Gum disease can take a toll on oral and overall health. With estimates saying that nearly half of adults over the age of 35 have gum disease to some extent, it’s clear that the need for periodontal therapy in Westfield is significant. Keep reading to learn more about this common condition and how we treat it at Indy Dental Group.
Treating Gum Disease Is Crucial
Gum disease is a chronic condition that causes inflammation of the periodontal (gum) tissue. Its treatment is vitally important because we know that having chronic inflammation in one part of the body increases the likelihood of developing another inflammatory condition elsewhere. People who have untreated gum disease are at a higher risk of developing heart conditions including high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and stroke. Diabetes and gum disease are also closely linked — so much so that gum disease is considered an associated condition of diabetes. Fortunately, treating one can reduce the severity of the other.
About Periodontal Therapy
The appropriate treatment for gum disease depends on the severity of the condition upon treatment. We will monitor your periodontal health during routine dental appointments, measuring the depth of periodontal pockets between the teeth and gums. These spaces indicate the presence of infection, and their depth can tell us what type of treatment would be best. When the pockets measure between 2 and 4 millimeters, we can help you reverse gum disease with a thorough cleaning and tips for better oral hygiene at home. Once pocket depths have reached past 4 millimeters, we will likely recommend a treatment called scaling and root planing. This is a method in which we use special tools to clean above and below the gum line to remove plaque and bacteria buildup. We then smooth the tooth’s root to prevent the risk of reinfection.
How to Know If You Need Gum Disease Treatment
Visiting our dental office regularly is the best way to ensure you receive gum disease treatment as soon as you need it. However, if it has been a while since your last visit to the dentist, you may have gum disease that has gone unnoticed. Some of the warning signs that you need gum disease treatment include:
- Red, bleeding, tender gums
- Swollen gums
- Visibly receding gums
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
- Sensitive teeth
- Shifting or loose teeth
If you suspect you need gum disease treatment, do not hesitate to get in touch with your dentist in Westfield. The earlier it’s treated, the better the outcome. Your overall well-being relies on clean and healthy gums!
Meet the Practice
The Indy Dental Group is a trusted source of general dental care for patients in and around Indianapolis. To learn more about gum disease in Westfield or to schedule an appointment for expert periodontal therapy, you are invited to contact the office at (317) 867-5400.