Learn about treatment options for patient in Indianapolis, IN with periodontal disease

Dr. Matthew Church is a dentist in Indianapolis, IN who has committed his career to helping patients achieve beautiful, healthy smiles for life! At Washington Street Dentistry, he offers a wide selection of services that can be used for addressing conditions that may have a negative impact on the smile. This includes patients who have been diagnosed with periodontal disease. Treatment options are readily available for patients based on the level their condition has reached.

Understanding periodontal disease

Also called “gum disease,” periodontal disease is a condition that can impact the smile in a negative way. It is essentially an infection that can develop in the gum tissues and progress into a serious problem. Patients who have gum disease may notice several changes with their smile. This includes:

• Painful, red, and swollen gum tissues
• Bleeding during brushing and flossing
• Persistent halitosis (bad breath)
• Loose teeth
• Pocket development between gums and teeth
• Reduction of bone in the jaw area
• Shrinking soft tissues in the mouth

All of these may be an indication that periodontal disease is developing. When patients get an early and proper diagnosis, they can enjoy faster, more effective treatment while reducing the permanent damage to the teeth and gums over time.

Treatment options for periodontal disease

The treatment choices for gum disease will vary greatly, depending on the stage. The earliest stage of periodontal disease, known as gingivitis, is simpler to treat. This condition can be addressed with a simple deep cleaning of the teeth and gums in the dental office. Some patients who have a more noticeable infection may be given antibiotics to control the problem. For those who have let their condition progress into the later stages, solutions such as scaling and root planing may be advised. This is a more aggressive treatment that is used to achieve better oral health and wellness by removing the infection from all surfaces of the teeth and gums. This may also be combined with antibiotics for infection control and elimination. Once patients have started their treatment for periodontal disease, they are often advised to visit the dentist on a more frequent basis. This may be every three months instead of every six months until the problem is controlled.

Who is a candidate for treatment?

Any patients who exhibit the signs and symptoms of periodontal disease may benefit from professional intervention using deep cleanings, scaling and root planing, or antibiotic treatment. We encourage patients to visit their dentist as often as possible to evaluate their smile and look for anything that could indicate periodontal disease. The earlier the condition is caught, the easier it is to control. In fact, periodontal disease cannot be cured, so routine visits to the dentist to monitor for this condition is highly recommended. Once it has developed, it will never go away and will advance without treatment.

What can happen if periodontal disease is not treated?

Treatment for periodontal disease is highly recommended for a variety of reasons. First, it cannot be cured, only controlled, meaning it will always be present. Second, treatment adds to the overall cost of maintaining one’s oral health and wellness. Third, it requires more visits to the dentist to monitor and control. And fourth, it can result in irreversible damage to the bone, gum tissue, and the natural teeth. Therefore, proper oral health care habits are important.

Schedule a visit to learn more about treatment for gum disease

If you have been diagnosed with periodontal disease and are ready to seek treatment, we encourage you to book a consultation visit with Dr. Matthew Church at Washington Street Dentistry today. Our team of professionals are proud to assist patients in the Indianapolis, IN area and can ensure patients have several options available to them for restoring their oral health and wellness after periodontal disease. Call the office located at 10932 East Washington Street today at (317) 333-6788. We work closely with patients who are seeking general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry.

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