Comprehensive Periodontal Care in Murfreesboro, TN

The early symptoms of gum disease can be subtle. Common signs include red, swollen, or bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, gum recession, tooth sensitivity, and loose teeth. The best way to determine the health of your gums is through a comprehensive periodontal exam. At Gaither Perio and Dental Implants, we can identify periodontal disease in its earliest stages and recommend the most effective treatment plan for you.

Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical, deep periodontal cleaning designed to remove harmful bacteria, plaque, and tartar from beneath the gum line. To keep you comfortable, we may use local anesthesia during the procedure. This deep cleaning treatment is highly effective at reducing inflammation, improving gum health, and preventing further damage from gum disease. Most patients experience little to no discomfort during the procedure and can return to their normal activities shortly afterward.

Yes. Depending on your specific needs, Dr. Gaither may recommend the Pinhole Surgical Technique (PST), a minimally invasive treatment for gum recession. Unlike traditional gum grafting, PST does not require scalpels, sutures, or tissue grafts from another area of the mouth. Through a small pinhole opening, existing gum tissue is gently repositioned to cover exposed tooth roots, often resulting in less discomfort, faster healing, and beautiful cosmetic results.

Periodontal disease, also called gum disease, is an infection and inflammation of the tissues that support your teeth. It can begin as gingivitis, which causes red, swollen, or bleeding gums, and may progress to periodontitis if left untreated. Advanced periodontal disease can damage the gums and supporting bone and eventually contribute to tooth loss.

Common signs of gum disease include bleeding or swollen gums, persistent bad breath, gum recession, tender gums, loose teeth, changes in your bite, or teeth that appear longer than they used to. Some people may have periodontal disease with few noticeable symptoms, which is why regular periodontal exams are important for maintaining healthy gums.

During a periodontal examination at Gaither Perio and Dental Implants, your periodontist and team will evaluate your gums for inflammation, bleeding, recession, and periodontal pocket depth. The health and stability of your teeth, bite, and supporting bone may also be assessed using diagnostic imaging and other advanced tools. Our findings will help determine whether gum disease is present and, if so, how advanced it is.

Scaling and root planing is a nonsurgical periodontal treatment commonly known as a deep cleaning. Scaling removes plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line, while root planing smooths the surfaces of the tooth roots. Removing these deposits helps reduce harmful bacteria and inflammation and gives the gums an opportunity to heal.

In many cases, early to moderate gum disease can be managed with nonsurgical treatments such as scaling and root planing, improved oral hygiene, and ongoing periodontal maintenance. Gaither Perio and Dental Implants can also offer PerioProtect® as part of a personalized approach to managing periodontal disease. Our periodontist and team will perform a comprehensive evaluation of your periodontal health to determine the ideal treatment for your smile.

PerioProtect® is a non-invasive periodontal treatment designed to help manage gum disease at home. Custom-fabricated trays deliver prescription antimicrobial medication directly into periodontal pockets, helping control harmful bacteria between professional appointments. When needed, PerioProtect® can be incorporated into a comprehensive periodontal treatment plan at Gaither Perio and Dental Implants.

Gum recession occurs when gum tissue pulls away from the tooth, exposing more of the tooth or its root. It can be associated with periodontal disease, aggressive brushing, genetics, or other factors. For appropriate candidates, Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation Technique (PST) offers a minimally invasive approach that gently repositions existing gum tissue over exposed tooth roots.

Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation Technique is a minimally invasive treatment for gum recession. Instead of using traditional incisions, grafting, and sutures, the technique uses a small pinhole opening through which existing gum tissue is gently repositioned to cover exposed tooth roots. Dr. Gaither can determine whether PST is appropriate based on your gum health and treatment needs.

Yes. A "gummy smile" occurs when an excessive amount of gum tissue is visible when smiling. Depending on the cause, periodontal treatment may involve carefully reshaping excess gum tissue and, when necessary, underlying bone to create a more balanced appearance for the gum line and reveal more of the natural teeth.

Maintaining healthy gums after treatment requires consistent oral hygiene and regular professional care. Brushing twice a day, cleaning between your teeth, following your periodontal maintenance schedule, and completing any recommended at-home treatments provided by Dr. Gaither can help control plaque and harmful bacteria. Your periodontal team will recommend a customized maintenance plan based on your gum health.