Periodontal Care

Protecting Your Gums and Supporting Structures

Periodontal care focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum disease and other conditions affecting the tissues that support your teeth. Healthy gums are essential for maintaining your natural teeth and overall oral health. At Castlewood Dental Group, Dr. Jake Shelburne and Dr. Chris Davenport provide comprehensive periodontal care to patients throughout Castlewood, the Tri-Cities region, and surrounding Southwest Virginia communities. Early detection and treatment of gum disease can save your teeth and prevent more serious health complications.

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease, commonly called gum disease, is an infection of the tissues that support your teeth. It’s caused by bacteria in plaque that accumulates on your teeth and below the gum line. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and has been linked to other health problems including heart disease and diabetes complications. Gum disease progresses through stages, starting with gingivitis and advancing to periodontitis if not treated.

Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease

Many people have gum disease without realizing it because early stages may not cause pain. Warning signs include: Red, swollen, or tender gums Bleeding when brushing or flossing Receding gums that make teeth appear longer Persistent bad breath or bad taste Loose or shifting teeth Changes in how your teeth fit together when you bite Pus between teeth and gums If you notice any of these symptoms, call our Castlewood office at 276-762-2323 for an evaluation. Early treatment is more effective and less invasive.

Stages of Gum Disease

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease. It causes gums to become red, swollen, and prone to bleeding. The good news is that gingivitis is reversible with professional cleaning and improved home care. At this stage, the infection hasn’t yet affected the bone and connective tissue supporting your teeth.

Periodontitis

If gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis. At this stage, the supporting bone and fibers that hold teeth in place are irreversibly damaged. Pockets form between teeth and gums, becoming infected. Without treatment, teeth may become loose and eventually need to be removed.

Periodontal Treatment Options

Professional Cleaning

For patients with gingivitis or early gum disease, professional cleanings combined with improved home care may be enough to restore gum health. Our hygienists, Kaleigh and Jessa, provide thorough cleanings and instruction on proper brushing and flossing techniques.

Scaling and Root Planing

For more advanced gum disease, scaling and root planing is often the first treatment approach. This deep cleaning procedure removes plaque and tartar from below the gum line and smooths the tooth roots to help gums reattach. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia for comfort and may be completed in sections over several appointments.

Periodontal Maintenance

After treatment for gum disease, ongoing periodontal maintenance is essential to prevent recurrence. These specialized cleanings are typically scheduled every three to four months and focus on areas where gum disease was previously present. Regular maintenance helps keep gum disease under control.

Why Periodontal Health Matters

Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Beyond losing teeth, untreated gum disease has been linked to increased risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes complications, and respiratory disease. The bacteria from infected gums can enter your bloodstream and affect other parts of your body. Maintaining healthy gums through regular dental visits to our Castlewood practice and good home care protects both your oral health and overall wellbeing.

Preventing Gum Disease

Prevention is always better than treatment. You can reduce your risk of gum disease by: Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste Flossing daily to remove plaque between teeth Getting regular dental cleanings and checkups Not smoking or using tobacco products Eating a balanced diet Managing conditions like diabetes that increase gum disease risk Our team will provide personalized recommendations based on your risk factors and current gum health.

Periodontal Care in the Tri-Cities Region

Castlewood Dental Group serves patients throughout Castlewood, Russell County, Smyth County, and the greater Tri-Cities area. Dr. Shelburne and Dr. Davenport work closely with our hygiene team to identify gum disease early and provide effective treatment for Southwest Virginia patients. If it’s been a while since your last dental cleaning, or if you’re concerned about your gum health, we can evaluate your periodontal condition and recommend appropriate treatment.