(812) 663-7515
1315 Westridge Pkwy, Greensburg, IN 47240
Meet Dr. Noles
Meet Dr. Estes
Meet Dr. SteinhauerPeriodontics
The knowledgeable and experienced dentists at Noles Family Dental provide quality periodontic care to the Greensburg, Indiana community. Our dentists, Drs. Noles, Estes, and Steinhauer don’t just treat gum disease. We work together with our patients to help them learn how to prevent and maintain it.
Noles Family Dental Treats All Stages of Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is progressive. The longer it is left untreated, the worse it gets. At Noles Family Dental, our dentists, Drs. Noles, Estes, and Steinhauer have experience treating all stages of periodontal disease.
When creating a treatment plan for gum disease, we focus first on treating the disease. The procedures our dentists recommend will vary depending upon the severity of your gum disease.
Gingivitis, the beginning of periodontal disease, and early periodontitis may be treated with scaling and root planing or antibiotics. Oral surgery and tooth restoration may be needed to treat the more serious stages of gum disease, moderate periodontitis and advanced periodontitis.
Working With You to Keep Your Gums Healthy
After successfully treating your periodontal disease, our dentists, Drs. Noles, Estes, and Steinhauer shift our focus to helping you maintain healthy teeth and gums.
For our patients who have a history of gum disease and who recently underwent treatment for it, we recommend scheduling appointments for periodontal maintenance every three to four months. During these appointments, your teeth will be professionally cleaned. Our dentist will also measure the depth of the pockets around your teeth and assess the health of your teeth and gums.
Regular periodontal maintenance appointments are time-consuming yet extremely important because they allow our dentists to monitor your progress. Our dentists want to make sure that we have stopped the progression of your gum disease. We also want to make sure that your gums and teeth remain healthy.
Scheduling regular appointments also allows our dentists to quickly address any issues or problems that arise. Many dental problems, especially those associated with periodontal disease such as gingivitis or cavities, are easier to treat in their early stages. Our dentists conduct examinations during these appointments that can lead to the early detection of a number of dental problems.
Educating Patients on Preventing Periodontal Disease Progression
What our patients do daily plays a huge role in preventing periodontal disease from progressing. Our dental team takes the time to educate our patients on the importance of creating and following a good daily oral hygiene routine.
We not only help our patients create a good oral hygiene routine, but we make sure you know what to do to properly follow it. Our dental team can guide you on proper brushing and flossing techniques. We can also provide education and guidance on simple lifestyle changes you could make that will help to improve your oral health
Contact Us To Schedule an Appointment To Discuss Periodontal Disease Treatment
If you suspect you are suffering from periodontal disease, call Noles Family Dental to schedule an appointment. Our dentists can assess your oral health to determine if you have gum disease. With a proper diagnosis, we work with you to create a treatment plan that will improve your oral health and stop the progression of gum disease.
Periodontics FAQ
Healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy smile. At Noles Family Dental, our team works closely with patients to diagnose, treat, and manage periodontal (gum) disease so it does not progress and affect the stability of your teeth. Gum disease can develop slowly and often without obvious discomfort, which is why understanding the signs and treatment options is important. Below are answers to common questions about periodontal care.
Early gum disease may begin with mild symptoms that can be easy to overlook. Some common signs include:
Red or swollen gums
Bleeding when brushing or flossing
Persistent bad breath
Gum recession
Loose teeth
In more advanced cases, patients may notice pus between the teeth and gums or changes in how their bite fits together.
The earliest stage of gum disease, called gingivitis, can often be reversed with professional care and improved oral hygiene. Once the disease progresses to periodontitis, it cannot technically be “cured,” but it can be effectively managed.
Several factors can increase your risk of developing gum disease. Poor oral hygiene, smoking, diabetes, hormonal changes, and certain medications can all contribute. Genetics may also play a role. If you have a history of gum disease or notice changes in your gums, a dental evaluation can help determine your level of risk.
A periodontal pocket is a space that forms between the tooth and the surrounding gum tissue when gum disease causes the tissue to pull away from the tooth. These pockets can trap bacteria and plaque, which may lead to further infection and damage to the bone supporting the tooth if not treated.
A periodontal exam is typically quick and comfortable. Our dentist or hygienist will gently measure the space between your teeth and gums using a small measuring tool. While some patients with inflamed gums may experience mild sensitivity, most people find the exam very manageable.
Treatment depends on the severity of the periodontal disease. Early stages may be treated with deep cleaning procedures such as scaling and root planing, which remove plaque and bacteria from beneath the gumline. In more advanced cases, additional treatments or surgical procedures may be recommended to restore gum health and prevent further damage.
Ridge augmentation is a dental procedure used to rebuild or restore the natural shape of the jawbone after bone loss has occurred. This is often needed following tooth loss or extraction, especially if the bone has deteriorated over time. The goal is to create a stable foundation for future restorations like dental implants.
Healing time can vary depending on the size of the bone graft and your overall health, but most bone grafts take several months to fully integrate with your natural bone. Your dentist will monitor healing and determine the right time for any next steps, such as placing a dental implant.
If you have concerns about your gums or want to learn more about periodontal care, the team at Noles Family Dental is here to help. Call (812) 690-4061 today to schedule an appointment and take the next step toward healthier gums.