Periodontal Therapy

Because your gums provide the framework of your smile, healthy gums are an important part of your overall oral health. When it comes to the types of ailments your gums can suffer, Carmel Professional Dentistry keeps a sharp eye out for periodontal disease, including gingivitis and periodontitis.

Gingivitis and Periodontitis

Gingivitis is a type of periodontal disease that refers to a swelling of the gums for a variety of reasons. If left untreated, gingivitis can (but does not always) lead to periodontitis, or gum disease. If not properly treated, this can lead to tooth loss due to destruction of the tissue that surrounds your teeth. Your body’s immune system naturally tries to fight periodontal disease, but the “battle” between bacteria and your “good” enzymes causes even more damage to your gums and teeth. With gum and bone loss, your teeth begin to loosen and even fall out.

Heard enough? Well, there’s good news…

The Good News About Periodontal Disease

The good news is that periodontal disease is preventable. First, the staff and doctors of Carmel Professional Dentistry know the causes of gum diseases, including:

  • Plaque buildup
  • Hormonal changes
  • Illnesses like cancer, HIV and diabetes
  • Medications that can cause “dry mouth,” robbing your gums of helpful saliva
  • Smoking
  • Not brushing and flossing well enough or often enough
  • Family history


And, although the progression of periodontal disease is often slow and subtle, Dr. Carolyn Correll are also trained to recognize its symptoms, including:

Bleeding gums during brushing
Redness, swelling, or tenderness of gums
Constant bad breath
A “bad taste” in your mouth
Receding gum line
Pockets forming between your teeth and gums
Teeth becoming loose or shifting
Changes in the “fit” of your bite

Periodontal Disease Therapy and Treatment

At Carmel Professional Dentistry, Dr. Carolyn Correll have a variety of treatments and tools to slow, stop, and even reverse the damage of periodontal disease. Their goals are to help your gums reattach to your teeth; to reduce the swelling in your gums; reduce and eliminate infection; ultimately, they want to stop the progression of the disease altogether.

Suspect You May Have Periodontal Disease? Act Now!

We say it often, but this time we truly mean it: the time to act against periodontal disease is NOW. The sooner you tackle gingivitis, the better your results can be. That’s why we urge you to schedule an appointment with Carmel Professional Dentistry today!