Explore Effective Treatment For Gum Disease
Getting effective periodontal care is critical for maintaining good oral health and avoiding tooth loss. Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a common condition that damages the tissues supporting the teeth. The good news is that Auburn Family Dentistry provides personalized periodontal treatments to help patients reverse gum disease and restore their smiles.
Our Auburn, IN, dentist, Dr. David Painter, develops customized treatment plans to meet each patient’s needs. With years of advanced training and experience in periodontics, Dr. Painter is dedicated to helping you achieve long-term periodontal health in addition to treating active gum disease.
Call (260) 357-2380 to schedule your gum disease treatment appointment at our Auburn dental office.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is a serious condition that damages the soft tissue and bone structure that support your teeth. It’s caused by a buildup of plaque — a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth. If plaque isn’t properly removed by brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar that can only be removed professionally.
Over time, plaque and tartar buildup around teeth causes inflammation and infection of the gums. This buildup leads to uncomfortable periodontal disease symptoms. Without treatment, advanced gum disease can even cause tooth loss.
Signs of Periodontal Disease
If you notice any of the following signs of periodontal disease, it’s imperative to schedule a periodontal care appointment at Auburn Family Dentistry:
- Red, Swollen, or Tender Gums: Healthy gums should be pink and firm. Inflamed gums that look reddened, puffy, or bleed easily are a key sign of periodontitis.
- Receding Gums: Gums receding or pulling away from the teeth is a telltale symptom. It exposes more of the tooth root, which can increase sensitivity.
- Persistent Bad Breath: Bacteria from gum disease cause bad breath. Bad breath that persists despite brushing and flossing needs evaluation.
- Loose or Separating Teeth: Advanced periodontitis damages the tissues anchoring teeth in place. This leads to teeth feeling loose or moving apart.
- Changes In Bite: If teeth shift position or your bite feels different, it could indicate tissue and bone loss from gum disease.
- Tooth Loss: Severe periodontal disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss as it destroys connective tissues and supporting bone.
- Pus Around Teeth and Gums: Abscesses and pus pockets from infection can form in the gums due to untreated periodontitis.
- Gum Recession: More visible tooth roots and gaps between teeth are signs of receding gums often caused by gum disease.
Periodontal Treatments at Auburn Family Dentistry
Deep Cleanings
Also known as periodontal debridement, scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning procedure that goes below the gum line to remove plaque and tartar from tooth roots and periodontal pockets.
Dr. Painter may use hand tools or ultrasonic devices to thoroughly clean abnormalities in the root surface and smooth areas that harbor bacteria. This comprehensive teeth cleaning helps heal inflamed gum tissue.
Laser Gum Therapy
As a gentle alternative to traditional gum surgery, laser gum therapy uses a specialized dental laser to remove diseased gum tissue for more precise reshaping and recontouring of gums. It reduces bacteria while stimulating circulation and new tissue growth.
The laser targets diseased tissue, leaving healthy tissue for faster healing. Lasers reduce bleeding and discomfort during treatment.
Pocket Depth Reduction
Deep periodontal pockets can harbor further infection and disease progression. Pocket depth reduction surgery accesses infected pockets deeper than four millimeters and cleans out diseased tissue.
Dr. Painter may use lasers or hand instruments for optimal debridement. This removes bacteria and infected tissue while reducing pocket depth for improved periodontal health.
Crown Lengthening
Crown lengthening surgery recontours the gum line and bone to expose more of the tooth for restoration. It’s needed when there isn’t enough exposed tooth structure above the gum line to properly place a crown or other restoration. The surgery reshapes and repositions the soft tissue and bone to provide the needed clinical crown length.
Dr. Painter customizes treatment based on each patient’s specific needs and goals. His gentle approach helps even anxious patients feel at ease while getting the periodontal care they need.
Why Choose Dr. Painter for Periodontal Treatments?
There are many reasons to choose Dr. David Painter at Auburn Family Dentistry for periodontal treatments, including:
- Extensive Experience: With years of experience, Dr. Painter is a seasoned periodontist you can trust for excellent results.
- Advanced Training: Dr. Painter completed advanced training in periodontics. He stays current on the latest techniques and research.
- Gentle Care: Dr. Painter prioritizes patient comfort at all stages of treatment. He offers sedation dentistry for high anxiety.
- Custom Plans: Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, Dr. Painter develops tailored treatment plans to meet each patient’s individual periodontal needs.
- Dedication: Dr. Painter is dedicated not just to treating periodontal disease, but also to helping patients maintain long-term periodontal health through education and preventive dental care.
- Insurance Accepted: Auburn Family Dentistry works with most major insurance plans to maximize out-of-pocket savings for patients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your dentist should use advanced techniques and provide anesthetics as needed to ensure periodontal procedures are as comfortable and pain-free as possible. Most patients report little to no pain during or after treatment.
Cost varies based on the type and extent of treatment needed. During your consultation, staff provide a detailed estimate of charges and potential out-of-pocket costs based on insurance coverage. Many dental offices have in-house financing options to make necessary treatment affordable.
It depends on the procedure, but full recovery typically takes one to two weeks. Your dentist will give you detailed post-op instructions for healing and recovery at home after your procedure.
Your dentist will provide customized oral hygiene instructions focused on brushing, flossing, diet, and other daily care techniques to help maintain your periodontal health after treatment. Regular dental visits and cleanings are also key for prevention.
Create Excellent Oral Health at Auburn Family Dentistry
Don’t live with the pain and negative effects of periodontal disease — turn to the experienced Auburn dental office of Dr. David Painter for first-class treatment.
Call Auburn Family Dentistry today at (260) 357-2380 to schedule your visit and get on the path to renewed confidence and oral wellness. We look forward to welcoming new and returning patients from the Auburn, IN, area, including Garrett, Waterloo, and Avilla, IN.