Questions for Your Charlotte Holistic Dentist
At Gentry Dental we believe that educating our patients is key! We want our patients to be involved with their oral health and comfortable making decisions, which is why we spend the extra time with each patient understanding concerns and answering each question.
We invite you to contact our office with any questions you may have about your overall oral health, about the services we offer, and of course questions related to insurance and billing. We are here to help and hope that you can use us as a resource!
After years of practicing, Dr. Gentry and her team have encountered several questions that commonly are asked, which we have answered below. Feel free to browse these frequently asked questions to help guide you on your oral health and understand our services.
We hope that you can find the information you are looking for and look forward to hearing from you.
Periodontal Treatment
Periodontal treatment (gum disease treatment) is not especially painful because your holistic dentist in Charlotte, NC, uses the latest techniques and technologies to help ensure your comfort during treatment.
A few of the ways we treat gum disease include:
- Scaling and Root Planing: This method removes a significant amount of infection from beneath the gumline and encourages the tissue to adhere to the teeth and roots.
- Antibiotics: Antibiotics can be topical or in pill form. This medication helps clear up an infection.
- Ozonated Irrigation: This technology allows the dentist to irrigate the gums, reducing the bacterial count.
- Multi-Lock System Laser: This technology reduces inflammation and pain for our patients who have been diagnosed with gum disease.
About Gum Disease in Charlotte, NC
Gum disease is a condition of the gums characterized by infections and inflammation below the gumline. In early disease (gingivitis), the infection and inflammation may be limited to the soft tissues. Bone involvement indicates advanced periodontitis.
Gingivitis may be curable, but advanced disease is only treatable.
However, treatment is vital to protect your teeth and overall wellness.
Do You Have Gum Disease Symptoms?
If you have bleeding or receding gums, recurring bad breath, or loose teeth, it’s essential to schedule an appointment with the dentist for an evaluation.
If you don’t have dental insurance, ask about our in-office savings plan!
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is the inflammation of the gum tissue caused by plaque buildup. Plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, forms on teeth and gums and can harden into tartar if not thoroughly removed with good oral hygiene. This can lead to the first stage of gum disease (gingivitis), characterized by red, swollen gums that may bleed during brushing.
If untreated, gingivitis can advance to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease. The gums pull away from the teeth at this stage, forming infected pockets. The body's immune response to this infection, combined with bacterial toxins, starts to break down the bone and connective tissue that holds teeth in place. Without treatment, this can lead to tooth loosening or tooth loss.
Gum Disease Prevention and Treatment in Charlotte, NC
Preventing gum disease involves maintaining excellent oral hygiene, including regular brushing, flossing, and professional dental cleanings. For those already affected, treatments vary based on the disease's severity and may include deep cleaning procedures like scaling and root planing, medications, or even surgery to restore gum or bone tissue. Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent irreversible damage and maintain dental health.
Call Gentry Dental today to schedule your exam and cleaning!