Periodontal Disease in Melbourne, FL

Periodontal (gum) disease is an inflammation in the gums that can lead to critical damage in your mouth. There are three stages of gum disease, ranging from mild to severe. The first stage is gingivitis, which is caused by a buildup of plaque in the gum pockets. If not treated, gingivitis can then turn into the second stage, known as periodontitis, which affects the bone and fibers that hold your teeth. Advanced periodontitis is the final stage of gum disease, and it is the stage that can often lead teeth to become loose or fall out. To deal with periodontal disease, Dr. Sangiv I. Patel offers both nonsurgical and surgical treatment options, depending on the intensity of the disease, including scaling and root planing, antibiotics, gum grafts, laser gum surgery, and, if there are no other options, tooth extractions. If you are showing signs of gum disease, regardless of the stage, contact our office in Melbourne, FL to schedule an exam and consultation with experienced dentist Dr. Patel at his private practice, Sangiv I. Patel, D.D.S., PA.

Gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease, is difficult to detect on your own, which is why it's important to schedule annual dental exams at our esteemed facility. This gives Dr. Patel an opportunity to measure your gum pockets so he can diagnose and treat gum disease before it impacts your oral and overall wellbeing. As gum disease progresses, symptoms will include red or swollen gums, bleeding caused by routine brushing and flossing, a receded or separated gums, and persistent bad breath. In the later stages of gum disease, you may also experience discomfort while chewing or sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures. It is important to schedule a dental appointment if you are experiencing any of these symptoms so that the infection can be addressed before it gets into your blood stream.

Your periodontal treatment will be determined by the intensity of the infection. After Dr. Patel diagnoses you with gum disease, he will go over his recommendations for your treatment program. For mild cases, scaling and root planing (SRP) is typically done to deep clean the pockets of the gums. In more advanced cases, an antibiotic may be prescribed in addition to multiple scaling and root planing treatments. Acute cases of periodontal disease normally call for a surgical procedure, such as regenerative grafting or pocket reduction.

Depending on your condition and treatment plan, your recovery time will vary. You may need to have a number of appointments at Dr. Patel's private practice, Sangiv I. Patel, D.D.S., PA, to fully correct your gum disorder. Once your oral health has been restored, you should continue scheduling routine dental examinations and cleanings at our office so that Dr. Patel can monitor your oral health. Once your periodontal disease has been treated, it's wise to keep up a good at-home oral hygiene routine that includes daily brushing and flossing. Dr. Patel may recommend an antibacterial toothpaste or mouthwash to decrease your risk of developing another gum disorder.

Expenses for periodontal disease treatment will depend on the severity of the disease and the procedures required. If you have dental insurance, our office will contact your insurance company to determine what they cover and if there will be any extra costs. For patients without insurance, our Melbourne, FL facility accepts many payment methods, and we can help you find low-interest medical financing. If you have any concerns, please talk to Dr. Patel during your consultation. Avoiding the dentist because of financial concerns can lead to bigger problems and more expensive treatments later down the line.

Gum disease will get worse without the correct treatment so it is crucial to seek professional help as soon as any symptoms are noticed. At Sangiv I. Patel, D.D.S., PA, we work with you to restore your gum health and prevent future instances of infection. To learn more or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Patel, contact our office in Melbourne, FL.