Gum Disease Treatment in Winston-Salem, NC

Periodontitis is far more common than many realize, silently affecting nearly half of adults in the United States over 30. What starts as mild gum inflammation can escalate into irreversible damage—threatening not just your smile but your overall health. Left untreated, it remains one of the leading causes of tooth loss, impacting everything from confidence to daily comfort. But no one should have to navigate this alone. At Matthew Keider DDS, we believe in a proactive, compassionate approach to dental care, helping our patients preserve their smiles and overall well-being. With early detection, personalized gum disease treatment, and ongoing support, periodontitis can be managed—and, in many cases, prevented altogether. Our team is here to provide the care and guidance you need to keep your gums and teeth healthy for years to come.

Understanding Gum Disease

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, develops gradually, often without noticeable symptoms at first. Throughout the day, bacteria accumulate on the teeth, forming a thin, sticky coating known as plaque. If it isn’t removed, it solidifies into tartar, which clings to the tooth surfaces and fosters bacterial growth.

The Early Signs: Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease. When plaque builds up along the gumline, it triggers inflammation, making the gums red, swollen, and prone to bleeding during brushing or flossing. The damage is reversible at this point because the infection has not reached the bone or connective tissues.

Progression to Periodontitis

When gingivitis is left untreated, bacteria spread beneath the gumline, triggering a chronic inflammatory response. This process marks the beginning of periodontitis, where the body, in an attempt to fight infection, inadvertently destroys the tissues and bone that support the teeth. As the gums pull away from the teeth, pockets form, creating spaces where bacteria multiply. These pockets deepen over time, leading to further damage.

Moderate to Advanced Stages

As periodontitis advances, the destruction of bone and gum tissue accelerates. The gums recede, teeth shift or loosen, and deep infections can develop. In severe cases, pus forms in the pockets, chewing becomes painful, and teeth may require extraction. Without intervention, the long-term consequences extend beyond the mouth—research links advanced gum disease to heart disease, diabetes, and other systemic health issues.

Gum disease does not develop overnight. It progresses over months or years, influenced by factors like oral hygiene habits, genetics, and overall health. The best way to prevent it is through consistent dental care, regular checkups, and early treatment.

Gum Disease Treatment: Deep Cleanings To Surgical Care

Unlike a standard dental cleaning, treating gum disease requires more intensive techniques to remove bacteria, plaque, and tartar from below the gumline. Dr. Keider focuses on eliminating infection, preventing further damage, and restoring gum and bone health. The specific treatment depends on how far the disease has progressed, with early intervention offering the best outcomes.

Professional Cleaning and Improved Oral Care

When gum disease is detected in its earliest stages, professional dental cleaning is often enough to remove plaque and tartar buildup. Dr. Keider will also provide guidance on improving your daily oral care routine to prevent bacteria from returning. Consistent brushing, flossing, and antimicrobial mouth rinses can help reduce inflammation and prevent gum disease from worsening.

Deep Cleaning With Scaling and Root Planing

If gum pockets have begun to form, a deeper cleaning called scaling and root planing is necessary. Dr. Keider will carefully remove bacteria and tartar from below the gumline, then smooth the root surfaces to make it harder for plaque to reattach. He may recommend antibiotics in pill, rinse, or topical form to further control infection. Ultrasonic scalers, which use high-frequency vibrations, enhance this process by breaking up hardened deposits and reaching areas manual instruments might miss.

Surgical Treatments for Restoring Lost Bone and Gum Tissue

When gum disease causes significant bone or tissue loss, surgical intervention may be needed to rebuild support structures:

Bone grafting: If gum disease has eroded the jawbone, Dr. Keider may recommend a bone graft to regenerate lost bone and help secure the teeth in place.
Soft tissue grafting: Receding gums can expose tooth roots, leading to sensitivity and increased risk of decay. Gum grafting restores lost tissue, covering the roots and strengthening gum health.
Flap Surgery with bone grafts: In cases of severe periodontal damage, flap surgery allows Dr. Keider to access deep pockets of infection. He lifts the gums to remove bacteria and places a bone graft to restore stability and encourage healing.

After Your Gum Disease Treatment: Next Steps

After treatment, Dr. Keider will guide you through the healing process and develop a long-term maintenance plan to keep your gums healthy. You will begin periodontal maintenance visits every three months, where we perform deep cleanings to control bacteria and prevent reinfection. As your gums and bone recover, these visits may become less frequent.

If gum disease has caused tooth loss, mini dental implants offer a secure, long-term replacement option. Dr. Keider can place a dental crown on top of a single implant to replace a missing tooth, restoring both function and appearance. If multiple teeth are missing, he can also secure a dental bridge onto implants. Dr. Keider will work with you to determine the best treatment plan, ensuring you regain a strong, confident smile that lasts.

Schedule Your Gum Disease Treatment Today

With the right treatment and ongoing care, you can protect your teeth, restore lost support, and regain confidence in your smile. Dr. Keider and his team are committed to providing compassionate, expert care tailored to your needs—whether you need a deep cleaning, surgical intervention, or dental implants to replace missing teeth. Contact us to schedule your appointment for healthier gums and a stronger smile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can children develop gum disease?

Yes, children can develop gum disease, though it is more common in adults. Gingivitis, the earliest stage, can affect children and teens, especially if plaque buildup is not properly removed through brushing and flossing. Signs include red, swollen gums that may bleed when brushing.

Advanced gum disease is rare in young children. However, some may develop more severe forms, particularly if they have poor oral hygiene or underlying health conditions. Regular dental check-ups, professional cleanings, and a strong oral care routine help prevent and manage gum disease in children. These steps ensure healthy gums as they grow.

Are pregnant women more likely to develop gum disease?

Yes, pregnancy increases the likelihood of developing gum disease. Hormonal changes, particularly elevated levels of estrogen and progesterone, make the gums more sensitive to bacteria. As a result, these changes increase the risk of inflammation and plaque buildup. This condition, known as pregnancy gingivitis, can cause redness, swelling, and bleeding gums. If left untreated, it may progress to more severe forms of gum disease.

To protect oral health during pregnancy, maintaining a consistent brushing and flossing routine, attending regular dental check-ups, and addressing any gum concerns early are essential. Proper care not only benefits oral health but also supports overall well-being for both mother and baby.

Is it ever too late to treat gum disease?

It is almost never “too late” to address gum disease. However, the treatment approach depends on how advanced the condition is. While early intervention provides the best results, even severe cases can often be managed with modern dental techniques. If periodontitis has caused significant bone loss, some teeth may no longer have enough support and we may need to remove them. However, this does not mean treatment stops there. Periodontal maintenance, deep cleanings, and surgical procedures like gum or bone grafting can help preserve remaining teeth and restore oral health.

The primary goal, no matter the stage, is to stop further damage, protect as much natural tissue as possible, and explore restoration options such as mini dental implants for missing teeth. Seeking treatment at any point can improve comfort, function, and overall well-being.