Medically reviewed by Dr. Scott Kibler

Gum Disease Treatment in Summerville, SC

Gum disease rarely announces itself with pain. It usually starts with gums that bleed a little when you brush, or breath that never quite feels fresh, and it is easy to shrug off. Underneath, bacteria can slowly break down the gum tissue and bone that hold your teeth in place. Caught early, gum disease can often be reversed. Left alone, it is one of the leading causes of adult tooth loss.

At Old Trolley Dental Associates, Dr. Scott Kibler and Dr. Michael Skovira treat gum disease as a core part of general dentistry in Summerville, SC. Dr. Kibler graduated from the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) and has practiced in Summerville since 2006. Dr. Skovira completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency at MUSC, where he now serves as adjunct faculty. Together, they find gum problems early, explain what they see, and build a treatment plan around your mouth and your health history.

What Is Gum Disease and What Causes It

Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is a bacterial infection of the tissues that support your teeth. It begins when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, builds up along and below the gumline. If that plaque is not removed, it hardens into tartar, which a toothbrush cannot remove. Your body responds to the bacteria with inflammation, and over time that inflammation can damage gum tissue and the bone underneath.

It is far more common than most people realize. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, about 2 in 5 adults aged 30 and older have some form of periodontal disease. Certain factors raise your risk, including smoking or vaping, diabetes, a family history of gum disease, hormonal changes during pregnancy, dry mouth from medications, and crowded teeth that are hard to clean. Gum disease has also been linked with heart disease and diabetes, which is one more reason to treat it early.

The Stages of Gum Disease

Gum disease progresses in stages. The earlier it is found, the simpler and more predictable treatment tends to be.

Gingivitis

Red, puffy gums that bleed easily. No bone loss yet, and often reversible with a cleaning and better home care.

Early Periodontitis

Pockets form between gums and teeth, trapping bacteria. Early bone loss may begin.

Moderate Periodontitis

Deeper pockets, gum recession, and more bone loss. Teeth may feel sensitive.

Advanced Periodontitis

Significant bone loss. Teeth can loosen, shift, or need to be removed.

Gingivitis can usually be turned around. Periodontitis cannot be fully reversed, but it can be controlled with professional treatment and consistent follow-up care, which protects the teeth and bone you still have.

Warning Signs to Watch For

Many people have gum disease without knowing it. These are the signs that deserve a closer look.

Red or Swollen Gums

Healthy gums are firm and pink, not tender or puffy.

Bleeding Gums

Bleeding when you brush or floss is a common early sign.

Persistent Bad Breath

Bacteria below the gumline cause odor that brushing does not fix.

Receding Gums

Teeth look longer and roots become exposed and sensitive.

Loose or Shifting Teeth

Bone loss can make teeth feel unstable or change your bite.

If you notice even one of these, an evaluation now can keep a simple problem from becoming a complicated one.

How We Diagnose Gum Disease

A gum evaluation is part of every exam at our office. Your dentist or hygienist gently measures the space between each tooth and the gum around it. Healthy pockets are usually 1 to 3 millimeters deep, while deeper pockets can signal periodontal disease. Digital X-rays show bone levels around your teeth, and an intraoral camera lets you see exactly what we see on the screen. When a more detailed view of the bone is needed, we can use 3D cone beam imaging. These findings tell us which stage you are in and which treatment fits.

Gum Disease Treatment Options at Old Trolley Dental Associates

Treatment depends on how far the disease has progressed. Our goal is always the most conservative option that will get your gums healthy and keep them that way.

Professional cleaning for gingivitis: Removing plaque and tartar, paired with better home care, can often reverse early gum inflammation.
Scaling and root planing: A deep cleaning below the gumline for periodontitis, done with local anesthetic for comfort.
Periodontal maintenance: More frequent cleanings after treatment to keep bacteria from rebuilding in treated pockets.
Home care coaching: Personalized brushing and flossing techniques for the areas that need the most attention.
Restoring teeth lost to gum disease: Once the gums are healthy, missing teeth may be replaced with dental implants or other restorations.

For advanced cases that need surgical care, such as gum grafting or bone regeneration, Dr. Kibler or Dr. Skovira will talk with you about a referral to a periodontist and continue to coordinate your overall dental care.

What to Expect During Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling and root planing is the most common treatment for periodontitis. It is usually completed in one or two visits, often treating one side of the mouth at a time.

Numbing

We apply local anesthetic so the areas being treated stay comfortable.

Scaling

Plaque and hardened tartar are removed from above and below the gumline.

Root Planing

Root surfaces are smoothed so gum tissue can heal and reattach.

Re-evaluation

A few weeks later, we measure your gums again to confirm they are healing.

Your gums may feel tender for a few days afterward. Most patients return to normal routines the same day, and many notice less bleeding and fresher breath within a couple of weeks.

	Routine Cleaning	Scaling and Root Planing
Who it is for	Healthy gums or mild gingivitis	Periodontitis with deeper pockets
Where it cleans	Tooth surfaces and just at the gumline	Deep below the gumline and along the roots
Numbing	Usually not needed	Local anesthetic
Follow-up schedule	Typically every 6 months	Maintenance often every 3 to 4 months

Keeping Gum Disease From Coming Back

Periodontitis is a chronic condition, so the work does not stop after your deep cleaning. Most patients move to a periodontal maintenance schedule, often every three to four months, so we can clean treated pockets and catch changes early. At home, twice-daily brushing, daily flossing or interdental cleaning, and not smoking make the biggest difference. If you have diabetes, keeping your blood sugar under control helps your gums heal, and healthy gums may in turn make blood sugar easier to manage.

Paying for Gum Disease Treatment

Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of scaling and root planing and periodontal maintenance. Our office accepts a range of PPO plans, including Aetna, Ameritas, Cigna, Delta Dental PPO, Guardian, United Concordia, and UnitedHealthcare, and our team will help you understand your benefits before treatment begins. For costs that insurance does not cover, you can explore dental financing options such as CareCredit, Cherry, and our in-house membership plan.

Bleeding or Tender Gums?

Schedule a gum evaluation with Dr. Kibler or Dr. Skovira and find out where your gum health stands.

What to Do If You Think You Have Gum Disease

Keep brushing and flossing, even if your gums bleed. Bleeding is a sign of inflammation, and skipping those areas lets more plaque build up. Switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush, and avoid tobacco while your gums heal. Then schedule a dental exam rather than waiting for pain, because gum disease is rarely painful until it is advanced. Bring a list of your medications and let us know about conditions like diabetes or pregnancy, since both affect your gums. If a tooth suddenly feels loose or your gums swell with pus, call our office right away.

Gum Disease FAQs

Here are answers to the questions Summerville patients ask us most about gum disease treatment.

Can gum disease be reversed?

Gingivitis, the earliest stage, can often be reversed with a professional cleaning and better home care. Once gum disease has progressed to periodontitis, the bone loss cannot be undone, but treatment can stop the infection and help you keep your teeth.

Does scaling and root planing hurt?

We numb the areas being treated, so most patients feel pressure rather than pain during the procedure. Your gums may be tender or sensitive for a few days afterward, which over-the-counter pain relievers and warm salt water rinses can usually manage.

How long does gum disease treatment take?

Scaling and root planing is usually completed in one or two appointments, followed by a re-evaluation a few weeks later. Because periodontitis is chronic, ongoing maintenance visits every few months are an important part of keeping it under control.

Is gum disease connected to other health problems?

Research has linked gum disease with conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. The relationship with diabetes appears to work both ways, since high blood sugar makes gum infections harder to control. Treating gum disease is one way to support your overall health.

Why do I need cleanings more often after treatment?

Bacteria can repopulate treated pockets within a few months. Periodontal maintenance visits, often every three to four months, remove that buildup before it causes new damage and let us track your gum measurements over time.

Does insurance cover a deep cleaning?

Many dental insurance plans cover part of scaling and root planing, though coverage varies by plan. Our team can check your benefits before treatment and walk you through financing options for any remaining balance.

Protect Your Gums With Old Trolley Dental Associates

Dr. Scott Kibler and Dr. Michael Skovira bring decades of combined experience, advanced training through the Medical University of South Carolina, and a conservative, education-first approach to every gum disease case. Our Summerville practice has earned over 1000 five-star reviews from patients who value clear explanations and consistent care from the same two doctors. You can meet our doctors before your first visit.

If your gums bleed, feel tender, or look different than they used to, do not wait for them to hurt. Contact Old Trolley Dental Associates or call 843-376-6929 to schedule your gum evaluation in Summerville, SC.