At Fourth Ward Dentistry in Charlotte, NC, we know healthy gums are the foundation of a confident smile. Periodontics focuses on keeping your gums and supporting structures strong, preventing issues that can affect your teeth and overall health. With the right care, you can stop gum disease from progressing, restore balance, and protect your long-term wellness. Schedule your appointment today and take the first step toward healthier gums.
What Is Periodontics?
Periodontics is a dental specialty that focuses on the health of your gums and the structures that hold your teeth in place. By addressing problems like gum irritation, infection, or tissue damage, it prevents tooth loss and keeps your smile strong. Healthy gums make a big difference.
- Preserves natural teeth: Protects the bone and gum foundation that holds them in place.
- Treats gum issues: Addresses irritation, infections, or gum recession before they worsen.
- Promotes long-term health: Reduces risks of future dental and systemic complications.
The Link Between Periodontal Health & Overall Health
Your gums don’t just protect your teeth; they also influence your overall wellness. Studies show that untreated gum disease can increase the risks of heart disease, diabetes, and other health concerns. Taking care of your gums helps take care of your body, too.
- Reduces risks: Lowers the likelihood of developing heart disease, diabetes, or stroke.
- Controls inflammation: Prevents harmful bacteria from spreading beyond the mouth.
- Supports wellness: Creates a healthier balance between your oral health and your body.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease happens when plaque and bacteria are not removed and begin to irritate the gums. Over time, this irritation can lead to tissue damage and bone loss that threaten your smile. It’s a serious condition that can be managed with timely care.
- Starts with plaque buildup: Sticky bacteria irritates gums and triggers infection.
- Can progress quickly: Without treatment, early gingivitis can advance to severe periodontitis.
- Leads to tooth loss: Damages gums and bone, weakening the foundation of your smile.
Stages & Symptoms
Gum disease usually starts as gingivitis, which can cause redness, swelling, and bleeding. If untreated, it can progress into periodontitis, which damages gums and bone, leading to more severe problems. Knowing the signs helps you act early.
- Gingivitis: Swollen, tender gums that may bleed easily when brushing or flossing.
- Periodontitis: Gum recession, bone loss, and teeth that begin to loosen or shift.
- Other symptoms: Persistent bad breath, bite changes, or gaps forming between teeth.
Preventing Periodontal Disease
The best way to fight gum disease is through prevention. Regular dental check-ups catch problems early, while daily brushing and flossing keep bacteria in check. Healthy lifestyle choices play an important role, too.
- Routine visits: Exams and professional cleanings keep gums healthy and catch issues early.
- Daily care: Brushing twice a day and flossing once a day helps remove harmful bacteria.
- Lifestyle changes: A balanced diet, limiting sugar, and avoiding smoking lower disease risk.
Our Periodontic Services
Periodontic treatments are designed to restore gum health and prevent further complications. Whether you need routine therapy or more advanced procedures, care is tailored to your needs. The goal is always to protect your smile for years to come.
Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning treatment that removes plaque and tartar beneath the gumline. The procedure smooths root surfaces so gums can heal and reattach more securely. It’s often the first step in treating gum disease.
- Removes buildup: Clears plaque and tartar from below the gumline where brushing can’t reach.
- Smooths roots: Polishes root surfaces to make it harder for bacteria to stick again.
- Supports healing: Allows gums to reattach and reduces inflammation for healthier tissue.
When gums recede, sensitive tooth roots are left exposed and vulnerable. Gum grafting restores protective tissue, strengthens the gumline, and enhances the look of your smile. It gives your gums a second chance.
- Shields tooth roots: Covers exposed roots to reduce sensitivity and risk of decay.
- Improves appearance: Restores a natural gumline for a more balanced, attractive smile.
- Strengthens tissue: Adds durable gum coverage that protects against future recession.
Advanced gum disease can cause bone loss that weakens support for teeth and implants. Bone grafting rebuilds the jawbone, creating a stronger foundation and preventing further collapse. It helps restore both function and stability.
- Rebuilds bone: Restores areas of the jaw weakened by advanced gum disease.
- Prepares for implants: Creates a strong base for tooth replacement procedures.
- Maintains structure: Preserves facial shape and prevents further deterioration.
Crown lengthening reshapes gum and bone tissue to expose more of the natural tooth. This can improve the appearance of your smile while making restorative work easier and more effective. It creates balance and function.
- Enhances aesthetics: Exposes more of each tooth for a fuller, more even smile.
- Aids restorations: Provides better access for crowns, fillings, or other treatments.
- Reshapes tissues: Creates a healthier balance between teeth, gums, and supporting bone.
Smile Health Care Goes Beyond Teeth
Strong gums are essential to both your oral health and your confidence. With advanced treatments and personalized care, you can address gum problems before they lead to bigger issues. Choosing trusted providers at Fourth Ward Dentistry in Charlotte, NC, gives you expert support every step of the way. Call today to schedule your consultation and start your journey toward lasting gum health.