The mirror doesn’t lie, but sometimes it doesn’t tell the whole story either, which is why general dentistry includes comprehensive periodontal care. You might see a bright smile staring back at you each morning, yet beneath the surface, a silent battle could be raging in your gums. Periodontal disease affects over half of American adults, often progressing without warning signs or pain until significant damage has already occurred. By the time bleeding gums or tooth sensitivity appear, the condition may have advanced far beyond what simple brushing and flossing can address.
At JAX Dental Studio, Dr. Charles Poblenz and our caring team understand the frustration and worry that comes with discovering gum disease. We believe every patient deserves comprehensive care that not only treats existing periodontal issues but also prevents future problems from developing. Our preventive dentistry approach combines advanced techniques with gentle, personalized treatment to restore your gums to optimal health and keep your smile strong for years to come.
Gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease, can be reversed and eliminated. But if it’s left untreated, it will cause permanent damage to your mouth, and it will not be possible to completely reverse this damage. This is why early treatment is so important!
To ensure the best outcome, Dr. Poblenz will usually prescribe antibiotics that you’ll take after deep cleanings. You’ll also need to maintain good at-home oral hygiene.
Scaling & root planing (deep cleaning) is the first line of defense against gum disease. To determine if it’s right for you, Dr. Poblenz will need to examine your mouth and check for signs of gum disease.
It takes two appointments to get a deep cleaning, since half of your mouth is cleaned at each consultation. Dr. Poblenz will numb your mouth, then clean deeply between the gums and teeth to eliminate the plaque, tartar, and bacteria that cause gum disease. The process usually takes about two hours.
To ensure the best outcome, Dr. Poblenz will usually prescribe antibiotics that you’ll take after deep cleanings. You’ll also need to maintain good at-home oral hygiene.
Depending on your case, you may need to come back every 3-4 months for periodontal maintenance. This is basically a “mini” deep cleaning.
Comprehensive dental care accessible to all families regardless of insurance type or coverage limitations.
Periodontal disease begins as a whisper before becoming a roar. In its earliest stage, called gingivitis, your gums may appear slightly red or puffy, but you likely won’t experience any discomfort. This deceptive nature makes periodontal disease particularly dangerous because most people remain unaware of the problem until it progresses to more serious stages. The bacterial infection that causes gum disease thrives in the warm, moist environment of your mouth, feeding on food particles and plaque that accumulate along the gumline.
As the condition advances to periodontitis, the infection begins destroying the tissues and bone structures that support your teeth. Deep pockets form between your teeth and gums, creating spaces where bacteria can flourish and cause even more damage. Without proper treatment, these pockets deepen, teeth become loose, and eventual tooth loss becomes inevitable. The tragedy lies in the fact that this progression is often preventable with early detection and appropriate care.
What makes periodontal disease particularly concerning is its connection to your overall health. Research has shown strong links between gum disease and serious conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. When your gums are infected, bacteria and inflammatory substances can enter your bloodstream, potentially affecting other parts of your body. For patients with diabetes, controlling gum disease has been shown to improve blood sugar management, demonstrating the powerful connection between oral and systemic health. The good news is that periodontal disease is highly treatable when caught early, and even advanced cases can be effectively managed with proper care and commitment. Dr. Poblenz takes time to thoroughly evaluate each patient’s unique situation, looking beyond just the symptoms to understand the underlying causes and risk factors contributing to their gum disease.
Every periodontal treatment plan at our Jacksonville practice begins with a thorough assessment of your gums, teeth, and overall oral health.
Dr. Poblenz uses gentle probing techniques to measure pocket depths around each tooth, identifying areas of concern and determining the extent of any damage. This detailed evaluation, combined with digital X-rays when necessary, provides a complete picture of your periodontal health and helps us develop the most effective treatment strategy for your specific needs.
For patients in the early stages of gum disease, non-surgical treatments often produce excellent results. Professional deep cleaning procedures, known as scaling and root planing, remove bacterial deposits and toxins from tooth surfaces both above and below the gumline. This process smooths the root surfaces, making it difficult for bacteria to reattach and allowing your gums to heal naturally. Many patients find this treatment surprisingly comfortable, especially when combined with local anesthesia to ensure complete comfort throughout the procedure.
More advanced cases may require additional interventions to restore gum health and prevent further damage. Modern periodontal therapy includes various techniques designed to regenerate lost tissue and bone, helping to restore the natural architecture of your mouth. Dr. Poblenz stays current with the latest advances in periodontal care, ensuring our patients have access to the most effective treatment options available.
The key to successful periodontal treatment lies not just in the initial therapy but in the ongoing maintenance care that follows. Unlike a cavity that can be filled and forgotten, periodontal disease requires lifelong management to prevent recurrence. This reality might seem overwhelming, but with the right approach and support, maintaining healthy gums becomes a manageable part of your routine.
Effective periodontal maintenance typically includes more frequent professional cleanings than the standard six-month schedule. Your personalized maintenance plan might include:
This comprehensive approach ensures that your investment in periodontal treatment continues paying dividends for years to come, protecting both your smile and your overall health.
If you suspect that you have gum disease, you need periodontal care in Jacksonville. The most common signs of early-stage gum disease (gingivitis) include gum discoloration and swelling, gum tenderness, halitosis (bad breath) and bleeding easily when brushing or flossing.
If you have a more severe case of gum disease, you may also experience symptoms like gum recession which makes your teeth look longer, severe tenderness and sensitivity when you bite and chew, and even a change in how your teeth fit together.
The sooner you get periodontal care to treat your gum disease, the better. Even if it’s not possible to completely eliminate your gum disease, proper care from a dentist will prevent further damage to your teeth and gums, and may allow you to avoid the need for surgical treatment.
So if you recognize the above signs and symptoms and suspect you may have gum disease, don’t wait. Contact JAX Dental Studios right away to get the treatment you need for gingivitis and gum disease in Jacksonville.
This depends on your case, the extent of your gum disease, and when you seek care from a dentist. In some cases, a deep cleaning alone may not be enough to restore your gums. You may require additional treatments like gum flap surgery to clean below your teeth, or gum grafting to restore the health of your gums. Dr. Poblenz can discuss these surgeries in more detail with you at your appointment at JAX Dental Studio.
Your gums deserve the same attention and care you give to the rest of your body, and at JAX Dental Studio, we’re committed to helping you achieve optimal periodontal health. Dr. Poblenz brings extensive training and a gentle touch to every periodontal treatment, combining his expertise with genuine care for each patient’s comfort and well-being.
We understand that dealing with gum disease can feel stressful, which is why we’ve created a welcoming, comfortable environment where you can feel completely at ease. Our periodontal services complement our periodontal treatments, allowing us to address all aspects of your oral health under one roof. We work with most insurance plans and offer flexible financing options to make your periodontal treatment accessible and affordable, because we believe financial concerns should never stand between you and the healthy smile you deserve. Ready to take the first step toward healthier gums and a more confident smile? Call our Jacksonville office at (904) 396-4091 or complete our contact form to schedule your comprehensive periodontal evaluation today.
