Gum Disease
Driftwood Dental Studio diagnoses and treats gum disease (periodontal disease) in Wilmington, NC. We check your gums at every exam. Caught early, it can usually be reversed with better home care and a professional cleaning; once it has progressed, a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) is usually the first step. If gum disease has already cost you teeth, our dentists can replace them with dental implants or dentures.
Bleeding, swollen or receding gums? Call (910) 834-8787 or request an appointment online.
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection of the gums surrounding your teeth. Gum disease is one of the top reasons for tooth loss in adults, and because it is virtually pain-free, many patients do not know they have the disease. During each regular checkup, your dentist will check for signs of periodontal disease by measuring the space between your teeth and gums.
What causes gum disease?
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. Periodontal disease has two stages: gingivitis and periodontitis.
- Gingivitis — This is the early stage of gum disease, when the gums become red and swollen, and bleed easily. At this stage, the disease is treatable and can usually be eliminated by daily brushing and flossing.
- Periodontitis — 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.
Certain factors can increase a patient's risk of developing periodontal disease, including:
- Smoking or using chewing tobacco
- Diabetes
- Certain types of medication such as steroids, anti-epilepsy drugs, cancer therapy drugs, calcium channel blockers, and oral contraceptives
- Bridges that no longer fit properly
- Crooked teeth
- Old fillings
- Pregnancy
While it is possible to have periodontal disease and not know it, some symptoms can include:
- Gums that bleed easily
- Red, swollen, tender gums
- Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
- Persistent bad breath or bad taste
- Pus between your teeth and gums
- Permanent teeth that are loose or separating
- Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
- Any change in the fit of partial dentures
Treating Gum Disease
Treatments for gum disease can vary depending on the severity of each individual case. Typical treatments include:
- Non-surgical treatments such as at-home periodontal trays, and scaling and root planing (deep cleaning)
- Periodontal surgery and laser gum surgery
- Dental implants
Preventing Gum Disease
Regular dental checkups and periodontal examinations are important for maintaining your health and the health of your smile. You don't have to lose teeth to periodontal disease, and by practicing good oral hygiene at home, you can significantly reduce your chances of ever getting gum disease. Remember to brush regularly, clean between your teeth, eat a balanced diet, and schedule regular dental visits to help keep your smile healthy.
Frequently asked questions about gum disease
What is a deep cleaning?
A deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planing, removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smooths the root surfaces so the gums can heal and reattach to the teeth. It goes further than a regular cleaning, which focuses on the teeth above the gumline, and is the standard first treatment for gum disease.
Does a deep cleaning hurt?
The area is numbed first, so most patients feel little during the cleaning. Some tenderness and sensitivity for a few days afterward is normal.
How much does a deep cleaning cost, and does insurance cover it?
The cost depends on how many areas of your mouth need treatment, and your exam gives you an exact quote. Many dental plans cover part of a deep cleaning. We verify your benefits and give you a written estimate before treatment. We are in-network with more than 30 dental insurance plans, including Delta Dental, Cigna, MetLife, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare, Humana and Guardian, as well as Medicare Advantage dental plans from Aetna, Humana, Liberty Dental, UnitedHealthcare and United Concordia. See the full list on our Financial Information page.
What are the warning signs of gum disease?
Gums that bleed when you brush or floss, red or swollen gums, gums that are pulling away from the teeth, persistent bad breath, and teeth that feel loose or have shifted. Any of these is worth a call.
Can I still get dental implants if I have gum disease?
Often, yes, once the gum disease is under control. Healthy gums and enough jawbone are what matter. Bone loss is common after teeth are lost and does not rule you out; it usually means a bone graft first. See our Dental Implants page.
Visit us
Driftwood Dental Studio is at 5225 Sigmon Rd, Suite 130, Wilmington, NC 28403, just off Market Street near Mayfaire. We are open Monday through Wednesday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM; Thursday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM; and Friday, 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Call (910) 834-8787 or request an appointment online.
