Do your gums bleed when you brush and floss? Are your gums sensitive to temperature? You may be in the early stages of gum disease. Periodontitis, or gum disease, is a bacterial infection that affects the gum tissue. Gum disease begins as gingivitis or gum inflammation. Over time, patients can experience worsening symptoms that lead to gum recession and permanent tooth loss. Our team offers periodontal disease treatment for patients in Raleigh, NC, and the surrounding areas.
Gum disease treatment is part of our restorative dentistry services. Professional gum treatments restore the smile and prevent the spread of bacteria to other parts of the mouth.
Why Get Gum Disease Treatment from Our Raleigh Dentists?
Our dentists at Stonehenge Family and Cosmetic Dentistry provide periodontal treatment with years of experience in general dental care. Dr. Cynthia Elderkin uses her UNC Chapel Hill training and 35+ years of experience to catch problems early, when they’re most treatable. Dr. Elderkin actively participates in a study club with periodontists and other specialists. She learns the latest treatments and provides personalized care for all patients.
Dr. Olivia Smith is a “two-time UNC Tar Heel” with a background in Exercise Science. She understands how gum disease affects your overall health, not just your mouth, and takes a holistic wellness approach to treatment.
Dr. Claudel Giggey brings the latest periodontal techniques from East Carolina School of Dental Medicine. As a member of the Academy of General Dentists and local study clubs, she stays current through regular continuing education.
Our dentists can catch gum disease early through regular checkups, provide continuity of care, and keep treatment convenient in one familiar office.
What Are the Common Signs of Gum Disease?
The most common symptoms of gum inflammation and gum disease include:
- Tender and irritated gum tissue
- Bleeding gums
- Red or purple gum tissue
- Bad breath
- Pus between teeth
- Gum recession
- Deep gum pockets
We recommend that you address gum disease as soon as possible is also better for your long-term oral health. Severe gum disease can lead to tooth loss and bone loss. Patients with untreated gum disease will often need tooth extractions.
The Link Between Gum Disease and Heart Problems
Many people are unaware that gum disease affects not only their mouth but also their entire body. Research shows that the inflammation from infected gums travels through your bloodstream. This inflammation can damage other organs, especially your heart.
When bacteria build up in your gums, they cause chronic inflammation. This inflammation:
- Makes your blood vessels swell and narrow
- Contributes to plaque buildup in arteries
- Increases your risk of blood clots
People with untreated gum disease are much more likely to develop heart attacks, strokes, or heart disease. Dr. Olivia Smith understands the critical connection between gum disease and overall health. Her holistic wellness approach addresses both oral and systemic health. Dr. Smith can help you reduce serious health risks with early gum treatment.
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The Stages of Gum Disease
Gum disease develops in stages and can get worse over time if left untreated. We provide periodontal disease treatments in our Raleigh, NC office based on your stage of gum disease. Understanding these stages can help you catch problems early and protect your smile.
Stage 1: Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease)
Gingivitis is the mildest and most common form of gum disease. At this stage, your gums might look red or swollen and bleed when you brush or floss. The good news is you can reverse gum inflammation with proper brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings. If you notice blood on your toothbrush, don’t ignore it. Schedule a dental checkup.
Stage 2: Early Periodontitis (Mild Gum Disease)
When gingivitis isn’t treated, it can turn into early periodontitis. Bacteria start attacking the bone and fibers that hold your teeth in place. Your gums may begin to pull away from your teeth, forming pockets where more bacteria can grow. A dentist can still treat this stage with deep cleanings (scaling and root planing) to remove plaque and tartar below the gumline.
Stage 3: Moderate Periodontitis
At this point, the infection spreads and causes more bone loss. Your teeth might feel loose, and your gums may recede, making your teeth look longer. Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth often becomes noticeable. Treatment may require special cleanings, antibiotics, or even minor gum surgery to stop the damage.
Stage 4: Advanced Periodontitis (Severe Gum Disease)
This is the most serious stage. The bone and tissues supporting your teeth are badly damaged, which can lead to tooth loss. You might experience pain when chewing, pus around your gums, or teeth shifting out of place. Dentists may recommend surgery, bone grafts, or tooth replacements to restore your mouth.
Periodontal Disease Treatment in Raleigh, NC
If your gums are red, swollen, or bleed when you brush, you might need professional treatment for gum disease. At our Raleigh dental office, we offer deep cleaning treatments to stop gingivitis and periodontitis before they cause serious damage. Here’s how these treatments work and why they help.
What Is Scaling and Root Planing?
Scaling and root planing are specialized cleanings that go deeper than a regular dental visit. They target the harmful bacteria hiding below your gumline.
Scaling removes plaque (sticky bacteria) and tartar (hardened plaque) from the tooth surfaces and underneath the gums. Your hygienist uses gentle and precise tools to clean these areas without harming your gums.
Root planing smooths out rough spots on the tooth roots where bacteria collect. This helps your gums reattach to your teeth properly.
Why Do You Need It?
Even with great brushing and flossing, tartar can build up in hard-to-reach places. If left untreated, this bacteria causes gum inflammation, bone loss, and even tooth loss. Scaling and root planing in our office can:
- Remove infection-causing bacteria
- Reduce gum swelling and bleeding
- Help gums heal and tighten around teeth
- Prevent further damage to teeth and bone
After your deep cleaning, we may recommend:
- Antibacterial rinses to keep bacteria from returning
- More frequent cleanings (every 3-4 months) if you have chronic gum issues
- Improved home care tips to protect your gums long-term
Most patients feel little to no discomfort, especially with our gentle techniques. If your gums are sensitive, we can use numbing gel to keep you comfortable.
How Can I Prevent Gum Disease?
Gum disease might sound scary, but the good news is that it’s mostly preventable with simple daily habits. Here’s how to keep your gums healthy and avoid problems like gingivitis or periodontitis:
Brush the Right Way
Brushing twice a day is your first defense against gum disease. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, and angle the brush toward your gums to clean the plaque away. Gentle circles work best, and don’t scrub too hard. Replace your toothbrush every three months or when the bristles look worn out.
Floss Every Day
Brushing alone can’t reach between teeth where gum disease often starts. Flossing removes hidden plaque and food particles. If regular floss is tricky, try floss picks or a water flosser.
Use Mouthwash
An antibacterial mouthwash can help kill germs that brushing and flossing miss. Look for one with the ADA (American Dental Association) seal. Swish it around for 30 seconds after brushing for extra protection.
Eat a Tooth-Friendly Diet
Sugary snacks and drinks feed the bacteria that cause gum disease. Instead, choose crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples and carrots to help clean your teeth naturally. Foods high in vitamin C, like oranges and bell peppers, also keep gums strong.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Even with great home care, professional cleanings are essential. We remove hardened plaque (tartar) that you can’t brush away. We’ll also catch early signs of gum disease before it becomes serious. Aim for a checkup every six months.
Avoid Smoking
Smoking weakens your immune system and makes gum disease harder to prevent and treat. If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your gums and your overall health.
Long-Term Periodontal Maintenance
Successfully treating gum disease is just the first step. Maintaining healthy gums requires ongoing professional care combined with excellent home hygiene.
After your initial scaling and root planing treatment, Dr. Elderkin, Dr. Smith, or Dr. Giggey will recommend gum maintenance cleanings every 3-4 months. These specialized cleanings:
- Remove bacteria before it causes disease recurrence
- Monitor gum pocket depths
- Catch problems early
- Keep your gums healthy long-term
Once you’ve had gum disease, you’re at higher risk for recurrence. More frequent professional cleanings prevent bacteria from rebuilding to disease-causing levels.
Dr. Elderkin has been caring for Raleigh patients since 1989—many for their entire adult lives. She builds trust with her patients and is committed to your gum health for decades, not just a single treatment.
Address Gum Problems Today
Do you want to restore your gum health? Get gum disease treatment in our Raleigh dental office today by calling 919-295-0936. You may also schedule a dental appointment with us online.