
Book online in about a minute, or speak to reception if you would like to ask something first. No obligation to proceed with treatment at the first visit.
- Clinic
- 3/54 Nullarbor Avenue, Franklin ACT 2913
- Phone
- (02) 6274 0404
Before your appointment
What to bring
Your Medicare card, private health fund card, any concession or DVA card, and a list of medicines you take. If you have had recent X-rays elsewhere, bring them or tell us where they were taken.
How long it takes
Appointment length depends on what is found at the examination. Reception gives you an estimated time when you book, and your dentist confirms it once the plan is agreed.
Nervous patients
Tell reception when you book. Your dentist can explain each step before it happens, agree a stop signal with you, and break treatment into shorter visits.
Children and families
Family appointments can often be arranged back to back. Eligible children can be treated under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule.
Gum disease treatment — questions we're often asked
Is bleeding when I brush normal?
No. Bleeding gums are a sign of inflammation and should be assessed rather than ignored.
Can gum disease be cured?
Gingivitis usually resolves with thorough cleaning and good home care. Periodontitis is managed long term rather than cured.
How often will I need maintenance?
Often every three to four months once treatment is complete, depending on how your gums respond.
From the blog
Related reading
- Payment and schemesChild Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) at Franklin Bright SmilesWhat the CDBS covers, how eligibility is checked and what happens if the benefit runs out mid-treatment.
- Payment and schemesDepartment of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) dental careHow DVA Gold and White Card arrangements work for dental treatment at the practice.
- Payment and schemesUsing your private health fund at Franklin Bright SmilesHow rebates, annual limits and on-the-spot claiming work, and how to check your cover before treatment.
Book an appointment
Book online at a time that suits you, or call reception on (02) 6274 0404 to talk it through first.