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Gum Disease Care and Maintenance

Learn More About Periodontal (Gum) Disease in Albany, IN

If identified early, gum disease can be effectively treated and prevented from causing significant damage to a patient’s smile. However, with minimal symptoms aside from minor irritation, many individuals are unaware that they may be entering the initial stages of periodontal disease. At Albany Dental Care, Dr. Matthew McCrady helps educate patients on the warning signs of gum disease during each routine check-up. For patients already experiencing advanced stages of this oral condition, our Albany, IN dental team helps develop a comprehensive treatment and long-term maintenance plan to prevent further damage to your smile. 

What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease refers to the deterioration of the gum tissue caused by bacteria. When plaque is left to build and harden, it turns into tartar which can only be removed during professional dental cleanings. As the tartar builds, it nourishes bacteria growth. If left unremoved, the bacteria quickly begin to irritate the gums, marking the development of gingivitis or the first stage of gum disease. 

Slowly, the bacteria begin to cause the gums to separate from the teeth, creating small periodontal pockets where additional debris and bacteria become trapped and thus marking the beginning of periodontitis. As these pockets collect more debris, the bacteria begins to spread below the gum line, eroding the bone and connective tissue that keep the teeth in place. During this advanced stage of periodontal disease, patients are at an increased risk of losing their teeth and may require extensive treatment in order to regain their oral function and health. 

Treating Gum Disease

While gum disease is largely preventable by maintaining an effective oral hygiene routine and by visiting your dentist every six months, certain risk factors such as smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure and dry mouth may increase your chances of developing periodontal disease. 

Early identification is crucial to stopping gum disease from damaging your smile and preventing the need for extensive treatments. During routine check-ups at Albany Dental Care, Dr. McCrady thoroughly evaluates smiles for indicators of periodontal disease.

When treating minor to moderate cases of gum disease, we offer deep cleaning which consists of root planing and scaling to remove the bacteria from the surface of the tooth and roots below the gum line. To make the tartar removal process comfortable, we recommend the use of a topical anesthetic specifically made for gum disease patients to temporarily numb the affected area. Following this deep cleaning, our Albany dental team helps patients maintain healthy smiles by developing personalized long-term maintenance plans.

For more severe cases of gum disease where the tooth has become loose as a result of jaw bone deterioration, more extensive bone and gum grafts and tooth extraction may be needed. To ensure consistent care, Dr. McCrady works with specialists to ensure patient receive the best care possible before and following their periodontal treatment. 

Gum Care in Albany

If you believe you may be exhibiting signs of gum disease, contact Dr. McCrady at Albany Dental Care today. We look forward to helping you reestablish your oral health and improve your smile.