Gum Disease Treatment in Winter Park, FL
Nearly half of adults have some form of gum disease — and most don’t know until it’s advanced. At Smile Center of Orlando, Dr. Rezkalla and Dr. Altomare detect periodontal issues early and treat them before they cost you teeth, bone, or expensive surgery. The earlier we catch it, the simpler the fix.
The Earlier We Catch It, the Simpler the Fix
Gum disease starts silently. By the time you notice loose teeth or pain, you’re already several stages in. The good news: early-stage gum disease (gingivitis) is fully reversible with a deep cleaning and improved home care — and even mild periodontitis responds well to scaling and root planing without surgery.
At every cleaning visit, we measure gum pocket depths (the gap between your gum and tooth) and chart bleeding spots. Pockets deeper than 4mm signal periodontal disease. We catch it on the chart before you notice it in the mirror — and we explain exactly where you are on the progression scale, with no scare tactics.
If you’re due for a cleaning, see our new patient process or call us at (407) 678-8848.
Periodontal Care at Smile Center of Orlando
From early detection through deep cleaning and maintenance, we treat gum disease at the stage that matches your case — and refer to a periodontist when surgery is the right call.
Periodontal Assessment
Gum pocket measurement, bleeding-point chart, X-ray bone-loss check, and a clear staging conversation — so you know exactly where you are and what comes next.
Deep Cleaning (Scaling & Root Planing)
The gold-standard non-surgical treatment for mild-to-moderate periodontitis. We remove plaque and tartar from below the gum line and smooth the tooth roots to help gums reattach. Done with local anesthetic — comfortable and effective.
Antimicrobial Treatment
Targeted antimicrobials (chlorhexidine rinse, localized antibiotic gels) placed directly into deep pockets to clear infection-causing bacteria — paired with scaling for tougher cases.
Maintenance Cleanings
Once you’ve been treated, we recommend 3–4 month maintenance intervals (instead of standard 6-month) to keep periodontal pockets stable. We track every appointment so you can see your progress over time.
Periodontist Referral & Coordination
For advanced gum disease requiring surgery (gum grafts, pocket reduction, bone grafting), we refer to trusted periodontists in the area and coordinate your follow-up maintenance once they’re done.
At-Home Care Coaching
Treatment in our office is only half the fight. We teach proper brushing technique, flossing or water-flosser use, and which products actually help — so home care between visits matches the in-office work.
Gentle, Honest Periodontal Care
Our general dentists treat gum disease as a long-term partnership — not a one-time procedure. We track your progress and tell you straight what’s working.
Dr. Rezkalla focuses on prevention first — catching periodontal issues at the earliest signs and partnering with patients on the home-care habits that keep gum disease from progressing. She’s known for explaining clearly and never scaring patients into unnecessary treatment.
Dr. Altomare has been managing periodontal cases for Winter Park patients for over two decades. He’s methodical about charting and follow-up — so patients can actually see their gum health improving cleaning by cleaning.
Catch It Early. Treat It Right.
Early Detection at Every Cleaning
Pocket measurements and bleeding charts at every visit — we spot gum disease in stage 1 when it’s still reversible, not stage 3 when it’s costly to fix.
Clear Staging Conversation
You’ll know exactly which stage you’re in, what we’re doing, and what comes next. No scare tactics, no surprise treatment plans.
Honest About Specialist Referral
We treat what general dentists treat. For severe periodontitis, gum grafts, or pocket reduction surgery, we send you to a board-certified periodontist — and coordinate the follow-up.
Gum Disease FAQs
What is gum disease?
Gum disease (periodontal disease) is a chronic bacterial infection of the tissues that support your teeth — gums, ligaments, and jawbone. It starts as gingivitis (red, bleeding gums, fully reversible) and can progress to periodontitis (bone loss, pocket formation, loose teeth) if untreated.
Is gum disease reversible?
Gingivitis (stage 1) is fully reversible with a professional cleaning and improved home care. Once it progresses to periodontitis (stages 2+), bone loss starts — and that’s not reversible. We can stabilize and control it, but we can’t grow new bone without surgery. That’s why early detection matters.
How is gum disease treated?
Treatment depends on stage. Gingivitis: professional cleaning + improved home care. Mild-to-moderate periodontitis: scaling and root planing (deep cleaning below the gum line) plus 3–4 month maintenance visits. Severe: referral to a periodontist for possible gum grafts, pocket reduction, or bone grafting surgery.
Does scaling and root planing hurt?
We use local anesthetic, so the procedure itself is comfortable. Mild soreness for 1–2 days afterward is normal. Patients often say it feels less invasive than expected — and most see less bleeding and fresher breath within a week.
How often should I get a periodontal cleaning?
If you’ve had treatment for periodontitis, we typically recommend every 3–4 months rather than the standard 6-month interval. The shorter cycle keeps bacteria from re-colonizing the pockets. Most PPO insurance plans cover periodontal maintenance — we verify benefits before booking.
Do I need a periodontist?
For early to moderate gum disease, no — general dentists like Dr. Rezkalla and Dr. Altomare manage it routinely. For severe cases (deep pockets > 6mm, significant bone loss, gum grafting needs, or pocket reduction surgery), we refer to a board-certified periodontist. We coordinate your maintenance cleanings here once specialist treatment is complete.
Get a Gum Health Check Before It Costs You
Book a periodontal exam at Smile Center of Orlando. We’ll measure, stage, and give you a clear plan — no scare tactics, no upsells.
Book Your Gum Exam