Why choose us
Benefits of Gum Disease Treatment
Healthier, Calmer Gums
We clean below the gumline with scaling and root planing to help reduce bleeding, swelling, and tenderness.
Protect Your Natural Teeth
Treating gum disease early helps us preserve the support around your teeth so you can keep your smile.
Care Matched to Need
From deep cleanings to gingivectomy, gum grafting, and bone grafting, we choose options that fit your gums' condition.
Ongoing Gum Support
Our dental hygienist provides periodontal maintenance visits to help keep your results on track.
Flexible Payment Options
We accept all major PPO insurance plans and welcome self-pay patients, and no referral is needed for gum care.
If you've noticed a little pink in the sink after brushing, gums that look puffy or tender, or a bad taste that lingers no matter how often you rinse, your gums may be asking for attention. These early signs are easy to dismiss, but they're often the first clues that gum disease is developing. At Family Dental Care in West Palm Beach, we help patients understand what's happening below the gumline and choose a treatment path that fits their needs, whether the concern is brand new or has been building for years.
Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. It usually begins when plaque and hardened tartar collect along and beneath the gumline. In its earliest stage, often called gingivitis, the gums may look red or bleed easily. As it progresses, the gums can begin to pull away from the teeth and form pockets where bacteria settle in. Over time, this can affect the supporting bone.
Gum disease treatment helps a wide range of people. Some patients come to us after a routine cleaning reveals deeper pockets than expected. Others are adults who haven't seen a dentist in a while and want a fresh start. Some notice that their teeth feel loose or look longer than they used to. Others are planning restorative work, such as crowns, bridges, or dental implants, and need a healthy foundation first. Wherever you're starting from, our goal is to meet you there without judgment.
Every gum treatment plan starts with a thorough dental exam, where we evaluate your gums, measure pocket depths, and look at the overall health of your mouth. For many patients, the core of treatment is scaling and root planing, a deep cleaning that removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smooths the root surfaces so the gums have a better chance to reattach and heal. Our dental hygienist and dentists work together on this care.
When gum disease has caused more significant changes, we have additional options in our office. Depending on your situation, these may include a gingivectomy to remove diseased gum tissue, gum grafting to address recession, bone grafting to rebuild support, or crown lengthening. If anxiety makes dental visits difficult, ask us about oral sedation. You also don't need a referral to schedule periodontal care with us.
Caring for Your Gums After Treatment
Healing continues after you leave our office. In the days following a deep cleaning, your gums may feel tender, and your teeth may be more sensitive than usual. We'll explain what to expect and how to care for your mouth at home. Gentle, consistent brushing and cleaning between your teeth are among the most important steps you can take to protect the progress you've made.
Because gum disease can return if bacteria are allowed to build up again, many patients benefit from ongoing periodontal maintenance. These visits are more focused than a standard cleaning and let us monitor your pocket depths over time. Your aftercare plan might include:
- Scheduled periodontal maintenance visits with our dental hygienist
- Regular exams to track the health of your gums and supporting bone
- Personalized guidance on brushing and cleaning between teeth
- Coordination with any restorative or implant care you're planning
Results vary from person to person, and we'll be honest with you about what your exams show at each visit. Our role is to give you clear information and steady support so you can make confident decisions about your oral health.
When Gum Health Connects to Bigger Goals
For some patients, treating gum disease is the first step toward a larger plan. If you've lost teeth or are considering replacements, healthy gums matter. Our office places dental implants and provides implant maintenance, along with implant-supported bridges and dentures. We also offer complete and partial dentures for patients who prefer those options.
Gum health also plays a role in cosmetic goals. Gum contouring and crown lengthening can help shape a more balanced smile once the tissues are healthy. Because we provide integrative, multidisciplinary care under one roof, Dr. Michael Westcott and Dr. Sujay Trivedi can help coordinate these steps so your treatment feels connected rather than scattered.
Insurance, Payment, and Peace of Mind
We know cost is part of every healthcare decision. Family Dental Care accepts all major PPO insurance plans, and we're happy to review your coverage with you before treatment begins so there are fewer surprises along the way.
If you don't have dental insurance, we welcome self-pay patients as well. Our team will walk you through your treatment plan and answer questions about what each phase involves, so you can plan with clarity.
Your gums deserve attention long before they become painful. Whether you live in West Palm Beach, Palm Beach, or Palm Beach Gardens, we'd be glad to take a closer look and talk through your options. Reach out to our office to schedule your visit. We look forward to helping you feel confident about your smile again.
The process
What to expect
- 1
Exam and Evaluation
We examine your teeth and gums, check for signs of gum disease, and talk through what we find.
- 2
Personalized Gum Treatment
We clean away buildup with scaling and root planing and recommend added care, such as grafting, if needed.
- 3
Maintenance and Follow-Up
We schedule periodontal maintenance visits and share home-care tips to help keep your gums healthy.