Periodontics is a branch of dentistry that focuses on keeping your gums healthy and preventing gum disease. At Carol Stream & Elgin Dental Associates, we know how important healthy gums are for your overall oral health. In some cases, taking care of your gums also helps prepare your mouth for future restorative dental treatments by giving it a healthier foundation.
Your gums play a big role in keeping your smile healthy and looking great. That’s why we offer periodontal care at both of our Illinois locations. We make it easier for you and your family to get the care you need. Our board-certified periodontist, Dr. Michael Slavin, works closely with our dental hygienists to check your gum health and remove early signs of plaque and gum disease.
If you need a deeper cleaning, we’ll use an ultrasonic scaler to clean your teeth more thoroughly. To keep you comfortable, we apply a numbing gel and may also use local anesthesia, so you won’t feel any pain during the procedure. Most patients begin to see results after a few professional cleanings, followed by good care at home.
Treatment for Gum Disease in Carol Stream & Elgin, IL
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.
What is Gum Disease?
Not taking good care of your teeth and gums can lead to problems like cavities and plaque buildup. If these problems aren’t treated early, they can get worse and cause pain while chewing, bleeding gums, and even tooth loss. Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, happens when plaque and tartar build up around the teeth and cause an infection in the gums.
Gum disease is very common and affects nearly half of all Americans. If it’s caught early, our dental hygienists can stop it from spreading with a regular cleaning. But if it’s more advanced, you may need a deeper cleaning to remove buildup below the gumline. As gum disease gets worse, it can cause your gums to pull away from your teeth and damage the tissue and bone that hold your teeth in place.
The good news is that gum disease can be managed or even reversed if treated early. Regular dental visits and cleanings are key to keeping your gums healthy.
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Periodontics FAQs
How often should I get professional cleanings if I have gum disease?
We typically recommend professional cleanings every 3-4 months if you have gum disease. This more frequent schedule allows us to remove plaque and tartar buildup before it can cause further damage to your gums and bone. The exact frequency depends on the severity of your condition and how well you’re maintaining oral hygiene at home. During your periodontal maintenance visits, we’ll monitor your gum health and adjust your treatment plan as needed.
Is gum grafting painful?
While gum grafting sounds intimidating, most patients report minimal discomfort thanks to modern techniques and anesthesia. We use either your own tissue or donor tissue to cover exposed roots. Recovery typically takes 1-2 weeks, during which you’ll eat soft foods and avoid brushing the treated area directly.
Some temporary sensitivity and swelling are normal, but we provide detailed aftercare instructions and medications to keep you comfortable. Most patients can return to normal activities the next day, with full healing occurring over several weeks.
Why do my gums bleed when I brush?
Bleeding gums are a classic sign of gingivitis caused by plaque buildup irritating the gum tissue. Contrary to what you might think, you should continue gently brushing and flossing the area. Stopping will only let more plaque accumulate and worsen the problem. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and proper technique.
The bleeding should decrease within 1-2 weeks of improved oral care. If it persists beyond this time, schedule an appointment to remove hardened tartar that brushing can’t eliminate.
Can children and teenagers get gum disease?
While severe periodontitis is less common in younger patients, children and teens can absolutely develop gum disease. Puberty hormones can make gums more sensitive to irritation from plaque. Signs in younger patients often include red, swollen gums that bleed easily.
Early intervention is crucial since untreated gum disease in developing mouths can affect permanent teeth and jaw growth. We recommend teaching good oral hygiene habits early and scheduling regular dental checkups starting when the first tooth appears.
Are there alternatives to surgery for advanced gum disease?
For many patients with moderate to advanced periodontitis, we can often begin with non-surgical approaches like scaling and root planing combined with localized antibiotics. Laser therapy is another minimally invasive option that can reduce pocket depth without traditional surgery.
However, if the disease has caused significant bone loss or deep pockets that harbor bacteria, surgical treatments may be necessary for long-term success. We always start with the most conservative effective treatment and only recommend surgery when truly needed.
Schedule Your Periodontal Exam Today
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.