We know that healthy gums form the essential foundation for a healthy smile. Periodontal (gum) disease represents one of the most common dental conditions, affecting nearly half of American adults over age 30. Without restorative treatment, this progressive infection can lead to tooth loss and impact overall health. Dr. Conor Gessell offers comprehensive periodontal care using the latest techniques to effectively treat gum disease at every stage and help patients maintain healthy gums for life.

Understanding Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is an inflammatory condition affecting the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. It begins when bacteria in plaque build up along and under the gumline. These bacteria release toxins that trigger inflammation, causing the gums to become red, swollen, and prone to bleeding. Without treatment, the infection progresses deeper, potentially destroying the bone and connective tissues that hold teeth in place.

The condition develops in stages, beginning with gingivitis. Gingivitis is the mildest and only reversible form. At this early stage, symptoms include bleeding during brushing or flossing, red or swollen gums, and occasional bad breath. With proper treatment and improved home care, these symptoms can completely resolve.

If gingivitis remains untreated, it advances to periodontitis, where infection damages the supporting structures of the teeth. Gums begin to pull away from teeth, forming pockets that collect more bacteria. Bone loss begins, and teeth may become loose as their supporting structures are compromised. Advanced periodontitis represents the final stage, characterized by significant bone loss, deep periodontal pockets, and often tooth mobility or loss.

Risk Factors and Systemic Connections

While bacterial plaque remains the primary cause of periodontal disease, several factors increase your risk. Poor oral hygiene creates favorable conditions for bacterial growth. Tobacco use significantly increases risk and reduces treatment effectiveness. Genetic factors make some individuals more susceptible despite good oral care. Hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause can temporarily increase vulnerability to gum inflammation.

Certain medical conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and rheumatoid arthritis, share bidirectional relationships with periodontal disease. Some medications reduce saliva flow or cause gum overgrowth, creating environments favorable to bacterial accumulation.

Research has established connections between periodontal disease and several serious health conditions. The same inflammation that damages gum tissue may contribute to heart disease, stroke, respiratory issues, and complications during pregnancy. For diabetic patients, periodontal disease can make blood sugar control more difficult, while elevated blood sugar worsens gum disease.

Periodontal Treatment Options

At our Southern Pines dental practice, Dr. Gessell offers several approaches to periodontal treatment based on the severity of your condition:

• Professional Dental Cleaning: addresses mild gingivitis by removing plaque and tartar from tooth surfaces, including just below the gumline.
• Scaling and Root Planing: provides deeper cleaning for early to moderate periodontitis. This non-surgical procedure removes bacterial deposits from tooth roots beneath the gumline and smooths root surfaces to discourage future bacterial attachment and promote healing.
• Antibiotic Therapy: may complement mechanical cleaning through locally applied antibiotics placed directly in periodontal pockets or oral medications that target bacteria throughout the mouth.
• Periodontal Maintenance: creates an ongoing care schedule with more frequent professional cleanings, typically every 3-4 months.
• Surgical Approaches: may be recommended for advanced cases. Dr. Gessell partners with trusted periodontal specialists when surgical intervention becomes necessary.

During your periodontal evaluation, Dr. Gessell performs a comprehensive assessment that includes measuring pocket depths around each tooth, evaluating gum tissue health, checking for tooth mobility, and reviewing x-rays to assess bone levels. This thorough approach allows him to recommend the most appropriate treatment for your specific situation.

Preventing Periodontal Disease

Prevention remains the most effective approach to periodontal health. Thorough daily brushing and flossing remove bacterial plaque before it can cause inflammation. Regular professional cleanings remove hardened tartar that brushing alone cannot eliminate. Dr. Gessell and our hygiene team provide personalized guidance on effective home care techniques tailored to your specific needs.

For patients with risk factors like genetic predisposition or medical conditions, more frequent professional cleanings may be recommended as a preventive measure. Lifestyle changes, particularly smoking cessation, significantly improve periodontal health and treatment outcomes.

The Importance of Seeking Treatment

Many patients delay periodontal treatment because early symptoms seem minor or painless. However, postponing care allows the condition to progress silently, causing irreversible damage. Seeking treatment at the first signs of gum inflammation can prevent bone loss and save teeth that might otherwise require extraction.

Even patients with advanced disease benefit significantly from treatment. While some damage cannot be reversed, appropriate therapy can stabilize the condition, prevent further deterioration, and help you maintain your natural teeth longer.

Schedule Your Periodontal Evaluation

If you’ve noticed bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or changes in how your teeth fit together, contact Dr. Conor Gessell’s Southern Pines dental practice at 910-390-1259​ or request a dental exam online. With early intervention and appropriate care, most patients can successfully manage periodontal disease and maintain healthy gums for life.