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Gum disease can affect more than just your gums. It can weaken the bone that supports your teeth, change the look of your smile, and impact your overall oral health. At Metrolina Periodontics & Dental Implants in Charlotte, you receive specialty care focused on diagnosing gum disease early, stopping its progression, and restoring healthier gum and bone support. Our team creates a personalized treatment plan designed to protect your teeth and help you feel confident about your oral health.
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an inflammatory infection of the gums and the supporting tissues around your teeth, including the bone. In its early stages, it may cause mild irritation or bleeding. If left untreated, it can lead to gum recession, bone loss, tooth instability, and loss of teeth.
Gum disease often develops gradually, which is why many patients do not realize there is a problem until noticeable changes occur.
You may benefit from an evaluation if you notice:
In addition to these oral signs, periodontal disease has been linked to systemic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, respiratory disease, and certain cancers. Managing gum disease supports better oral health and plays a role in maintaining overall health.
Treating gum disease helps control infection and inflammation, protects your teeth, and supports healthier gums and bone. Without treatment, periodontal disease can continue to progress and cause lasting damage to the bones and gums, the structures that hold your teeth in place.
Treatment can also support your comfort and confidence by reducing inflammation, bleeding, and gum changes that affect your smile.
When gum disease is treated appropriately, many patients experience meaningful improvements in both comfort and oral health.
Improved Comfort
Swollen and inflamed gums can cause soreness and sensitivity. Periodontal care can reduce irritation and help your gums feel healthier.
Protection Against Tooth and Bone Loss
Gum disease damages the bone that supports your teeth. Treatment helps slow or stop this process and protects the foundation of your smile.
Greater Confidence When Smiling
Healthy gums create a more stable and balanced appearance. Treating inflammation and infection can reduce bleeding, recession, and inflammation, helping patients feel better about themselves and less self-conscious.
Gum disease treatment is not one-size-fits-all. Your periodontist selects the most appropriate approach based on the severity of the infection, the condition of your gums and bone, and your overall health.
You may be a candidate for treatment if your general dentist has diagnosed gum disease or if you are experiencing symptoms such as bleeding, swelling, tenderness, or loose teeth.
Your care begins with a thorough consultation at our Charlotte practice. One of our board-certified periodontists will review your concerns, examine your gums and teeth, and, when needed, take diagnostic images such as X-rays or cone beam CT scans. These scans are comfortable and non-invasive.
After your evaluation, your doctor will explain the findings, review your treatment options, and outline a clear plan designed around your individual needs. You will have time to ask questions and understand what to expect before moving forward.
Your treatment plan may include one or more of the following approaches.
This non-surgical deep cleaning removes bacteria and toxins from below the gum line and along the tooth roots. Many patients compare the experience to a standard dental cleaning, with little to no downtime afterward.
Laser treatment is a minimally invasive option that targets infected tissue without traditional incisions. It can reduce bacterial levels and promote healing, resulting in a shorter recovery period for some patients.
For more advanced gum disease, surgical treatment allows your periodontist to access deeper areas of infection. Bone grafting may be used to strengthen areas affected by bone loss and improve stability.
When gum disease has caused recession, soft tissue grafting can protect exposed roots and improve gum health. Our minimally invasive techniques help promote more comfortable healing and a refined appearance.
Your comfort is always a priority. Local anesthesia is used for all gum disease treatments to numb the area. IV sedation is also available for patients who experience dental anxiety or prefer a deeper level of relaxation during treatment.
Recovery depends on the type of treatment you receive. Many non-surgical procedures require little to no downtime. More advanced treatments may involve a short recovery period of a few days.
Your periodontist will provide detailed instructions for home care, including guidance on diet, oral hygiene, and follow-up visits to support proper healing.
The cost of gum disease treatment varies based on the procedure type and the extent of care required. During your consultation, our team will review your treatment plan, explain associated costs, and discuss available options so there are no surprises.
Early treatment often allows for simpler care and easier recovery.
You can improve gum health in the early stages of gum disease with professional care and better home habits. Once gum disease progresses and causes bone or gum loss, gum disease treatment focuses on controlling infection and preventing further damage. Your periodontist will explain where you fall on the disease spectrum and outline the treatments that can protect your smile moving forward.
Gum disease progresses at different rates for different people. Some patients see slow changes that develop over years, while others experience faster shifts because of genetics, smoking, medical conditions, or poor home care. Regular dental visits help catch these changes early so your periodontist can intervene before more serious damage occurs.
Improving gum health can support better overall health because chronic inflammation in the mouth affects the rest of the body. Periodontal disease is linked with heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory conditions. Treating gum infections reduces bacterial load and inflammation, which may have positive effects beyond your mouth.
Yes. Gum disease often develops without pain. Many patients do not notice symptoms until the condition has already progressed. If your dentist sees signs of infection, early treatment can protect your teeth and reduce the need for more involved procedures later.
Yes. Gum disease is a chronic condition that requires ongoing maintenance. After your treatment, you will need regular periodontal cleanings to keep the gums healthy. Your periodontist will create a schedule that helps prevent infection from returning and supports long-lasting stability.
You can protect your gums by brushing twice a day with a soft brush, cleaning between your teeth daily, and following the schedule of professional cleanings your periodontist recommends. Lifestyle factors like smoking and uncontrolled diabetes can also affect gum health, and your doctor will guide you on steps that support better healing and stability.
Genetics can influence how your gums respond to bacteria and inflammation. Even with good home care, some patients develop gum disease because their immune system reacts strongly to plaque. Your periodontist will review your family history and help you understand which risks apply to you.
Untreated gum disease can damage the bone and gum tissue that support your teeth. As these structures weaken, teeth can loosen and eventually fall out. With proper treatment, you can stop the infection and protect the teeth you already have.
Stress affects your immune system and can weaken your body’s ability to fight infection. Some patients notice more inflammation and bleeding during stressful periods. Your periodontist can help you monitor these changes and guide you on ways to reduce flare-ups.
Bleeding is not normal. It is often an early sign of gum inflammation or infection. If you notice consistent bleeding when brushing or flossing, your periodontist can evaluate the cause and recommend steps to improve your gum health.
If you have concerns about gum disease or have been advised to seek periodontal care, our team is here to help. At Metrolina Periodontics & Dental Implants in Charlotte, you receive clear guidance, specialty-focused treatment, and support at every stage of care.
Schedule your consultation to learn how gum disease treatment can help protect your smile and oral health.
