GBT and Laser Gum Disease Treatment in Bargersville, IN

Bleeding, swollen, or tender gums are your body's way of telling you something is off. If you have also been told that you have periodontal pockets, getting your gums looked at is a great first step so we can understand what is happening and figure out the right level of care together.

At Modern Roots Dental, Dr. Holly Austgen and our team use Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) along with Laser Bacterial Reduction as part of our approach to gum health. GBT uses guided biofilm removal to find and clean areas where bacterial buildup is present, while laser therapy can help reduce bacteria around the gumline and within periodontal pockets when it makes sense for your situation.

We are the only practice in Bargersville certified in Guided Biofilm Therapy. Our goal is to make gum care thorough, comfortable, and focused on keeping things from getting worse so your mouth and your overall health can both benefit.

If your gums have been bleeding or you have concerns about your gum health, call us at (317) 885-6400 to schedule an evaluation.

Quick Takeaways

• We identify biofilm before we clean. A highlighting solution shows us exactly where bacterial buildup is hiding.
• GBT is designed to be more comfortable. Airflow technology uses warm water and fine powder instead of metal instruments.
• Laser therapy may be part of your care. We use it when it can help reduce bacteria around the gumline or in periodontal pockets.
• Early gum disease is easier to address. Gingivitis can often be reversed, and more advanced disease is about stopping things from getting worse.
• Your treatment is built around your gum health. An evaluation helps us understand what your gums need and whether GBT and laser therapy are the right fit.

How GBT and Laser Treatment Work

1. We evaluate your gums before treatment

We start by examining your teeth and gums and measuring the spaces between your teeth and gum tissue. We look at areas of bleeding, inflammation, plaque and tartar buildup, and other signs that help us get a clear picture of your gum health.

We also review your dental and medical health histories because certain factors can affect your gums and your risk for periodontal disease. These may include grinding or clenching, dry mouth, medications, diabetes, smoking, and other health or lifestyle factors.

2. A biofilm highlighting solution makes bacteria visible

GBT uses a biofilm highlighting solution to make the otherwise invisible bacterial layer on your teeth easy to see. Once the biofilm is visible, we can clearly identify where it has built up and use that to guide your care.

You will be able to see these areas too, which helps you understand where your brushing and cleaning between your teeth may need a little extra attention at home.

3. Airflow removes biofilm and surface deposits

We use airflow technology with warm water and a fine erythritol powder to gently remove biofilm from the teeth and around the gumline. The spray can also help lift some surface staining.

Because the process relies on airflow, water, and powder, it tends to feel quite different from traditional scaling with hand instruments or ultrasonic equipment.

GBT can be especially helpful around dental restorations and orthodontic appliances, though the right cleaning method always depends on the material and location of the restoration.

4. We use instruments where tartar remains

Once the soft biofilm has been removed, any remaining hard bacterial debris known as tartar or calculus needs additional instrumentation to remove it.

The highlighting step helps us see exactly where those deposits are hiding. We then use hand instruments or ultrasonic technology as needed, choosing the right approach for each surface rather than relying on one method for everything.

5. Laser Bacterial Reduction when appropriate

Laser Bacterial Reduction can be added to your visit when it makes sense for your gum health. The laser is used around the gumline and periodontal pockets to help reduce the bacteria linked to gum inflammation. It does not require an incision, and numbing is generally not needed for this part of treatment.

What you experience will depend on the condition of your gums and what we are treating. We will always walk you through what we recommend and what to expect before we begin.

What GBT and Laser Treatment Can Do for Your Gums

• Help reduce biofilm and inflammation. Removing bacterial buildup is a key part of managing gingivitis and periodontal disease. Once those deposits are cleared, healthy home care gives your gums a real chance to heal and recover.
• Make professional cleanings more comfortable. The airflow component of GBT can reduce the amount of traditional scraping and scaling needed to remove biofilm. Most people find it much gentler, especially if they have sensitive teeth or tender gums.
• Support care around dental work. People with implants, crowns, veneers, or orthodontic appliances need regular professional cleaning and careful home care. The fine powder used with GBT cleans thoroughly around all of those surfaces without scratching or wearing them down.
• Support your overall health, not just your gums. Bacteria linked to gum disease can drive inflammation well beyond your mouth. Lowering that bacterial load through professional care and good home hygiene is one of the most impactful things you can do for your whole-body health.
• Make your home-care routine more targeted. When you can see exactly where biofilm tends to build up, it is much easier to focus your brushing and flossing where it matters most.

Who Is GBT and Laser Treatment Right For?

GBT and Laser Bacterial Reduction can be a good fit for people dealing with gingivitis, early periodontal disease, or areas of ongoing inflammation. They can also play an important role in periodontal maintenance for people who have already been treated for gum disease and want to stay on top of their health.

This approach tends to work especially well for people with sensitive teeth or those who find traditional cleanings uncomfortable. It can also be a good fit for people with dental implants, crowns, veneers, braces, or clear aligners who need thorough, gentle cleaning around their dental work.

That said, GBT and laser therapy are not the right answer for every situation. If gum disease has progressed to significant bone loss, deep periodontal pockets, or loose teeth, you may need scaling and root planing, more frequent maintenance visits, or a referral to a periodontist. The right path forward always depends on what your gums actually need.

Dr. Holly will take a close look at your gums, walk you through what she finds, and help you understand your options so you feel clear and confident about where to go from here.

How Long Does Treatment Take?

Every patient's gum health is different, so the length and frequency of treatment really depends on where you are starting and what your gums need.

For some people with early gum inflammation, GBT and laser treatment can be built right into a regular hygiene visit. If periodontal disease is more established, we may spread care across a few appointments and stay in closer contact along the way.

Here is what your care might look like:

• Initial evaluation: We take a close look at your gums, measure any periodontal pockets, note areas of bleeding or inflammation, and talk through any health factors that may be relevant.
• Initial treatment: If GBT and laser therapy are a good fit, we use the highlighted biofilm and what we found during your evaluation to guide the cleaning.
• Follow-up evaluation: We check back in to see how your gums are responding and whether any adjustments are needed.
• Periodontal maintenance: If you have a history of periodontal disease, staying on a maintenance schedule, often every three to four months, helps us keep things stable and catch any changes early.

We also use annual iTero digital health scans to track how your oral health is trending over time. It gives us a clearer picture at every visit and helps us get ahead of any changes together.

Before and After Your Gum Treatment

Not much preparation is needed before a GBT appointment. Just keep up your normal brushing and cleaning routine, and bring an updated list of your medications and any relevant health information.

Please let us know about any health conditions or medications that may affect your dental care. And if your gums bleed when you floss, please do not overdo it right before your visit. We want to see your gums as they normally are so we can give you an accurate picture of what is going on.

After treatment, your teeth may feel noticeably smooth, and some people notice a little temporary sensitivity. We will walk you through what to expect based on your specific care.

What happens between appointments matters just as much as what happens in the chair. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and keeping up with your recommended maintenance schedule all make a real difference in how your gums heal and stay healthy.

Gum health is a long game, especially if you have a history of periodontal disease. Staying consistent with care means we can catch small changes early before they become bigger ones.

Cost and Payment

The cost of gum treatment depends on the condition of your gums, how much care is needed, the number of visits involved, and whether laser therapy or periodontal maintenance is part of your plan.

Before we move forward with anything, we walk you through what we found and what we recommend so you feel informed and confident about your next step.

No dental insurance? We have a membership plan worth asking about.

Why Choose Modern Roots Dental for Gum Disease Treatment?

We believe gum care is about more than clean teeth. When we reduce biofilm and inflammation in your mouth, that has a real effect on inflammation throughout your body. Healthier gums support your whole health, not just your smile. Every appointment is an opportunity to understand what is driving inflammation and keep a close eye on how your gums are doing over time.

Dr. Holly Austgen began her journey in dental hygiene at IU, graduating in 2001, then went on to earn her dental degree from the IU School of Dentistry in 2011. After completing a general practice residency at the Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, she opened her own practice in 2018. That foundation in hygiene is something she brings to every conversation about prevention and gum health.

Being certified in Guided Biofilm Therapy means we follow a thoughtful, consistent process at every visit. We make the biofilm visible, identify what needs attention, remove deposits with the right tools, and keep a record so each appointment builds on the one before.

More than anything, we want you to feel informed and at ease. If it has been a while since your last visit or your gums need more care than you expected, there is no judgment here. We will walk you through what we find, talk through your options, and figure out the right next step together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does GBT hurt?

Most people are pleasantly surprised by how comfortable GBT feels. The warm water and fine powder are much gentler than traditional scraping. Some areas may still need instruments to clear tartar, so just let us know if you have sensitive teeth or tender gums and we will adjust.

Does the laser hurt, and do I need to be numb?

Laser Bacterial Reduction usually does not require numbing. You may feel a mild warmth during treatment. Deeper periodontal procedures may require numbing to keep you comfortable.

Can GBT reverse gum disease?

GBT can help manage gingivitis and early gum disease, and with good home care, early inflammation can often be turned around. It cannot restore bone already lost from periodontitis, but treatment can help stop further damage from occurring.

Can GBT remove tartar?

GBT removes biofilm and surface deposits effectively. Hardened tartar requires hand instruments or ultrasonic technology, which we use alongside GBT when needed.

Is GBT safe around implants, crowns, and braces?

Yes. GBT can be used around implants, crowns, veneers, braces, and aligners. We select the right tools for your specific dental work so everything is cleaned thoroughly and safely.

How often will I need gum treatment?

That is something we figure out together based on your gum health, pocket measurements, inflammation levels, and how your home care is going. People with a history of periodontal disease often do best with maintenance visits every three to four months.

Let's Take a Look at Your Gums

Bleeding gums are worth paying attention to. They are often a sign that inflammation is present, and the earlier we catch it, the more we can do to help.

We will start by getting a clear picture of where things stand with your gums, then walk you through what we find and what we'd recommend for your care. No pressure, no judgment. Just a real conversation about your gums and what we can do together.

Contact Modern Roots Dental in Bargersville at (317) 885-6400 to schedule a gum health evaluation.