Periodontics is an area of dentistry focused on the health of your gums and the prevention of gum disease (periodontal disease). At Carol Stream & Elgin Dental Associates, we understand the importance of maintaining healthy gums when it comes to protecting your overall oral health and well-being.
Healthy gums are the foundation of a beautiful and healthy smile. That’s why we are proud to offer periodontic services at our two dental practices in Illinois, as we want to make high-quality dental care more accessible to access for you and your family. Our board-certified periodontist, Dr. Michael Slavin, works alongside our dental hygienists to evaluate the health of your gums and remove any early signs of plaque buildup and gum disease.
If a deep cleaning is required, our team will utilize an ultrasonic scaling device to clean your teeth more thoroughly. We use numbing gels and local anesthetics, meaning you won’t feel any discomfort or pain during the course of your periodontic treatment. Most patients see improvements through a series of professional cleanings and at-home maintenance.
What is Gum Disease?
Poor oral hygiene can cause a number of dental problems, including decay or plaque buildup along your gums. If not treated promptly and properly, this can lead to serious issues like bleeding gums, pain when chewing, and even tooth loss. Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is an infection of the gums caused by the buildup of plaque and tartar on the teeth.
Gum disease is common, as it affects over 45% of Americans. If your case is mild, our hygienists can prevent it from spreading with a professional cleaning. If the disease is more severe, a deep cleaning may be recommended. It can lead to inflammation, gum recession, and damage to the tissues and bones that support your teeth. Gum disease is a progressive condition that worsens over time if left untreated. Routine preventive dental care and timely intervention can manage and even reverse it in its early stages.
Signs of Gum Disease
Understanding the signs of gum disease is crucial for early detection and treatment. Gum disease often starts without obvious symptoms, making regular dental check-ups essential. Here are some common signs that you may have gum disease:
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Bleeding while brushing or flossing
- Receding gums, making teeth look longer
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Sensitive teeth, especially to temperature changes
- Formation of deep pockets between the teeth and gums
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to schedule an appointment with our team right away. Early intervention can prevent the condition from worsening and help you avoid more severe dental problems in the future.
Stages of Gum Disease
Gum disease progresses in stages, starting with mild symptoms and potentially leading to severe damage if not treated. Here are the stages of gum disease:
1. Gingivitis: The earliest stage of gum disease, gingivitis, involves inflammation of the gums. It is usually caused by poor oral hygiene, which leads to plaque buildup. During this stage, gums may become red, swollen, and bleed easily, but there is no damage to the bone or connective tissue. Gingivitis is reversible with professional cleanings and improved oral care habits.
2. Mild Periodontitis: If gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress to mild periodontitis. At this stage, the infection begins to affect the bone and fibers that support the teeth. Mild periodontitis can lead to the formation of pockets around the teeth, where bacteria collect. With proper treatment, mild periodontitis can be managed, and further damage can be prevented.
3. Moderate to Severe Periodontitis: In the more advanced stages, gum disease leads to significant bone loss, receding gums, and deep periodontal pockets. Teeth may start to shift or become loose, and the infection can cause chronic bad breath. At this stage, aggressive treatment is necessary to control the damage and prevent tooth loss.
4. Advanced Periodontitis: The most severe form of gum disease, advanced periodontitis, involves extensive bone and tissue loss. Teeth may become so loose that they need to be removed. This stage requires comprehensive periodontal treatment to manage the infection and restore oral health.
Treatment Options for Gum Disease
At Carol Stream & Elgin Dental Associates, we offer a variety of periodontal treatments tailored to the specific needs of our patients. Our goal is to address the root cause of the infection, restore gum health, and prevent further damage. Here are some of the common treatment options for gum disease:
Professional Dental Cleanings: For patients in the early stages of gum disease, professional cleanings can remove plaque and tartar buildup, helping to reverse gingivitis. These cleanings are more thorough than routine brushing and flossing and are designed to target the areas of the mouth that are difficult to clean at home.
Scaling and Root Planing: A deep cleaning procedure, scaling and root planing is often the first line of defense against periodontitis. During scaling, we remove plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line. Root planing smooths out the tooth roots to prevent bacteria from reattaching to the gums. This treatment helps reduce gum inflammation and allows the gums to heal and reattach to the teeth.
Laser Therapy: For patients who need a less invasive treatment option, we also offer laser therapy to treat gum disease. Using a soft tissue laser, we can remove infected tissue and bacteria from periodontal pockets without the need for traditional surgery. Laser therapy is gentle, promotes faster healing, and minimizes discomfort.
Antibiotic Treatments: In some cases, we may recommend antibiotics to control the bacterial infection in the gums. These antibiotics can be applied directly to the periodontal pockets or prescribed as an oral medication to support the healing process.
Pocket Reduction Surgery: For advanced periodontitis, pocket reduction surgery may be necessary. This procedure involves folding back the gum tissue to remove bacteria and tartar buildup from deep pockets. After cleaning, the gums are repositioned to fit snugly around the teeth, reducing the size of the pockets and making it easier to maintain good oral hygiene.
Bone Grafting: If bone loss has occurred due to periodontitis, bone grafting can help restore the lost bone. Bone grafting involves placing bone material in areas where the bone has deteriorated, encouraging new bone growth. This procedure can strengthen the jawbone and support the stability of teeth and dental implants.
Gum Grafting: For patients with receding gums, gum grafting is a surgical procedure that covers exposed tooth roots. This treatment helps reduce sensitivity, improve the appearance of the gums, and protect the roots from further damage.
Preventing Gum Disease
Maintaining healthy gums is essential for overall oral health. Gum disease affects the gums and teeth and can even impact overall health and wellness. Research has shown a link between periodontal disease and systemic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. By caring for your gums, you are preserving your smile and protecting your overall well-being.
Preventing gum disease starts with good oral hygiene habits. Regular brushing and flossing, combined with routine dental check-ups, are the best ways to keep your gums healthy. We emphasize the importance of preventive care, including professional cleanings and exams, to catch any signs of gum disease early. By maintaining a proactive approach to your dental care, you can prevent gum disease from progressing and enjoy a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Schedule Your Periodontal Exam in Carol Stream & Elgin, IL
If you’re experiencing any signs of gum disease or want to maintain the health of your gums, schedule a consultation with our experienced team at Carol Stream & Elgin Dental Associates. We are here to provide comprehensive periodontal treatment and help you achieve optimal oral health. Don’t let gum disease compromise your smile—contact us today to take the first step toward a healthier mouth.