Periodontitis progresses through four distinct stages, from reversible gum inflammation (gingivitis) through to advanced bone loss that threatens tooth survival. Understanding your current stage determines the type and urgency of treatment your specialist will recommend.

• Stage 1 Gingivitis (Reversible): Gums are red, swollen, and bleed easily, but no bone loss has occurred. Professional cleaning and improved oral hygiene can fully reverse this.
• Stage 2 Early Periodontitis: Infection spreads below the gum line causing early bone loss, with pockets measuring 4 to 5mm. Non-surgical scaling is the primary treatment.
• Stage 3 Moderate Periodontitis: Significant bone loss occurs with 5 to 7mm pockets, and teeth may feel loose. Treatment may require non-surgical or surgical approaches.
• Stage 4 Advanced Periodontitis: Severe bone loss threatens tooth survival with pockets over 7mm. Specialised surgery, bone grafting, or dental implants are typically required.

Your periodontist will evaluate your condition during your initial assessment to recommend the most effective treatment pathway.

The key difference is that gingivitis affects only the gums and is fully reversible, while periodontitis spreads to the bone and causes permanent damage that can only be managed, not reversed. Both are forms of gum disease but require completely different treatment approaches.

• Gingivitis causes redness, swelling, and bleeding but has not yet damaged the underlying bone. It can be completely cured with professional treatment and home care.
• Periodontitis occurs when untreated gingivitis spreads below the gum line into the bone and ligaments. The resulting bone loss cannot be fully reversed but can be successfully controlled with specialist intervention.

Seeking an early specialist assessment from your periodontist at Australian Dental Specialists can prevent reversible gingivitis from progressing into permanent periodontitis.

Non-surgical scaling and root debridement

• Is the first treatment of choice for managing periodontitis
• Dr Jeremy Vo uses the latest equipment available for removal of deep deposits of plaque and calculus (tartar). These include newly developed ultrasonic instrumentation and airflow technology.
• This instrumentation is designed to reach below the gum line, areas where brushing and flossing cannot reach, including the roots of teeth
• In early gum disease (also known as gingivitis), scaling and root planning in addition to improved oral hygiene can be enough to reverse the infective processes and prevent advancement of the disease.
• Dr Jeremy Vo can successfully resolve most cases of periodontitis with only one round of this conservative therapy.

• Pocket Depth Reduction - Gums should fit snugly around teeth. Periodontitis results in pockets forming in the spaces between your gums and teeth, allowing bacteria to accumulate and cause further damage. Dr Jeremy Vo will clear the pockets of infection and retighten the gum tissue to eliminate or reduce pockets.
• Bone grafting - Periodontitis destroys the bone supporting teeth. A regenerative procedure can help to reverse some of the damage. After reducing the disease-causing bacteria, Dr Jeremy Vo may use membranes, bone grafts or tissue stimulating proteins to encourage your body’s ability to regenerate and recover healthy bone tissue.

• Root coverage - These procedures are often used to treat exposed roots of teeth caused by gum recession. Dr Jeremy Vo will take gum tissue from another part of your mouth, most commonly the palate (roof of mouth), and use it to cover the exposed roots or where there requires gum tissue. This helps protect the exposed root surfaces from decay and aid in reducing tooth sensitivity.
• Dental Implants - A dental implant is an artificial tooth root made out of metal. It is inserted into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. They are a long-term solution to missing teeth that are meant to look, feel and function more similarly to natural teeth. Dr Jeremy Vo can place a dental implant as an option to restore missing teeth in your mouth.

We offer timely appointments to ensure you receive the care you need when you need it. From endodontics to periodontal therapy, our specialists manage every aspect of your dental health with expertise and comprehensive post-operative support.

Your smile is our priority—experience the difference with our specialist care today.