Gum disease, known medically as periodontitis, is a common condition that affects patients of all ages. It is caused by the buildup of plaque, which hardens into tartar over time and leaves gums red, swollen, and irritated. In its earliest stage, known as gingivitis, gum disease is fairly easy to treat, but as it progresses it can lead to much more serious conditions so it’s important that patients keep an eye out for symptoms such as bleeding gums and sensitivity so that they can seek Gum Disease Treatment in Indianapolis as early-on in the progression of the disease as possible.
Early Treatment Options
Most of the time, gum disease can be treated simply through routine dental cleanings and conscientious home care. Removing plaque on a daily basis can go a long way toward preventing the tartar buildup that causes gum disease. However, dentists may also suggest lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking or changing the patient’s diet in order to achieve maximum results.
Tartar Removal
When patients head in for routine dental cleanings, their dental hygienists will remove any tartar buildup that has occurred since their last visits. This helps to remove the bacterial toxins that attack the surfaces of the teeth’s roots. If a significant amount of tartar has built up since the last cleaning, patients may require a more in-depth scaling and root planing procedure.
Treating Severe Periodontal Disease
If the patient’s gum disease has progressed to a more advanced state, it may require surgical intervention. This may involve techniques such as soft and hard tissue grafting and the replacement of any missing teeth with dental implants. The objective of these forms of surgical intervention is to eliminate any pockets between the patient’s teeth and gums to avoid the introduction of further bacteria to the area.
Get Started Today
The first step toward finding the right gum disease treatment in Indianapolis IN is the same no matter what stage of the disease patients have: it is to schedule an appointment for an evaluation and thorough professional cleaning. Contact us to set up an appointment with a dentist who can diagnose and stage gum disease today to get started.
