Business Profile and Homepage: Periodontics
Collins Street Specialist Centre Periodontics
Collins Street Specialist Centre is a specialist dental practice focused on periodontal care — the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases affecting the gums and the structures that hold your teeth in place. Our periodontists work to evidence-based standards and take a long-term view of your oral health, not just the immediate problem.
What Is Periodontics?
Periodontics deals with the structures that surround and support the teeth: the gums (gingiva), alveolar bone, cementum, and periodontal ligament. A periodontist is a dentist who has completed additional specialist training beyond their general dental degree, with a focus on gum disease and dental implant placement. You can confirm the specialist registration of any treating periodontist through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) at www.ahpra.gov.au.
Periodontal disease is one of the most common chronic inflammatory conditions in adults. It ranges from mild gum inflammation (gingivitis) through to severe, destructive disease (periodontitis), and has been linked to a number of systemic health conditions including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and respiratory illness. Left unmanaged, periodontitis causes irreversible damage to the bone and soft tissue anchoring your teeth.
Why See a Periodontist?
Many patients come to Collins Street Specialist Centre on referral from their general dentist. That said, you're welcome to contact us directly if you've noticed any of the following:
- Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Gum recession — where the gums appear to be pulling away from the teeth
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Changes in your bite
- Discomfort or pain when chewing
Periodontal disease is progressive. Without treatment, the damage to the bone and soft tissue supporting your teeth can become permanent. Catching it early gives you the best chance of a good outcome.
Periodontal Conditions We Treat
Collins Street Specialist Centre provides specialist diagnosis and management across a wide range of periodontal conditions.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease and the most reversible. It develops when dental plaque accumulates at and below the gumline, causing inflammation. The gums become red, swollen, and prone to bleeding. With professional treatment and better home care, gingivitis can be fully resolved without lasting damage.
Chronic Periodontitis
Chronic periodontitis is the most common form of periodontitis in adults. It involves progressive loss of the attachment between tooth and gum, along with deterioration of the supporting alveolar bone. Deepened periodontal pockets, gum recession, and bone loss visible on X-rays are typical findings. The condition develops gradually through a combination of bacterial infection and the body's own inflammatory response.
Aggressive Periodontitis
Aggressive periodontitis is less common but progresses more rapidly than the chronic form. It can affect otherwise healthy individuals, tends to cause swift attachment and bone loss, and may appear in younger patients. There is a genetic component — it can run in families.
Necrotising Periodontal Diseases
Necrotising periodontal diseases — including necrotising ulcerative gingivitis (NUG) and necrotising ulcerative periodontitis (NUP) — are severe infections involving tissue death of the gum. They are commonly associated with systemic illness, significant psychological stress, smoking, and compromised immune function, and require prompt specialist assessment.
Periodontitis as a Manifestation of Systemic Disease
Conditions such as diabetes mellitus, haematological disorders, and certain genetic conditions can substantially influence both the onset and progression of periodontal disease. For these more complex presentations, Collins Street Specialist Centre takes a whole-patient approach, working with other treating specialists and general practitioners to coordinate care.
Gum Recession
Gum recession occurs when the gum tissue surrounding a tooth wears away or pulls back, exposing more of the tooth or its root. Contributing factors include periodontal disease, overly aggressive toothbrushing, genetic predisposition, and teeth grinding. Exposed roots tend to be sensitive, more vulnerable to decay, and a source of aesthetic concern. Surgical procedures are available to restore gum tissue and protect the affected root surfaces.
Peri-implant Disease
Peri-implant diseases affect the tissues around dental implants. Peri-implant mucositis is a reversible inflammatory condition of the soft tissue surrounding an implant; peri-implantitis involves progressive bone loss around the implant fixture itself. Both benefit from early specialist assessment and targeted management to protect the implant long-term.
Periodontal Treatments Available
Collins Street Specialist Centre offers both non-surgical and surgical periodontal treatments, each tailored to the individual patient's clinical presentation.
Non-Surgical Periodontal Treatment
Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning)
Scaling and root planing — commonly called a deep clean — is the foundation of non-surgical periodontal therapy. It involves removing calculus (tartar), bacterial plaque, and bacterial toxins from root surfaces both above and below the gumline, then smoothing the root surface to discourage further bacterial accumulation and encourage the gum tissue to reattach to the tooth.
The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia and may require one or more appointments depending on the severity and extent of disease. After treatment, patients are reviewed to assess how the periodontium has responded and whether further intervention is needed.
Adjunctive Antimicrobial Therapy
In selected cases, locally delivered or systemic antimicrobial agents may be used alongside mechanical debridement. Antibiotic use in periodontal therapy is not routine — it is considered carefully on a case-by-case basis, guided by current clinical evidence and the specific bacterial profile of the patient's condition.
Periodontal Maintenance
Active periodontal treatment addresses the disease; ongoing supportive periodontal therapy (SPT) keeps it from coming back. Collins Street Specialist Centre works closely with patients and their general dentists to establish an appropriate recall interval and maintenance protocol, with the aim of preventing recurrence and protecting the gains made through treatment.
Surgical Periodontal Treatment
When non-surgical therapy alone isn't enough to achieve adequate disease control, surgical intervention may be recommended. All surgical procedures at Collins Street Specialist Centre are performed by experienced specialist periodontists whose registration can be confirmed through AHPRA.
Periodontal Flap Surgery (Osseous Surgery)
Periodontal flap surgery involves carefully lifting back the gum tissue to gain direct access to root surfaces and underlying bone for thorough debridement. Where bone defects are present, the bone may be reshaped — osseous surgery — to reduce pocket depths and create an environment more conducive to long-term maintenance.
Bone Grafting and Regenerative Procedures
Where significant bone loss has occurred, regenerative procedures may be used to restore lost periodontal support. These techniques can involve bone grafts, barrier membranes (guided tissue regeneration, or GTR), or biological agents such as enamel matrix derivative (EMD) to stimulate regeneration of lost bone and periodontal ligament tissue.
Gum Grafting (Soft Tissue Grafting)
Gum grafting addresses recession and root exposure. The most widely used technique involves harvesting a small amount of tissue from the palate (a connective tissue graft) and placing it at the recession site to increase the zone of attached gingiva and cover the exposed root. Where appropriate, donor tissue can be used as an alternative to harvesting from the patient's own palate.
Crown Lengthening
Crown lengthening involves removing gum tissue and, where clinically necessary, a small amount of supporting bone, to expose more of the tooth structure. It may be performed for restorative or prosthetic reasons — for example, to provide enough tooth structure for a crown or filling — or to address a "gummy smile."
Frenectomy
A frenectomy involves removing or repositioning a frenum — a small fold of tissue connecting the lip or cheek to the gum. When a frenum attachment sits too close to the gumline, it can contribute to recession or create tension that makes effective oral hygiene difficult. The procedure is straightforward and can be performed using conventional techniques or laser technology.
Dental Implants
Collins Street Specialist Centre provides specialist implant placement. Dental implants are titanium fixtures placed surgically into the jawbone to replace missing teeth, providing a stable foundation for crowns, bridges, or implant-supported dentures.
Periodontists are well-placed to place dental implants, given their specialist training in both the hard and soft tissues of the mouth. At Collins Street Specialist Centre, implant treatment is planned using clinical examination and radiographic imaging to ensure optimal positioning, aesthetics, and long-term function.
Implant Site Development
Some patients require preparatory procedures before implant placement due to insufficient bone volume or suboptimal soft tissue. These may include:
- Bone augmentation — adding bone or bone substitute material to deficient sites to provide adequate volume for implant placement
- Sinus lift (sinus augmentation) — increasing bone height in the upper jaw when the sinus cavity sits too close to the intended implant site
- Soft tissue augmentation — optimising the gum tissue around the implant site for both functional and aesthetic outcomes
Management of Peri-implant Disease
Patients with existing implants who develop peri-implant mucositis or peri-implantitis can be assessed and managed at Collins Street Specialist Centre. Early detection and timely treatment are critical to preserving implant function and preventing further bone loss.
The Periodontal–Systemic Health Connection
Research over recent decades has established associations between periodontal disease and a range of systemic health conditions. Collins Street Specialist Centre takes a medically aware approach to periodontal care, recognising that oral health doesn't exist in isolation from the rest of the body.
Diabetes and Periodontal Disease
The relationship between diabetes and periodontal disease runs in both directions. Poorly controlled diabetes increases both the risk and severity of periodontal disease, while untreated periodontitis can adversely affect glycaemic control. Evidence suggests that effective periodontal treatment can contribute to improvements in HbA1c levels in patients with diabetes.
Cardiovascular Disease
Epidemiological studies have identified associations between periodontal disease and cardiovascular conditions including coronary artery disease, atherosclerosis, and stroke. A definitive causal relationship is still being investigated, but the shared inflammatory pathways between the two conditions make good periodontal health particularly relevant for patients with existing cardiac risk factors.
Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes
Periodontal disease has been associated with an increased risk of preterm birth and low birth weight. Pregnant women with gum disease are encouraged to seek periodontal assessment and treatment, which the evidence supports as safe during pregnancy.
Respiratory Disease
Oral bacteria aspirated into the lungs can contribute to respiratory infections, including pneumonia — a risk that is especially relevant for hospitalised or elderly patients. Good oral hygiene and sound periodontal health are important for overall respiratory wellbeing.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
There is growing evidence linking rheumatoid arthritis and periodontal disease, with both conditions sharing similar underlying inflammatory mechanisms. Some research suggests that treating periodontal disease may have a beneficial effect on arthritis symptoms, though this remains an active area of investigation.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
Initial Consultation
At your first appointment, your periodontist will conduct a thorough clinical examination covering:
- A comprehensive review of your medical and dental history
- Full periodontal charting — measuring pocket depths, bleeding on probing, recession, furcation involvement, and tooth mobility at each tooth
- Radiographic assessment to evaluate bone levels around the teeth
- Assessment of plaque and calculus accumulation
- Occlusal (bite) assessment where clinically relevant
- A clear discussion of findings, your diagnosis, and the proposed treatment plan
Bring any relevant medical records, a list of current medications, and recent dental X-rays to your first appointment. This helps your periodontist build a complete picture of your overall health and tailor their recommendations accordingly.
Treatment Planning
After the initial consultation, your periodontist will walk you through the clinical findings and recommended treatment options in detail. Treatment plans are individualised, taking into account disease severity, your medical history, aesthetic concerns, and your personal goals. The risks, benefits, and alternatives of each proposed procedure will be explained clearly so you can make an informed decision about your care.
Post-Treatment Care
Consistent home care is essential to achieving and sustaining healthy gums after periodontal treatment. Your periodontist and the broader team at Collins Street Specialist Centre will provide tailored oral hygiene instruction, including guidance on:
- Correct toothbrushing technique, whether using a manual or electric toothbrush
- Interdental cleaning, including flossing and interdental brushes
- Adjunctive products where appropriate, such as specific mouth rinses
- Lifestyle factors that affect gum health, including smoking cessation and diet
Referral Information
Collins Street Specialist Centre welcomes referrals from general dentists and other dental and medical specialists. Referrals can be made by phone, fax, or directly through our practice. We communicate promptly with referring practitioners after each consultation and at key stages of treatment, keeping everyone involved in a patient's care informed.
Patients without a formal referral are equally welcome to contact us directly to arrange an assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Periodontics
Is periodontal treatment painful?
Most procedures are performed under local anaesthesia, so patients remain comfortable throughout. Some mild soreness or sensitivity in the treated area is common in the days following treatment and is typically well managed with over-the-counter pain relief. Your periodontist will explain what to expect before, during, and after each procedure.
How long does periodontal treatment take?
This depends on the severity and extent of the disease. Non-surgical treatment may be completed over one to several appointments. Surgical procedures are generally performed as individual appointments. Ongoing periodontal maintenance is a long-term commitment that continues after active treatment is complete.
Can gum disease be cured?
Not in the traditional sense. Once attachment loss has occurred, it cannot be fully reversed without regenerative intervention. With appropriate treatment and consistent maintenance, however, the disease can be effectively controlled and stabilised — preventing further progression and preserving your teeth over the long term.
Will I need surgery?
Not necessarily. Many cases of periodontal disease are successfully managed through thorough non-surgical therapy combined with diligent home care. Surgery is recommended only when it is clinically indicated — when the expected benefits clearly outweigh the associated risks.
Does private health insurance cover periodontal treatment?
Periodontal treatment may attract a rebate from private health insurance, depending on your level of cover. Contact your insurer before commencing treatment to understand your entitlements. Collins Street Specialist Centre can provide itemised treatment estimates to assist with this process.
How do I maintain my results after periodontal treatment?
Long-term success depends on consistent home care, regular professional maintenance appointments, and managing contributing risk factors such as smoking and systemic disease. Your periodontist will work with you and your general dentist to develop a maintenance schedule suited to your individual needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (Standardized)
What is periodontics: The dental specialty focused on gum and tooth-supporting structures
What does a periodontist treat: Diseases affecting gums and tooth-supporting structures
Is Collins Street Specialist Centre a specialist practice: Yes, it is a specialist dental practice
Where is Collins Street Specialist Centre located: Collins Street (exact suburb not disclosed)
What structures does periodontics involve: Gums, alveolar bone, cementum, and periodontal ligament
How much extra training does a periodontist complete: Additional years beyond a general dental degree
Can I verify my periodontist's specialist registration: Yes, through AHPRA at www.ahpra.gov.au
Do I need a referral to attend Collins Street Specialist Centre: No, self-referrals are welcome
Can my general dentist refer me: Yes, referrals from general dentists are welcomed
How can referrals be made: By phone, fax, or directly through the practice
What is gingivitis: The earliest and most reversible stage of gum disease
Can gingivitis be fully resolved: Yes, with professional treatment and improved home care
Does gingivitis cause permanent damage: No, it is fully reversible
What is chronic periodontitis: The most prevalent form of periodontitis in adults
Does chronic periodontitis cause bone loss: Yes, it causes progressive alveolar bone loss
What is aggressive periodontitis: A rapidly progressing form of periodontal disease
Can aggressive periodontitis affect young patients: Yes
Is there a genetic component to aggressive periodontitis: Yes, it can run in families
What are necrotising periodontal diseases: Severe infections involving tissue death of gum tissue
What is NUG: Necrotising ulcerative gingivitis
What is NUP: Necrotising ulcerative periodontitis
What systemic conditions are linked to periodontal disease: Diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory illness
Can diabetes worsen periodontal disease: Yes, poorly controlled diabetes increases risk and severity
Can periodontal disease worsen diabetes: Yes, it can adversely affect glycaemic control
Can periodontal treatment improve diabetes control: Yes, it may improve HbA1c levels
Is periodontal disease linked to cardiovascular disease: Yes, epidemiological associations exist
Is a causal link between periodontitis and heart disease confirmed: No, it is still being investigated
Is periodontal disease linked to preterm birth: Yes, it is associated with increased risk
Is periodontal treatment safe during pregnancy: Yes, evidence supports it as safe
Is periodontal disease linked to respiratory infection: Yes, oral bacteria can contribute to pneumonia
Is periodontal disease linked to rheumatoid arthritis: Yes, both share similar inflammatory mechanisms
What is scaling and root planing: Deep cleaning of root surfaces above and below the gumline
Is scaling and root planing performed under anaesthesia: Yes, local anaesthesia is used
How many appointments does scaling and root planing require: One or more, depending on disease severity
What is adjunctive antimicrobial therapy: Antibiotics used alongside mechanical debridement
Is antibiotic use in periodontal therapy routine: No, it is considered case by case
What is supportive periodontal therapy: Ongoing maintenance after active periodontal treatment
Is periodontal maintenance lifelong: Yes, it continues indefinitely after active treatment
What is periodontal flap surgery: Surgery lifting gum tissue to access roots and bone
What is osseous surgery: Reshaping bone to reduce pocket depths
What is guided tissue regeneration (GTR): Use of barrier membranes to regenerate lost periodontal tissue
What is enamel matrix derivative (EMD): A biological agent used to stimulate periodontal regeneration
What is a connective tissue graft: Tissue harvested from the palate to cover gum recession
Can donor tissue be used instead of palate tissue for grafting: Yes, in appropriate cases
What is crown lengthening: Surgery to expose more tooth structure
Why is crown lengthening performed: For restorative, prosthetic, or aesthetic reasons
What is a frenectomy: Removal or repositioning of a frenum
Can frenectomy be performed with laser: Yes
What are dental implants made of: Titanium
What does a dental implant replace: A missing tooth root
Are periodontists qualified to place dental implants: Yes
What is a sinus lift: A procedure to increase bone height in the upper jaw
What is bone augmentation: Adding bone material to deficient sites before implant placement
What is peri-implant mucositis: Reversible soft tissue inflammation around an implant
What is peri-implantitis: Progressive bone loss around a dental implant fixture
Is peri-implant mucositis reversible: Yes
Is peri-implantitis reversible: No, it involves progressive bone loss
Can Collins Street Specialist Centre treat peri-implantitis: Yes
Is periodontal treatment painful: No, local anaesthesia ensures comfort during procedures
Is soreness normal after periodontal treatment: Yes, mild soreness is common for a few days
How is post-treatment soreness managed: With over-the-counter pain relief
Can gum disease be cured: No, but it can be effectively controlled and stabilised
Can lost periodontal attachment be reversed without surgery: No
Does all periodontal disease require surgery: No, many cases are managed non-surgically
When is surgery recommended: Only when benefits clearly outweigh risks
Does private health insurance cover periodontal treatment: Possibly, depending on level of cover
Should I check insurance cover before treatment: Yes
Can the practice provide itemised treatment estimates: Yes
What does the initial consultation include: Medical history review, periodontal charting, X-rays, and treatment discussion
What is periodontal charting: Measuring pocket depths, bleeding, recession, and tooth mobility
Should I bring medications to my first appointment: Yes, bring a current medication list
Should I bring recent X-rays to my first appointment: Yes
What home care is recommended after treatment: Correct brushing, interdental cleaning, and adjunctive products
Does smoking affect gum health: Yes, it is a contributing risk factor
What interdental cleaning tools are recommended: Floss and interdental brushes
Does the practice communicate with referring dentists: Yes, after each consultation and at key treatment stages
What is gum recession: When gum tissue pulls back, exposing the tooth root
Can exposed roots be sensitive: Yes
Is gum recession treatable: Yes, with soft tissue grafting procedures
What causes gum recession: Periodontal disease, aggressive brushing, genetics, or teeth grinding
What is a periodontal pocket: A deepened space between tooth and gum caused by disease