Nonsurgical periodontal treatments in Germantown, TN, can help control gum disease, reduce inflammation and protect the teeth and bone that support your smile. At Person & Darlington Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, our dentists provide personalized gum disease treatment based on the condition of your gums and the severity of your symptoms.
Treatment may include scaling and root planing, more frequent cleanings, improved home care and other nonsurgical options designed to help manage periodontal disease before it causes additional damage.
To learn more about gum disease treatment, call Person & Darlington Family and Cosmetic Dentistry at 901-681-0777 and schedule an appointment with Dr. Patrick Person or Dr. Baker Darlington.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease, also called gum disease, is an infection of the tissues that support your teeth. It develops when bacteria in plaque build up along and below the gumline and trigger inflammation.
Early gum disease may cause redness, tenderness or bleeding. As the condition progresses, it can contribute to gum recession, bone loss, loose teeth and other changes that affect your oral health.
Our dentists evaluate your gums during routine dental exams so signs of periodontal disease can be identified and treated as early as possible.
Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease
Gum disease does not always cause pain, especially in its earlier stages. Paying attention to changes in your gums can help you know when it is time to schedule an evaluation.
Possible signs of periodontal disease include:
- Red, swollen or tender gums
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad breath
- Gum recession
- Teeth that appear longer because the gums have receded
- Changes in the way your teeth fit together
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Changes in the bone supporting the teeth
If you notice any of these concerns, our dentists can examine your gums and determine whether gum disease treatment is needed.
What Are Nonsurgical Gum Disease Treatments?
Nonsurgical periodontal treatment focuses on controlling infection and inflammation without surgical procedures. The goal is to reduce harmful bacteria, clean the areas around the teeth and help you maintain healthier gums.
Depending on the severity of your gum disease, treatment may include:
- Scaling and root planing
- Deep dental cleanings
- More frequent periodontal maintenance visits
- Improved brushing and flossing techniques
- Antibiotic treatment when recommended
- Ongoing monitoring of gum and bone health
Our dentists will explain which options fit your needs and whether more than one type of treatment should be combined.
What Is Scaling and Root Planing?
Scaling and root planing is a common nonsurgical treatment for gum disease. It is sometimes referred to as a deep cleaning because it goes beyond the areas addressed during a routine dental cleaning.
Scaling removes plaque and hardened deposits from the surfaces of the teeth and from below the gumline. Root planing smooths the root surfaces to help remove bacterial buildup and create a cleaner surface around the tooth.
The treatment may be completed in sections of the mouth depending on how much care is needed.
How Is Scaling and Root Planing Different From a Regular Cleaning?
Routine dental cleanings are designed to help maintain healthy teeth and gums by removing plaque and tartar from areas that can be reached above and around the gumline.
Scaling and root planing is used when periodontal disease has created deeper areas around the teeth where bacteria and deposits have collected below the gumline.
Our dentists can explain which type of cleaning is needed based on the condition of your gums and the depth of the spaces around your teeth.
What Happens During Gum Disease Treatment?
Your treatment begins with an evaluation of your gums, teeth and supporting structures. Our dentists may measure the spaces around your teeth and use digital X-rays to look for changes in the bone supporting your teeth.
If scaling and root planing is recommended, the treatment focuses on removing bacterial deposits from below the gumline and smoothing the root surfaces.
After treatment, our team will review your home care routine and explain how often you should return for follow-up visits or periodontal maintenance.
Why Is Treating Gum Disease Important?
Periodontal disease can progress over time if it is not managed. As infection and inflammation continue, the gums and bone that support the teeth may be damaged.
Untreated gum disease may contribute to:
- Gum recession
- Bone loss
- Loose teeth
- Changes in your bite
- Tooth loss
- The need for more extensive dental treatment
Early treatment and consistent maintenance can help protect the structures that keep your teeth stable.
Periodontal Maintenance After Treatment
Managing gum disease usually requires ongoing care. After active periodontal treatment, our dentists may recommend more frequent cleanings and examinations to help control bacterial buildup and monitor your gum health.
Your maintenance schedule will depend on the severity of the disease, how your gums respond to treatment and your ability to maintain good oral hygiene at home.
Regular periodontal maintenance can help reduce the risk of the condition becoming more severe.
How Can I Care for My Gums at Home?
Daily oral hygiene plays an important role in controlling periodontal disease and maintaining the results of professional treatment.
We may recommend:
- Brushing thoroughly twice each day
- Flossing or cleaning between your teeth daily
- Following any home care instructions provided by our team
- Avoiding tobacco use
- Keeping your recommended maintenance appointments
- Contacting our office if you notice new bleeding, swelling or changes in your gums
Our team can help you improve your home care technique and recommend products or tools that may make daily cleaning easier.
Experienced Gum Disease Care
Dr. Person has provided gum disease treatment throughout his 37-year dental career and has treated approximately 1,000 gum disease cases. He has also completed continuing education in periodontal therapy as part of more than 800 hours of post-dental-school training.
Dr. Darlington has provided comprehensive dental care since beginning his career in 2022 and evaluates gum health as part of routine preventive and restorative treatment planning.
Together, our dentists focus on identifying periodontal concerns early, explaining treatment clearly and helping patients maintain healthier gums over time.
How Dental Technology Supports Periodontal Care
Digital imaging can help our dentists evaluate the bone that supports your teeth and monitor changes related to periodontal disease.
Our practice uses advanced dental technology, including digital X-rays and intraoral cameras, to support diagnosis, treatment planning and patient education.
These tools can help us explain what we see and show you how gum disease may be affecting your oral health.
Schedule Nonsurgical Periodontal Treatment in Germantown, TN
If you have bleeding gums, gum recession or other signs of periodontal disease, early treatment can help protect your teeth and supporting bone.
Call Person & Darlington Family and Cosmetic Dentistry at 901-681-0777 to schedule an evaluation with our dentists and learn more about nonsurgical periodontal treatments in Germantown, TN.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nonsurgical Periodontal Treatment
What is gum disease?
Gum disease is an infection and inflammation of the tissues that support your teeth. It is caused by bacterial buildup around and below the gumline and can lead to gum recession, bone loss and tooth loss if it progresses.
What is scaling and root planing?
Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning treatment used to remove plaque and hardened deposits from below the gumline and smooth the root surfaces of affected teeth.
Is scaling and root planing the same as a regular dental cleaning?
No. Routine cleanings help maintain healthy teeth and gums, while scaling and root planing treats areas affected by periodontal disease below the gumline.
What are the signs of periodontal disease?
Common signs include bleeding gums, redness, swelling, gum recession, persistent bad breath and loose or shifting teeth. Gum disease may also be present without noticeable pain.
Can gum disease be treated without surgery?
Many cases can be managed with nonsurgical treatments such as scaling and root planing, improved home care and periodontal maintenance. Our dentists will evaluate the severity of the disease and explain your options.
How often will I need periodontal maintenance?
The frequency depends on the severity of your gum disease and how your gums respond to treatment. Our dentists will recommend a maintenance schedule based on your individual needs.
Can gum disease cause tooth loss?
Yes. Advanced periodontal disease can damage the bone and tissues that support the teeth, which may eventually cause teeth to become loose or require removal.
Where can I get nonsurgical gum disease treatment in Germantown, TN?
Our dentists at Person & Darlington Family and Cosmetic Dentistry provide nonsurgical periodontal care, including scaling and root planing. Call 901-681-0777 to schedule an evaluation.
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