Gum Disease Care in Sanford, NC
Providers who treat gum disease, from early gingivitis to advanced periodontal care.
44 providers in Sanford
Sanford is the Lee County seat and the medical center of gravity for a stretch that pulls in patients from Lee, Harnett, and Chatham counties. Central Carolina Hospital, part of Lifepoint Health, anchors the inpatient and specialty side; UNC Health and Cape Fear Valley have a growing outpatient presence here as well.
Understanding gum disease
Gum (periodontal) disease runs on a spectrum. Gingivitis is the early, milder stage: gums become red and swollen and bleed easily, and it's typically reversible with daily brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings. Untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, where gums pull away from the teeth and form infected pockets that can destroy the tissue and bone supporting your teeth.
Smoking and diabetes are among the risk factors for gum disease, and because it's often painless until it's advanced, bleeding gums are worth acting on early rather than normalizing.
Finding the right provider
A general dentist and dental hygienist handle prevention and early care: cleanings, guidance, and monitoring. More advanced periodontal disease is treated with nonsurgical deep-cleaning treatments and, when needed, surgical procedures, often involving a periodontist or oral surgeon by referral. Dental coverage is usually billed separately from medical insurance, and what is covered varies by plan, so confirm the details when you book. ProviderQuoHealth lists the area's dental providers with credentials and contact details.
Most gum disease is treated on a routine dental schedule, but one sign is not routine. MedlinePlus calls a swollen area of the upper or lower jaw a very serious symptom and says untreated tooth abscesses can lead to life-threatening complications. It gives no routing for it, so this page takes the cautious route: treat any jaw or facial swelling as urgent and go to an emergency department or urgent care unless a dentist can see you immediately. If the swelling is spreading, or you have trouble swallowing or breathing, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department now. Don't search a directory in an emergency.
Providers in Sanford
See all 44Vincent Paul Vissichelli, DMD
Vincent Paul Vissichelli, DMD, is a pediatric dentist serving families in Sanford, NC. He specializes in dental care for children and provides comprehensive treatment in a child-friendly environment.
Chad Kevin Hannibal, DDS
Chad Kevin Hannibal, DDS, is a pediatric dentist serving the Sanford, NC area. He specializes in dental care for children and works to create a comfortable experience for young patients.
Brandon Knockum, DDS
Brandon Knockum, DDS, provides pediatric dentistry services in Sanford, NC. With a focus on children's dental care, he works to help young patients maintain healthy teeth and gums. Dr. Knockum welcomes families seeking comprehensive pediatric dental services.
Sanford Pediatric Dentistry — Pediatric Dentistry
Antonio S. Braithwaite, DDS, MPH, PA, is a pediatric dentist serving the Sanford, NC area. With credentials in dentistry and public health, he provides dental care tailored to children's needs.
Thomas C. Hincks, DDS
Thomas C. Hincks, DDS, is a general dentist located in Sanford, NC. He provides comprehensive dental care to patients in the area.
Susan M Madden, DDS
Susan M Madden, DDS, provides general dentistry services in Sanford, NC. She works with patients on a range of dental care needs.
Smith Family Dental Solutions — General Dentistry
Smith Family Dental Solutions provides general dentistry services to patients in Sanford, NC. The practice focuses on delivering comprehensive dental care for the whole family.
Sidney Brooks, DDS
Sidney Brooks, DDS, provides general dentistry services in Sanford, NC. With a focus on comprehensive dental care, Dr. Brooks helps patients maintain their oral health through preventive and restorative treatments.
Affordable Dentures & Implants - Sanford
Randolph Kelly Faulk, DDS
Randolph Kelly Faulk, DDS, is a general dentist serving patients in Sanford, NC. He provides comprehensive dental care to help maintain healthy teeth and gums.
Nicole Harris Nelson, DDS
Nicole Harris Nelson, DDS, provides general dentistry services in Sanford, NC. She works with patients on a range of dental needs and preventive care.
Michael C. Hattaway — General Dentistry
Michael C. Hattaway provides general dentistry services to patients in Sanford, NC. He focuses on comprehensive dental care to help maintain your oral health and smile.
Meghan Taylor Symonds, DMD
Meghan Taylor Symonds, DMD, provides general dentistry services in Sanford, NC. She is dedicated to helping patients maintain their oral health through comprehensive dental care.
Larissa Rachelle Stanley, DDS
Larissa Rachelle Stanley, DDS, provides general dentistry services to patients in Sanford, NC. She is dedicated to helping patients maintain their oral health through comprehensive dental care.
Sanford Dental Care — General Dentistry
Lane & Associates XV DDS PA provides general dentistry services in Sanford, NC. The practice offers a range of dental care to support your oral health needs.
Lane & Associates X DDS PA — General Dentistry
Lane & Associates X DDS PA provides general dentistry services in Sanford, NC. The practice is dedicated to comprehensive dental care for patients of all ages.
Kristin Madden, DDS
Kristin Madden, DDS, provides general dentistry services in Sanford, NC. She works with patients on a range of dental care needs to support their oral health.
Karen S. Romine, DDS
Karen S. Romine, DDS, provides general dentistry services in Sanford, NC. She works with patients on a range of dental care needs.
Karen S Romine DDS PA — General Dentistry
Karen S Romine, DDS is a general dentist serving the Sanford, NC area. She provides comprehensive dental care for patients of all ages.
Dental Care of Sanford — General Dentistry
K. Jasinski, D.M.D., is a general dentist providing dental care in Sanford, NC. The practice offers a range of general dentistry services to meet your oral health needs.
Jong Hoon Lee, DDS
Jong Hoon Lee, DDS, provides general dentistry services in Sanford, NC. With a focus on comprehensive dental care, Dr. Lee serves patients seeking routine and restorative treatment options.
John David Fisher, DDS
John David Fisher, DDS, is a general dentist based in Sanford, NC. He provides a range of dental care services to patients in the area.
Jimmie A Haynes, DDS
Jimmie A Haynes, DDS, is a general dentist serving the Sanford, NC area. He provides a range of dental care services to help maintain your oral health.
Common questions
Are bleeding gums normal?
Gums that bleed easily are a common sign of gingivitis, the early and typically reversible stage of gum disease. MedlinePlus describes gingivitis as the early stage and reversible with treatment; how far and how fast it turns around varies from person to person, and a dentist will assess what's happening. This page is general education, not a diagnosis.
How is more advanced gum disease treated?
With nonsurgical periodontal treatments such as deep cleaning and, for advanced cases, surgical procedures, often involving a periodontist by referral from your dentist. A clinician will lay out the options for your situation.
Can gum disease be prevented?
Daily brushing and flossing plus regular professional cleanings are the core of prevention. Smoking and diabetes are risk factors for gum disease, which makes dental checkups extra worthwhile if either applies to you.
Sources
- Gum Disease (MedlinePlus)
- Tooth abscess (MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia; publisher last reviewed 2026-02-05, read end to end in a real browser by the author 2026-08-16 per ADR 0134. Verbatim: "Swollen area of the upper or lower jaw, which is a very serious symptom" and "Untreated abscesses may get worse and can lead to life-threatening complications." Its own When to Contact section reads only "Contact your dentist if you have a throbbing toothache that does not go away, or if you notice a bubble (or pimple) on your gums") · reviewed 2026-02-05
Important: Not Medical Advice
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