New Hanover County · Since 1987
Gum Recession Treatment in Carolina Beach, NC
Receding gums expose root surface, which is softer than enamel, sensitive to cold, and prone to decay. Recession does not reverse on its own.
- Three doctors, one location
- Sedation available
- Most major plans accepted
- Written estimates before treatment
The basics of gum treatment
Causes vary: gum disease, aggressive brushing, grinding, thin tissue you were born with, or a tooth sitting outside the bone. Treatment depends on which one it is, so identifying the cause comes first.
Full detail on gum treatment ›
What we see from Carolina Beach
Nearly half the housing on Pleasure Island is seasonal, so the year-round community here is smaller and often skips routine care for years at a time.
Long gaps between hygiene visits are the main driver of gum disease in seasonal communities, and the damage is silent until it is advanced.
Pleasure Island's year-round community is roughly a third the size of its summer population, and dental care here is often deferred through the busy months.
Snow's Cut Bridge is the single point of access, so we schedule Carolina Beach appointments with the season in mind.
A significant share of the island's year-round workforce is in hospitality without employer dental coverage, and we handle those cases with payment plans rather than assumptions.
We see patients from across Carolina Beach and the surrounding area, including the Boardwalk, Carolina Beach State Park, Snow's Cut and the 28428 ZIP code.
New Hanover County is the built-out core of the region, growing around one percent a year, with roughly 21 percent of residents over 65 and the highest concentration of employer dental coverage in southeastern North Carolina.
Off-season appointments are easier to get and the drive is quicker. If it is not urgent, October through April is the better window.
We keep same-day slots open for Pleasure Island because a chipped tooth on a Saturday should not wait until the season ends.
You may be a candidate if
- Teeth that look longer than they used to
- Sharp sensitivity to cold air or cold drinks
- A notch you can feel at the gum line with your fingernail
- Gums that bleed or look red at the margin
- Root surfaces visible when you smile
Your treatment, start to finish
- Periodontal chartingSix-point measurements and recession measurements per tooth. This is the baseline.
- Cause identificationBrushing technique, grinding, occlusion and gum disease each leave a different pattern.
- Treat the active diseaseScaling and root planing if there is periodontal infection.
- Grafting where indicatedSoft tissue grafting to cover exposed root and thicken the tissue.
- MaintenanceA shorter recall interval to keep it stable.
Afterwards
Switch to a soft brush and stop scrubbing. If you grind, wear the guard. After grafting, no brushing on the site for the period we specify, a prescribed rinse, and soft food while it heals.
If you are away for part of the year, tell us your dates at the start and we will build the schedule around them.
What it costs
Scaling and root planing is usually covered by dental plans at a percentage per quadrant. Grafting is priced per site. We stage the work when it makes sense so it is manageable rather than a single large bill.
If your income is seasonal, say so at the consultation. We can time treatment phases to the part of the year that suits your cash flow.
In their own words
Hear from Dr. Josh Winneberger
Dr. Winneberger on getting you numb without you noticing, and helping nervous patients get comfortable in the chair.
Questions we get asked
Does brushing harder help my gums?
It does the opposite. Aggressive brushing with a hard brush is one of the most common causes we see.
Will my gums grow back?
Not on their own. Recession is only reversed by grafting. Stopping the cause prevents further loss, which is the first priority.
How far is your office from Carolina Beach?
About 15 miles, or roughly 28 minutes via US-421 North over Snow's Cut Bridge. We are at 1301 Physicians Dr in Wilmington, with parking at the door.
Do you see patients from Carolina Beach?
Regularly. Carolina Beach is part of our core service area in New Hanover County, and we keep same-day slots open for Pleasure Island because a chipped tooth on a Saturday should not wait until the season ends.
What are your hours?
Monday through Thursday, 8:00am to 5:00pm, and Friday, 8:00am to 12:00pm. Outside those hours, leave a message or use the appointment request form and we will come back to you with the first available time.
Gum Recession Treatment · Carolina Beach, NC
Honest dentistry, since 1987.
We will tell you what needs doing now, what can wait, and what we would leave alone.
- Over 50,000 patients treated since 1987
- Comprehensive new patient exam including oral cancer screening
- Three doctors and a long-tenured team
- Most major dental plans accepted
Been told you need a lot of work somewhere else? Second opinions are welcome and we give them straight.
Request an appointment
We reply the next business day.
Please do not include Protected Health Information. For anything urgent, call (910) 762-0958.
