Periodontics in Charlotte, NC
Your gums are the foundation of your smile. When gum disease threatens that foundation, you need expert periodontal care to protect your oral health and overall well-being. Periodontics is the dental specialty focused on preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases affecting the gums and supporting bone structures of your teeth.
At Inspired Dentistry of Charlotte, we believe you are a person of great importance and infinite worth. Under the expert care of Dr. John S. Selden, a Master Restorative Dentist, we offer comprehensive periodontal services to manage everything from early gingivitis to advanced periodontitis. Our approach combines advanced technology with personalized care to restore your gum health and preserve your smile for a lifetime.
What Is Periodontics?
Periodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry dedicated to the health of your gums, jawbone, and the tissues that support your teeth. A periodontist is a dentist who has completed additional years of training to master the diagnosis and treatment of periodontal (gum) disease.
- Prevention: Regular screenings and professional cleanings to prevent gum disease from developing.
- Diagnosis: Comprehensive periodontal exams to assess gum health, measure pocket depths, and evaluate bone levels.
- Non-Surgical Therapy: Scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) to remove plaque and tartar from below the gumline.
- Surgical Treatments: Procedures like pocket reduction surgery, gum grafting, and crown lengthening to restore health and function.
- Maintenance: Ongoing periodontal maintenance cleanings to prevent disease recurrence.
Are You a Candidate for Periodontal Care?
Gum disease affects nearly half of adults over 30, and many people don’t realize they have it until it has progressed significantly. You may benefit from periodontal care if you experience:
- Bleeding Gums: Gums that bleed during brushing or flossing.
- Swollen or Tender Gums: Redness, puffiness, or discomfort in your gum tissue.
- Persistent Bad Breath: An unpleasant taste or odor that doesn't go away with brushing.
- Receding Gums: Gums that are pulling away from your teeth, making them look longer.
- Loose Teeth: Teeth that feel mobile or have shifted position.
- Pus Between Teeth: Signs of infection around your gums.
- Patients diagnosed with gingivitis or periodontitis.
- Individuals with risk factors such as smoking, diabetes, or a family history of gum disease.
- Patients seeking to preserve their natural teeth and prevent bone loss.
- Those with health conditions linked to periodontal disease, including heart disease and diabetes complications.
Our Periodontal Treatment Options
Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy
- Scaling and Root Planing: This is the gold standard for treating early to moderate periodontitis. Under local anesthesia, our skilled hygienists carefully remove plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline. The tooth roots are then smoothed (planed) to help the gums reattach to the teeth and reduce pocket depth.
- Laser Periodontal Therapy: We utilize advanced laser technology for the treatment of gum disease. Lasers allow for more precise, comfortable treatment with less trauma to soft tissues often requiring minimal numbing. Laser therapy promotes quicker tissue sealing and healing, reduces bleeding, and minimizes the risk of post-treatment infection.
Surgical Periodontal Therapy
- Pocket Reduction Surgery: This procedure reduces the depth of gum pockets, making it easier to keep the area clean and preventing disease progression.
- Gum Grafting: If your gums have receded significantly, we can use tissue grafts to cover exposed roots, reduce sensitivity, and improve aesthetics.
- Crown Lengthening: This procedure reshapes gum tissue and bone to expose more of the tooth structure, often used to prepare for restorative work or to improve a "gummy" smile.
- Guided Tissue Regeneration: For patients with significant bone loss, we can place special membranes and bone grafts to encourage the body to regenerate lost bone and tissue.
The Periodontal Care Process
- Comprehensive Periodontal Exam: Dr. Selden performs a thorough evaluation, including probing to measure pocket depths, assessing bone levels through digital X-rays or 3D CBCT imaging, and reviewing your medical history.
- Personalized Treatment Plan: Based on the severity of your condition, we develop a tailored treatment plan that may include deep cleaning, laser therapy, or surgical intervention.
- Treatment Phase: We perform your periodontal therapy in a comfortable, anxiety-free environment. Sedation options are available for patients who experience dental anxiety.
- Periodontal Maintenance: After active treatment, we schedule regular maintenance cleanings every 3-4 months to monitor your gum health and prevent disease recurrence.
Benefits of Periodontal Treatment
- Preserve Natural Teeth: Periodontal therapy can halt disease progression and prevent tooth loss.
- Improve Overall Health: Treating gum disease can reduce your risk of systemic health issues, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes complications.
- Eliminate Bad Breath: Removing bacteria and infection restores fresh breath.
- Protect Your Smile: Healthy gums support a beautiful, functional smile.
- Reduce Sensitivity: Treating gum recession can reduce tooth sensitivity to hot and cold.
Cost of Periodontal Care in Charlotte, NC
| Treatment | Average Cost Range |
| Scaling & Root Planing (Per Quadrant) | $250–$400 |
| Full Mouth Deep Cleaning | $1,000–$1,600 |
| Periodontal Maintenance Visit | $150–$250 |
| Laser Gum Therapy (Per Quadrant) | $500–$1,000 |
| Gum Grafting | $600–$1,200 |
DENTAL FINANCING OPTIONS AT INSPIRED DENTISTRY OF CHARLOTTE
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Why Choose Inspired Dentistry of Charlotte for Periodontal Care?
- Restorative Expertise: Dr. John S. Selden, a Master Restorative Dentist, has been voted a Top Charlotte Area Dentist by Charlotte Magazine for over 17 years. His deep understanding of dental anatomy ensures exceptional outcomes.
- Advanced Technology: We utilize state-of-the-art 3D CBCT imaging and laser therapy for precise diagnosis and comfortable treatment.
- Patient-Centered Care: Our office is designed to be a sanctuary of comfort, surrounded by the natural beauty of light, stone, wood, and water. We offer sedation options for anxiety-free treatment.
- Comprehensive Approach: We treat your gum health as part of your overall well-being, coordinating care with your physicians when needed.
5 Star Patient Rating
What Our Patients Have to Say
“I have been seeing Dr. Selden for 5 years now, and the service in the entire Inspired Dentistry office is top notch. All staff are amazing, friendly, attentive, and professional”
“The experience was great! From intake to X-ray to consult. Very friendly staff, extremely professional. Gave me all my options and laid out the treatment plan. I would certainly recommend anyone looking for dentistry service to strongly consider them"
"I have never received such top tier customer service upon entering a dental office! The staff are genuinely warm and inviting and the ambiance matches the energy. The dentist is also very warm and professional . It was an overall amazing experience"
Meet your Expert: Dr. John S. Selden
Dr. John S. Selden is a distinguished Master Restorative Dentist who has been transforming smiles in Charlotte since founding Inspired Dentistry of Charlotte in 1999. A graduate of the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry, Dr. Selden has completed advanced training at The Dawson Academy and the Schuster Center for Professional Development. He is a Fellow of the International College of Dentists and serves as Vice Chair of the North Carolina Dental Foundation.
Protect Your Foundation. Protect Your Smile.
Schedule your periodontal evaluation with Dr. Selden at Inspired Dentistry of Charlotte today. Call us at (980) 595-8245 or book online now to safeguard your oral health.
FAQs
What is the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis?
Gingivitis is the early, reversible stage of gum disease characterized by gum inflammation and bleeding. Periodontitis is an advanced disease with bone loss that requires professional treatment and ongoing management.
Can gum disease be cured?
Gingivitis can be completely reversed with professional cleaning and proper home care. Periodontitis can be successfully managed and controlled, but the bone loss it causes cannot regrow without regenerative procedures.
Is periodontal treatment painful?
We prioritize your comfort. Non-surgical therapy is performed under local anesthesia to ensure you feel no pain. Some sensitivity is normal after treatment and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
How often do I need periodontal maintenance?
Patients with a history of periodontitis typically require maintenance cleanings every 3-4 months to prevent disease recurrence. Your dentist will determine the optimal interval for your specific needs.
Can gum disease affect my overall health?
Yes, research links periodontal disease to systemic health conditions including heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and respiratory issues. Treating gum disease can improve your overall health outcomes.