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Village Dental · Patient-centered care

Gum Disease Treatment in Raleigh & Wake Forest

Understand bleeding gums. Take the next step toward healthier support.

Bleeding when you brush, persistent bad breath, or receding gums are reasons to schedule a gum evaluation. Village Dental welcomes patients from Raleigh, North Raleigh, Brier Creek, and Wake Forest for a personalized periodontal care plan.

Choose your officeCall (919) 500-5722
Dental model showing teeth and gums beside a toothbrush and floss
Illustrative image; not an actual patient or treatment result.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease is inflammation caused by bacteria in plaque around the teeth. Its early stage, gingivitis, affects the gums. More advanced disease, called periodontitis, can damage the tissues and bone that support your teeth. Bleeding, swelling, recession, or persistent bad breath are reasons to schedule an examination, even if your gums do not hurt.

Find the cause

A gum evaluation helps distinguish gingivitis from periodontitis.

Treat below the gumline

Deep cleaning targets deposits in areas a routine cleaning may not address.

Plan ongoing care

Reassessment and periodontal maintenance help track your gum health.
Illustration of a dental instrument removing tartar from a tooth root below the gumline
Illustration of tartar removal below the gumline during periodontal treatment.

Gingivitis and periodontitis: what is the difference?

Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums without the supporting bone loss associated with periodontitis. Periodontitis affects the tissues and bone supporting the teeth. Bleeding, swelling, recession, or loose teeth can be warning signs, but disease may also develop with little discomfort.

Your dental team may measure pockets around the teeth and review X-rays when indicated. Bring a list of medications and let us know about tobacco use, diabetes, or changes in your health. These details can affect your risk and care plan.

What is scaling and root planing?

Scaling and root planing is a nonsurgical treatment for periodontal disease, often called a deep cleaning. It removes plaque and hardened deposits below the gumline and treats affected root surfaces. A dentist recommends it based on your gum measurements, inflammation, and supporting bone, rather than how long it has been since your last cleaning.

A routine dental cleaning helps maintain oral health when periodontal treatment is not needed. Scaling and root planing treats diagnosed disease below the gumline. Your dentist will explain your gum measurements, which areas need treatment, and how healing will be checked. More advanced disease may need care from a periodontist.

Your appointment

What to expect at your visit

1. Measure and diagnoseReview gum pockets, bleeding, history, and any indicated imaging.
2. Treat affected areasRemove deposits below the gumline using a comfort plan tailored to you.
3. Reassess and maintainEvaluate healing and set the next steps for continued periodontal care.

Comfort, healing, and follow-up

Local anesthetic may be used, and treatment can take more than one appointment. Temporary tenderness, bleeding, and sensitivity can occur afterward. Follow the specific cleaning, eating, and medication instructions provided by your treating clinician.

A follow-up visit checks how your gums respond. Periodontal maintenance may be recommended on an individualized schedule. Persistent deep pockets or inflammation may require additional treatment; a deep cleaning is not a promise that lost support will grow back.

What affects the cost of periodontal treatment?

The estimate depends on the number of teeth or areas involved, disease severity, and the care needed afterward. Ask the office to separate the initial evaluation, active treatment, and ongoing maintenance so you can plan confidently.

Dental insurance may apply different benefits to a routine cleaning and periodontal care. Check your expected share through our insurance and payment resources. If anxiety has delayed care, ask about comfort and sedation options appropriate to your health and treatment.

Get to know your dental team

Why Village Dental?

Four neighborhood offices in Olde Raleigh, North Raleigh, Brier Creek, and Wake Forest.

Care beyond the first visit

Your gum measurements and examination guide the treatment plan and follow-up. Discuss your comfort needs before treatment, including sedation options when appropriate, and ask how ongoing maintenance will be scheduled.

Care close to home

Raleigh, North Raleigh, Brier Creek & Wake Forest

Choose a convenient Village Dental office. When scheduling, confirm the appropriate clinician, treatment availability, and any consultation or referral needs.

Answers to common questions

Gum Disease & Periodontal Treatment: FAQs

Do bleeding gums mean I need a deep cleaning?
Not necessarily. Bleeding can have several causes. A gum examination is needed to determine whether you need routine preventive care, treatment for gingivitis, or scaling and root planing.
Can gum disease be cured?
Gingivitis can often be reversed with appropriate professional and home care. Periodontitis usually requires ongoing management to control the disease and protect remaining support. Your prognosis depends on your individual findings.
Will scaling and root planing hurt?
Your clinician can use local anesthetic when needed and discuss comfort before starting. Tenderness or sensitivity may follow treatment. Ask what to expect and when to contact the office.
How many deep-cleaning appointments will I need?
The number depends on how much of the mouth needs treatment, appointment length, and your comfort. Your plan should include both treatment visits and a reassessment of your gum response.
Is periodontal maintenance the same as a regular cleaning?
No. Periodontal maintenance is follow-up care for patients treated for periodontal disease. Its scope and timing reflect your gum history and risk, rather than a standard cleaning schedule.
Can I book periodontal care in North Raleigh or Brier Creek?
Start with your preferred Village Dental office in North Raleigh, Brier Creek, Olde Raleigh, or Wake Forest. The team can explain evaluation availability, the proposed treatment, and whether specialist care is needed.
Related care

Explore your next steps

Teeth cleaningUnderstand routine preventive visits.Learn more →General dentistryPlan an exam and ongoing oral care.Learn more →Sedation optionsDiscuss anxiety and treatment comfort.Learn more →

View all dental services · Meet our dentists

Patient education from Village Dental · Content updated . Your dentist will tailor recommendations to your examination and health history.

Further reading:

American Dental Association: scaling and root planingNIDCR: periodontal disease

Give your gums the attention they deserve.

Book a gum evaluation and learn which type of cleaning or periodontal treatment fits your needs.

Choose your officeCall (919) 500-5722
Olde Raleigh · North Raleigh · Brier Creek · Wake Forest