Gum care
Gum Disease Treatment in Huntersville, NC
Find gum disease early, treat it, and keep it under control.
Gum disease (periodontal disease) is an infection and inflammation of the gums and the bone that holds your teeth. It starts as gingivitis, which can be reversed, and can progress to periodontitis, which can loosen teeth. At Kreeb Family Dentistry in Huntersville, treatment depends on the stage: a professional cleaning, a deep cleaning called scaling and root planing, laser care for the gums, and regular maintenance visits.
At a glance
- Who it affectsAbout 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women 30 years or older had some level of periodontitis (CDC)
- First stepA gum exam: your dentist or hygienist measures the pockets around each tooth
- Main treatments hereCleaning for gingivitis, scaling and root planing, soft-tissue diode laser care, maintenance visits
- ComfortDeep cleanings are done with local anesthetic; ask about comfort options
- After treatmentBleeding and tenderness of the gums should go away within 3 to 4 weeks
- Advanced casesWe may refer you to a periodontist (a gum specialist)
- InsuranceCoverage varies by plan; call us for insurance details
Treatments
Explore periodontal disease treatments
Periodontal Surgery and Maintenance
Keep gum disease under control after treatment, with visits planned around your risk.
What are the signs of gum disease?
The early signs are red, swollen gums that bleed when you brush or floss. The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) notes that gum disease is often silent, so symptoms may not show until it is advanced. That is why regular checkups matter.
Signs to watch for:
- Red, swollen or tender gums
- Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
- Gums pulling away from the teeth, so teeth look longer
- Loose or sensitive teeth, or pain when chewing
- Bad breath that does not go away
- Pus between the teeth and gums
- A change in your bite, or in how a partial denture fits
If you notice any of these, book a gum exam. Bleeding gums are not normal, even if they do not hurt.
What causes gum disease, and who is at risk?
Plaque causes it. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria. If it is not removed every day, it can harden into tartar, which only a dental professional can remove. The bacteria trigger inflammation that damages the gums and, over time, the bone.
The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) names smoking as the most significant risk factor. Other risks include:
- Diabetes
- Older age and genetics
- Some medicines, and stress
- Hormone changes, such as pregnancy or menopause
- Grinding or clenching your teeth, or crooked teeth that are hard to clean
What are the stages of gum disease?
Gum disease moves from mild to severe. Your dentist finds the stage by measuring the space between each tooth and the gum with a small ruler called a periodontal probe. In a healthy mouth these pockets are about 1 to 3 millimeters deep. Deeper pockets and bone loss on X-rays point to a later stage.
| Stage | What is happening | Can it be reversed? |
|---|---|---|
| Gingivitis | Plaque irritates the gums. They turn red, swell and bleed easily, and it may not hurt. | Yes, with a professional cleaning and good care at home |
| Periodontitis | Plaque spreads below the gum line. The inflammation breaks down the tissue and bone that hold the teeth, and pockets form. | Treatment can control the infection |
| Advanced periodontitis | More bone is lost. Teeth can loosen, shift or need to be removed. | Treatment aims to save the teeth that can be saved; surgery may be needed |
Swipe the table sideways to see every column.
Periodontitis is also classified by stage (how severe) and grade (how fast it is progressing). Your dentist will explain where you are and what that means for treatment.
How is gum disease treated at Kreeb Family Dentistry?
Treatment matches the stage. The goal is to control the infection. Here is what each step involves.
Gingivitis: a professional cleaning
Caught early, gingivitis can be treated with a dental cleaning. The hygienist removes plaque and tartar so the gums can heal, and shows you how to brush and floss to keep them healthy.
Periodontitis: scaling and root planing (deep cleaning)
Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning below the gum line. It has two parts:
- Scaling. Plaque, tartar and bacteria are removed from the tooth and root surfaces below the gums.
- Root planing. The root surfaces are smoothed so plaque and bacteria are less likely to stick again.
The area is numbed with local anesthetic first. Your dentist may also prescribe a medicated mouth rinse.
Laser care for the gums
When gum disease is more advanced, our dentists may use a soft-tissue diode laser to treat infected gum tissue while leaving healthy tissue in place. The AAP reports that laser treatment has shown similar results to some other non-surgical treatments. Your dentist will explain how the laser fits into your treatment.
Advanced periodontitis: referral to a periodontist
Some advanced cases need gum surgery to clean deep pockets or rebuild lost bone. If you have advanced gum disease, we may refer you to a periodontist, a dentist with specialty training in the gums, for further treatment recommendations. We stay your family dentist and keep caring for the rest of your mouth.
After treatment: maintenance visits
Gum disease can be controlled, but it can come back. The AAP says the majority of patients will require ongoing maintenance therapy after treatment. These visits are more frequent than a standard cleaning. Read more on our gum disease maintenance and laser therapy page.
Does gum disease treatment hurt?
A deep cleaning is done with local anesthetic, so the area is numb. You may feel pressure and vibration. Tell us if anything is uncomfortable. If you feel nervous, ask about comfort options when you book.
Afterward, your gums may feel tender for a while. MedlinePlus notes that bleeding and tenderness of the gums should go away within 3 to 4 weeks of treatment.
What happens if gum disease is not treated?
Untreated gum disease can keep destroying the bone around your teeth. Possible results include:
- A gum or tooth abscess (a pocket of infection)
- Teeth that loosen, shift or flare out
- Tooth loss
- The disease returning after treatment if care stops
Doing nothing is a choice, but untreated gum disease can spread to the bone that supports the teeth. If teeth are lost, replacing them is a larger job; see dental implants.
How much does gum disease treatment cost?
The cost depends on the stage and how much of the mouth needs treatment. What drives it:
The type of treatment
a regular cleaning, scaling and root planing, laser care or a specialist referral
How many areas
of the mouth need a deep cleaning
X-rays
and the gum exam
How often
you need maintenance visits afterward
Insurance coverage for gum treatment varies by plan. Call us for insurance details, and ask about payment options on our insurance and payment page.
Why patients choose Kreeb Family Dentistry for gum care
Gum checks at your exams
Your dentist or hygienist checks the health of your gums so problems can be found early, when a cleaning may be enough.
Laser care in the office
We use a soft-tissue diode laser for gum treatment.
An honest referral when you need one
Advanced cases go to a periodontist, and we keep looking after the rest of your mouth.
Three family dentists
Our dentists see patients of all ages.
Early hours
The office opens at 7:00 AM, Monday to Friday.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Still wondering about something? Call us and our team will help.
Can gum disease be reversed?
Gingivitis, the earliest stage, can be reversed with a professional cleaning and good brushing and flossing at home. Periodontitis is different: treatment can control the infection and help you keep your teeth.
Why do my gums bleed when I brush?
Bleeding gums are one of the first signs of gum disease. Plaque along the gum line irritates the gums and makes them bleed easily. Keep brushing and flossing gently, and book an exam. A cleaning may be all you need if it is caught early.
What is a deep cleaning?
A deep cleaning is scaling and root planing. It removes plaque and tartar from below the gum line and smooths the roots so bacteria are less likely to stick. It is done with local anesthetic. It goes further below the gums than a regular cleaning.
Is gum disease linked to smoking or diabetes?
Yes. NIDCR names smoking as the most significant risk factor for gum disease, and lists diabetes as another risk. Smoking can also make treatment work less well. If you smoke or have diabetes, tell your dentist so your plan and visit schedule fit your risk.
Do you treat gum disease with a laser?
Yes. Our dentists use a soft-tissue diode laser for gum treatment when it is right for your case. The AAP reports results similar to some other non-surgical treatments. Your dentist will explain whether it fits your stage of gum disease.
Will I need to see a specialist?
Gum care, from cleanings to deep cleanings and maintenance, starts with your family dentist. If you have advanced gum disease, we may refer you to a periodontist for further treatment recommendations. We explain why and what to expect before any referral.
Book a gum exam in Huntersville
If your gums bleed, feel sore or look like they are pulling away, book a visit. A gum exam shows the stage and the next step.