Periodontal Services in Hickory, NC
Healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy smile. At Hickory Dentistry, our periodontal services in Hickory, NC address gum disease, gum recession, and cosmetic gum concerns with expert care and proven techniques. Whether you need periodontal disease treatment, gum grafting, or crown lengthening, our team is here to protect your gum health and restore your confidence. Call (828) 322-2977 to schedule your evaluation today.
Comprehensive Periodontal Care in Hickory, NC
Periodontal (gum) disease is one of the most common and most serious dental conditions affecting adults in the United States — and it’s frequently underdiagnosed because its early stages are often painless. At Hickory Dentistry in Hickory, NC , we take gum health seriously because the research connecting periodontal disease to systemic conditions like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes is increasingly compelling. Protecting your gums isn’t just about your smile — it’s about your overall health.
Our periodontal services range from non-surgical disease treatment to surgical procedures including crown lengthening and gum grafting. Dr. Millsaps uses advanced diagnostic technology to evaluate your gum health comprehensively and develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. We serve patients from Hickory, NC and surrounding communities including Newton, Lenoir, Granite Falls, and Conover who are looking for skilled, compassionate periodontal care close to home.
Crown Lengthening
Crown lengthening is a precise surgical procedure designed to expose more of the natural tooth structure by removing excess gum tissue and, when necessary, a small amount of underlying bone. At Hickory Dentistry, we offer crown lengthening for both functional and cosmetic purposes. On the cosmetic side, patients who feel their smile appears too “gummy” or that their teeth look short or disproportionate benefit greatly from crown lengthening. By reshaping the gumline, we can reveal more of the tooth surface and create a more balanced, proportionate smile with dramatic results. Functionally, crown lengthening is often a necessary step before placing a dental crown or restoration on a tooth that has broken at or below the gumline — creating enough accessible tooth structure for the crown to grip securely. Before proceeding, Dr. Millsaps will meet with you to thoroughly review your goals, assess your gum health, and confirm that crown lengthening is the right approach. The procedure is minimally invasive and typically performed under local anesthesia. Recovery takes approximately three months as the gum tissue heals and settles into its new position, and most patients report only mild discomfort during this period that is easily managed with prescribed care.
Gum Grafting
Gum recession — the gradual pulling back of gum tissue from the tooth surface — is a serious condition that exposes the sensitive root surfaces of the teeth, increases the risk of root decay, and, if untreated, can ultimately threaten the stability of the teeth themselves. Gum recession can be caused by periodontal disease, aggressive brushing habits, genetics, tobacco use, or orthodontic treatment. At Hickory Dentistry, we offer gum grafting as a highly effective treatment for patients experiencing significant gum loss where the condition cannot be resolved by professional cleaning alone. During a gum graft procedure, healthy tissue is carefully sourced — most commonly from the roof of the mouth — and sutured over the area of recession, covering the exposed root and rebuilding the gumline. There are three main types of grafts: connective-tissue grafts (the most common, using tissue from beneath a flap in the palate), free gingival grafts (tissue taken directly from the palate surface), and pedicle grafts (using tissue adjacent to the affected tooth). The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so patients experience minimal discomfort during surgery. Afterward, some soreness and sensitivity are normal for a short period and can be effectively managed with rest, cold compresses, and medication if needed. The benefits of a successful gum graft are significant: reduced sensitivity to hot and cold, better protection of the tooth roots from decay, a healthier gumline, and a restored, more natural-looking smile. Gum grafting also halts further recession, protecting your investment in your dental health long-term.
Periodontal Disease Treatment
Periodontal disease — commonly known as gum disease — is an infection of the gum tissue and underlying bone that support the teeth. It begins as gingivitis, characterized by red, swollen, bleeding gums, and if left untreated, progresses to periodontitis — a more severe stage involving deep pockets between the teeth and gums, bone loss, and eventually tooth mobility and loss. The primary cause is the accumulation of bacterial plaque and hardened calculus (tartar) below the gumline that regular brushing and flossing cannot remove on their own. At Hickory Dentistry, our periodontal disease treatment combines professional deep cleaning — known as scaling and root planing — with patient education and behavioral guidance to address both the clinical infection and its underlying causes. Scaling removes hardened calculus from above and below the gumline, while root planing smooths the root surfaces to discourage bacteria from reattaching. In some cases, antimicrobial therapy may be recommended to further reduce bacterial levels. Equally important is the patient’s commitment to improved oral hygiene habits at home — consistent, thorough brushing and flossing are critical to keeping disease in check long-term. Periodontal disease is a chronic, manageable condition rather than a curable one, which means regular maintenance visits are an ongoing part of treatment. Patients who have been treated for periodontal disease typically transition to more frequent cleanings — every three to four months — to prevent recurrence and monitor gum health closely. Early treatment yields the best outcomes, so if you’ve been told you have gum disease or have noticed signs like bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or gum recession, call (828) 322-2977 to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Millsaps as soon as possible.
Why Choose Hickory Dentistry for Periodontal Services in Hickory, NC?
Gum health is at the heart of everything we do at Hickory Dentistry. Dr. Millsaps and our team are deeply committed to early detection, thorough treatment, and patient education — because we know that informed patients make better decisions about their health. We use state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to evaluate every aspect of your gum health and develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific concerns. Our office environment is warm, welcoming, and supportive — especially for patients who feel anxious or embarrassed about the state of their gums. There is no judgment here, only expert care and a genuine commitment to helping you achieve and maintain optimal oral health. Patients from Hickory, NC and surrounding communities including Newton, Lenoir, and Granite Falls trust us with their periodontal care — and we’d be honored to earn your trust too. Call (828) 322-2977 or request your appointment online today.
Frequently Asked Questions — Periodontal Services in Hickory, NC
What are the warning signs of gum disease?
The early warning signs of gum disease include gums that bleed when you brush or floss, red or swollen gum tissue, persistent bad breath that doesn’t resolve with brushing, gum recession (your teeth appearing longer than they used to), and increased tooth sensitivity. In more advanced stages, you may notice loose teeth or changes in your bite. Because early-stage gum disease (gingivitis) is often painless, many patients are unaware of the problem until it has progressed. Regular dental checkups at Hickory Dentistry allow us to identify and treat gum disease early, before it causes lasting damage.
Is gum disease reversible?
Gingivitis — the earliest stage of gum disease — is reversible with professional cleaning and improved at-home oral hygiene. Once gum disease has progressed to periodontitis, the damage to the bone and gum tissue cannot be fully reversed, but it can be effectively managed to stop further progression and preserve your teeth. That’s why early treatment is so important. With consistent periodontal maintenance visits and diligent home care, most patients with treated periodontitis can maintain stable gum health for many years.
What is the difference between a regular cleaning and a deep cleaning?
A regular prophylaxis cleaning removes plaque and tartar from the surfaces of the teeth above and just at the gumline — appropriate for patients with generally healthy gums. A deep cleaning, or scaling and root planing, goes significantly deeper: it removes hardened calculus from below the gumline, into the periodontal pockets, and from the root surfaces themselves. Deep cleaning is the primary non-surgical treatment for active periodontal disease and is performed under local anesthesia for your comfort. After a deep cleaning, most patients are placed on a periodontal maintenance schedule.
What is crown lengthening and who needs it?
Crown lengthening is a procedure that removes excess gum tissue (and sometimes a small amount of bone) to expose more of the tooth structure. It’s recommended for patients whose smile appears “gummy,” whose teeth look disproportionately short, or whose tooth has broken near the gumline and needs more accessible structure before a crown can be properly placed. The procedure is minimally invasive, performed under local anesthesia, and delivers results that significantly improve both the appearance and function of the smile. Recovery takes approximately three months as the gum tissue settles into its final position.
How long does recovery take after gum grafting?
Most patients feel comfortable enough to return to normal activities within a day or two of their gum grafting procedure, though full healing of the graft site takes approximately two to four weeks. During recovery, you’ll be advised to eat soft foods, avoid strenuous activity for the first few days, and follow specific oral hygiene instructions to protect the graft site. Some patients experience mild soreness and sensitivity in the area for a week or two, which is typically managed well with over-the-counter pain relievers and cold compresses. Our team at Hickory Dentistry will provide detailed aftercare instructions and schedule follow-up visits to monitor your healing.
Can gum disease affect my overall health?
Yes — the connection between periodontal disease and systemic health is well-documented. Chronic gum disease has been associated with an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes complications, respiratory disease, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. The bacteria present in infected gum tissue can enter the bloodstream and trigger inflammatory responses throughout the body. This is why treating and managing periodontal disease is about more than just protecting your teeth — it’s an important part of protecting your overall health. If you’ve been diagnosed with gum disease, prompt treatment at Hickory Dentistry is essential.
Do you treat patients from Newton, Lenoir, and Granite Falls for periodontal issues?
Absolutely — Hickory Dentistry provides periodontal services to patients from Hickory, NC and all surrounding communities, including Newton, Lenoir, Granite Falls, Conover, and beyond. If you’re experiencing signs of gum disease, gum recession, or other periodontal concerns, don’t delay — call us at (828) 322-2977 or request an appointment online. Early intervention always produces better outcomes, and our experienced team is here to help you protect your smile and your health.
