Gum disease, or periodontitis, affects approximately 40% of U.S. adults and is often called the “silent disease” because many people don’t realize they have it until their teeth begin to shift or bone loss has already progressed. That’s why early intervention and periodontitis treatment are so important.
If you’re looking for a gentle, yet effective, way to manage gum disease without surgery, read on to learn how Dr. Katie Orr’s approach can help restore your oral health.
Benefits of Our Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy
At our Indianapolis office, we offer non-surgical periodontal therapy that targets the harmful bacteria causing bone and gum tissue damage without any invasive procedures.
When performed early, our non-surgical gum disease treatment can:
- Stop the progression of the disease
- Reduce inflammation and bleeding of the gums
- Help reattach healthy gum tissue to the teeth
- Stabilize shifting teeth
- Prevent further bone and tooth loss
- Improve overall oral health and comfort
Our Periodontitis Treatment Process
Diagnosis
At the heart of our non-surgical gum disease treatment is periodontal charting, which is a digital process where we measure six points around each tooth to assess the health of the bone and gum tissue.
Healthy gum pockets typically measure 1–3 mm. Deeper measurements may signal bone loss and the presence of harmful bacteria, which is a key indicator of periodontal disease.
Treatment
If gum disease is diagnosed, we use a multi-step, non-surgical periodontal therapy approach to treat the disease, including:
- Deep cleaning techniques – We perform scaling and root planing to remove plaque and tartar from below the gum line
- Advanced tools – We use Cavitron ultrasonic technology to comfortably break up hardened deposits
- Localized antibiotics – We use a targeted treatment, such as Arestin, placed directly into deeper pockets to fight infection
Follow-Up Treatment
After your initial treatment with our Indianapolis dentist, we schedule maintenance cleanings every three months to help manage bacterial levels, monitor gum health, and prevent further bone loss.
How Dr. Katie’s Approach Stands Out: The Link Between Gum Health and Your Whole Body
Periodontal disease affects more than just your mouth. Infections in the gums can trigger inflammation throughout the body, influencing overall health in ways that many patients don’t realize. Research has shown links between gum disease and serious conditions, including heart disease and pancreatic cancer.
This is why our team takes a holistic, preventative approach to periodontitis treatment by screening all patients annually and beginning gum health measurements as early as 16 years old. By identifying early signs of disease, we can step in before permanent damage occurs.
FAQs About Our Periodontal Disease Treatments and More
Why do I need cleanings every three months following the non-surgical gum disease treatment?
Once periodontitis is diagnosed, frequent cleanings are necessary to keep harmful bacteria from building up and damaging the bone again. This maintenance phase is crucial to keep your teeth stable long-term.
Will I need to be put under anesthesia for periodontitis treatment at your Indianapolis office?
Treatment is typically performed using a local anesthetic to keep you comfortable. As mentioned earlier, we also use the localized antibiotic Arestin to help target infection.
What other areas in Indiana does Dr. Katie serve for non-surgical periodontal therapy beyond Indianapolis?
In addition to Indianapolis, we frequently welcome patients from nearby areas such as Fishers, Carmel, Greenwood, and more!
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Ready to take the next step toward healthier gums? Reach out to our team in Indianapolis today!