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Protect your smile with periodontal gum disease treatment in Boynton Beach, FL. Advanced care targets infection, reduces inflammation, and helps restore healthy gums for long-term oral health.
Gum disease affects nearly half of adults over 30 and can lead to tooth loss, bone damage, and serious health complications if left untreated. At Boynton Beach Dental Services, Dr. Eliseo Fiffe and Dr. Katiuska McIntosh provide comprehensive preventive dentistry treatments to diagnose and treat periodontal disease at every stage. From early gingivitis to advanced periodontitis, our husband-wife dental team uses proven techniques and advanced technology to restore your gum health and protect your smile. We understand that gum disease often develops without obvious symptoms, which is why we emphasize early detection and personalized treatment plans.
Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection that attacks the gums and bone supporting your teeth. It starts as gingivitis, causing red, swollen, bleeding gums, and can progress to periodontitis, where gums pull away from teeth and bone deteriorates. Many patients don’t realize they have gum disease until it reaches advanced stages because early symptoms are mild and easy to ignore. Dr. Fiffe’s 30+ years of experience and Dr. McIntosh’s 20+ years of clinical practice give them the knowledge to identify warning signs early and create effective treatment strategies. Our practice serves Boynton Beach’s diverse community, including retirees and Spanish-speaking patients, with care delivered in a welcoming, judgment-free environment.
Recognizing the warning signs of periodontal disease helps you seek treatment before significant damage occurs. Healthy gums should be pink, firm, and fit snugly around your teeth. They shouldn’t bleed during routine brushing or flossing.
Common symptoms of gum disease include:
Many patients with early gum disease notice their gums bleed when they brush, but dismiss it as normal or the result of brushing too hard. Bleeding gums are never normal and always signal inflammation or infection. If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule an examination at our Boynton Beach office for a thorough evaluation.
During your examination, we measure the depth of the pockets between your gums and teeth using a small ruler called a probe. Healthy gums have pockets measuring one to three millimeters deep. Pockets measuring four millimeters or deeper indicate gum disease. The deeper the pocket, the more severe the infection.
We use advanced CT imaging technology when necessary to evaluate bone loss around your teeth. This imaging shows us precisely how much bone support remains and helps us plan appropriate treatment. We also assess how much your gums bleed during probing and whether your teeth have any mobility.
Our comprehensive periodontal examination includes checking for other factors that contribute to gum disease. We evaluate your bite to identify areas where teeth don’t align properly, creating spots that are difficult to clean. We review your medical history to identify conditions or medications that affect gum health. We also discuss your oral hygiene routine and provide personalized recommendations for improvement.
For patients with gingivitis or mild to moderate periodontitis, non-surgical treatments effectively control infection and restore gum health.
Scaling and root planing, often called deep cleaning, is the foundation of periodontal therapy. This procedure removes plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line. During scaling, we carefully remove all bacterial deposits from your tooth surfaces and within the periodontal pockets. Root planing smooths the tooth roots, making it harder for bacteria to adhere and easier for gums to reattach. We typically complete this treatment over two to four appointments, treating one section of your mouth at a time while the area is numbed for your comfort.
After scaling and root planing, most patients notice significant improvement within a few weeks. Gums become pinker and firmer, bleeding decreases, and pocket depths reduce. We schedule a follow-up appointment approximately six weeks after treatment to measure your progress and determine if additional intervention is needed.
Some patients benefit from antimicrobial treatments applied directly into periodontal pockets after scaling and root planing. These medications target bacteria that deep cleaning might miss and help reduce pocket depth. We discuss whether antimicrobial therapy would benefit your specific situation.
Research continues to reveal strong links between periodontal disease and systemic health conditions. The bacteria from gum infections can enter your bloodstream and travel throughout your body, triggering inflammation and potentially contributing to other health problems.
Studies show that people with gum disease have a higher risk of heart disease and stroke. The inflammation from periodontal infections may damage blood vessel linings and increase the risk of blood clots. Gum disease also makes diabetes harder to control, as inflammation affects how your body processes blood sugar. Conversely, high blood sugar creates an environment where oral bacteria multiply more easily.
Pregnant women with gum disease face an increased risk of premature birth and low birth weight babies. The inflammatory compounds produced during gum infections may trigger early labor. Treating gum disease during pregnancy improves both maternal and fetal health outcomes.
Emerging research suggests potential connections between gum disease and conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, respiratory disease, and certain cancers. While scientists continue investigating these relationships, the evidence clearly shows that oral health significantly impacts whole-body health.
Our husband-wife dental team approach means you receive comprehensive care informed by decades of combined experience. Dr. Fiffe and Dr. McIntosh collaborate on treatment planning, drawing from their different perspectives to create the most effective solutions for your gum health.
We use the iTero Scanner and advanced CT imaging to precisely diagnose the extent of periodontal disease and monitor your response to treatment. These technologies provide detailed information that helps us customize your care and track improvements over time.
Our practice understands the needs of Boynton Beach’s retirees and active adults over 50. We know that many medications commonly prescribed for conditions like high blood pressure and osteoporosis can affect gum health. We take a comprehensive view of your health history when developing treatment plans. Dr. McIntosh’s fluency in Spanish ensures comfortable communication for patients who prefer to discuss their care in their native language.
Early detection and treatment of gum disease protect your teeth, preserve your jawbone, and support your overall health. Contact us today to schedule a comprehensive periodontal evaluation with Dr. Fiffe and Dr. McIntosh. During this appointment, we’ll assess your gum health, measure pocket depths, and discuss any concerns you have about bleeding, swelling, or other symptoms. We’ll create a personalized treatment plan designed to restore and maintain your gum health.
Our Boynton Beach office welcomes patients from Lake Worth, Lantana, and surrounding communities. We offer flexible appointment times to accommodate your schedule and accept most PPO insurance plans. Learn more about our practice and meet our dental team to discover how our experience and compassionate care can help you achieve optimal oral health.
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