Centre for Cosmetic, Laser and Implant Dentistry

Gum Treatments

Periodontal Treatment & Maintenance

Protecting Your Gums, Preserving Your Teeth

Periodontal disease is a chronic condition. Once it has progressed beyond the early stage, home care alone cannot reverse it, and professional treatment followed by ongoing maintenance is essential to keep your gums healthy and your teeth stable.

Treating moderate to severe gum disease is a two-phase process. The first phase removes infection and stabilises your gums; the second keeps them healthy for the long term. Dr Renu Karn’s advanced training in laser periodontal therapy and complex gum disease management means you receive meticulous, evidence-based care at every stage.

Dr Welyn Gordo, Dr Renu Karn and Dr Shania Paranavithana at Dental Excellence
25+Years dental experience
  • 2 phasesTreat, then maintain
  • 3–4 monthsTypical maintenance interval
  • LANAP®Laser therapy available
  • ImplantsPeri-implantitis care

What to Expect at Your Periodontal Consultation

Our goal is to assess your condition thoroughly, explain your options clearly and help you make an informed decision.

  1. 1

    A Warm Welcome

    We start by listening to any symptoms you’ve noticed: bleeding, sensitivity, bad breath, loose teeth or concerns about previous treatment.

  2. 2

    Gentle Gum Examination

    We measure pocket depths, assess inflammation and recession, evaluate bone support and examine around any implants.

  3. 3

    Digital Imaging

    Digital X-rays or a 3D scan reveal bone levels and infection that aren’t visible clinically.

  4. 4

    Your Personalised Plan

    We explain your diagnosis without jargon and outline your options, healing timeline, home care and costs, with plenty of time for questions.

Phase 1: Treating Active Gum Disease

Based on your diagnosis, your treatment may include one or more of the following.

01

Non-Surgical Therapy

  • Scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) to remove bacteria and calculus below the gumline. Best for early to moderate disease.
02

LANAP® Laser Periodontal Therapy

  • Minimally invasive laser treatment for moderate to severe disease, deep pockets and bone loss, without cutting or stitches.

About LANAP® →

03

Traditional Periodontal Surgery

  • For very deep pockets or severe defects, or where laser therapy isn’t suitable.
04

Peri-Implantitis Treatment

  • Targeted care for infection and bone loss around dental implants.
05

Regenerative Procedures

  • Where appropriate, procedures that help rebuild lost supporting tissue.

Phase 2: Periodontal Maintenance

Even after successful treatment, bacteria can return and pockets can deepen. Our Periodontal Maintenance Program keeps your gums healthy, prevents reinfection and protects your results. Think of it like managing any chronic condition, where consistent monitoring is key.

  • Review of Your Gum Health

    We check for bleeding, inflammation, pocket depth changes, recession, tooth mobility and the areas around implants.

  • Cleaning Above & Below the Gumline

    Deeper than a standard clean, removing plaque and calculus from root surfaces and deep pockets.

  • Targeted Therapy Where Needed

    Localised antimicrobial therapy, laser bacterial reduction or additional deep cleaning for any problem areas.

  • Monitoring Bone Levels

    Periodic digital X-rays or scans track bone support around teeth and implants.

  • Personalised Home-Care Guidance

    Small improvements in brushing and interdental cleaning make a big difference to long-term stability.

Why Ongoing Maintenance Matters

Most patients need maintenance every 3–4 months, depending on the severity of their previous disease, pocket depths, bone levels, healing response, home care and whether they have implants.

Regular maintenance helps to

  • Prevent bacteria re-establishing below the gumline
  • Reduce inflammation and bleeding
  • Keep pocket depths stable
  • Protect bone around teeth and implants
  • Support long-term treatment success

Skipping maintenance can lead to

  • Deepening pockets and renewed infection
  • Silent, irreversible bone loss
  • Loose or shifting teeth
  • Peri-implantitis and implant complications
  • More extensive treatment later

Frequently Asked Questions

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Who needs periodontal maintenance?

Patients who have had moderate to severe gum disease, LANAP® or periodontal surgery, deep pockets that need monitoring, bone loss around teeth or implants, a history of peri-implantitis, or conditions that affect healing such as diabetes.

How is it different from a regular clean?

Periodontal maintenance goes deeper, cleaning root surfaces and pockets below the gumline, and includes careful monitoring of pocket depths and bone levels.

How often will I need to come in?

Usually every 3–4 months. Your clinician will recommend the interval that best protects your oral health.

How much does periodontal treatment cost?

It depends on your diagnosis and the treatment needed. We provide a fully transparent, itemised treatment plan at your consultation. Private health fund rebates (HICAPS) are processed on site, and flexible interest-free payment options (Afterpay, Zip and DentiCare) are available.

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Protect your gums for the long term

Book an appointment with our experienced team today. Start with a comprehensive new patient exam, and we’ll talk you through whether periodontal treatment could be right for you.

Product Partners

Philips Zoom whiteningLANAP laser gum treatmentOrmco orthodontics

All Health Funds Welcome

HCFnib

Payment Options

ZipAfterpayDentiCare
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Book an Appointment

Which clinic would you like to visit?

Choose a clinic to see live availability and book online through HealthEngine.

Adelaide CBD

Level 3, Suite 302, 147 Pirie St, Adelaide SA 5000

Weekday appointments, Monday to Friday.

Book online Call (08) 8423 1091

Kensington

292 The Parade, Kensington SA 5068

Evening and Saturday morning appointments.

Book online Call (08) 8332 2800

Not sure which suits you? Call (08) 8423 1091 and our team will help.