Periodontal Treatment

Do your gums look swollen or bleed when you brush? Both are signs of periodontal (gum) disease. If you think it’s just you, it’s not. Nearly half of all US adults deal with some degree of the disease, and many don’t even realize they have it.

At Affordable Dental East, we offer periodontal treatment to stop the disease from worsening and ruining your oral health.

What Is Gum Disease?

Periodontal disease, also called gingivitis, is an infection that attacks the gums first. It is caused by bacteria in plaque, a sticky film that coats the teeth.

If not removed with regular brushing and flossing, plaque turns to tartar. This hard substance clings to teeth, and only a dental hygienist can remove it with a professional cleaning.

At first, the infection only affects the gums. As it progresses, it eventually reaches the bone that supports teeth, causing them to loosen. For this reason, gum disease is one of the top causes of tooth loss.

The type of gum disease treatment at our Indianapolis dental office depends on its stage:

Gingivitis, the Early Stage

With early gum disease, you may notice tender, swollen, or bleeding gums or chronic bad breath. This stage is called gingivitis, which is reversible when caught soon enough. 

Treatment includes a thorough professional cleaning to remove all traces of plaque and tartar. Your hygienist will also show you the proper way to brush and floss so you get the most out of your efforts and protect your gum health. 

Periodontitis, Advanced Gum Disease

Without treatment, gingivitis progresses to periodontitis. At this stage, the infection starts attacking the bones and ligaments that hold your teeth in place. Periodontitis is not reversible; however, we can manage it to help prevent it from worsening.

Treatment involves a deep cleaning called scaling and root planing, where your hygienist removes plaque and tartar above and below the gumline (scaling).

The next step is smoothing the tooth roots (planing) to prevent new bacteria from taking hold. We will also schedule more frequent cleanings to help prevent the disease from causing further damage.

Treating gum disease early prevents it from worsening and leading to more complex procedures or complications like tooth loss. Please don’t worry if it’s been years since you’ve been to a dentist. You're welcome here no matter how long it's been, and we'll never lecture you. Our goal is to help, not judge.

If you notice signs of gum disease, call Affordable Dental Care in Indianapolis at (317) 899-1100 to schedule a teeth cleaning. We’re here to help!