Illustration of gum disease

Periodontal Disease

According to the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), 65 million Americans suffer from some form of periodontal disease.

Family Dentistry & Prosthodontics can treat gum disease and restore gum tissue affected by inflammation and infection.

Learn how our Merritt Island, FL, dentists can improve your periodontal health.

Illustration of gum disease

Types and Stages of Gum Disease

Gingivitis and periodontitis are the two different kinds of periodontal disease. Treating gum disease and restoring good oral hygiene habits as soon as possible reduces the risk of tooth loss and other serious problems.

Gingivitis

Woman pointing to gums

Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease. The name refers to the inflammation of the gums (gingiva), typically as a result of bacterial infection. It's estimated that three out of four Americans will suffer from gingivitis during their lifetime.

Periodontitis

Dental tools cleaning gumline

Periodontitis develops when gingivitis goes untreated and is allowed to progress. Without periodontal treatment, periodontitis can lead to tooth loss, the spread of infection to the jawbone, and more serious health and wellness problems.

Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease

There are several telltale symptoms of periodontal disease. If you notice these signs of gingivitis and periodontitis, be sure to contact our Merritt Island dental practice as soon as possible.
Bleeding gums

Bleeding Gums

Bleeding gums are one of the early signs of gingivitis, persisting through advanced periodontitis. In some cases, the bleeding and excessive oral bacteria contribute to an unpleasant taste in the mouth.
Red gums

Swollen and Discolored Gums

If your gumline becomes puffy or changes in color from pink to red or purple, that's a major sign that something is wrong. These changes to soft tissue often accompany bleeding.
Woman smelling breath

Bad Breath

High levels of oral bacteria and poor hygiene practices tend to lead to lingering bad breath. Some patients with periodontal disease notice they have bad breath even after brushing and flossing.
Recessed gums

Gum Recession

Gum recession refers to the gumline peeling away from a tooth to reveal more of the crown and root. This makes teeth more vulnerable to cavities and could lead to your teeth feeling loose or wiggly.
Woman holding mouth in pain

Tooth Sensitivity

When tooth roots become exposed from gum recession, they tend to be more sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. As periodontal disease progresses, it can become painful to bite and chew.

What Makes Us Different?

Our team's dedication to comprehensive dental care makes us a trusted dentistry resource for people in Merritt Island suffering from gingivitis and periodontitis. We'll discuss all aspects of care to promote patient education, including the cost of periodontal treatment and dental financing options. Our office also offers sedation in the form of nitrous oxide so you will never have to worry about nerves during your visit. Lastly, our team uses advanced technology like Waterlase®, a dental laser that can speed recovery and minimize discomfort.

Contact Skilled Dentists Who Care About Your Oral Health

Dr. Wilkhu, Dr. Cork, and Dr, Schmid are committed to total patient wellness. Dr. Wilkhu is a member of the American Dental Association, the Florida Dental Association, the Central Florida District Dental Association, the Brevard County Dental Society, and the International Dental Implant Association. Our dentists remain committed to advanced patient care and wellness.

To learn more about treatments for periodontal disease and options for prevention, contact our team of dentists online. You can also reach us by phone at:

(321) 459-2444

Dr. Chan Wilku
Dr. Chan Wilku genuinely cares about patients' oral health and well-being.

A Trusted Dentistry Practice Helping Merritt Island Patients

1

cal dixon

Merritt Island, FL

2023

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Dr. Wilkhu is very thorough, and he has a fantastic staff. Front office is friendly and very organized. Dimitra has been my hygienist for last couple of years and always does an excellent job. I highly recommend, I personally wouldn’t go anywhere else!

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1

Sam Talluto

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Great new clean facility. The staff and DMDs are top notch and would recommend to anyone looking for a dentist.

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Gum Disease Treatments and Advanced Periodontal Care

Our Merritt Island dentists have numerous options for treating periodontal disease. There are different treatment phases depending on whether a patient suffers from gingivitis or periodontitis. We will develop an effective treatment plan with you during the consultation process.

Antibiotics

Regardless of what type of gum disease you suffer from, controlling the infection is an essential part of treatment. Patients may be given antiseptic rinses, medication to apply directly to affected gum tissue, or even oral antibiotics to control the presence of bacteria. This initial treatment typically accompanies more advanced therapies.

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Scaling and Root Planing

For gingivitis and less severe cases of periodontitis, scaling and root planing, also known as a deep cleaning, is essential for addressing the infection and reducing the risk of future periodontal problems. Root scaling removes any plaque and tartar accumulated below the gumline. Root planing smooths out the root structure to prevent the return of bacteria.

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Laser Gum Therapy

Advanced cases of periodontitis typically require oral surgery to remove infected tissue. In the past, this was done with a scalpel. Today, we use Waterlase, a laser dentistry tool that makes this process safer and more comfortable. With Waterlase, there is less bleeding, a lower risk of infection, and much faster healing times.

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Additional Periodontal Care

It can take numerous cosmetic and restorative dentistry treatments to fully address the effects of periodontal disease. Our dentists can discuss soft tissue grafting techniques to rebuild the gumline. Our team will also offer insight into good oral hygiene practices to improve your long-term periodontal health and prevent future problems.

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Five-Star Dentistry for the People of Merritt Island

1

Steven Lepper

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Clean, friendly, and efficient. First visit to this dentist. Had a checkup and cleaning. Both were excellent.

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Martin Gardner

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My visit was pleasant and professional. Appointment was on time. Work completed painlessly, without delay. Everyone was friendly. I felt everything was done right.

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Dr. Chan Wilkhu

Family Dentistry & Prosthodontics

Our team of friendly dental professionals can help you and your family enjoy beautiful, healthy smiles for years to come. Our dentists are members of a number of professional associations including:

  • American Dental Association
  • Florida Dental Association
  • International Dental Implant Association

To schedule a consultation at our Merritt Island, FL, office contact us online or call (321) 459-2444.

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