Periodontal Disease Treatment in Hickory, NC
Periodontal disease, commonly called gum disease, is an infection and inflammation of the tissues that support your teeth. Without treatment, gum disease can damage the gums and bone surrounding the teeth and may eventually lead to tooth loss.
At Hickory Periodontics, Dr. Tate Weller specializes in diagnosing and treating periodontal disease for patients from Hickory, Conover, Newton, and surrounding Catawba County communities. Treatment is tailored to the severity of your gum disease, with the goal of controlling infection, protecting the supporting structures around your teeth, and helping you maintain your natural teeth whenever possible.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease develops when bacteria and plaque accumulate around and below the gumline, causing inflammation and infection in the tissues that support the teeth.
The earliest stage of gum disease is gingivitis, which may cause red, swollen, or bleeding gums. When gum disease progresses to periodontitis, the infection can affect the bone and other structures that hold the teeth in place.
As periodontal disease advances, pockets can develop between the teeth and gums. These deeper spaces can harbor bacteria and become difficult to clean with normal brushing and flossing. Without appropriate treatment, continued inflammation and bone loss can eventually cause teeth to become loose or require removal.
Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease
Gum disease does not always cause obvious discomfort, especially in its earlier stages. Regular dental and periodontal evaluations can help identify problems before significant damage occurs.
Signs that may indicate periodontal disease include:
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Gums that bleed when brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad breath
- Gum recession or teeth that appear longer
- Sensitivity around exposed tooth roots
- Pus or drainage around the gums
- Changes in the way your teeth fit together
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Bone loss around the teeth
If you are experiencing these symptoms or have been told you have periodontal disease, a periodontal evaluation can help determine the extent of the condition and the appropriate treatment.
How Is Periodontal Disease Treated?
Treatment depends on the severity of the disease and the health of the gums, teeth, and supporting bone. Dr. Weller will perform a comprehensive periodontal evaluation and recommend treatment based on your individual needs.
Treatment may include:
Scaling and Root Planing
Often referred to as a “deep cleaning,” scaling and root planing removes plaque and calculus from below the gumline and smooths the root surfaces to help control periodontal infection.
Periodontal Maintenance
After active gum disease treatment, ongoing periodontal maintenance can help control bacteria and monitor the health of the gums and supporting bone. These visits are typically performed more frequently than routine dental cleanings.
LANAP® Laser Gum Treatment
For appropriate patients, LANAP uses specialized laser technology to target diseased tissue and bacteria within periodontal pockets while preserving healthy gum tissue.
Periodontal Surgery
In some cases, surgical periodontal treatment may be recommended to access deeper areas of infection, improve the ability to clean around the teeth, or address damage caused by periodontal disease.
Your treatment plan will depend on the location and severity of your disease, your bone support, previous treatment, and your overall oral health.
Why See a Periodontist for Gum Disease?
A periodontist is a dentist who has completed additional specialty training focused on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease, as well as the gums, jawbone, and other structures that support the teeth.
Dr. Weller completed his specialty training in periodontics at Augusta University and focuses on treating conditions affecting the gums and supporting bone. For patients with moderate or advanced gum disease, complex periodontal needs, or disease that has not responded adequately to previous treatment, evaluation by a periodontist can provide additional treatment options and specialized care.
Hickory Periodontics also works closely with general dentists and restorative dentists to coordinate ongoing care and help patients maintain their periodontal health long term.
Can Teeth Affected by Gum Disease Be Saved?
One of the primary goals of periodontal treatment is to preserve natural teeth whenever they can be predictably maintained.
Whether a tooth can be saved depends on several factors, including the amount of remaining bone support, the severity of the periodontal infection, tooth mobility, the condition of the tooth itself, and how well the disease responds to treatment.
Dr. Weller will evaluate the health and prognosis of affected teeth and discuss your treatment options with you. When a tooth cannot be predictably maintained, he can also discuss options for preserving the surrounding bone and planning for tooth replacement when appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions About Periodontal Disease
Is periodontal disease the same as gum disease?
Yes. Periodontal disease is commonly referred to as gum disease. Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease and primarily affects the gums. Periodontitis is a more advanced form of the disease that can damage the bone and other tissues supporting the teeth.
Can gum disease be cured?
Gingivitis can often be reversed when the inflammation is treated early and good oral hygiene is maintained. Periodontitis causes damage to the supporting structures around the teeth that cannot simply be reversed with brushing or routine cleaning. However, periodontal treatment and ongoing maintenance can help control the disease and reduce the risk of further damage.
Why are my gums bleeding?
Bleeding gums are often a sign of inflammation and can be associated with gingivitis or periodontal disease. Other factors may also contribute to bleeding, so persistent bleeding should be evaluated by a dental professional.
How often will I need periodontal maintenance?
The appropriate maintenance schedule varies by patient. People who have been treated for periodontal disease often require more frequent professional cleanings than patients without a history of gum disease. Dr. Weller and your dental team will recommend a schedule based on the severity of your disease and how well your periodontal health is being maintained.
What happens if periodontal disease is not treated?
Untreated periodontal disease can continue to damage the gums and bone supporting the teeth. As the disease progresses, teeth may become loose, shift position, or eventually require removal. Treating periodontal disease and maintaining regular periodontal care can help reduce the risk of continued damage.
Schedule a Periodontal Evaluation
If you have been diagnosed with gum disease or are experiencing symptoms such as bleeding gums, gum recession, deep periodontal pockets, or loose teeth, schedule an evaluation with Dr. Weller at Hickory Periodontics.
Our office is conveniently located in Conover and serves patients from Hickory, Newton, and surrounding Catawba County communities. Dr. Weller will evaluate your periodontal health, explain your treatment options, and develop a plan based on your individual needs.