Board-Certified Periodontist in Richardson, TX
Healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy smile. With a board-certified periodontist in Richardson on our team, we can spot gum disease early and treat it effectively, right here in our office.
Gum disease treatment in Richardson from a periodontist you can trust
Periodontics is the area of dentistry that prevents, diagnoses, and treats gum disease. Gum disease starts when plaque and tartar build up along the gumline, causing inflammation. Without treatment, it can lead to bone loss and, eventually, tooth loss. Early care is simpler and more effective.
If you need a periodontist in Richardson, you don't have to go far. Our team includes Dr. Nauman Quamar, a board-certified periodontist, so you can receive specialized gum care in the same familiar office where you get your checkups.
Regular cleanings are crucial for gum health. If you don't have consistent professional cleanings, plaque and tartar can accumulate below the gumline, resulting in gum inflammation and bone loss. Over time, this can lead to loose teeth and tooth loss.
Gum disease is one of the most common oral health problems in adults, and it often develops quietly, without pain. Fortunately, there are effective treatment options, and the earlier we catch it, the easier it is to manage.
Periodontal care at a glance
- Who it's for
- Patients with bleeding, swollen, or receding gums, or signs of bone loss
- Your specialist
- Dr. Nauman Quamar, board-certified periodontist
- Main treatment
- Scaling and root planing (SRP), a deep cleaning below the gumline
- Comfort
- Local anesthetic to numb treated areas; nitrous oxide available
- Maintenance
- Checkups and cleanings typically every 4–6 months
- Insurance
- We are in-network with many PPO plans; see our insurance page
- Where
- 1750 Alma Rd #110, Richardson, TX 75081, serving Richardson, Plano, and Garland
What are the symptoms of gum disease?
Gum disease is often painless in its early stages. Watch for these warning signs:
- Bleeding gums, especially when brushing or flossing, can indicate infection.
- Bad breath that won't go away can be caused by a buildup of bacteria in the mouth.
- Red or swollen gums may be a sign of gum inflammation.
- Gum recession can make teeth appear longer and expose the roots.
- Tooth sensitivity can occur when roots are exposed, increasing sensitivity to temperature and sweets.
- A periodontal abscess can form when bacteria get trapped in a gum pocket, causing swelling and discomfort.
- Loose teeth or a change in your bite can result from advanced bone loss.
If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule an exam. Catching gum disease early can help you avoid more involved treatment later.
How is gum disease treated?
Treatment depends on how advanced the disease is. For many patients, care begins with a thorough, nonsurgical deep cleaning called scaling and root planing (SRP):
- 1
Evaluation: We measure the pockets around your teeth, take digital X-rays to check bone levels, and review your health history.
- 2
Home care coaching: We go over proper oral hygiene techniques and suggest ways to improve your current home routine.
- 3
Scaling and root planing: Using hand instruments and an ultrasonic device, we remove the bacteria, plaque, and tartar that have built up on the roots of your teeth, then smooth the root surfaces so gums can heal.
- 4
Antimicrobials or antibiotics, when needed: In some cases, we apply antimicrobial products or antibiotics to affected areas to help deep pockets heal and reduce the need for periodontal surgery.
- 5
Ongoing maintenance: Regular periodontal cleanings and checkups help keep the disease under control and protect your results.
Treated areas are numbed for your comfort, and nitrous oxide is available if you feel anxious.
Meet Dr. Nauman Quamar, periodontist in Richardson
Dr. Nauman Quamar is a board-certified periodontist on the Gentle Touch Dentistry team. He trained in periodontology at NYU and earned a master's degree in oral biology, periodontology, and oral implantology from Temple University's Kornberg School of Dentistry.
Dr. Quamar earned his dental degree (BDS) from Hamdard University in 2005, completed his periodontology training at NYU in 2009, and received his MS from Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry in 2012. His advanced training focuses on the gums, the bone that supports your teeth, and dental implants.
Having a periodontist on our team means gum care and implant planning can be coordinated with your general dentist, Dr. Anuritha Chepyala, and the rest of our team. Learn more about our doctors.
How can I prevent gum disease?
The number one way to reduce your risk of periodontal disease is consistent daily care at home, supported by regular professional cleanings.
- 01
Brush for a full 2 minutes
Brush at least twice a day for a full two minutes. A power toothbrush is recommended because it makes thorough cleaning easier.
- 02
Floss every day
Flossing removes plaque between teeth and under the gumline, where your toothbrush can't reach.
- 03
Cleanings every 4–6 months
Your dentist and hygienist have instruments that reach deeper and clean more effectively than you can at home. Learn about dental cleanings in Richardson.
- 04
Healthy habits
Eating a balanced diet, reducing stress, and avoiding smoking and tobacco can all decrease your chances of developing gum disease.
Want to learn more about everyday prevention? Visit our preventive dentistry page.
Is gum disease linked to other health problems?
Research has linked periodontal disease with several serious health conditions, including diabetes, kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, prosthetic joint complications, dementia, and pregnancy complications. Scientists are still studying these connections, but keeping your gums healthy is an important part of caring for your overall health.
Researchers point to two main reasons for the connection between oral health and the rest of the body. First, periodontal disease can increase inflammation throughout the body. Second, bacteria commonly found in periodontal pockets have also been detected in the plaques of blood vessels in people with cardiovascular disease.
As studies continue to explore how gum disease affects overall health, it is becoming increasingly clear that good oral health supports your overall well-being. If you have diabetes, heart disease, or are pregnant, let us know so we can tailor your care.
Schedule a gum health evaluation in Richardson
If you've been searching for a "periodontist near me," our office at 1750 Alma Rd #110, Richardson, TX 75081, near Prairie Creek Park, is convenient for patients from Richardson, Plano, and Garland.
Call (469) 947-3963 or request an appointment online. Bleeding gums are never something to ignore, and early treatment is the simplest path to a healthy smile.
Gum disease and periodontics questions
Is there a periodontist in Richardson, TX?
Yes. Gentle Touch Dentistry Richardson has a board-certified periodontist, Dr. Nauman Quamar, on our team. He trained in periodontology at NYU and earned an MS from Temple University's Kornberg School of Dentistry. Patients can receive specialized gum care at our office at 1750 Alma Rd #110, Richardson, TX 75081.
What is scaling and root planing?
Scaling and root planing (SRP) is a deep cleaning for gum disease. Using hand instruments and an ultrasonic device, the dental team removes plaque, tartar, and bacteria from the tooth roots below the gumline, then smooths the root surfaces so the gums can heal and reattach. The area is numbed for comfort.
Can gum disease be reversed?
The earliest stage of gum disease, gingivitis, can often be reversed with professional cleanings and better home care. More advanced periodontitis can't be fully reversed, because lost bone doesn't grow back on its own, but treatment like scaling and root planing can control the disease and help protect your teeth.
Why do my gums bleed when I brush?
Bleeding gums are one of the most common signs of gum inflammation, often caused by plaque buildup along the gumline. Brushing too hard can also irritate gums. Bleeding that happens regularly is worth having checked, since early gum disease is usually painless and easier to treat when caught early.
How often should I get cleanings if I have gum disease?
Most patients benefit from checkups and cleanings every 4–6 months, and patients being treated for gum disease may need visits more often. Professional instruments reach deeper below the gumline than home care can. Your periodontist or dentist will recommend a schedule based on your gum health.
Is gum disease connected to diabetes and heart disease?
Research has linked periodontal disease with diabetes, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, dementia, and pregnancy complications. One reason is that gum disease increases inflammation in the body. Researchers are still studying these links, but keeping gums healthy is a simple, practical way to support your overall health.
Does insurance cover gum disease treatment in Richardson?
Many dental insurance plans cover part of periodontal treatment such as scaling and root planing. Gentle Touch Dentistry Richardson is in-network with many PPO plans, including Aetna, Cigna, Delta Dental, MetLife, and United Healthcare, and offers an in-office membership plan for patients without insurance.
