Letting your oral health slip is nothing to be ashamed of. Unfortunately, developing gingivitis or gum disease happens to the best of us. We’re here to help get you back on track.
DID YOU KNOW?
Periodontal disease is actually a gateway condition that is linked to cancer, heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and respiratory problems.
Do I really need periodontal care?
If you suspect that you may need periodontal care, there’s no time like the present to protect your smile and preserve your natural tooth structure. Periodontitis can have damaging effects. In fact, in some severe cases, patients can even end up losing teeth. If you notice any symptoms such as inflamed or bleeding gums, it’s important to seek intervention with a dentist in Flower Mound as soon as possible.
Gentle Treatment With Laser Therapy
With laser technology, we are able to offer gum disease treatment that is more comfortable than ever before. Laser therapy is a non-surgical treatment that effectively removes harmful bacteria from under the gums and promotes healthy tissue regeneration.
Join Our Perio Membership Plan!
We believe everyone deserves affordable dental care, even patients who require a little extra TLC. By signing up for our periodontal care membership plan, you’ll be giving your smile the high-quality care it deserves and saving money along the way.
see what happy patients
are saying!
I highly recommend Dr. Patel. He puts his patients first. Here's why...Dr. Patel, of Fountain Park Dental, came to his office and helped me on New Years Eve 12/31/2024! I am a professional musician and had a show that evening. I had to be at the venue in four hours to play keyboards, and my front top teeth had fallen out. Dr. Patel came into his office and used dental adhesive to remount my temporaries. Thank you SO MUCH Dr. Patel. You are my hero sir!
Bobby S.
This new family-owned dental practice truly stands out. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted by friendly staff. Dr. Patel was thorough and gentle, making the cleaning process very comfortable. Dr. Patel is amazing! He answered all of my questions and provided valuable advice on maintaining healthy teeth. Highly recommend if you are looking for a quality service!!
Milan P.
My first visit was stress free. I dread going to the dentist but this visit was great. Efficient and kind. Explained everything.
Joan L.
I had the best experience at Dr. Patel’s office! His staff are incredibly kind, informative, and made my visit so enjoyable. I went in for a 6 month cleaning. Dr Patel took the time to explain to me the best way to remove my impacted wisdom teeth, how the extraction & post-op would go, and was very reassuring about all the concerns I had about my TMJ problems. Not pushy or forceful at all. Please visit here if you are searching for a new dentist! You will not be disappointed.
Amy S.
I couldn't be happier with my recent visit to Fountain Park Dental! Dr. Patel’s attentiveness and wealth of information were truly impressive, making me feel well-informed and at ease throughout my appointment. Jeanny, who was my dental hygienist, is the most caring professional I've encountered. She genuinely prioritized my dental health and made sure I was comfortable during my visit. This team goes above and beyond in providing exceptional care, and I highly recommend them for anyone seeking top-notch dental services.
Trushna M.
I was very impressed with the team at Fountain Park Dental. The office vibe was great! Clean office, everyone was friendly and helpful. The hygienist was fantastic, knowledgeable - answered all my questions. Dr. Patel was very friendly, explained everything really well. They all cared and genuinely wants what is best for their patients. I've already suggested him to friends and family. I will continue with the Fountain Park Dental team!
Rachel A.
Dr. Patel and his team bring kind, compassionate, service and the latest technology and skills that provide a great experience for me!
Neal C.
New practice that takes time to consult with patients about their oral hygiene and the benefits of caring for your teeth so that you can avoid losing them along with the potential high cost of repairing the damage. Looking forward to having the same hygienist every time.
Lenora H.
Understanding Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, is a serious infection of the gums that can severely affect the health of your gums and jawbone. It starts with bacteria in plaque—the sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth. If not removed through daily brushing and flossing, plaque can build up and the bacteria infect not only your gums and teeth but eventually the gum tissue and bone that support the teeth. This can cause teeth to become loose, fall out, or require removal by a dentist.
Consequences of Ignoring Periodontal Disease
The progression of periodontal disease leads to worsening symptoms and more severe health complications. In its early stage, known as gingivitis, the gums become swollen, tender, and may bleed. However, if left untreated, this can evolve into periodontitis, which is far more severe. Periodontitis can lead to gums pulling away from the teeth, forming pockets that become infected and deepen, destroying the gum tissue and bone. The consequences of delayed treatment can be dramatic, including tooth loss, increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and other health problems.
Delaying treatment not only increases the complexity and cost of care but also exposes the body to prolonged periods of oral bacteria entering the bloodstream, potentially affecting other areas of the body. Early detection and treatment are crucial to managing the effects of the disease and preventing more serious health issues.
The Benefits of Periodontal Care
Restore Your Health
With early intervention, periodontal treatment can reverse the effects of gingivitis and restore your smile to its natural health.
Prevent Further Damage
Regular periodontal maintenance helps keep your smile healthy and free from the harmful buildup of plaque and bacteria.
Save Money
Periodontal care helps you avoid more costly, invasive procedures such as gum grafts, tooth extractions, and dental implants.
The Deep Cleaning Process
Topical Numbing Gel and Local Anesthetic
First, we will apply a topical numb gel to gums. Then, your dentist will apply a local anesthetic to keep you comfortable during your treatment. Deep cleanings may cause more sensitivity for patients than regular dental cleanings, but you’ll be comfortable throughout the procedure thanks to our gentle numbing techniques.
Scaling & Root Planing
Next, your hygienist will use special tools to “scale” tartar and plaque from between your teeth and below your gum line. The goal is to remove the harmful bacteria that causes gum disease. Then, once your teeth and gums have been cleaned, your hygienist will “plane,” or smooth, the roots of your teeth. This process eliminates the pockets and pits that form below the roots of your teeth which harbor harmful bacteria.
Laser Therapy
Finally, we utilize state-of-the-art laser technology to provide a non-surgical, exceptionally comfortable approach to gum disease treatment. Our laser therapy precisely targets and eliminates harmful bacteria beneath the gums, creating optimal conditions for the regeneration of healthy tissue.
Before & Afters
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the early signs of periodontal disease?
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Early signs of periodontal disease include red, swollen, or tender gums, gums that bleed easily during brushing or flossing, bad breath that doesn’t go away, and a receding gum line that makes your teeth appear longer than normal. Noticing these early symptoms is crucial for timely treatment to prevent further progression.
Can periodontal disease be cured?
While periodontal disease is a chronic condition, it can be managed effectively with proper treatment. The goal of treatment is to thoroughly clean the pockets around teeth and prevent damage to surrounding bone. Regular preventative dental visits and maintaining good oral hygiene can keep the disease under control and prevent its return.
How often should I visit the dentist if I have periodontal disease?
If you have periodontal disease, your Flower Mound dentist may recommend more frequent visits for professional cleaning and monitoring. Typically, this could be every 3-4 months, depending on the severity of your condition. These visits are vital to ensure that the disease does not continue to advance.
Can periodontal disease affect my overall health?
Yes, periodontal disease can significantly impact your overall health. Research links it to a variety of health issues outside the mouth, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and complications during pregnancy. Therefore, managing your periodontal health is vital not only for your oral health but also for maintaining your overall well-being.
What are the stages of gum disease?
Gum disease is commonly split into three different stages. The first stage is called gingivitis. In this stage, there is usually no permanent damage to your teeth or gums yet. This means your dentist will likely be able to reverse and eliminate gum disease with proper care. Common symptoms of gingivitis include bleeding when brushing, inflamed and discolored gums, and chronic bad breath.
If left to worsen, gingivitis will advance to the second stage of gum disease, known as periodontitis. This stage of gum disease is unfortunately not reversible, but can be controlled with proper intervention. Symptoms of periodontitis usually include gum recession, increased sensitivity or sore teeth and gums, excessive gum bleeding, and very swollen or puffy gums.
The final stage is advanced periodontitis. In this stage, permanent damage to your teeth, gums, and jaw bone occurs. Common symptoms include pus forming between the teeth and gums, shifting of the teeth, changes in your bite, or the loosening of one or more teeth. Surgical intervention is usually necessary to treat advanced periodontitis. In very severe cases, your teeth may even need to be extracted and replaced with a dental prosthetic like dentures or dental implants.
Is gum disease contagious?
No, gum disease is not contagious. This is because it is caused by bacteria that are already present in all of our mouths. In a healthy mouth, these bacteria are not found in a high enough quantity to cause gum disease. These bacteria become an issue when they are left to reproduce and grow uncontrollably. Gum disease occurs when poor oral hygiene allows bacteria to reproduce, or if a patient is genetically predisposed to gum disease.
What causes gum disease?
Gum disease is caused by large quantities of bacteria flourishing in the mouth. This can be caused by poor oral hygiene. Failing to brush and floss properly allows the bacteria that are present in your mouth to reproduce and form plaque and tartar between your teeth and your gums. Over time, these bacteria begin to attack and infect your gum tissue. Over time, this infection can result in permanent, irreversible damage to your oral health unless you seek out proper treatment.
Some patients are also genetically predisposed to developing gum disease. This is why it is important to discuss with your doctor if there is a history of gum disease in your family. You and your doctor will work together to employ the best at-home care and in-office treatments to protect against it.
Why do I need antibiotics?
Periodontal disease forms when there is inflammation in the gums. This inflammation can lead to infection caused by an abundance of harmful oral bacteria. Your dentist may prescribe you antibiotics to help kill and control this harmful bacteria, allowing your gums to heal. If you are prescribed antibiotics to help control your periodontal disease, be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions to a tee to ensure the harmful bacteria is eradicated. If you fail to complete the full prescription of antibiotics, the bacteria could become resistant to subsequent treatments with the medication.
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