Treatment & Maintenance FAQs
Proudly serving the DFW Metroplex with statewide availability across Texas
Patient FAQ’s
Periodontal (Gum) Disease & Treatment
We know gum disease and its treatments can feel confusing. Here are answers to the most common questions we hear from patients—so you feel informed, confident, and ready to make the best choice for your health.
What is periodontal (gum) disease?
Periodontal disease is a chronic infection of the gums and bone that support your teeth. It is caused by bacteria but also influenced by factors such as genetics, overall health, and lifestyle. If untreated, it can lead to tooth loss and affect your overall health.
How do I know if I have gum disease?
Common symptoms include bleeding gums, swelling, tenderness, bad breath, gum recession, loose teeth, and changes in your bite. However, gum disease can also be “silent,” which is why professional evaluations are so important.
Is gum disease genetic?
Yes. Genetics can increase your risk of developing gum disease, even with good brushing and flossing habits. If gum problems run in your family, early prevention and monitoring are especially important.
What is Periodontal Endoscope Therapy (PET)?
PET is an advanced, minimally invasive treatment that uses a tiny camera with magnification to see below the gumline and thoroughly clean the roots of teeth. It allows for surgical-level precision without the need for cutting or stitches.
How is PET different from a “deep cleaning”?
A deep cleaning, or scaling and root planing (SRP), is performed without visibility below the gumline. PET is essentially a guided deep cleaning, where we can actually see and target the bacteria and calculus. This makes it more precise, effective, and comfortable.
Do I still need surgery if I have PET?
Not always. Many patients who might have been referred for surgery can stabilize their gum health with PET. While surgery may still be needed in severe cases, PET offers a much less invasive option to try first.
Is PET painful?
Most patients find PET to be comfortable. Local anesthesia is used as needed, and because it’s minimally invasive, healing is typically quicker and easier compared to surgery.
Is PET covered by insurance?
Our partnering referral offices are experienced in working with insurance providers and will help you understand your benefits, so you receive the best possible discount based on your coverage.
How much does PET cost compared to periodontal surgery?
PET is often thousands of dollars cheaper than traditional surgery at a specialist’s office. It provides advanced results without the added expense, downtime, and discomfort of surgery.
Why should I choose your office for treatment?
We specialize in advanced, non-surgical periodontal therapy. Our focus is on precision, comfort, and affordability—helping you preserve your natural
teeth, improve your overall health, and reduce the likelihood of needing surgery.
Melanie’s passion for periodontal care began while working in a periodontal specialty office, where she was trained on the dental endoscope. Experiencing firsthand how powerful this technology was in improving treatment outcomes, she felt called to share it beyond specialty offices.
Her goal is to make this advanced, minimally invasive treatment option available to more patients and practices—helping stabilize periodontal disease, reduce the need for invasive surgery, and keep care cost-effective.
Book Now
A Patient-Centered Approach
Melanie believes that every patient deserves access to effective, comfortable, and affordable periodontal treatment. By bringing the dental endoscope directly into general dental offices, she helps practices provide surgical-level precision in a non-surgical setting—giving patients the best chance to save their teeth and improve their overall health.