What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease — commonly called gum disease — is a bacterial infection of the gum tissue and the bone structures that support your teeth. It begins as gingivitis, a reversible inflammation of the gums characterized by redness, swelling, and bleeding during brushing. When left untreated, gingivitis advances to periodontitis, in which bacteria migrate below the gumline and begin destroying the bone and connective tissue that anchor teeth in place. Periodontitis is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
Signs You May Have Gum Disease
- Gums that bleed during or after brushing or flossing
- Red, swollen, or tender gum tissue
- Gums that have pulled away from your teeth, making them look longer
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Pain when chewing
The Connection Between Gum Disease and Overall Health
Research has consistently linked untreated periodontal disease to serious systemic health conditions, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes complications, respiratory disease, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. For patients managing their recovery from substance use — where overall health restoration is a priority — treating gum disease is a critical component of total wellbeing, not just a dental issue.
Periodontal Therapy at AHDC
Gum disease treatment at our center begins with a thorough periodontal assessment to measure the depth of the pockets between your teeth and gums, indicating how far disease has progressed. Treatment typically begins with a deep cleaning procedure called scaling and root planing (SRP), in which our dental resident carefully removes calculus and bacteria from below the gumline and smooths the root surfaces to discourage bacterial reattachment. More advanced cases may require additional therapy.
Ready to Schedule? Affordable Care Is Closer Than You Think.
At Appalachian Highlands Community Dental Center, we believe that cost should never stand between you and a healthy smile. Our sliding fee scale means you pay only what you can afford. Call us today or ask your caseworker, recovery program, or social worker for a referral.
We accept patients regardless of insurance status. No insurance? No problem. We serve everyone.
Saving Teeth Before They're Lost
Tooth loss has cascading consequences — affecting how you eat, how you speak, and how you feel about yourself. Periodontal therapy, when begun early enough, is highly effective at stopping the progression of disease and preserving your natural teeth. Our sliding fee scale ensures that no one in Southwest Virginia loses teeth simply because they couldn’t afford treatment.