Periodontal disease, or gum disease, attacks the tissues that surround and support your teeth and can cause tooth loss if left untreated. This condition is caused by the formation of plaque on the teeth and under the gums. Gum disease is usually painless, so you may not know you have it. If you experience any of the following symptoms, Dr. Michael Wilhite may recommend periodontics:

  • Gums that bleed easily when you brush and floss
  • Swollen, tender or red gums
  • Receding gums
  • Bad breath or bad taste that will not go away
  • Loose or separating permanent teeth
  • A change in your bite
  • A change in the fit of dentures

When diagnosing periodontal disease, our dentist will check for gum bleeding, swelling, firmness and pocket depth; teeth movement and proper alignment; and signs of breakdown in your jawbone. In its early stages, gum disease can be treated and maintained by dental cleanings. For more serious cases, our dentist may suggest scaling and root planing as treatment for gum disease. During the scaling process, our dentist and team clean between your gums and teeth all the way down to the roots. Root planing smooths your tooth roots because plaque cannot stick to smooth surfaces as easily.

Contact Davidson Cosmetic & Family Dentistry at 704-987-2277 for more information about periodontics in Davidson, North Carolina, and schedule an appointment with our dentist.