Periodontics in Charlotte, NC
Periodontal (gum) disease is one of the most widespread oral health problems in the country. What makes it particularly serious is how quietly it progresses — many people have no idea anything is wrong until significant damage has already occurred. The health of your gums is directly connected to the health of your entire mouth, and treating problems at the gum level is often what makes everything else in your oral care possible.
At Imagine Dentistry in Charlotte, North Carolina, we offer comprehensive periodontal care for patients at every stage of gum health — from early-stage concerns to more advanced treatment needs. Dr. Ann Blaine Coambs has over 20 years of experience and has earned a Charlotte Magazine Top Dentists Award every year since 2016. She also holds the prestigious Fellowship designation from the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD award), a distinction held by only 6% of general dentists nationwide. Our team takes a thorough, individualized approach to periodontal care so you receive the right treatment at the right time.
What Periodontics Addresses
Periodontics is the branch of dentistry focused specifically on the structures that support your teeth — primarily the gums and jawbone. When these tissues become infected or inflamed, the condition is known as periodontal disease, and it ranges from mild gingivitis to advanced stages that can threaten tooth stability and longevity. Left untreated, periodontal disease has been linked to broader systemic health concerns, making early detection and consistent management essential.
During your routine visits, Dr. Coambs and her team of dental hygienists evaluate and measure your gum tissue pocket depths, look for indicators of infection or recession, and assess bone levels using digital X-ray images. This careful monitoring helps identify issues early, when they are far more manageable and respond better to treatment. Patients who stay consistent with their periodontal care tend to maintain much stronger long-term outcomes across all areas of their oral health.
Our Periodontal Services
We offer a range of targeted treatments designed to address gum disease at every level of severity. Each plan is built around your specific clinical situation, so no two treatment approaches look exactly the same.
Imagine Dentistry at the Arboretum
Scaling and Root Planing
For patients with active gum disease, scaling and root planing is often the first line of treatment. This deep-cleaning process removes plaque and tartar buildup from below the gumline and smooths the root surfaces of the teeth to discourage future bacterial accumulation. It is a non-surgical approach that is highly effective for moderate periodontal disease and is typically completed over one or two appointments.
After scaling and root planing, the gum tissue is given time to heal and reattach. A follow-up evaluation helps determine whether the initial infection has stabilized or whether additional treatment is warranted.
Imagine Dentistry at the Arboretum
Periodontal Maintenance Cleanings
Patients who have been treated for periodontal disease require a different level of ongoing care than those who have never experienced it. Periodontal maintenance cleanings are scheduled at intervals specific to your condition — typically every three to four months — and go deeper than a routine cleaning to address the areas most vulnerable to reinfection.
These visits are a critical part of keeping periodontal disease from causing further irreversible damage. The bacteria responsible for gum disease recolonize quickly, and more frequent professional care disrupts that cycle before it can cause new damage.
Imagine Dentistry at the Arboretum
Bone Grafting
In cases where periodontal disease or tooth loss has resulted in bone deterioration, bone grafting may be recommended to rebuild the foundation that supports your teeth. Bone grafting replaces lost tissue and creates the volume and density needed to support future restorative work, including dental implants. It is a carefully sequenced process, and Dr. Coambs will walk you through each step before any treatment begins.
Why Gum Health Affects Your Whole Mouth
It is difficult to achieve lasting results with cosmetic or restorative dentistry if the underlying gum and bone structures are compromised. Gum disease treatment is often a foundational step that makes other goals — such as implants, veneers, or orthodontic work — possible in the first place. Addressing periodontal concerns early protects not only your current teeth but also your long-term options for care.
Patients sometimes ask whether their general health conditions affect their periodontal risk. The answer is yes — factors such as diabetes, certain medications, and smoking all negatively influence gum health, and Dr. Coambs takes a full health history into account when developing your treatment plan.
Periodontal Care at Imagine Dentistry
At Imagine Dentistry, Dr. Ann Blaine Coambs and her team bring decades of experience to every periodontal evaluation and treatment. Our newly renovated office in the Arboretum area of South Charlotte is equipped with the latest dental technology, and we accept a wide range of PPO and insurance plans, as well as financing options through Cherry and CareCredit to help make care accessible. We welcome patients from throughout the Charlotte area and surrounding communities, and we are committed to helping you maintain the healthy gum foundation your smile depends on.
Your gum tissue is like the picture frame around the “picture” of your teeth – and they both need to look good and feel good as a pair. If you have noticed that your gums bleed regularly, your breath has a persistent bad odor, you have been told you are at risk for gum disease, or you are simply overdue for a thorough evaluation, we are here to help. Schedule an appointment with our team today and take the first step toward lasting gum health.
