Home/Periodontal Care
Gum Disease Treatment in
Johnson City, TN
Healthy gums are the foundation under every tooth and every implant. Dr. John Nauss treats gum disease at every stage, from a deep cleaning that stops it early to grafting that rebuilds what’s been lost, so you keep your teeth and keep your options open.
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Gum disease is quiet until it isn't.
Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums and the bone that holds your teeth. It's the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, and most people don't feel a thing until it's advanced.
It starts as gingivitis: red, puffy gums that bleed when you brush. Left alone, bacteria work under the gumline, the bone starts to recede, and teeth loosen. By the time something hurts, you're usually looking at bone that won't come back on its own.
Why it matters more if you want implants
An implant needs healthy bone and healthy gums to hold. Active gum disease is the number one reason implant cases get delayed or fail. Because Dr. Nauss does both, periodontal treatment at Apex isn't a detour. It's step one of the same plan.
Treated at the stage you're at
Early disease responds to a deep cleaning and better home care. Moderate disease may need scaling and root planing over a few visits plus more frequent maintenance. Advanced cases can need grafting to rebuild gum tissue or bone. We'll measure, show you the numbers, and tell you which one you are.
The rest of your body cares too
Gum disease is linked to heart disease, diabetes control, and pregnancy complications. Treating it isn't only about keeping your teeth.
Treatment for every stage.
From catching it early to rebuilding what's been lost.
The deep cleaning. Tartar and bacteria are removed from below the gumline and the root surfaces are smoothed so gums can reattach.
Learn more → 02Gum Disease TreatmentA staged plan based on how far it's progressed, from deep cleaning and antibiotics to ongoing periodontal maintenance.
Learn more → 03Gum GraftingRebuilds receded gum tissue to cover exposed roots, stop sensitivity, and protect the tooth or implant underneath.
Learn more →From diagnosis to healthy gums.
- 01Periodontal exam
We measure the pocket depth around every tooth and take x-rays to see bone levels. Numbers under 3mm are healthy. Higher tells us where the disease is.
- 02Stage it
Gingivitis, early, moderate, or advanced. The stage sets the plan, and we'll show you the chart so you understand exactly where you are.
- 03Deep clean
Scaling and root planing under local anesthesia, usually one side of the mouth per visit. Antibiotics may be placed in deep pockets.
- 04Re-evaluate
Four to six weeks later we re-measure. Most pockets shrink. Anything that doesn't gets a targeted plan, which may include grafting.
- 05Maintain
Cleanings every 3 to 4 months instead of 6 to keep bacteria from re-establishing. This is what keeps the teeth long term.
How to know if it's your gums.
Most gum disease has no pain. These are the signs people miss, and the ones that mean it's time to get measured.
- Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Bad breath that doesn't go away
- Gums pulling back so teeth look longer
- Teeth that feel loose or have shifted
- Sensitivity along the gumline, or pus between teeth
- Smoke or use tobacco (the single biggest factor)
- Have diabetes, especially if it isn't well controlled
- Have a family history of gum disease or early tooth loss
- Are pregnant or going through hormonal changes
- Take medications that cause dry mouth
- Haven't had a cleaning in more than a year
Dr. John Nauss, DMD
Gum health is where Dr. Nauss's general dentistry and his surgical training meet. He treats periodontal disease at every stage in-house, and because he also places implants, he sees gum treatment as protecting your teeth today and your options tomorrow. Nothing gets referred out between diagnosis and a healthy result.
Let's get it right.
Tell us a little about what you need and we'll be in touch to find a time that works. New patients of every age are welcome, and if it's been a while, that's fine too.
Call (423) 282-5208 Accepting new patientsFriday to Sunday: Closed
Questions, answered.
What patients ask most about gum disease treatment in Johnson City.
Can gum disease be cured?
Gingivitis, the early stage, can be fully reversed with a deep cleaning and good home care. Once it's progressed to periodontitis and bone has been lost, it can be stopped and controlled but not reversed. That's why we push people to come in at the bleeding-gums stage, not the loose-teeth stage.
Does scaling and root planing hurt?
It's done under local anesthesia, with nitrous oxide available if you'd like help relaxing, so the visit itself is comfortable. Expect some tenderness and sensitivity for a few days after. Most patients say it's much easier than they feared and are surprised by how much better their gums feel within a couple of weeks.
How much does gum disease treatment cost in Johnson City, TN?
It depends on how many areas need treatment and whether grafting is involved. We'll give you a written estimate before anything starts. We offer financing and a membership plan, and we're in network with Delta Dental Premier only, with help filing out-of-network claims.
Why do I need cleanings every three months now?
Once you've had periodontitis, the bacteria that cause it come back faster than in healthy mouths. A three or four month interval keeps them from re-establishing in the pockets. It's the single most effective thing you can do to keep your teeth long term.
Do I need to see a periodontist, or can Dr. Nauss treat this?
Dr. Nauss treats gum disease at every stage in our office, including grafting. If a case is unusually complex we'll tell you, but for the vast majority of patients there's no referral and no second office.
Can I still get dental implants if I've had gum disease?
Yes, once it's under control. Active gum disease is the main reason implants fail, so we treat that first. Bone lost to periodontitis can often be rebuilt with grafting before implant placement. Because Dr. Nauss does both, it's one plan, not two.
Have a different question? Call Apex at (423) 282-5208.