Gum Disease Treatment
Professional Gum Disease Treatment
What You Need to Know
What it is: Professional treatment to reverse or stop gum disease progression and save your teeth. Treatments range from deep cleaning for early disease to advanced therapies for more serious cases.
Typical appointment time: 1-2 hours for deep cleaning; multiple visits for advanced treatment
Recovery/Results timeline: 1-3 days mild soreness; improves quickly
- • Bleeding or swollen gums
- • Receding gums or gum recession
- • Early periodontitis or gingivitis
- • Bad breath caused by gum disease
Understanding Gum Disease
Stop Gum Disease Before It Costs You Your Teeth
Gum disease affects nearly half of all adults in America. It often starts silently—your gums bleed when you brush, you notice persistent bad breath, or you see your gums receding. Many Nashville patients ignore these early warning signs, not realizing that untreated gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. The good news? Early intervention can reverse the damage and restore your oral health.
Gum disease progresses in stages. Gingivitis, the earliest stage, causes redness, swelling, and bleeding but is completely reversible with professional treatment and improved home care. If left untreated, it advances to periodontitis, where the infection damages the bone supporting your teeth. This stage requires more intensive treatment but can be successfully managed to prevent tooth loss. At Nations Dental Studio, we catch gum disease early and offer non-surgical treatments that work in most cases. We focus on patient-centered care, helping you understand why gum disease happened and how to prevent it from recurring.
Our Nashville team uses proven non-surgical approaches first, including professional deep cleaning and scaling/root planing. These procedures remove buildup from above and below the gumline, eliminating the bacteria driving the disease. Most patients experience significant improvement after these treatments, along with reduced bleeding, healthier gums, and fresher breath. When you're dealing with bleeding gums or suspect gum disease, don't wait—early treatment is your best defense against tooth loss.
Your Gum Disease Treatment
What to Expect From Diagnosis to Recovery
Before Your Appointment
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Schedule a consultation as soon as you notice bleeding gums or bad breath
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Bring a list of any medications you're taking
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Prepare questions about what stage of gum disease you might have
During Your Visit
Comprehensive Examination
We perform a thorough examination, checking for bleeding, gum pockets, and tooth mobility. We'll take X-rays to assess bone loss and determine the stage of your gum disease. This helps us create the most effective treatment plan for your specific situation.
Disease Staging
Based on examination findings, we determine if you have gingivitis (early, reversible stage) or periodontitis (more advanced). This determines which treatments will be most effective. We'll explain your findings in patient-friendly language.
Deep Cleaning for Early Disease
For early gum disease, professional deep cleaning removes plaque and tartar from above the gumline. We use specialized instruments to gently clean the tooth surfaces while minimizing discomfort.
Scaling and Root Planing for Advanced Disease
For more advanced cases, we perform scaling (removing buildup above and below the gumline) and root planing (smoothing the root surfaces to allow gums to reattach). This typically requires 1-2 visits. We often use local anesthesia to ensure comfort.
Advanced Therapies if Needed
For severe cases, we may recommend laser therapy or other advanced treatments to enhance healing and eliminate bacteria. We'll discuss all options with you upfront.
Post-Treatment Instructions
We provide detailed home care instructions and may prescribe antibiotics to support healing. You'll receive guidelines for managing discomfort and optimizing your recovery.
After Treatment
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Expect mild soreness or sensitivity for 1-3 days; this is normal and temporary
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Avoid hot, spicy, or hard foods for a few days while tissues heal
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Take prescribed antibiotics as directed to prevent infection and support healing
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Follow all home care instructions carefully—excellent oral hygiene is crucial for preventing recurrence
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Attend all follow-up appointments so we can monitor healing and ensure disease is under control
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Maintain regular cleanings and checkups to prevent gum disease from returning
Nations Dental Studio Difference
Why Patients Trust Us for Gum Disease Treatment
Non-Surgical Expertise First
We prioritize non-surgical treatments that work in most cases. Our team has proven success with deep cleaning and scaling/root planing, helping patients avoid more invasive procedures while effectively managing their gum disease.
Advanced Treatment Options
Beyond traditional deep cleaning, we offer laser therapy and other advanced treatments for challenging cases. These technologies enhance comfort, reduce healing time, and improve outcomes for patients with more severe disease.
Compassionate, Education-Focused Approach
We understand gum disease can be concerning. Our team takes time to explain what happened, show you images of your gums, and teach you how to prevent recurrence. We're partners in your recovery, not just providers.
Comprehensive Aftercare
We don't just treat your gum disease and send you home. We provide detailed home care instructions, schedule regular follow-up appointments, and maintain close monitoring to ensure your gums stay healthy long-term.
Do You Have Gum Disease?
Signs You Need Professional Gum Treatment
You may be a good candidate if:
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Anyone with bleeding gums, especially when brushing or flossing
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Patients with persistent bad breath or bad taste despite brushing
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People noticing receding gums or tooth movement
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Those with swollen or tender gums
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Smokers or those with diabetes (higher gum disease risk)
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Patients with loose teeth or changes in how teeth fit together
Other options may be better if:
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For severe cases with significant bone loss, we may refer you to a periodontal specialist for advanced care
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Prevention is always best—regular cleanings and excellent home care prevent most gum disease
Don't wait until gum disease causes tooth loss. Early treatment is your best defense. If you notice any signs of gum disease, schedule a consultation with Nations Dental Studio today. We can save your smile.
Your Questions Answered
Common Questions About Gum Disease Treatment
What are the signs of gum disease?
Early signs include red, swollen, or tender gums; bleeding when brushing or flossing; persistent bad breath; and receding gumlines. More advanced signs include loose teeth, pus around teeth, or changes in how your bite feels. If you notice any of these, contact us for evaluation.
Can gum disease be reversed?
Yes—if caught early. Gingivitis (early gum disease) is completely reversible with professional treatment and improved home care. Even more advanced periodontitis can be successfully managed to stop progression and save teeth. The key is early intervention and commitment to excellent home care.
What is scaling and root planing?
Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning procedure. Scaling removes tartar (hardened plaque) from above and below the gumline. Root planing smooths the root surfaces to allow gums to reattach and heal. It's a key treatment for moderate to advanced gum disease.
Does gum disease treatment hurt?
The procedure itself is not painful because we use local anesthesia to numb the area. You may feel pressure and vibration but no pain. Some patients experience mild soreness for 1-3 days after treatment, which is normal and manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers.
How much does gum disease treatment cost?
Treatment costs vary depending on the severity of your disease and type of treatment needed. Deep cleaning typically costs $200-$500; scaling and root planing $300-$1,000 depending on how many areas need treatment. Most insurance covers a significant portion. We'll provide a detailed cost estimate after evaluation.
Does insurance cover gum disease treatment?
Most dental insurance plans cover gum disease treatment, often at 50% after your deductible. Coverage depends on your specific plan. We'll verify your coverage before treatment and explain any out-of-pocket costs. We also accept FSA/HSA payments and offer financing options.
How can I prevent gum disease?
Excellent home care is essential: brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, use an antibacterial mouthwash, and avoid tobacco. Regular professional cleanings (every 6 months or more frequently if needed) catch problems early. Reducing stress and managing diabetes also help prevent gum disease.
Will my gum disease come back?
Gum disease can recur if you don't maintain excellent home care and regular professional cleanings. We'll teach you the specific home care needed for your situation and schedule regular follow-ups to monitor your gums. With proper care, most patients maintain healthy gums long-term after treatment.
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Family Dentist
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Teeth Cleaning & Dental Exams
Teeth cleaning and dental exams are routine preventive services that remove plaque and tartar buildup and check for oral health issues to prevent problems before they start.
Tooth Extraction
The careful, professional removal of a tooth that cannot be saved due to severe decay, damage, infection, crowding, or trauma.
Stop Gum Disease Progression
Schedule Your Gum Disease Evaluation in Nashville
Gum disease doesn't have to cost you your teeth. Early treatment is highly effective at stopping disease and preserving your smile. If you notice bleeding gums, bad breath, or other signs of gum disease, contact Nations Dental Studio today. Our team will evaluate your gums and create a personalized treatment plan to restore your oral health.
Reviews
We have worked with thousands of amazing patients
Nations Dental Studio has over 448 reviews and a 5.0 rating on Google
"Today was my first time at Nations Dental Studio and it was far and away the best experience I have ever had at a dental practice. The hygienist was meticulous and made me feel very comfortable throughout. The specialist was just as great, I really felt like they cared about my teeth/ health like nothing I have experienced at other practices. I cannot say enough good things about my entire visit."
"Best dental experience I've ever had! I've never left feeling better after a teeth cleaning. As a new patient, I feel completely comfortable and actually excited to return!"
"first time coming here today and all of the girls were absolutely AMAZING! 10000/10 recommend"
"Today was my first time at Nations Dental Studio and it was far and away the best experience I have ever had at a dental practice. The hygienist was meticulous and made me feel very comfortable throughout. The specialist was just as great, I really felt like they cared about my teeth/ health like nothing I have experienced at other practices. I cannot say enough good things about my entire visit."
"Best dental experience I've ever had! I've never left feeling better after a teeth cleaning. As a new patient, I feel completely comfortable and actually excited to return!"
"first time coming here today and all of the girls were absolutely AMAZING! 10000/10 recommend"
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