Periodontal Disease Treatment

Gum disease is a serious dental health issue, and periodontal disease treatment can help prevent tooth loss and other adverse outcomes. For residents of Fort Wayne, Indiana, skilled dentist Vijay Godi, DDS, and the rest of the team at Prime Dental are an outstanding resource for periodontal care. To book an appointment with Dr. Godi, call the office today or spend a few moments on the online booking page. 

What are the stages of periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease, or gum disease, develops when your gum tissue becomes infected and inflamed. Your gums play a vital role in dental health, creating a strong barrier that prevents the organisms within your mouth from entering your bloodstream. 

When infection sets in, your gums become swollen. This stage of periodontal disease is called gingivitis. You can reverse gingivitis by improving your dental hygiene. 

If gingivitis is allowed to advance, your gums can begin to pull away from the surface of your teeth, creating small pockets at the gumline. Bacteria can enter and quickly multiply since typical brushing and flossing won’t reach into the pockets. 

This stage of gum disease is called periodontitis and can have very serious effects, including tooth loss.  

How do I know if I need periodontal disease treatment?

Knowing what to look for can help you know when it’s time to seek periodontal disease treatment. 

These are some signs that you may have gingivitis:

• Bleeding gums after brushing or flossing
• Red or dark pink gum tissue
• Swollen or puffy gums
• Soreness after brushing or flossing

Here are some of the indications of periodontitis:

• Painful gums
• Dark red gum tissue
• Bad breath
• Pus near the gum line
• Loose teeth
• Changes in your bite

Don’t ignore the signs of periodontal disease. Treatment can help reverse these symptoms and restore healthy gum tissue. 

What are some options for periodontal disease treatment?

If you have gingivitis, embracing a solid dental hygiene routine may be all that’s needed to address the problem. Schedule a dental exam and professional cleaning to remove all traces of plaque and tartar, then brush and floss your teeth at home. 

If your gum disease has progressed, in-office treatments can help. Scaling and root planing uses a handheld tool to remove plaque and tartar from the surfaces of your teeth that lie beneath the gums. You may need topical or oral antibiotics to eliminate infection. 

Surgical interventions can treat periodontitis. Some work by creating flaps in your gum tissue so Dr. Godi can thoroughly clean the roots and reshape damaged bone tissue. Others work to replace gum tissue through grafting. 

If you’ve suffered bone loss, bone grafting might improve your condition. 

If you’re concerned about your gum health, booking a visit at Prime Dental is the best place to begin. Simple call in to check appointment availability, or schedule online any time of day.