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Periodontal Disease Specialist

Richard J. Stuart, DDS

Prosthetic and Implant Dentistry located in Indianapolis, IN

Periodontal disease is prevalent in the United States, with nearly half of Americans over 30 years old having bleeding gums. Patients of all ages in Indianapolis and the surrounding communities turn to Richard J. Stuart, DDS, an expert prosthetic and cosmetic dentist, to help prevent and treat the stages of periodontal disease. If you or your children have swollen, bleeding gums, it’s best to seek professional dental treatment before the disease advances to more serious stages. Preventing periodontal disease means preventing tooth loss. Book an appointment online today, or call the office.

Periodontal Disease

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease is an inflammatory condition that affects your gums and soft tissue that support your teeth. “Periodontal” means “around the tooth,” and often begins as gingivitis. Gingivitis is a bacterial infection in your gums that occurs as a result of excess plaque and bacteria buildup along your gum line.

If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more advanced stage of gum disease. Periodontitis often leads to decayed, loose teeth, or teeth that fall out altogether from lack of structural support. Periodontal disease can eventually destroy your jawbone, so it’s important to seek treatment as early as possible to prevent permanent damage.

What are the common signs of periodontal disease?

If you have periodontal disease, you may experience any of the following signs and symptoms:

  • Swollen, bleeding gums
  • Gums that feel sensitive to touch or food
  • Persistent bad breath (halitosis)
  • Painful chewing
  • Pus around teeth and gums
  • Loose, or shifting teeth
  • Spaces between teeth
  • Receding gums that expose more of your teeth

It isn’t normal for your gums to bleed each time you brush and floss your teeth. If you do experience frequent gum sensitivity, bleeding, and other symptoms, Dr. Stuart customizes an effective treatment plan to minimize damage and restore your oral health long term.

Without proper treatment, periodontal disease can lead to systemic infections and health problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure, or bacterial pneumonia.

How does a dentist treat periodontal disease?

Your treatment depends on the severity of your condition. In the early stages of gingivitis, Dr. Stuart and the dental team begin with a thorough professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth. They recommend how to improve your at-home dental routine to prevent a recurrence.

For more advanced stages of periodontitis, you may need a deep cleaning, root planing and scaling, and other professional interventions to remove bacteria and debris from pockets in your gum tissue. Once your gums pull away from your teeth, you’ll need to continue to with more frequent maintenance cleanings and an improved at-home oral health plan to prevent periodontitis from recurring.

If it’s been more than six months since you or your children have had a professional dental cleaning, and you have signs of periodontal disease, don’t wait to make an appointment. Call the office, or book online today.