Periodontal Services in Chicago for Gum Disease Treatment
What Is Periodontics?
Periodontics is a branch of dentistry that treats diseases of the gums and other supporting structures of the teeth. One of the most common conditions that adversely affects these tissues is gingivitis, or gum disease, which causes the gums to become inflamed and swollen.
Without proper treatment, gingivitis will progress to periodontal disease, also known as periodontitis. Periodontitis is irreversible and causes the gums to shrink and recede. It also causes bone damage, potentially leading to severe infection and tooth loss.
What Causes Gingivitis & Periodontal Disease?
Poor dental hygiene is the primary cause of gum disease and periodontitis, while smoking and illness can be contributing factors. Hormones, genetics, and certain medications can also contribute to gum issues. If plaque buildup and gum inflammation are present, gum disease can occur without proper oral care.
Plaque is a sticky, invisible film made primarily of bacteria. It develops on your teeth when sugars and starches in foods fuel the bacteria that naturally live inside your mouth.
Because plaque grows back so quickly, you must brush and floss every day. If plaque stays on your teeth too long, it hardens into tartar, which only a dentist can remove. Tartar causes irritation under and along the gumline.
Types of Periodontal Treatment for Gum Disease
If you have gum disease, there are many effective treatments available. The type of treatment you need will depend on how far the issue has progressed. All in all, a periodontal consultation is the best way to find out which treatments will be most appropriate.
At Â鶹Íø, our periodontal dental professionals provide the following gum disease treatments at our Chicago offices:
- Teeth Cleanings: A thorough, professional teeth cleaning is the first step in regaining control of your dental health. During this treatment, your dentist will remove tartar and plaque along the gum line.
- Scaling and Root Planing: This is a slightly more invasive cleaning procedure, in which your periodontist will remove tartar and debris below the gum line around the roots of your teeth. This will help the gums reattach more easily, while making it harder for bacteria to grow and spread.
- Surgical Bone Grafting: Surgical grafting involves replacing bone that has been destroyed by periodontal disease. This allows your teeth to reestablish their bond to gum tissue and bone, and strengthens the jawbone structure.
- Pocket Reduction Surgery: During pocket reduction surgery, your periodontist will reduce the depth of pockets that have formed between your teeth and gums. They will gently lift the gum tissue to access deep pockets around the teeth, remove plaque, tartar, infected tissue, and smooth damaged bone. This creates a healthier, easier-to-clean environment that limits bacterial buildup and supports healing.
- Soft Tissue Grafts: If your gums are receding, a graft procedure may be recommended. Healthy tissue from another area of the mouth is used to repair receding gums and strengthen them. This surgery is also used to cover exposed roots, lowering the risk of further damage and decay.
Whether you need non-surgical gum disease treatment, such as a deep cleaning, or surgical intervention following bone loss, we can help. Contact our team at Â鶹Íø and discover personalized, state-of-the-art care to protect your smile!
Schedule an Appointment for Gum Disease Treatment in Chicago
If you’re suffering from gingivitis or periodontitis, turn to Â鶹Íø. As a trusted periodontist in Illinois, it’s our goal to restore your dental health and help you feel comfortable and informed about all of your treatment options.
Schedule an appointment at one of our offices in the South Loop or Lincoln Park in Chicago. We offer same-day appointments and walk-ins, even on Saturdays!
