Periodontal (Gum) Disease West Loop
Our dental care center in vibrant West Loop Chicago specializes in periodontal disease treatment and prevention. We understand the critical role that healthy gums play in maintaining overall oral health.
Gum disease affects people of all ages, and our team is committed to providing comprehensive care to residents of the West Loop Chicago community. From preventive measures to advanced treatments, at Cameo Dental Specialists, we prioritize the health of your gums, and ensure a strong foundation for your beautiful smile.
WHAT IS PERIODONTAL (GUM) DISEASE?
Gum disease is a common but potentially serious oral health condition that affects the tissues surrounding teeth. This inflammatory condition begins with the accumulation of plaque, which is a sticky film of bacteria on the teeth and along the gumline. Plaque hardens into tartar and leads to irritation, inflammation, and infection of the gums.
The first stage is called gingivitis. It is characterized by symptoms such as redness, swelling, and bleeding gums during brushing or flossing. When gingivitis is left untreated, it progresses into periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease. Periodontitis can result in loss of bone and connective tissues that support teeth.
Periodontal disease has also been linked to systemic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. Regular check-ups, good oral hygiene, and professional cleanings are crucial to prevent and manage gum disease. These practices preserve oral health and overall well-being.
CAN GUM DISEASE BE REVERSED?
Advanced stages of gum disease are not always reversible. Early detection and proactive measures can halt its progression and improve the condition of the gums.
In the initial stage, gingivitis, professional dental cleanings coupled with consistent at-home care can often reverse the symptoms.
Regular brushing and flossing plays a pivotal role in preventing the recurrence of periodontal disease. In addition, lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, adopting a balanced diet, and stress management contribute to gum health.
However, once gum disease progresses into periodontitis with significant damage to the supporting structures of the teeth, the focus shifts to management and prevention. For advanced cases, we may recommend treatments such as scaling, root planing, or surgical interventions to prevent further deterioration.
Regular dental check-ups and open communication are crucial to develop a personalized plan to manage and, when possible, reverse the effects of gum disease.
WHAT IS PERIODONTAL (GUM) TREATMENT?
Periodontal treatment encompasses a range of gum disease interventions. In its early stage, treatment is a professional dental cleaning coupled with patient education on effective oral hygiene.
For more advanced cases of periodontitis, treatment is specialized. Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning procedure that is employed to remove bacteria and smooth the tooth roots. This promotes gum reattachment.
In some cases, interventions such as gum flap surgery or grafts are recommended to repair and regenerate damaged tissues. Antibiotics may also be prescribed to control infection.
The goal of periodontal treatment is to address the immediate symptoms and prevent progression of the disease, as well as preserve the supporting structures of the teeth. Regular follow-up appointments and continued adherence to good oral hygiene are essential for successful treatment.
WHAT IS PERIODONTAL (GUM) MAINTENANCE?
Periodontal (gum) maintenance is crucial oral care for patients who have undergone treatment for gum disease, or are at an increased risk of developing it. This specialized maintenance is tailored to the unique needs of individual patients, and their unique history. Maintenance involves regular dental check-ups and cleanings to monitor the health of the gums, manage plaque and tartar buildup, and to address any new concerns right away.
Also, patients may receive guidance in proper brushing techniques and the use of specialized tools like interdental brushes or prescription mouthwashes. The frequency of maintenance appointments varies based on the severity. Periodontal maintenance is crucial to prevent recurrence and preserve the results of previous treatment.
WHAT IS LASER LANAP PERIODONTAL TREATMENT?CE?
Laser periodontal treatment, also known as LANAP (Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure), is innovative and minimally invasive. This advanced technique is designed to target and remove diseased tissue and promote the regeneration of healthy gum tissue.
A LANAP procedure uses a specific wavelength that targets bacteria and infected tissue, and leaves healthy gums untouched. In addition, the laser stimulates the surrounding bone and promotes the formation of new connective tissues that attach to the teeth.
LANAP is precise, more comfortable, and has a shorter recovery time compared to traditional periodontal surgeries. This treatment is chosen for its ability to preserve more of the natural gum and bone structure.
Laser periodontal treatment provides an effective alternative that is a less invasive and highly effective approach to gum disease management. With every periodontal treatment, regular follow-up care, and diligent oral hygiene are crucial for long-term success.
SURGICAL TREATMENT FOR PERIODONTAL DISEASE
Surgical treatment for periodontal disease becomes necessary when the condition is in an advanced stage, and jeopardizes the supporting structures of teeth.
Flap surgery is a common surgical intervention. The gum tissue is lifted to allow for deep cleaning of the tooth roots and removal of diseased tissue. In cases with significant bone loss, procedures such as bone grafts or guided tissue regeneration may be required to restore and stimulate the growth of new bone support.
Pocket reduction surgery reduces the depth of pockets that form between the teeth and gums, and prevents the accumulation of bacteria.
Soft tissue grafts address receding gums. This procedure enhances aesthetics as well as stability. Surgical treatments are more invasive than non-surgical options, but are often critical to halt the progression of periodontal disease and preserve oral structures.
We explore every avenue to manage periodontal disease with our West Loop Chicago area patients, and choose the best treatment for their individual needs.
NON SURGICAL PERIODONTAL TREATMENTS
Non surgical periodontal treatments are the first line of defense against gum disease in its early stages. Scaling and root planing, also known as a deep cleaning, is a fundamental non-surgical procedure.
We meticulously remove plaque and tartar from tooth surfaces and below the gumline, and smooth the root surfaces to discourage bacterial buildup. Additionally, antimicrobial agents are used to eliminate bacteria and promote healing.
Another non-surgical approach is laser therapy and antibiotic therapy to target bacterial infection. These interventions are less invasive than surgical procedures, with reduced discomfort and faster recovery times.
CAN YOU GET BRACES AFTER PERIODONTAL TREATMENT?
Getting braces after periodontal treatment depends on the patient’s current oral health. Before considering braces, we have to ensure that the periodontal issues have been treated effectively, and stabilized.
Periodontal health is the foundation for braces, and braces can make existing gum problems worse if they are not stabilized beforehand.
Once the gum disease is under control, braces may be considered. But only with careful collaboration between a periodontal specialist and an orthodontist forming a treatment plan that works for overall oral health.
IS PERIODONTAL DISEASE TREATMENT PAINFUL?
The pain of periodontal disease treatment varies. It depends on the individual, the severity of the condition, and the specific treatment.
Non-surgical procedures like scaling and root planing use local anesthesia to numb the area. This minimizes discomfort during the process. Some patients may experience mild sensitivity or soreness afterward, but this is temporary.
Surgical treatments involve a longer recovery period, but discomfort is mitigated with pain medications and post-operative care. Laser procedures are designed to be minimally invasive and have less discomfort.
Communicating with us is essential to minimize pain and discomfort from periodontal management. Generally, there will be some temporary discomfort from periodontal disease treatment, but the long-term benefits outweigh the short-term inconvenience.
YOUR DENTAL SPECIALISTS IN WEST LOOP CHICAGO TREAT PERIODONTAL ISSUES!
Call us at (872) 246-7525 today to learn more and to schedule.