Dr. Ben Ahlbrecht and his dental care team offer gum disease treatment in Indianapolis, IN. Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease is characterized by bacteria and plaque buildup. Common causes of this condition include damaged teeth or poor dental hygiene. Our dentist in Indianapolis, IN uses surgical treatment including gingivectomies and tissue grafting, as well as state-of-the-art laser treatments such as scaling and root planing.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease arises first through gingivitis or gum inflammation that is caused by bacteria on the gum line. The bacteria move deeper into your gums to create pockets around your tooth roots. As a result, teeth could loosen or fall out. Symptoms of periodontitis include gum redness and bleeding when brushing and flossing.
In addition, you can feel tooth sensitivity and suffer from chronic bad breath. Gum disease could also impact your overall health by increasing your risk for heart attack, stroke, and other heart problems. In addition, restorative dental options may be needed after gum treatment. Learn about the options our office offers patients below.
Surgical Periodontal Treatments
Moderate to advanced cases of periodontitis are treated with surgery. A gingivectomy is used to remove severely diseased tissue. A tissue graft is often used in conjunction with a gingivectomy. Dr. Ahlbrecht restores gum recession at the gum line by using patient or donor tissue. A tissue graft prevents increased tooth sensitivity, protects teeth, and improves the appearance of your smile.
Laser Treatments for Periodontal Therapy
Our professionals recommend non-surgical laser treatment for some dental cases. Scaling and root planing are common periodontal options used in tandem. A laser is used to remove diseased tissue and any remaining bacteria. Dr. Ahlbrecht will then smooth down the dental roots. Following this process, your gums can reattach to dental roots.
Periodontal Therapy FAQs
How long does periodontal treatment take?
The procedure for periodontal therapy treatment takes about 2 hours from start to finish. Sometimes dentists may choose to sedate their patient for periodontal treatment. This is saved for treatment that requires gum surgery.
How painful is periodontal treatment?
The procedure for periodontal treatment is not painful. After treatment, patients may feel some pain and soreness. An over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever can be taken to relieve pain.
How often should periodontal cleaning be done?
Periodontal cleanings should be done once or twice a year. This will help prevent bacteria from forming infections around gums. It will also help keep your overall mouth healthy and stave off more advanced cases.
Schedule a Dental Exam Today
Prevent gum disease from occurring by removing plaque and bacteria with our surgical and laser treatments. Call us at 317.204.7134 or schedule a consultation online. Our dentists are enthusiastic about giving patients excellent modern options to treat their dental problems. Have any further questions about gum disease? Ask a member of our team, who will be glad to help you.