What is the treatment for the beginning stages and late stages of gum disease in Indianapolis, IN?

We hear a lot about gum disease. This condition, which is an infection that impacts one’s oral health, is easily preventable with proper oral health care. However, it affects millions of Americans—including those who have it but are unaware. Because of this condition and how it presents itself, it is critical for patients to work with their dentist regularly to monitor for its development, while learning ways to prevent it. Treatment for gum disease is just a phone call away for patients in the Indianapolis, Indiana area.

What is gum disease?

Dr. Matthew Church of Washington Street Dentistry describes gum disease as an infection of the oral cavity. While it is known as gum disease because it often starts in the soft tissues, the proper name for it is periodontal disease. Gum disease develops in stages.

• Gingivitis – the beginning stage of gum disease is gingivitis. This is the stage at which the gum tissues may become swollen, red, and tender. Patients often notice blood when they are brushing and flossing their teeth. Additionally, patients with gingivitis may have persistent bad breath that cannot be addressed with brushing the tongue or using over-the-counter rinses and mouthwashes. These early signs indicate the presence of gingivitis, and with proper diagnosis and treatment, can be addressed with a thorough dental cleaning and antibiotics.
• Periodontitis – when patients fail to have their condition diagnosed and treated during the gingivitis stage, they are more prone to developing the later stages of periodontitis. At this point, plaque has reached below the gumline and is impacting the roots of the teeth. This infection then develops below the gumline and requires a more aggressive approach to treatment. In this stage, Dr. Matthew Church often recommends scaling and root planing, which targets the roots of the teeth in a more invasive procedure. At the same time, antibiotics can be applied to the gumline to treat the infection right at the source, while the dentist may also prescribe oral antibiotics to take as well. Once patients have developed periodontitis, it can only be controlled and managed, not cured. This means that patients will deal with the condition for the rest of their life, and should work regularly with their dentist to avoid the later stages which can cause permanent damage to the smile.

What are the consequences of periodontal disease?

There are many obvious signs that this condition is present, including bleeding and swollen gums. The later stages of the condition also causes irreversible issues such as the loss of bone, soft tissues, and teeth. This is why our team of professionals urge patients to take good care of their oral health to avoid the development and progression of conditions such as this.

Do you suspect gum disease?

Early diagnosis and intervention is critical to addressing gum disease. Patients in the area of Indianapolis, Indiana who are seeking dental care solutions with an experienced provider are welcome to book a consultation visit with Dr. Matthew Church of Washington Street Dentistry by calling (317) 333-6788. Our professionals are here to evaluate, diagnose, and treat common dental problems at 10935 East Washington Street. Learn more about this and other conditions that can impact your oral health by working with our associates.

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