Gum Disease Treatment
Gum health is the foundation of everything else in your mouth. Teeth, bone, and restorations all depend on healthy surrounding tissue to stay stable. When that foundation is compromised, the consequences extend far beyond the gums themselves. At Imagine Dentistry at the Arboretum, we treat gum disease at every stage, from the earliest signs of gingivitis through more advanced periodontal conditions, with care that is personalized to your specific situation. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly half of adults over 30 have some form of periodontal disease, making it one of the most common chronic conditions in the United States. Many people do not realize they have it until it has progressed, because gum disease is often painless in its early stages. Early intervention is what makes the difference between a reversible condition and lasting damage.
Understanding Gum Disease: Stages and What They Mean
Gum disease begins as gingivitis, inflammation of gum tissue caused by bacterial plaque accumulating along and beneath the gumline. At this stage the disease is reversible with professional cleaning and improved home care. Left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, where the bone and connective tissue supporting teeth begin to break down. Advanced periodontitis can lead to tooth loss and has been linked to systemic health conditions including cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
How We Treat Gum Disease at Imagine Dentistry
Our approach begins with a thorough periodontal evaluation, measuring pocket depths around each tooth, assessing bone levels, and reviewing your home care routine. Treatment is matched to the stage of disease. Early gingivitis often responds to a professional cleaning and personalized hygiene guidance. When disease has progressed beneath the gumline, scaling and root planing removes bacterial deposits from root surfaces and allows gum tissue to reattach and heal. Following active therapy, a structured periodontal maintenance schedule every 3 to 4 months protects the results and prevents relapse. For patients who have experienced tooth loss due to advanced periodontal disease, dental implants are an option once gum health has been stabilized.
Signs You May Have Gum Disease
Gum disease is often painless early on, which is why many people miss it until it has progressed. Common warning signs include gums that bleed easily when brushing or flossing, red or swollen gum tissue, gums that appear to be pulling away from the teeth, persistent bad breath, and changes in how your teeth fit together when you bite. If you are noticing any of these signs, it is important not to wait. Use our contact form or call us to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Ann Coambs. We serve patients throughout South Charlotte, including Ballantyne, Matthews, and Pineville.
If you have been putting off a gum evaluation because your gums do not hurt, that is exactly the pattern we most often see with early-stage gum disease. The sooner we evaluate and intervene, the more straightforward treatment tends to be. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Ann Coambs, use our contact form or call our office. We look forward to helping you protect the foundation your smile depends on.
Dental Insurance
We accept most dental insurances, and we will always work to get the most out of your benefits. If it would help to break up the cost of your care into smaller monthly payments, we are prepared to discuss payment plan options with you. We offer an excellent Membership Plan with our office, as well as financing with Care Credit. If you are looking for a dentist in Charlotte, NC, our team will be delighted to assist you in scheduling an appointment today.

Dental Membership Plan
We offer an excellent Membership Plan designed specifically for patients without traditional insurance coverage. Our “Love.Your.Smile.” plans provide access to preventive care, including regular checkups, cleanings, and x-rays, along with valuable discounts on additional treatments. If you’re looking for transparent pricing and quality dental care without the hassle of insurance claims, our membership plan may be the perfect solution for you and your family. Our team will be happy to discuss which plan best fits your needs during your visit!

