Periodontics generally begins with an assessment and evaluation of a patient’s gum tissue (known as periodontal tissue). It can be assisted in the surgery by the removal of plaque, calculus (tartar) and general staining, as well as the application of decay-preventing agents as required. And it is best maintained at home by means of a dental care routine specifically designed by your general dentist or dental hygienist.

However, there are some circumstances in which a patient may require additional advanced periodontal treatment, known as periodontics.

Periodontics is the field of dentistry that encompasses implant surgery, bone grafts, gum lifts, and treatment of gingivitis and periodontal disease (gum disease).

The purpose of implant surgery is to replace missing teeth or teeth that cannot be saved by conventional means. Implants range from single-tooth replacement to a complete upper and lower arch replacement. Bone grafting, or bone augmentation, involves the insertion of synthetic filler bone to encourage growth of the natural bone around it. A gum lift is a cosmetic lifting of the gum line of the front six teeth, these days done using laser – a quick, effective and virtually painless procedure that does not require stitches and heals well.

Dr James van den Berg graduated from Birmingham Dental School in 1993 with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery. Over the next four years he worked in general practice, where he developed a growing interest in periodontics.

In 1999 he obtained his Master of Clinical Dentistry (in the field of periodontics) from the Royal London Dental Hospital and then worked in private practice, and lectured at the Royal London Dental Hospital, in the field of periodontics.

After emigrating to Australia in 2001 Dr van den Berg worked in private practice limited to the field of periodontics and implant placement, as well as lecturing at the Royal Melbourne Dental School. He has lectured within a number of implant surgical courses as well as in the use of lasers in surgical periodontal care, a special interest of his. He also has a special interest in the treatment of peri-implants.

In 2013 Dr van den Berg obtained a post-graduate Diploma in Clinical Dentistry in the field of periodontics from the University of Melbourne and in 2013 he was invited to become a member of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons in the specialist field of periodontics.

Dr van den Berg is registered with the Dental Board of Australia as a specialist periodontist. He is a member of the Australian Dental Association, the Australian Periodontal Society, the Australian Osseointegration Society and the British Society of Periodontology.

Dr Constantine Ong graduated from the University of Bristol Dental School, United Kingdom, in 1998 and has been practising as a specialist in periodontics and implant dentistry for more than ten years.

After several years spent working in hospitals and general practice, he underwent specialist training in periodontics and implant dentistry at the renowned Eastman Dental Institute, University College London. At the end of his specialist training, he was awarded a Master of Clinical Dentistry with Distinction and a specialty membership of the Royal College of Surgeons, England.

Dr Ong has also taught at the UCL Eastman Dental Institute, mentoring the final year Masters students and general dentists. He has published in peer-reviewed journals and lectured nationally and internationally. Currently, he is a clinical supervisor at the University of Melbourne Dental school and a specialty examiner for the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. He is committed to excellence based on the best evidence and the latest advances in periodontics and implant dentistry. He has a special interests in periodontal regenerative therapies, soft tissue grafting and implant therapy – including treatment of peri-implantitis.

Dr Ong is accredited as a specialist by the Dental Board of Australia, the European Federation of Periodontology and the General Dental Council (United Kingdom).