Understanding Gum Disease
Know the early signs and how timely treatment prevents long-term damage.
Gum disease doesn’t happen overnight. Most patients in Anderson first notice small changes like bleeding when brushing, occasional swelling, or a lingering bad taste. These early symptoms may be easy to ignore, but they are often the start of a deeper infection that can affect both the gums and the bone supporting your teeth.
Left untreated, gum disease can progress into periodontitis — a serious condition that leads to gum recession, loose teeth, and even tooth loss. Early diagnosis and treatment not only protect your smile but also support better overall health. Research continues to show that gum disease is connected to systemic concerns like heart health and diabetes.
Our goal is to make sure you never reach the advanced stages of gum disease. With early intervention and a customized care plan, we can help reverse inflammation, protect your natural teeth, and restore comfort.
Why Patients Choose Cornerstone Dentistry for Periodontal Care
Experienced, compassionate gum treatment backed by advanced technology.
Patients choose Cornerstone Dentistry because they want a dentist who listens, explains clearly, and offers treatment plans designed around their needs — not a one-size-fits-all approach. Our team uses advanced diagnostic tools to examine your gum health, measure pocket depths, and understand exactly where infection is occurring. This lets us personalize every aspect of your treatment.
We make your comfort a priority. From gentle cleaning techniques to clear communication at every step, we help remove the anxiety many patients feel about periodontal care. Our long-term approach focuses on healing, prevention, and helping you maintain a healthy smile for years to come.
Periodontal Treatments We Offer
Modern, comfortable solutions for restoring gum health at every stage.
Deep Cleaning (Scaling & Root Planing)
A gentle, non-surgical treatment that removes infection and helps gums reattach
Deep cleaning is often the first step in treating active gum disease. During this procedure, we carefully clear away the bacteria and plaque hidden beneath the gumline and smooth the roots of the teeth so the gums can heal and reattach more effectively.
Many patients notice a reduction in bleeding and discomfort shortly after treatment. Our modern instruments make the process more comfortable and efficient, allowing you to begin healing right away.
Gum Grafting for Receding Gums
Restore gum coverage, reduce sensitivity, and protect exposed roots.
If your gums have receded due to periodontal disease, brushing habits, or genetics, gum grafting may be recommended. This procedure replaces lost tissue, helps prevent further recession, and reduces sensitivity caused by exposed roots.
Our approach focuses on natural-looking results and minimal discomfort. Patients often report that their smile looks healthier and that cold foods and drinks become much easier to enjoy again.
Ongoing Periodontal Maintenance
Customized cleaning intervals to keep infection from returning
Once gum disease is under control, we help you maintain your progress with regularly scheduled periodontal maintenance visits. These appointments typically occur every three to four months depending on your needs and include:
- Monitoring of your gum health
- Deep cleaning around vulnerable areas
- Evaluating healing from previous treatment
- Adjusting home care recommendations
This step is important because gum disease can return without consistent maintenance.
Signs You May Need Periodontal Treatment
Recognize the symptoms before they progress.
While gum disease can begin quietly, many patients eventually spot warning signs such as:
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing
- Red or swollen gums
- Tenderness when eating
- Bad breath that doesn’t go away
- Gums that appear to be pulling away from your teeth
- Increased tooth sensitivity
If any of these sound familiar, a periodontal evaluation can give you a clear understanding of what’s causing your symptoms and what steps can stop the infection from progressing.
What To Expect During Your Visit
A clear, comfortable process from diagnosis to treatment planning
At your first visit, we begin with a gentle, thorough examination of your gums and surrounding bone. This includes measuring gum pocket depths, reviewing digital images, and checking for signs of inflammation or recession. You’ll see what we see, and we’ll walk you through each finding using simple, comforting explanations.
Once your evaluation is complete, we create a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. You’ll have a chance to discuss the expected timeline, cost ranges, and available scheduling options. Our office provides transparent pricing and works with many insurance providers to make care as accessible as possible. If you need help understanding coverage or payment plans, our team is here to assist.
Real Improvements Patients Notice After Treatment
Healthier gums, fresher breath, and a stronger foundation for your smile.
Most patients begin noticing improvements within a few weeks of starting treatment. Redness and swelling fade, brushing becomes more comfortable, and breath feels noticeably fresher. For patients with moderate to advanced gum disease, periodontal care often prevents tooth loss and helps stabilize the bone supporting their teeth.
Many of our patients tell us the biggest change is how confident they feel once their gum health is back on track. Treating the infection not only improves your smile — it improves your quality of life.
Home Care Support for Long-Term Gum Health
Simple, personalized guidance to keep your gums healthy between visits
Your body does much of the healing after periodontal treatment, and we help support that process by giving you home-care advice tailored to your needs. This may include product recommendations, techniques to reduce irritation, or at-home tools that help keep gum inflammation under control.
We believe prevention is the strongest part of periodontal care. With the right routine, many of our patients maintain healthy gums long after treatment is complete.
Schedule Your Periodontal Consultation in Anderson, SC
Early treatment protects your teeth and helps you avoid more complex procedures.
If you’re experiencing bleeding gums, sensitivity, or any signs of gum disease, we’re here to help. Call our office to schedule a consultation. Cornerstone Dentistry is committed to providing gentle, effective periodontal care that restores comfort and protects your smile.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment with your Anderson dental team, give us a call at (864) 222-9001 or request an appointment online! We look forward to hearing from you!
