Periodontics in Fort Myers

Periodontal disease, or gum disease, usually begins with swollen and red gums that tend to bleed when you brush or floss your teeth. This stage is called gingivitis, and treatment at this point can stop its progression. If the gum disease is allowed to advance, gums will begin to pull away from teeth. Eventually, the infection will destroy the ligaments and bone that hold teeth in position, allowing teeth to loosen and ultimately fall out.

A periodontist is the gum disease expert that can help you combat the spreading infection. Periodontists have an extra two to three years of training beyond dental school, learning how to treat gum disease and perform a variety of specialized periodontal services and treatments, such as dental implants and gum contouring.

If you are one of the millions of Americans experiencing gum disease, call our periodontics office for a consultation.

What Type of Issues Does a Periodontist Treat?

A periodontist is a highly trained gum disease expert who specializes in treating diseases of the gum tissue. Keep reading to learn more about periodontics in Fort Myers and the available services:

Periodontal disease treatment

If left untreated, the plaque and bacteria that cause gum disease can attack the soft gum tissue around your teeth, break down ligaments and weaken the jawbone. Your periodontist in Fort Myers can help you combat this condition, using a variety of treatments and procedures that can help restore your oral health.

Dental Implant Placement

If you have lost one or more teeth, a dental implant or implant-supported bridge is often a good solution. Dental implants are anchored to the jawbone, helping to keep the bone strong and preventing surrounding teeth from moving out of position.

Crown Lengthening

If a tooth breaks at or near the gum line, there often is not enough exposed tooth left for a replacement crown. Crown lengthening is a possible solution, reducing the gum so that more of the remaining tooth is visible and able to accept a new crown. This is a common procedure, and patients are kept comfortable throughout the process with local anesthesia.

Gummy Smile Surgery

Each person’s smile is unique, but if your gums are covering too much of your teeth, you may feel less than confident about your own smile. Gummy smile surgery helps correct the appearance of elongated gums by reshaping the gum line and allowing more of your teeth to shine through.

Soft tissue graft/Gum graft

Gum grafting is a helpful option for patients who suffer from gum recession. Our periodontist can take tissue from other parts of your mouth, such as your palate, and graft it onto the areas left exposed by gum recession. Best of all, a gum graft can stop gum recession from advancing, and it can lower the risk for future decay or bone loss.

Oral pathology and oral cancer diagnosis

Oral cancer is on the rise, and it is increasingly linked to HPV infections. If you’re showing symptoms of oral cancer, our periodontist will take tissue samples for lab analysis and diagnosis. If oral cancer is diagnosed, our periodontist will review your treatment options with you.

We are committed to your good oral health and your comfort during treatment. Our periodontist is trained and experienced providing a variety of sedation options, including nitrous oxide (laughing gas). We’ll go over your sedation options during your consultation with our periodontist.

Call Us for an Appointment with a Gum Disease Specialist

Having healthy gums is essential for a healthy smile and a healthy body. We can help you regain your good oral health. Simply call us at (239) 243-9002 to book a consultation with our skilled periodontist in Fort Myers. At Dental Specialty Center of Fort Myers we look forward to working together with you to bring back your healthy, happy smile.