Gum disease may start quietly. At first, you may notice your gums feel tender or bleed when you brush and floss. Then, your gums become inflamed and start to pull away from your teeth. Gum disease is one of the top reasons for tooth loss in adults, and because initial symptoms are virtually painless, many patients do not know they have this condition until it has significantly progressed! Our skilled, caring dental team at Charlotte Dental Arts offers the highly effective, minimally invasive treatments you need to keep gum disease in Charlotte, NC under control and maintain proper oral health for years to come. Contact us at the first appearance of symptoms!
Gum disease is caused by a buildup of plaque (a sticky form of bacteria that forms on the teeth). If the plaque is not removed by flossing, brushing, and regular dental checkups, it will continue to build up and create toxins that can damage the gums. Periodontal disease forms just below the gum line and creates small pockets that separate the gums from the teeth. Early stages of gum disease (gingivitis) are characterized by red and swollen gums that bleed easily. At this stage, the disease is treatable and can usually be eliminated by daily brushing and flossing. If left untreated, gingivitis will advance into periodontitis, and the gums and bone that support the teeth will become seriously and irreversibly damaged. Gums infected with periodontitis can cause teeth to become loose, fall out, or be removed by a dentist.
Professional deep cleaning through scaling and root planing removes bacterial buildup below the gum line, addressing the infection source while promoting tissue healing. This non-surgical approach effectively treats early to moderate gum disease, eliminating tartar deposits and smoothing root surfaces to prevent future bacterial attachment. For advanced cases, we may recommend antibiotic therapy alongside mechanical cleaning to combat persistent infection.
Laser periodontal therapy offers minimally invasive treatment for moderate to severe gum disease, using focused light energy to remove infected tissue while preserving healthy gums. This precise technology reduces bleeding, swelling, and recovery time compared to traditional surgical methods. When gum recession exposes tooth roots, grafting procedures restore protective tissue coverage, preventing sensitivity and further deterioration.
For patients with significant bone loss from advanced periodontitis, tooth extraction and bone grafting may become necessary to eliminate infection sources and prepare for future dental implants. Our comprehensive approach includes bite adjustment to reduce excessive forces contributing to gum problems and custom treatment plans addressing contributing factors like teeth grinding.
Maintenance therapy following active treatment prevents disease recurrence through specialized cleanings every three to four months. These appointments include careful monitoring of pocket depths, thorough bacterial removal, and early intervention for developing issues. For anxious patients, our sedation dentistry options ensure comfortable treatment throughout the healing process. Combined with improved home care techniques and lifestyle modifications, our periodontal treatments restore gum health while preserving your natural teeth whenever possible.
Our experienced dentist, Dr. Edwin Porter, provides multiple treatments for gum disease in Charlotte, NC, depending on the severity of your case and the stage of gum disease you’re in. We’ll begin with a consultation that includes an oral examination. Our dentist will assess your current oral health and provide you with a customized treatment plan that reflects your unique needs. Depending on your treatment and your anxiety level we may offer calming sedation dentistry to guarantee you’re comfortable throughout your visit. With proper treatment, maintenance, and good oral health habits, gum disease doesn’t have to damage your smile again. Most importantly, a smile free from bacteria and infection helps you live an overall healthy lifestyle!
I understand the information disclosed in this form may be subject to re-disclosure and may no longer be protected by HIPAA privacy regulations and the HITECH Act.
