Periodontal (Gum) Treatment at Bradley L. Dyer DDS PC in Sevierville, TN

Periodontal (gum) disease is an infection of the gums and jawbone supporting the teeth. Red or swollen gums, bleeding during brushing or flossing, ongoing bad breath, gum recession, and loose teeth are frequent warning signs. If left untreated, periodontitis can destroy the jawbone that supports teeth, leading to teeth becoming loose or even falling out. Periodontal treatment stops this process by deeply cleaning the gums and teeth and restoring a healthy oral environment. Bradley L. Dyer, DDS, PC of Sevierville, offers extensive periodontal treatment that aims to preserve gum tissue and restore gum health.

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Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease

Periodontal disease typically starts as gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) and might develop without noticeable symptoms. Patients need to observe any of the following symptoms of gum disease:

• Red, swollen, or painful gums. Healthy gums are pale pink in color and firm, but gum disease makes gums redden, swell, or become sore.
• Bleeding gums. Gums that bleed when brushing or flossing are a typical early sign of periodontal issues.
• Bad taste or bad breath. Bacteria in periodontal pockets may cause chronic halitosis or an unpleasant mouth taste.
• Receding gums. Bacteria can lead to gum infection over time, causing gums to recede from teeth and making them appear longer, which in turn forms deep "pockets" around the teeth.
• Loose or moving teeth. When supporting ligaments and bones are lost, teeth will become loose or shift the way they fit together.

The regular dental checkups are responsible for detecting these problems early. Once bone loss has occurred due to periodontal disease, it cannot be reversed, so treatment focuses on managing infection and restoring gum support. More risk is developed by patients who have risk factors like tobacco use, diabetes, and dry mouth.

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Diagnosis and Treatment Options

A thorough periodontal exam starts with a medical history review, oral inspection, and dental X-rays. The dentist or hygienist will also use a periodontal probe to take readings of gum pocket depth around every tooth. Greater pocket depths and X-ray findings of bone loss mean more severe disease. This examination determines the selection of treatment.

In general, periodontal treatment may be surgical or non-surgical, depending on the severity of the disease. Overall, it is to remove disease-causing bacteria and establish conditions for the healing of the gums.

• Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning): For mild and moderate periodontitis, the clinic does scaling and root planing to treat the disease. The "deep cleaning" dislodges plaque and tartar above and below the gumline. This is done with manual tools, ultrasonic machines, or lasers to clean the root of the tooth and smooth root surfaces. This removes bacteria and enables the gum tissue to reattach itself to teeth.
• Antibiotic Therapy: Sometimes, antimicrobial gels or rinses (and oral antibiotics at times) are placed in gum pockets following deep cleaning to assist with infection control. These drugs aid healing by killing damaging bacteria.
• Gum Surgery: If periodontal pockets are extremely deep or in cases of extensive gum recession, surgery can be required. Dr. Dyer can refer individuals to a periodontist for advanced treatment. Flap surgery (pocket reduction) means folding gum tissue back to better clean roots and reshape harmed bone. Gum grafting can be done to strengthen areas where the gum tissue is thin or has receded, using tissue harvested from the patient's palate or donors. Bone grafting and regenerative methods may be done to repair lost bone around teeth.
• Maintenance Therapy: Once treatment is underway, continued care is essential. Due to the chronic nature of periodontitis, patients usually require periodic follow-up cleanings (usually every 3–6 months) and monitoring for recurrence. At maintenance visits, the dental team checks home care practices, strips off any new plaque accumulation, and checks pocket depths.

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Advanced Technology

The Sevierville office incorporates state-of-the-art dental technology to improve periodontal treatment. For instance, digital X‑rays help take high-quality images of the jawbone and teeth. These images enable Dr. Dyer to identify hidden issues—like bone loss or deep pockets—that are not detectable by the naked eye. Digital imaging is more comfortable for patients and quicker compared to traditional films. By observing detailed X‑rays while performing the periodontal evaluation, the dentist can plan exact treatments and track healing over time.

Furthermore, the practice has a clean, comfortable facility and modern equipment for all treatments, from simple cleanings to surgical instruments. These amenities provide improved results and patient comfort. Patients are treated with gentle anesthesia or sedation if necessary, and with educational resources (intraoral cameras, for example) that make them aware of their gum health.

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Meet Our Dentist

Dr. Bradley L. Dyer serves as the owner of Bradley L. Dyer, DDS, PC, and has been practicing general dentistry in the area since 2001. Dr. Dyer received his DDS from the University of Tennessee and followed in a family tradition of service (he acquired his father's practice, which had treated patients for 40 years). He is assisted by a seasoned staff of hygienists and assistants to offer gentle, comprehensive dental care.

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Insurance and Payment Options

The office takes most dental insurance carriers and is a provider for major carriers. Dental insurance providers accepted are: Aetna, Assurant Employee Benefits, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Delta Dental, Guardian, Humana, United Concordia, and United Healthcare.

Patients may also pay using payment plans or financing for any out-of-pocket expenses. The office also accepts CareCredit, cash, checks, and major credit cards. The financial coordinator can also assist in verifying your insurance benefits and can discuss payments with you, so you can determine ahead of time what is covered for periodontal care.

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Schedule Your Consultation

If you have symptoms of gum disease or have been informed that you require periodontal therapy, don't hesitate to get in touch with Bradley L. Dyer DDS PC today.