Bad breath. Oral bleeding. Red gums. These are a few of the symptoms of periodontal disease, which is otherwise known as gum disease. It’s one of the most common oral health problems, but that doesn’t mean it should be taken lightly. It may eventually lead to tooth loss and other serious and painful issues. If your dentist informs you that you have gum disease, periodontal therapy in Indianapolis is the next step. What is periodontal therapy, and how can it help you get your best smile back?
Periodontal Therapy: An Overview
Periodontal therapy can encompass both surgical and non-surgical methods of addressing gum disease. After an expert examination of your mouth, your dentist will recommend the treatment that is best for you. For cases that are not yet severe, non-surgical treatment is likely to do the trick. When you visit your dentist in Indianapolis, you might undergo either scaling and root planing or antibiotic therapy.
Scaling and Root Planing
You’re used to routine cleanings when you visit the dentist, but scaling and root planing takes things a step further. This deep-cleaning process is the gold standard for addressing chronic periodontal disease.
During scaling and root planing, your dental professional will remove all plaque from your teeth and their roots. You might need a local anesthetic to make the procedure more comfortable; your dentist will work with you to ensure that things go as seamlessly as possible.
Root planing comes after scaling. It involves smoothing the surfaces of your teeth’s roots. Smooth roots are more difficult for bacteria to cling to, which protects the gums and gives them time to heal and reattach to your roots properly.
Scaling and root planing might require more than one visit to your dentist, but the time investment is well worth it.
Antibiotic Therapy
If your dentist decides that antibiotic therapy is right for you, they’ll insert a special gel into the pockets of your gums where bacteria is wreaking havoc. The dentists at Indy Dental Group use ATRIDOX, an innovative antibiotic that allows for precise placement, which means your dental care professional can focus solely on affected areas. ATRIDOX is bio-absorbable, which means you don’t have to worry about getting it removed from your gums.
After Treatment
After you undergo periodontal therapy, it’s important that you do your best to take care of your oral health so the gum disease doesn’t sneak back up on you. If you are a smoker or have diabetes, you are at a higher risk than others, so it’s especially important for you to be alert to the signs of gum disease and visit your dentist often.
Periodontal therapy in Indianapolis can reverse gum disease and get your smile and oral health back to their peak potential!
About the Author
The Indy Dental Group has four convenient locations throughout the Indianapolis area. The doctors at the North Meridian location are happy to provide a range of dental services, including periodontal therapy. If you have concerns about gum disease, don’t hesitate to contact the office via the website or by phone at 317-846-6125.