Evaluation
Dr. Shah performs a full periodontal chart — probing all six surfaces of every tooth to measure pocket depths and identify bone loss on x-rays.
Gum Disease Treatment in Lake Mary, FL
Protect Your Smile from the Inside Out
Treatment Time:60–90 minutes per quadrant
Sessions Needed:2–4 appointments typical
Anesthesia:Local anesthetic used
Recovery:Mild soreness 1–3 days
Maintenance:Every 3–4 months after treatment
The Problem
Silent, Progressive, and Preventable
Gum Disease Rarely Announces Itself
Periodontal disease starts quietly. Bacteria accumulate below the gum line, triggering inflammation that most patients mistake for normal sensitivity. Over time, the infection destroys the bone and connective tissue anchoring your teeth. By the time bleeding, swelling, or looseness become obvious, significant damage has already occurred. Left untreated, gum disease is the primary driver of adult tooth loss — and has been linked to systemic conditions including heart disease and diabetes.
At Enclave Dental, Dr. Shah uses thorough periodontal evaluations at every hygiene visit to catch disease early. When active infection is present, scaling and root planing removes calculus and biofilm from deep pockets, allowing your tissue to heal and reattach. Ongoing periodontal maintenance keeps bacteria counts low so the disease doesn't return. Our goal is to stop progression, preserve your natural teeth, and protect your overall health — not just your smile.
Understanding Periodontal Care
What Is Gum Disease Treatment?
From Gingivitis to Advanced Periodontitis
Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection of the gums and supporting bone. It progresses in stages — starting with gingivitis (reversible gum inflammation) and advancing to periodontitis, where pockets deepen, bone recedes, and teeth become unstable. The primary treatment for active periodontal disease is scaling and root planing (SRP), a deep-cleaning procedure that removes bacterial biofilm and calcified tartar from root surfaces below the gum line, smoothing the root to discourage future bacterial attachment and allow tissue reattachment.
SRP is typically performed in quadrants under local anesthetic. Following active therapy, patients transition to periodontal maintenance — a more frequent hygiene schedule (every 3–4 months) designed to disrupt bacterial colonies before they can re-establish deep-pocket infections. In cases where pocket depths remain elevated despite thorough non-surgical treatment, Dr. Shah may refer for surgical periodontal therapy or laser gum treatment.
Treatment Timeline
Evaluation
Comprehensive periodontal charting at your first visit
Active Treatment
SRP over 2–4 appointments (one quadrant per visit)
Re-evaluation
4–6 weeks post-SRP to assess tissue response
Maintenance
Every 3–4 months ongoing to prevent recurrence
Why Treat Gum Disease 
Benefits of Periodontal Treatment
More Than Just Healthy Gums
- 01
Preserve Natural Teeth
Stop bone loss before it leads to extractions and costly replacements
- 02
Fresher Breath
Eliminate the deep-pocket bacteria responsible for chronic bad breath
- 03
Systemic Health Link
Reduced periodontal inflammation is associated with improved cardiovascular and glycemic health
- 04
Comfortable Gums
Resolve bleeding, swelling, and sensitivity so eating and brushing feel normal again
- 05
Stable Foundation for Restorations
Healthy gum tissue is essential before placing crowns, implants, or bridges
Periodontal Treatments Compared
Choosing the Right Approach
| Treatment | Target | Invasiveness | Anesthesia | Sessions | Recovery | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scaling & Root Planing | Biofilm + calculus below gum line | Non-surgical | Local anesthetic | 2–4 visits | 1–3 days soreness | Moderate periodontitis (4–6mm pockets) |
| Surgical Periodontal Treatment | Deep pockets + bone defects | Surgical | Local ± sedation | 1–2 procedures | 1–2 weeks | Advanced periodontitis (>6mm pockets) |
| Laser Gum Therapy | Diseased tissue + bacteria | Minimally invasive | Local anesthetic | 1–2 visits | Minimal | Mild-to-moderate disease or maintenance adjunct |
Is This Right for You?
Who Is a Good Candidate for Periodontal Treatment?
Recognizing the Signs of Gum Disease
Periodontal treatment is appropriate for anyone with active gum disease or a history of periodontal infection requiring ongoing management. The earlier treatment begins, the better the outcome — many patients treated at the gingivitis or early periodontitis stage achieve full resolution without surgery.
Ideal Candidates for Periodontal Care
- Adults with bleeding, swollen, or receding gums at any stage
- Patients with pocket depths of 4mm or greater on periodontal charting
- Smokers and tobacco users, who face significantly elevated disease risk
- Diabetic patients, whose blood sugar control is closely linked to gum health
- Anyone with a family history of periodontal disease or early tooth loss
- Patients preparing for implants, crowns, or other restorations who need a healthy gum foundation
- Pregnant women, as hormonal changes increase gum disease susceptibility
Who Should Discuss Alternatives or Timing
- Patients on blood thinners should disclose medications before deep cleaning
- Those with active oral infections unrelated to periodontitis may need treatment sequencing
- Patients with severe gum recession may require a periodontist referral for surgical grafting
- Anyone with known allergies to local anesthetics should discuss anesthesia alternatives with Dr. Shah
Dr. Shah reviews your full medical history before recommending any periodontal therapy. If your condition exceeds non-surgical scope, we will coordinate a referral to a trusted local periodontist.
Your Experience
Your Periodontal Treatment at Enclave Dental
Anesthesia
Dr. Shah administers local anesthetic to the treatment quadrant so you remain completely comfortable throughout deep cleaning.
Scaling
Using ultrasonic and hand instruments, Dr. Shah removes calculus, biofilm, and hardened deposits from root surfaces deep below the gum line.
Root Planing
Dr. Shah smooths root surfaces to eliminate bacterial toxins and create a clean environment that promotes tissue reattachment and healing.
Re-evaluation & Maintenance
Four to six weeks post-treatment, Dr. Shah re-charts pocket depths and establishes your personalized 3-to-4-month maintenance schedule.
Safety & Risks
Side Effects and Safety
What to Know Before Treatment
Scaling and root planing is one of the most well-studied and safe procedures in dentistry. Because it is non-surgical, recovery is typically minimal. Most patients experience temporary sensitivity to cold and pressure for several days as exposed root surfaces adjust following calculus removal. Mild gum soreness and slight swelling are normal in the days immediately after treatment and resolve quickly with standard aftercare.
Less common but possible side effects include:
- Increased sensitivity: Root surfaces exposed after calculus removal may respond to temperature changes for days to weeks. Desensitizing toothpaste helps manage this.
- Minor bleeding: Some patients notice light bleeding at the treated sites for 24–48 hours post-appointment.
- Gum recession appearance: As inflamed tissue reduces to a healthier, tighter state, gums may appear to have receded slightly — this is actually a sign of healing, not additional recession.
- Temporary tooth sensitivity: Especially to sweets or acidic foods in the first week following treatment.
Serious complications from SRP are rare. Dr. Shah reviews your medical history — including blood thinners, bisphosphonates, and immune-suppressing medications — before treatment to minimize any risk. If infection is severe, a short course of antibiotics may be prescribed to support healing. All concerns are addressed at your consultation appointment before any treatment begins.
Cost of Gum Disease Treatment in Lake Mary
Transparent Pricing and Financing Options
The cost of periodontal treatment at Enclave Dental in Lake Mary depends on the severity of gum disease, the number of quadrants treated, and whether adjunctive therapies are needed. Below are typical ranges to help you plan.
| Service | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Periodontal Evaluation & Charting | Included with new patient exam |
| Full-Mouth Scaling & Root Planing (4 quadrants) | $800–$1,600 |
| Single-Quadrant SRP | $200–$400 per quadrant |
| Periodontal Maintenance Visit | $150–$250 per visit |
| Localized Antibiotic Placement | $50–$100 per site |
Most dental insurance plans cover scaling and root planing at 50–80% after deductible when periodontal disease is clinically documented. Periodontal maintenance visits are often covered at a different benefit level than standard hygiene cleanings — our team will verify your benefits before treatment and walk you through your out-of-pocket estimate.
Enclave Dental accepts most major PPO dental insurance plans. For patients without insurance or with coverage gaps, we offer flexible financing through Cherry, Sunbit, and CareCredit, plus in-office payment plans. Untreated gum disease leads to tooth loss, bone grafting, and implant costs that far exceed the cost of early non-surgical treatment — protecting your gum health now is the most cost-effective choice you can make for your long-term dental health.
To get an accurate cost estimate for your specific condition, schedule a periodontal evaluation at our Lake Mary office or call us at (407) 323-1010.
Why Enclave Dental
Why Choose Enclave Dental for Gum Care
Comprehensive Periodontal Care in Lake Mary
Early Detection Protocol
Full periodontal charting at every hygiene appointment to catch disease at its most treatable stage
Comfortable Deep Cleaning
Local anesthetic and gentle technique make scaling and root planing tolerable even for anxious patients
Personalized Maintenance Plans
We tailor your recall schedule to your disease risk — 3 or 4 months — not a one-size-fits-all interval
Systemic Health Partnership
We coordinate with your physician when periodontal disease intersects with diabetes, heart disease, or pregnancy
Explore More
All Services
More Dental Services in Lake Mary
Preventive Dentistry
Restorative Dentistry
Cosmetic Dentistry
Gum Disease Treatment FAQs
Your Questions Answered
01 What is gum disease and how do I know if I have it?
Gum disease (periodontal disease) is a bacterial infection of the gums and bone supporting your teeth. Common signs include bleeding when brushing, red or swollen gums, persistent bad breath, gum recession, and loose teeth. However, many patients have no symptoms at all in early stages — which is why Dr. Shah measures pocket depths at every hygiene visit to detect it before you feel it.
02 What are the stages of gum disease?
Gum disease progresses through four stages: Gingivitis (Stage I) — inflammation with no bone loss, fully reversible; Early Periodontitis (Stage II) — bone loss begins, pockets 4–5mm; Moderate Periodontitis (Stage III) — significant bone and attachment loss, pockets 6mm+; Advanced Periodontitis (Stage IV) — severe bone loss, tooth mobility, risk of tooth loss. Scaling and root planing addresses Stages I–III effectively without surgery.
03 Can gum disease be reversed?
Gingivitis, the earliest stage, is completely reversible with professional cleaning and improved home care. Once the disease advances to periodontitis with bone loss, it cannot be fully reversed — but it can be arrested and managed. Scaling and root planing stops active infection, and consistent periodontal maintenance prevents recurrence, allowing patients to keep their teeth for decades despite a history of periodontal disease.
04 What is scaling and root planing?
Scaling and root planing (SRP) is a non-surgical deep-cleaning procedure performed under local anesthetic. Scaling removes bacterial deposits and hardened calculus from root surfaces below the gum line. Root planing smooths those surfaces to remove toxins and discourage future bacterial attachment. The goal is to eliminate active infection and create conditions for gum tissue to reattach to the root, reducing pocket depth.
05 How much does gum disease treatment cost in Lake Mary, FL?
Full-mouth scaling and root planing at Enclave Dental typically ranges from $800–$1,600 depending on disease severity and number of quadrants. Most PPO dental insurance plans cover SRP at 50–80% when disease is clinically documented. Periodontal maintenance visits typically run $150–$250. Our team verifies your benefits before treatment so you have a clear out-of-pocket estimate. Call (407) 323-1010 for a personalized quote.
06 Can periodontal disease be cured permanently?
Periodontal disease is a chronic condition — like hypertension, it can be controlled but not cured. Once you have had periodontitis, you are always at higher risk of recurrence. The good news is that with regular 3-to-4-month periodontal maintenance at Enclave Dental, most patients successfully suppress the disease and keep their teeth for life. Skipping maintenance appointments is the most common reason periodontal disease returns.
Location3232 W Lake Mary Blvd, STE 1400
Lake Mary, FL, 32746
Lake Mary, FL, 32746
Emailinfo@enclave.dental
Phone(407) 323-1010
Ready to Start?
Schedule Your Periodontal Care Consultation
References
- PubMed (PMID: 19722792) — Scaling and root planing significantly reduces pocket depth and clinical attachment loss in chronic periodontitis patients compared to supragingival cleaning alone.
- PubMed (PMID: 22325407) — Meta-analysis confirming that periodontal maintenance intervals of 3 months significantly reduce disease recurrence compared to 6-month intervals in treated periodontitis patients.
- PubMed (PMID: 23701886) — Bidirectional relationship between periodontal disease and type 2 diabetes: periodontal treatment improves glycemic control as measured by HbA1c reduction.
- PubMed (PMID: 14977566) — Association between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease; periodontal pathogens identified in atherosclerotic plaques, supporting systemic inflammatory link.
- PubMed (PMID: 17301581) — Gingivitis is fully reversible with professional debridement and improved oral hygiene; no bone loss occurs at the gingivitis stage, underscoring the value of early intervention.