Why have I been referred to a Periodontist?
There a variety of reasons for referral. You may have periodontal disease which requires specialised treatment and care, or  you may have been referred for a surgical procedure such as crown lengthening. Your dentist may have referred you regarding implant placement to replace a missing tooth or teeth.

What will happen on my first visit?
Your first visit will be a consultation and treatment planning appointment, commencing with review of your chief concerns and any urgent problems, and medical and dental history. The periodontist will examine your gums, check to see if there is gum recession, check the teeth to see if any teeth are loose and assesses how the teeth fit together when biting.  Your periodontist will also take a small measuring instrument called a probe and place it between the teeth and gums to determine the depth of the space, known as periodontal pockets. This helps to determine the health of the gums. X-rays may also be taken to observe the bone level, and health of the bone below the gum line.

What do I need to bring with me?
You need to bring your referral letter and any x-rays you have with you, unless they have been emailed or sent to us directly.

Will I need surgery?
Not everyone needs periodontal surgery. If treated early, periodontal disease can often be controlled with non-surgical treatment.

Will it hurt?
You may experience some discomfort, although this depends on the procedure. In general the level of discomfort is not dissimilar to general dental procedures, such as fillings. After your initial examination, your periodontist will discuss what you can expect from the procedure.

Will there be side effects?
After periodontal treatment your gums may be tender, and your teeth may be sensitive. After dental implant procedures there may be some swelling or bruising of the gum and jaw. However, every individual is different, so you may experience few side effects.

Why do I need to see a periodontist anyway?
Periodontal disease can cause bone loss, loss of teeth and further expense if left untreated or not maintained. If your teeth are lost, dentures are never as effective as your own teeth.

Will I need to go back to my general dentist?
You need to continue to see your general dentist for regular checkups to maintain your overall dental and oral health, as periodontists are specialists and don’t perform general dental treatments.

Why can’t my general dentist do this procedure?
Your general dentist has referred you because they feel that you require assessment and treatment at a specialist level. Periodontics is a specialised field and your general dentist may not have the training to perform many of these procedures. Your periodontist will provide you with expert care and ensure you the best possible results.

How much will it cost?
Cost of the initial consultation is the same for periodontal treatment or dental implants. Pricing of treatment varies from case to case and depends on the complexity and time involved in the procedure or procedures.

How many times will I need to come back?
This also varies from person to person, and on the type of treatment.

Do you bulkbill?
No.

Can I claim this on my private health fund?
Generally yes, periodontal work and dental implants are covered by health funds, although whether there is cover and how much is rebated does depend on your particular plan, and the level of cover. You need to check specific details with your health fund provider.