- 315 W Ponce de Leon Ave, Suite 240, Decatur, GA 30030
- Mon to Thu, 8:00am to 5:00pm
- (404) 577-9020
Home / Periodontics
Bleeding when you brush may seem minor, but it is often the first sign of gum disease. Caught early, gum inflammation can often be reversed, and advanced cases can often be controlled with steady care.
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active member, all advanced coursework completed
in practice, including 60th and Park in Manhattan
Gum care with Dr. Rickin Vibhakar, DDS
Updated November 2026 · View credentials
Rated 4.7 by Google reviewers
Active member, Kois Center
Advanced implant training, NY Implant Institute
500+ CE hours toward AGD Fellowship
Gum disease is a bacterial infection of the gums and bone holding your teeth in place. Research has linked it with diabetes and heart disease, so Dr. Vibhakar reviews your full health history along with your mouth.
At Higher Standards Dental Studio, Dr. Rickin Vibhakar provides gum disease treatment on Decatur Square, from deep cleanings to ongoing maintenance. Gum care is closely tied to our preventive dentistry in Decatur, so we check your gums at every visit.
of U.S. adults 30 and older have periodontitis*
among adults with diabetes*
among current smokers*
we check your gums at every checkup
Watch for these signs. Some people notice no signs at all, which is why we check your gums at every visit.
Gums bleed when you brush or floss.
Gums look puffy or feel tender.
An odor lingers after brushing.
Teeth look longer as the gumline pulls back.
Teeth shift or feel wobbly.
If gum disease has already cost you a tooth, dental implants in Decatur may be an option once your gums are healthy.
Gum disease begins as gingivitis and can progress to periodontitis if it is left alone.
What happens: Plaque irritates the gums
Bone: Still healthy
Treatment: A cleaning and better home care can often reverse it
What happens: Pockets form between the gums and teeth
Bone: Supporting bone can break down
Treatment: Scaling and root planing, then regular maintenance
You will know the plan, the number of visits, and the cost before any treatment begins.
Dr. Vibhakar shows you intraoral camera photos and explains what your gum pocket measurements mean.
We numb the area, remove plaque and tartar from below the gumline, then smooth the root surfaces so bacteria have a harder time sticking.
In the weeks after treatment, healthy tissue can tighten around the teeth again. We recheck your gums and plan your maintenance visits.
Gum disease is a long-term condition, so lasting results depend on steady care. Dr. Vibhakar looks at the factors behind it, such as smoking, diabetes, grinding, and your bite, so your plan addresses the cause. Some advanced cases need surgery, such as gum grafting. When surgery is needed, Dr. Vibhakar can refer you to a periodontist and coordinate your care.
Many patients feel embarrassed about their gums after time away from the dentist. Our studio is judgment-free, with weighted blankets, noise-canceling headphones, and stress balls to help you settle in. Nitrous oxide is also available if you feel anxious during treatment.
Active member; training focuses on how the teeth, gums, and bite work together
Completed training in laser dentistry
CE toward Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry
Our team can check your coverage before treatment, and flexible financing can help with any remaining balance.
We work with many PPO plans and check your dental insurance benefits before treatment. In network with:
Ask about financing options through CareCredit and Cherry. We also accept HSA and FSA cards.
Here are answers to common questions about gum disease and deep cleanings. For anything else, call us at (404) 577-9020.
Many PPO plans cover part of the cost of scaling and root planing and maintenance visits. Our team can check your coverage before treatment, and flexible financing can help with any remaining balance. If you don’t have insurance, ask about our in-house membership plans.
Most patients feel little discomfort, because we numb the area first. Some tenderness for a few days afterward is normal and usually fades with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Daily brushing and flossing can help prevent gum disease and keep gingivitis from getting worse. Tartar below the gumline takes professional tools to remove, so home care works best alongside regular visits.
Most patients with a history of gum disease need maintenance visits every three to four months instead of twice a year. Dr. Vibhakar adjusts your schedule based on how your gums respond.
Gingivitis is the early stage, when plaque irritates the gums but the bone is still healthy, and it can often be reversed. In periodontitis, pockets form between the gums and teeth, and the supporting bone can break down.
Research has linked gum disease with diabetes and heart disease, so Dr. Vibhakar reviews your full health history along with your mouth.
Some advanced cases need surgery, such as gum grafting. When surgery is needed, Dr. Vibhakar can refer you to a periodontist and coordinate your care.
You will see your intraoral camera photos and pocket measurements, and know the plan, the number of visits, and the cost before any treatment begins.
315 West Ponce de Leon Avenue, Suite 240, Decatur, GA 30030
Mon to Thu: 8:00am to 5:00pm | Fri to Sun: Closed
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