Gum disease is more common than most people realize. According to the CDC, nearly half of adults over 30 in the United States have some form of periodontal disease — and many of them have no idea. It tends to develop quietly, without much pain, until it reaches a stage where the damage is harder to reverse.
At Gaston and Murrell Family Dentistry in Green Hills, we see patients at every stage of gum disease — from early gingivitis to more advanced cases that have affected the bone. The good news is that with the right treatment and consistent follow-up care, most patients can get their gum health back on track and keep it there.
Here is a straightforward look at what periodontal disease is, how to recognize it, and what treatment actually involves.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place — the gums, the ligaments, and the bone beneath. It is caused by bacteria in plaque and tartar that builds up along and below the gum line over time.
It typically starts as gingivitis, which is inflammation of the gum tissue. At this stage, the condition is reversible with a professional cleaning and improved home care. If it is not addressed, gingivitis can progress into periodontitis, where the infection begins to damage the bone and connective tissue supporting your teeth. Advanced periodontitis is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults.
The tricky part is that it often does not hurt — especially in the earlier stages. Many patients are surprised when we tell them they have gum disease because they have not felt anything wrong.
Signs That Something May Be Going On
While periodontal disease can be symptom-free for a long time, there are warning signs worth paying attention to:
- Gums that bleed when you brush or floss — this is not normal, even if it has happened for years
- Gums that look red, puffy, or feel tender
- Gums that appear to be pulling away from the teeth, making teeth look longer
- Persistent bad breath that does not go away with brushing
- Teeth that feel loose or have shifted in position
- Pain or sensitivity when chewing
If any of these sound familiar, it is worth coming in for an evaluation. Catching gum disease early makes treatment simpler and outcomes significantly better.
How Periodontal Disease Is Treated
Treatment depends on how far the disease has progressed. Here is a general overview of what care looks like at different stages:
Early Stage: Improved Cleaning and Monitoring
If we catch things early, a thorough professional cleaning combined with better home care habits is often enough to stop the progression and allow the gums to heal.
Moderate Stage: Scaling and Root Planing
For more advanced cases, we use a procedure called scaling and root planing — sometimes called a deep cleaning. This involves carefully removing plaque and tartar from below the gum line and smoothing the tooth root surfaces to help the gums reattach. It is done with local anesthesia so you are comfortable throughout, and typically completed in sections over two or more visits.
Ongoing: Periodontal Maintenance
After active treatment, regular periodontal maintenance visits — usually every three to four months — are essential for keeping the disease from recurring. These visits are more detailed than a standard cleaning and allow us to monitor your gum health closely over time.
You can read more about the specific services we offer on our Periodontal Services page.
The Connection Between Gum Disease and Tooth Loss
Untreated periodontal disease is one of the most common reasons adults lose teeth. When the bone and tissue supporting a tooth breaks down far enough, the tooth can no longer be saved. This is not a failure on the patient’s part — it is a consequence of a condition that often goes undetected for too long.
If you have already lost teeth as a result of periodontal disease, there are excellent options for replacing them. Dental implants are the most natural-feeling, long-lasting solution for single or multiple missing teeth. For patients who have lost most or all of the teeth in an arch, our Teeth in a Day procedure offers full-arch restoration in a single appointment.
Learn more about Teeth in a Day and whether it might be right for you.
Preventing Gum Disease: What Actually Helps
Good home care is the foundation of gum health. That means brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled brush, flossing daily, and keeping up with your regular dental visits. But even patients who take excellent care of their teeth can develop gum disease — genetics, hormonal changes, certain medications, and systemic conditions like diabetes all play a role.
The most important thing you can do is stay consistent with your dental care and come in when something does not feel right. Skipping cleanings — even for a year or two — allows buildup to accumulate below the gum line that brushing and flossing alone cannot address.
How Gaston and Murrell Fits Into Your Overall Dental Health
We are a full-service practice, which means your periodontal care does not happen in isolation. Dr. Murrell and our team see the whole picture — your gum health, your restorations, your cosmetic goals, and your overall oral health — and coordinate everything in one place.
Beyond periodontal care, we offer:
- General Dentistry — routine exams, cleanings, X-rays, and preventive care
- Restorative Dentistry — crowns, bridges, implants, and fillings
- Cosmetic Dentistry — teeth whitening, veneers, and bonding
- CEREC Same-Day Crowns — custom ceramic crowns designed and placed in one visit
- Teeth in a Day — full-arch implant restoration in a single appointment
We also offer in-house membership plans for patients without dental insurance, making it easier to understand your costs and move forward with confidence.
Ready to Come In?
If you have been putting off a dental visit, have concerns about your gum health, or have been told in the past that you need periodontal treatment, we would be glad to see you. Our team will give you a clear assessment and walk you through your options without any pressure.
Call us at (615) 383-3993 or request an appointment online.
Proudly serving Nashville, Green Hills, and surrounding areas.
