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Gum Disease Treatment in Raleigh, NC
Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults and most people do not know they have it until it has progressed. It develops quietly, often without pain in its early stages, while bacteria destroy the bone and tissue that hold teeth in place. Falls Lake Dental diagnoses and treats gum disease for patients in Raleigh, NC at every stage before it reaches the point of tooth loss.
Even advanced cases can be managed and stabilized with the right treatment and maintenance plan.
Understanding Gum Disease
Gum disease (periodontal disease) is a bacterial infection of the gum tissue and the bone that supports the teeth. It progresses in stages:
Gingivitis (early stage) The gums are inflamed, red, and bleed easily — often noticed during brushing. At this stage, there is no bone loss and the condition is fully reversible with professional cleaning and improved home care.
Early periodontitis Bacteria have begun to damage the bone supporting the teeth. Pockets form between the gums and teeth, creating deeper spaces where bacteria thrive and become harder to remove with brushing alone.
Moderate to advanced periodontitis Significant bone and attachment loss. Teeth may become sensitive, shift position, or feel loose. Without treatment, tooth loss becomes likely.
Early detection through regular checkups is the most effective way to catch gum disease before it causes irreversible damage.
Periodontal Treatments We Provide
Deep Cleaning in Raleigh, NC (Scaling and Root Planing)
Suggested image: Dental hygienist performing a deep cleaning procedure on a patient. Alt text: “Dental hygienist performing scaling and root planing for gum disease treatment at Falls Lake Dental”
Scaling and root planing is the most common non-surgical treatment for gum disease. It goes deeper than a standard cleaning:
- Scaling removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline, cleaning the pockets that have formed between the gums and teeth
- Root planing smooths the root surfaces so the gum tissue can reattach and bacteria have less surface to cling to
The procedure is performed with local anesthesia for comfort and is typically done in two appointments (one side of the mouth per visit). Most patients see significant improvement in gum pocket depth and inflammation after treatment.
Periodontal Maintenance
After active gum disease treatment, patients move onto a periodontal maintenance schedule — typically every 3 to 4 months rather than the standard 6-month recall. These more frequent visits monitor pocket depths, remove bacteria before they can re-establish, and prevent the disease from progressing again.
Periodontal maintenance is an ongoing commitment, not a one-time treatment. Consistent follow-through is what determines long-term outcomes.
Antibiotic Therapy
In some cases, locally applied antibiotics are placed directly in gum pockets after scaling and root planing to reduce the bacterial load in areas that are difficult to clean mechanically.
Warning Signs of Gum Disease
Many patients have gum disease without any pain. Signs to watch for:
- Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
- Red, swollen, or tender gum tissue
- Gums that have pulled back from the teeth (recession)
- Persistent bad breath that does not improve with brushing (see halitosis treatment)
- Teeth that feel loose or have shifted position
- Pain when chewing
- Visible pus between teeth and gums
If you notice any of these signs, contact us or schedule an evaluation promptly.
Gum Disease and Overall Health
Research has established links between periodontal disease and several systemic health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and complications during pregnancy. While the exact mechanisms are still being studied, the connection between oral health and overall health is well-documented.
Managing gum disease is not just about protecting your teeth — it is part of taking care of your overall health.
Cost of Periodontal Treatment in Raleigh, NC
Periodontal treatment cost depends on the severity of disease and the number of teeth and quadrants requiring treatment. Most dental insurance plans cover scaling and root planing when gum disease is diagnosed. We verify your benefits before treatment.
Financing options are available for qualified patients. Visit our new patient page if this is your first visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is gum disease treatment painful?
Scaling and root planing is performed with local anesthesia, so the procedure itself is not painful. Some soreness and sensitivity in the days following treatment is normal and manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers.
How long does treatment take?
A typical scaling and root planing case requires two appointments of approximately 1 to 1.5 hours each, treating one half of the mouth per visit. We schedule a follow-up 4 to 6 weeks later to evaluate the tissue response.
Can gum disease come back after treatment?
Yes, if periodontal maintenance is not kept up. Gum disease is a chronic condition that is managed, not cured. Consistent 3 to 4 month maintenance visits are essential for long-term success.
I brush twice a day — how did I get gum disease?
Gum disease is caused by bacteria that accumulate in places brushing and flossing cannot always reach — particularly below the gumline. Some patients are also genetically predisposed to a stronger inflammatory response, making them more susceptible regardless of home care habits.
Do I need to see a periodontist, or can you treat this?
We treat most cases of gum disease in-office. Severe cases with significant bone loss or complex anatomy may warrant a referral to a periodontist (a gum disease specialist). We evaluate your case and refer when it is genuinely in your best interest.
What happens if I do not treat gum disease?
Untreated gum disease causes progressive bone and attachment loss that eventually leads to tooth loss. It is also far more difficult and expensive to treat in advanced stages than when caught early.
Serving Raleigh and Surrounding Areas
Falls Lake Dental serves patients from Raleigh, North Raleigh, Wake Forest, Neuse, Falls, Millbrook, and the greater Triangle area. Visit us at 8470 Falls of Neuse Road, Suite 200, Raleigh, NC 27615.
Read patient reviews in our testimonials.
8470 Falls of Neuse Road, Suite 200, Raleigh, NC 27615
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