What is Gum Disease?
Gum or periodontal disease can harm the bone and the surrounding tissues supporting your teeth. Gingivitis is the name for the first stage of gum disease. If treated at this early stage, gum disease can be prevented and reversed. If not treated, it will now lead to periodontitis, which will damage your gums, bones and other structures that support your teeth, resulting in tooth loss.
Nothing but absolute perfection is acceptable at Eddy Periodontics and Implant Dentistry. The entire staff focuses on a warm, patient, and caring experience for your dental care. Every day, every appointment, every procedure, the team concentrates on earning and maintaining your trust. We are proud to collaborate with you and your family, and each team member participates in continuing education to always apply the recent innovative technological advancements in the dental industry. Whether it is a regular checkup exam or a procedure to address Gum Disease, simply call us at Rock Hill - (803) 324-8141 or Charlotte - (704) 275-3750, and schedule your appointment today. You can easily find us at 1144 India Hook Rd., #D, Rock Hill, SC, 29732 or 3111 Springbank Lane, Ste F, Charlotte, NC 28226.
Gum disease has unfortunately become quite common. Over half of Americans 30 years of age and older, and over 70% of all adults over the age of 65, currently have some stage of gum disease. Gum disease is most often painless, and you will not feel it, but it will manifest itself into an infection, sensitivity, puffiness, or inflammation of your gums. If left untreated, gum disease will start to deteriorate your jawbone, and will cause the loss of teeth or the necessity of further extensive dental surgery. There are significant health issues associated with gum disease, including diabetes, stroke, and heart disease. Gum disease is often called a silent disease. There are very subtle symptoms of early-stage gum disease, and you may never know you have a problem. This only makes routine checkups with Eddy Periodontics and Implant Dentistry a more important part of maintaining healthy teeth and gums, providing us the opportunity to identify potential concerns such as gum disease in the early stage and take the immediate preventative measures.
eddy periodontics & implant dentistry
Our Highly Skilled & Compassionate Team
Our team, led by Dr. Nelson Eddy, a Diplomat of the American Board of Periodontology, and his son, Dr. Joseph Eddy, combines decades of experience with advanced training to provide exceptional care for every patient.
Some Warning Signs of Gum Disease
These signs and symptoms may not be easily recognizable by you until the disease has already reached an advanced level. Professional evaluation by Eddy Periodontics and Implant Dentistry is critical for early detection and treatment.
- Red, swollen, tender, or receding gums.
- Gums bleed easily, especially when you brush.
- Gums that have pulled away from the teeth, forming pockets.
- Consistent bad breath or bad taste.
- Teeth that become loose, shift, or separate.
- A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite.
- Any change in the fit of your dentures or partial dentures.
The Stages of Gum Disease
One of the best ways to prevent the development of gum disease is to be informed about the distinct stages of gum disease and the symptoms associated with each level.
- Gingivitis- The first stage, is quite common. Gingivitis develops when plaque builds up around the gums. Gingivitis will be evident primarily in your gums, which will become swollen, irritated, or puffy. If you ignore this stage, it will quickly lead to periodontitis and significant health issues. Gingivitis is easy to address with a simple deep cleaning.
- Early Periodontitis- The second stage happens when the bacteria that has formed around the gum become severe, and now the symptoms are bleeding gums and the accelerated growth of plaque below the gum line, and the moderate loss of bone around the teeth. If you have reached this stage of gum disease, Eddy Periodontics and Implant Dentistry will need to exercise a more advanced treatment. We may recommend deep cleaning, laser therapy, or a combination of both.
- Advanced Periodontitis- The final stage occurs when the plaque, the toxins, and the bacteria have accumulated so much that they have now created sagging pockets between your gums and teeth, which enhances the problem by allowing even more bacteria to settle. This accelerates the advanced deterioration of the jawbone. If you have reached this stage, laser therapy, deep cleaning, or a combination of both will be imperative.
The Different Treatments for the Different Stages of Gum Disease
The staff at Eddy Periodontics and Implant Dentistry can treat all stages of gum disease. We will provide the proper treatment which might include:
- Prophylaxis, teeth cleaning – In the early stage, gum disease can be stymied and reversed using a simple cleaning procedure by our team of hygienists.
- Scaling and root planing – A more advanced method, a scale and root planing procedure involves cleaning under your gums and then planing the surface of the tooth root to remove the toxins to stop the spread of the gum infection.
- Gum surgery – In more advanced cases of gum disease, we may recommend gum surgery in conjunction with a regenerative procedure to both eliminate the disease and help restore lost tissues.
- Bone grafting – In the most advanced cases of gum disease, bone density is lost around the teeth, which will lead to tooth loss. We might recommend a bone grafting procedure in addition to one of the treatments above to regenerate the amount of bone and stabilize your oral health.
- Antibacterial rinses- When appropriate, we might prescribe an anti-bacterial rinse to reduce the level of bacteria present in your mouth.
The absolute most important thing you can do to prevent gum disease is to continue exercising good oral hygiene habits at home. Maintaining these preventative habits is crucial to avoiding gum disease. Be sure to brush twice daily and for at least two minutes each time. Also maintain regular flossing and consider an antimicrobial mouth rinse.
To complement these at home care practices, it is also essential that you continue scheduling regular visits with Eddy Periodontics and Implant Dentistry. Visiting us twice a year will allow us to supplement your efforts by conducting deep cleanings, monitoring the overall state of your oral health, and being proactive on any issues.

Bone Grafting
When teeth are extracted or oral cysts are removed, the underlying jawbone can deteriorate. This can result in a sunken facial appearance and make dental implant placement more difficult. A bone graft is a straightforward procedure that promotes the growth of new bone cells, helping to restore your oral health and prepare you for further treatments.
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Sedation Dentistry
Patient comfort is a top priority for us. To ensure your procedure is both safe and pain-free, we offer various sedation options. Depending on the specifics of your procedure, we may recommend nitrous oxide, oral sedation, or IV sedation. We hope these options provide you with peace of mind as you prepare for your treatment.
We Offer A
Variety Of Services For All Your Needs
At Eddy Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, our goal is to give each patient personalized attention, taking the time to thoroughly understand their needs and concerns. We offer detailed evaluations and comprehensive care to ensure our patients leave feeling positive and in excellent oral health. Explore the treatments we offer to learn more.
Eddy Periodontics and Implant Dentistry Earns Your Trust with Our Warm and Caring Focus
Our team is methodical in our approach, concentrating on your well-being through your procedure and your daily life. We appreciate the anxiety and apprehension that often comes with dental care, and therefore we take the time and effort necessary to make you comfortable throughout. Call us today at Rock Hill - (803) 324-8141 or Charlotte - (704) 275-3750 with any questions you may have or to schedule a Dental Implant restoration, and we look forward to seeing you at 1144 India Hook Rd., #D, Rock Hill, SC, 29732 or 3111 Springbank Lane, Ste F, Charlotte, NC 28226.