General

4.8 stars from 114 Google reviews

Family, cosmetic and implant dentistry

Dr. Steven Haywood, DDS

Sedation for anxious patients

Payment plans with CareCredit and Cherry

Emergency visits

4 S. Main St, Shrewsbury, PA

A smiling patient in a treatment room at Southern York Smile Care
A toothbrush, floss and an interdental brush
Healthy gumsMostly non-surgical
Madi Backel caring for a patient
Madi Backel taking a digital scan
Gum health

Gum Disease Treatments

Payment plans available · See options

Request an appointment
Call (717) 235-3871

Gums bleed when you brush? That's a sign of infection. Let's take a look.

For bleeding, swollen or receding gums, treated gently and mostly without surgery.

98% of our gum therapy is non-surgical

Unhurried 60-minute cleanings

Goal: zero bleeding, zero infection

What's included

  • Measuring your gums and checking for infection
  • Oral DNA testing to identify the bacteria present
  • Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing)
  • Targeted antibiotics such as Arestin or Atridox
  • Regular periodontal maintenance visits

Do I have gum disease?

Bleeding or receding gums, bad breath, or deep pockets in the gums mean infection. Red, swollen or tender gums and sensitive teeth are early signs.

Can it be cured?

Caught early and treated as a serious infection, gum disease can be managed and controlled, but never completely cured. Regular care keeps it in check.

Madi Backel with a patient

Healthy gums, healthier you

Gum disease has been linked to diabetes and heart disease. Gentle, thorough care lowers your risk of tooth loss and these other illnesses.

Request an appointment

Benefits

Stay ahead of gum disease.

Mostly non-surgical

98% of our gum therapy is non-surgical and comfortable.

Treats the real cause

Oral DNA testing shows which of 11 suspect bacteria are present.

Targeted antibiotics

Medicine placed right where the infection is, plus rinses when needed.

Unhurried cleanings

A full 60-minute cleaning, not a quick in-and-out visit.

Protects your health

Healthy gums lower your risk of tooth loss and related illnesses.

Real stories, real smiles

Rated 4.8 from 114 reviews on
Google

“Dr. Haywood has done a lot of work for me and my family. He has done multiple crowns and a implant for me. He has taken out my sons wisdom teeth and has done veneers for my daughter. My daughter's veneers came out very well and look so natural. …”

May
Google review · March 2018

“I wasn't to found of dentist. But started having issues with my teeth. Dr Haywood was very nice. He examined my teeth n gums took x-rays and concluded that I had periodontal disease . He walked me through the procedure and how long it would take to get my gums and teeth back to being healthy again. …”

Kathy S.
Google review · February 2018

“The best dental place I have been to hands down! There is free space to park, The location was conveniently located by the highway. The staff was very funny and friendly. They made sure they did whats best for me whether services were covered under my insurance or not. …”

Paul S.
Google review · July 2022

“Dr. Haywood and his staff have been excellent with my dental wellbeing. I have been going to him for several years because another dentist informed me that I would need implants. I started with Dr. Haywood because he does the implant procedure from beginning to end right in his office. Dr. …”

Holly G.
Google review · September 2021

“I am not a big fan of the dental chair HOWEVER I switched to Dr Steven Haywood DDS in Shrewsbury and have lost that dislike. I’m even going quarterly now My teeth look 100% better and feel better as well The office is so beautiful located in a restored office building on the square in Shrewsbury. …”

KittyLin H.
Google review · February 2018

Patient stories

Hear it from patients of Dr. Haywood in their own words.

Spread the cost

Monthly plans through CareCredit and Cherry. Checking your options doesn't affect your credit score, and both give an instant decision.

*Subject to credit approval. Visit carecredit.com for details. For new CareCredit accounts as of 5/30/24: Purchase APR is 32.99%. Penalty APR is 39.99%. Minimum Interest Charge is $2. CareCredit is a Synchrony solution.

The consultation room at Southern York Smile Care

A thorough approach to gum health

A dental treatment room in Shrewsbury, PA
Madi Backel caring for a patient
The sterilization area at Southern York Smile Care

Removing bacteria is the heart of gum therapy.

Dr. Steven Haywood, DDS, and our experienced hygienists find, explain, treat and monitor gum disease, from small areas to severe cases, with very high standards for your health.

Deep cleaning

Scaling

Scaling and root planing cleans below the gumline, where a brush can't reach.

Antibiotics

Targeted

Arestin or Atridox placed at the site, Periostat, rinses or antibiotic pills.

Oral DNA test

Testing

Identifies which of the 11 most suspected gum bacteria are present.

Oral cancer check

Screening

Vizilite screening for early signs of oral cancer is always available at exams.

Madi Backel caring for a patient

How it works

01

Exam and testing

We measure your gums and can test for the bacteria causing the infection.

02

Treatment

A gentle deep cleaning, with targeted antibiotics where needed.

03

Maintenance

Regular 60-minute visits keep you aiming for zero bleeding and zero infection.

Smile Guide

Plain answers about gum health.

View all

Frequently asked questions

What is the main cause of gingivitis?

Poor oral hygiene lets plaque build up on the teeth. The plaque makes the gums swell.

Can gum disease kill you?

It leads to other health problems like heart disease and diabetes, and raises the chance of a stroke and other fatal conditions.

Can I treat gingivitis at home?

Brushing, flossing and mouthwash every day help prevent plaque buildup and keep your gums healthy.

What is a deep cleaning?

A gentle cleaning that goes below the gumline, to reach places a toothbrush misses.

What are the early signs of gum disease?

Red or swollen gums. Sensitive teeth, tender or bleeding gums, and loose or lost teeth are signs it is getting worse.

Why are your cleanings 60 minutes?

A full hour gives us time to use our skill and technology to protect your smile. Quick cleanings are not the same.

Answers to common questions about gum disease treatments in Shrewsbury, PA.