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!
Seeing blood in the sink after flossing can be alarming. While it’s not always “serious,” it also isn't something to ignore.
Healthy gums generally don’t bleed during normal brushing or flossing. In many cases, bleeding is an early sign of gum inflammation caused by plaque accumulating along the gumline. According to the Cleveland Clinic, occasional bleeding often indicates gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease, which can be reversed with consistent oral hygiene and professional care.
What Causes Bleeding Gums?
If you've recently started flossing after a long break, your gums may bleed for a few days as they adjust. However, persistent bleeding may point to plaque buildup irritating the gum tissue. Other possible causes include:
- Gingivitis
- Flossing too aggressively
- A toothbrush with hard bristles
- Certain medications or underlying health conditions
The key isn't to stop flossing. In fact, flossing gently every day helps remove the plaque that's causing the inflammation in the first place. If bleeding continues for more than a week or two despite good oral hygiene, schedule a dental evaluation.
Professional cleanings remove hardened plaque that brushing and flossing can't eliminate at home, allowing your gums to heal and reducing your risk of more advanced periodontal disease.
Healthy Gums in Charlotte Start with Early Care
If your gums bleed when you floss, don't ignore the warning sign. Contact Dr. Heather Gentry and the caring Gentry Dental team today to schedule an exam and professional cleaning. We'll identify the cause, recommend the right treatment, and help restore your gums to health and comfort.