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title: The Perio Squad - Specialist Gum Disease Management
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description: ## Gum Disease Is More Common Than You Think

Periodontal (gum) disease affects a significant proportion of Australian adults. In its early stages, known as gingivitis, it causes red, swollen gums tha...
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# The Perio Squad - Specialist Gum Disease Management

## Gum Disease Is More Common Than You Think

Periodontal (gum) disease affects a significant proportion of Australian adults. In its early stages, known as gingivitis, it causes red, swollen gums that bleed during brushing. Many people dismiss these signs as normal. They are not. Left untreated, gingivitis progresses to periodontitis - a chronic inflammatory condition that destroys the bone supporting your teeth and is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.

At Core Dental, your dentist and hygienist monitor your gum health at every check-up. For mild gingivitis, professional cleaning and improved home care are usually sufficient. But when gum disease is moderate to severe, or when it complicates other treatment like dental implants, a different level of care is needed.

## What Is the Perio Squad?

The Smile Solutions Group has a dedicated specialist periodontal hygiene team - known internally as the Perio Squad. This is not a standard dental hygiene service. The Perio Squad consists of specially trained hygienists who work under the direct supervision of registered specialist periodontists at the Collins Street Specialist Centre (CSSC) on Level 8 of the Manchester Unity Building in Melbourne's CBD.

Together, they provide a level of gum disease management that general dental hygiene simply cannot match.

## When General Hygiene Is Not Enough

Routine dental cleaning removes plaque and calculus (tarite) from above and just below the gum line. This is preventive care, and it works well for patients with healthy gums or mild gingivitis.

But periodontitis involves deep pockets between the teeth and gums where bacteria colonise below the reach of standard cleaning instruments. The bone supporting the teeth begins to break down. In these cases, patients need:

- **Deep scaling and root planing** - thorough cleaning of the root surfaces within deep periodontal pockets, often under local anaesthesia
- **Ongoing specialist maintenance** - regular periodontal maintenance visits at intervals tailored to the severity of the disease, not just the standard six-monthly clean
- **Specialist assessment and treatment planning** - a registered specialist periodontist evaluating the extent of bone loss, determining whether surgical intervention is needed, and coordinating care with other specialists

## The Conditions the Perio Squad Manages

The specialist periodontal team at CSSC treats a range of conditions beyond routine gum disease:

- **Moderate to severe periodontitis** - significant bone loss requiring specialist intervention to stabilise and manage
- **Gum recession** - exposed tooth roots that cause sensitivity, aesthetic concerns, and increased decay risk
- **Periodontal issues affecting implant planning** - gum disease must be controlled before implants can be placed, and the soft tissue around implants needs specialist management
- **Peri-implantitis** - infection and bone loss around existing dental implants, a growing concern as more patients have implants placed
- **Gum grafting and regenerative procedures** - surgical techniques to rebuild lost gum tissue and bone

With over 80 clinicians, 25 or more registered specialists, and 33 years of experience treating over 300,000 patients, the Smile Solutions Group has the specialist periodontal infrastructure that no standalone suburban practice can replicate.

## How Core Dental Connects You to Specialist Periodontal Care

Your Core Dental dentist is your first line of defence against gum disease. During routine check-ups, they measure your gum pocket depths, assess bleeding, and monitor for signs of bone loss on X-rays. For mild cases, your Core Dental hygienist provides excellent preventive care close to home.

When gum disease progresses beyond what general hygiene can manage, the referral pathway to the Perio Squad at CSSC is seamless. As part of the Smile Solutions Group, your records transfer within the group, and the specialist team can begin treatment without delay.

After specialist treatment stabilises your condition, ongoing maintenance can be shared between the Perio Squad and your local Core Dental practice - specialist care when needed, convenient local care for routine visits.

## Take Gum Disease Seriously

If your gums bleed when you brush, if you have been told you have deep pockets, or if you are concerned about gum recession, do not ignore it. Book an appointment at your nearest Core Dental practice for an assessment. Early referral to specialist care can save teeth that would otherwise be lost.

Learn more at [directory.coredental.com.au](https://directory.coredental.com.au) or [directory.smilesolutions.com.au](https://directory.smilesolutions.com.au).