Periodontal Disease Therapy

Personalized Gum Care At Tuckahoe Creek Dental

Man smiling with straight teeth after periodontal disease treatment at tuckahoe creek dental in richmond, va.

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is one of the most common oral health conditions affecting adults today. It begins when plaque and bacteria accumulate along the gumline, leading to inflammation that can eventually damage the gums and supporting bone. At Tuckahoe Creek Dental in Henrico, VA we take gum health seriously. Our approach to periodontal disease therapy is proactive and tailored to your condition and stage of disease. With advanced technology and a patient-first philosophy, we help restore your oral health and protect your smile from further damage.

Understanding Periodontal (Gum) Disease

The CDC reports over half of adults experience some level of periodontal disease. It remains one of the leading causes of tooth loss in the United States. The good news is that with periodontal (gum) disease therapy, it can be controlled and even reversed in its earliest stage.

Gum disease typically progresses in the following stages:

  • Gingivitis: This is the earliest stage and is characterized by red, swollen or bleeding gums. This stage is reversible with professional periodontal (gum) disease therapy and diligent oral hygiene.

  • Periodontitis: In this more advanced stage, the infection has spread below the gumline and may cause bone loss. During periodontitis, the gums pull away and begin to form pockets.

  • Advanced Periodontitis: At this stage of the disease, severe bone loss and gum recession has occurred and may lead to loose teeth or even tooth loss.

Comprehensive Periodontal (Gum) Disease

While gum disease cannot be completely “cured” once it progresses beyond gingivitis, it can be effectively managed. Dr. Graham takes an individualized approach to gum disease treatment. After a thorough examination we create a treatment plan tailored specifically to your stage of disease. Our goal is simple: restore your oral health, stabilize the disease and protect from further damage.

Deep Cleanings (Scaling & Root Planing)

For many patients, the first step in periodontal disease therapy is a deep cleaning, which is also known as scaling and root planing. Deep cleanings are highly effective at halting the progression of gum disease and creating a healthier foundation for long-term stability. To ensure your comfort, we use a gentle local anesthetic when needed. Most patients are surprised by how manageable and straightforward the process feels.

  • Scaling involves carefully removing tartar (hardened plaque) and bacteria from above and below the gumline. This includes areas that cannot be reached with brushing and flossing.

  • Root planing smooths the tooth roots at their surfaces. This helps reduce inflammation, prevent bacteria from reattaching, encourage the gums to reattach more securely to the teeth and decrease the depth of pockets.

Waiting room with tv and front desk at tuckahoe creek dental in richmond va

Surgical Periodontal (Gum) Disease Therapy

In more advanced cases, additional procedures may be necessary to rebuild support structures and prevent further deterioration. Our dentists will always discuss options clearly and transparently so you feel confident in your care decisions. Periodontal (gum) disease therapy for advanced stages of the disease may include:

  • Gum Grafting
  • Bone Grafting
  • Guided Tissue Regeneration

Ongoing Periodontal Maintenance

When it comes to treating your periodontal disease, you are never alone. Consistency is one of the best ways of keeping gum disease at bay and after active periodontal (gum) disease therapy, maintenance is key. Patients with a history of periodontal disease usually require periodontal maintenance cleanings every 3 to 4 months but we may recommend it even more frequently depending on your needs.

These visits help:

  • Prevent reinfection
  • Monitor gum pocket depth
  • Remove bacteria before it causes further damage
  • Protect long-term tooth stability

Frequently Asked Questions About Periodontal Disease

Finding out that you have periodontal disease can feel overwhelming. At Tuckahoe Creek Dental, we approach gum disease treatment without judgment. We’re here to help inform you of your options with confidence. Learn more about navigating gum disease with our compassionate and expert dental team below.

Can I have gum disease even if my gums don’t bleed?

It’s possible! While bleeding gums are a common warning sign of gum disease, not everyone experiences this symptom.

Absolutely. Smoking has a significant impact on periodontal health. It can mask the earliest signs and symptoms of gum disease, making it difficult to detect. Smoking can also interfere with your body’s natural healing process and make it harder to heal from the disease.

Yes! In fact, gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults and not cavities like you might think. Luckily, early intervention and periodontal (gum) disease therapy can stop or slow this progression in order to help you keep your natural teeth.

Not everyone with gum disease will need surgery. Only those with the most advanced and aggressive cases may need it when severe issues are present. Our therapies are customized to your needs and we will recommend the best options for you based on your stage of disease and other factors.

Purpose. Precision. Quality.

Caring for Generations of Smiles In Metro Richmond

Tuckahoe Creek Dental is proud to offer family friendly, high quality dental care with the latest technologies to the community in Henrico, Virginia. Dr. Matthew Graham and our team focus on patient education through our comprehensive array of dental services personalized to patients’ needs. Request your appointment today to receive dental care that truly stands out.