Periodontal Disease in Melbourne, FL

Gum Disease Treatment From the Best Periodontists Near You

With over 30 years of experience, our team specializes in periodontal care, offering cutting-edge, minimally invasive treatments to restore your oral health and confidence. If you’re in Melbourne or the surrounding areas and suspect you may have periodontal disease (gum disease), you’ve come to the right place.

Our dental practice is dedicated to helping Brevard County residents achieve healthy gums and beautiful smiles through advanced diagnostics and personalized treatment plans. If you’re struggling with periodontal disease, contact our Melbourne periodontists near you today at (321) 259-8000.

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the gums and the bone supporting your teeth. It’s a progressive condition that, if left untreated, can lead to serious complications, including tooth loss, gum recession, and even systemic health issues like heart disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Contrary to common misconceptions, periodontal disease isn’t always the result of poor oral hygiene or something your dentist “missed.” It’s a chronic degenerative disease, meaning it progresses over time and breaks down the critical attachment fibers between your teeth and bone.

Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease often develops silently, with symptoms that may go unnoticed until the condition becomes severe. Common signs include:

• Bleeding gums during brushing or flossing
• Swollen, red, or tender gums
• Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
• Receding gums, making teeth appear longer
• Loose or shifting teeth
• Deep periodontal pockets (spaces between gums and teeth)
• Mouth odor or soreness during periodontal probing

You don’t have to live with gum disease. Contact our dental office near you today at (321) 259-8000, and we’ll go over your treatment options.

Choosing Our Periodontal Office

Located at 2223 Sarno Road, Melbourne, FL 32935, we pride ourselves on being leaders in periodontal care. Here’s why Brevard County residents trust us:

• Expertise in Periodontics: Dr. Lee Sheldon and Dr. Michel Furtado are board-certified periodontists with advanced training from top institutions like Tufts University and the University of Connecticut. Dr. Lee Sheldon is also an Associate Clinical Professor at the University of Florida, where he trains future periodontists.
• State-of-the-Art Technology: We use cutting-edge tools like the Perioscope, a periodontal endoscope that allows us to treat gum disease non-surgically in most cases.
• Personalized Care: Every patient receives a customized treatment plan based on their unique needs, ensuring the best outcomes.
• Community Trust: Voted Best of Brevard for eleven consecutive years, our dental clinic has earned the confidence of over 100 referring dentists in Central Florida.
• Holistic Approach: We focus on both oral and overall health, addressing the links between periodontal disease and systemic conditions like heart disease and diabetes.

Causes of Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is primarily caused by the accumulation of plaque and tartar, which harbor harmful bacteria. These bacteria travel beneath the gum line, where brushing and flossing can’t reach, leading to infection and tissue damage. However, other factors can increase your risk:

• Poor Oral Hygiene: Inadequate brushing and flossing allow bacteria to thrive.
• Genetics: Some individuals are more prone to periodontitis due to hereditary factors.
• Smoking: Tobacco use significantly increases the risk of gum disease.
• Chronic Conditions: Diabetes, heart disease, and autoimmune disorders can exacerbate periodontal issues.
• Medications: Certain drugs can cause gum inflammation or reduce saliva production, increasing susceptibility.
• Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy, menopause, or other hormonal shifts can affect gum health.

Are you dealing with loose or sensitive teeth? Or maybe some other uncomfortable symptoms? Don’t fret! Contact the best periodontists in Florida today at (321) 259-8000.

Treatment Options for Periodontal Disease

Comprehensive Periodontal Exam

Your journey to healthy gums begins with a thorough examination, including:

• Periodontal Probing: To measure pocket depths and assess gum health.
• Low-Dose Digital X-Rays: To evaluate bone loss and tooth structure with minimal radiation.
• Oral Cancer Screening: To ensure overall oral health.
• Oral DNA Test: A saliva-based test that identifies the 11 bacteria linked to periodontal disease, helping us select the most effective antibiotics if needed.

Non-Surgical Perioscopy

We’re proud to offer Perioscopy, a revolutionary non-surgical treatment for gum disease. Using a tiny camera (Perioscope), our skilled hygienists visualize and remove plaque and calculus below the gum line. This procedure:

• Eliminates the need for invasive gum surgery in most cases.
• Uses miniaturized instruments for precise cleaning.
• Is enhanced by laser therapy to relax gum tissue and improve access.

Pocket Reduction and Regenerative Procedures

For moderate to advanced cases, we offer:

• Pocket Reduction Surgery: Removes deep-seated plaque and tartar, smoothing bone to stabilize the disease.
• Gum Grafting: Restores receded gums using tissue from your palate or a tissue bank.
• Guided Tissue Regeneration (GTR): Uses biocompatible membranes to encourage bone regrowth.
• Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): Promotes tissue and bone regeneration using your own blood components

Antibiotic Therapy

For cases involving aggressive bacteria like Porphyromonas gingivalis, we may recommend targeted antibiotics based on Oral DNA test results. These can be delivered as a pill or applied directly below the gum line for maximum effectiveness.

Gum Disease Risk Factors

While anyone can develop gum disease, certain factors increase your susceptibility. Key risk factors include:

• Poor Oral Hygiene: Inadequate brushing and flossing allow plaque to accumulate, creating a breeding ground for bacteria.
• Genetic Predisposition: Some individuals inherit a higher risk of periodontitis, even with good oral hygiene. A family history of gum disease may indicate a genetic susceptibility.
• Smoking or Tobacco Use: Tobacco, including cigarettes and chewing tobacco, is one of the leading risk factors for gum disease.
• Chronic Health Conditions: Diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and autoimmune disorders can weaken the body’s ability to fight gum infections.
• Medications: Certain drugs, such as antidepressants, antihistamines, or blood pressure medications, can reduce saliva production or cause gum overgrowth, increasing the risk of periodontal issues.
• Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy, menopause, or puberty can cause hormonal fluctuations that make gums more sensitive to bacteria.
• Stress: Chronic stress weakens the immune system, making it harder to combat gum infections.
• Poor Nutrition: Diets high in sugar or lacking essential nutrients, like vitamin C, can compromise gum health.
• Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Excessive grinding or clenching can put pressure on the gums and supporting bone, exacerbating periodontal disease.
• Age: While gum disease can affect anyone, older adults are at higher risk due to cumulative exposure to bacteria and age-related changes in oral tissues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can periodontal disease be treated without surgery?

Yes! We use Perioscopy, a non-surgical treatment that uses a tiny camera to clean below the gum line, often eliminating the need for surgery.

Is periodontal disease linked to other health problems?

Yes, gum disease is associated with heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and more. Our holistic approach addresses these connections to improve your overall health.

How can I prevent periodontal disease?

Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing twice daily, flossing, and visiting your dentist for regular cleanings and dental checkups. A balanced diet and avoiding smoking also reduce your risk

Prevent Gum Disease at Our Melbourne Dental Office

Don’t let periodontal disease compromise your smile or health. Our experienced periodontists in Melbourne, Dr. Lee Sheldon and Dr. Michel Furtado, use state-of-the-art technology and a patient-centered approach to deliver exceptional results.

From moderate periodontitis to more advanced cases, we offer the professional treatment you need to restore your oral health. Let’s get started! Contact our dental office near you at (321) 259-8000.