Periodontics in La Grange Park, IL: Achieve Healthy Gums with Periodontal Therapy
Are your gums swollen, tender, or receded? Or maybe they bleed easily when flossing or brushing? These could be signs of gum or periodontal disease. The good news? You can reclaim your healthy gums with periodontal care in La Grange Park, Illinois. At La Grange Park Dentistry, we treat gum disease with the same gentle care that defines all our services. Schedule an appointment with Dr. James Fieldhouse and Dr. Ryan Peterson today, and let’s help you achieve healthy, firm gums.
What is gum disease?
Periodontal disease is a common oral infection that affects more than 75% of Americans. The primary cause of gum disease is dental plaque. This sticky film builds up in your mouth over time. It’s easily removable by flossing and brushing, but quickly calcifies into tartar when you lapse in your oral hygiene. Tartar irritates your gums and causes gingivitis, the earliest form of gum disease. It is also no longer easily removed by brushing and flossing alone. Most people don’t realize they have any issues with their gums, as they often don’t feel painful like a toothache can.
The symptoms of gingivitis include:
- Tender or swollen gums
- Red or inflamed gums
- Sensitive teeth
- Gums that bleed easily when brushing and flossing
Gum disease is progressive. When you fail to address gingivitis effectively, it progresses to periodontitis, which is bad news for your smile. This advanced gum disease breaks down the connective tissue and underlying bone. At this stage, your gums pull away from teeth (recede), forming deep pockets that collect more plaque and tartar. Bone degradation compromises the foundation of your teeth, resulting in loose teeth that may eventually fall out.
How do you diagnose gum disease?
There are several ways to diagnose gum disease based on its severity:
- Visual examination: The dentist examines your gums for signs of redness, swelling, and bleeding.
- Periodontal probe: This instrument measures the depth between your teeth and gums (gingival sulcus). A healthy sulcus is 1-3mm deep. Any readings above 3mm indicate the presence of gum disease, and the higher the readings, the more severe the infection.
- Dental X-rays: X-rays measure bone levels and determine the extent of bone loss for severe gum disease.
Better diagnostics mean better treatment outcomes. With advanced imaging and precise measurements, we can identify problem areas more precisely and create a treatment plan that delivers effective results.
How do we treat periodontal disease?
Gum disease progresses silently, so you may not know you have the disease until you are in the dental chair. The good news is that treatment is available and rarely involves surgical intervention.
Our dentists use a conservative approach to periodontal therapy. Gingivitis is reversible with regular cleanings and diligent at-home oral hygiene. However, advanced gum disease requires intervention with deep teeth cleaning. This non-surgical therapy involves a two-step procedure. Scaling removes harmful deposits both above and below the gum line. The second step is root planing, which smooths the root surfaces to promote healing and prevent future infections.
Sometimes, fighting gum disease requires more than deep cleaning alone. Your doctor may use topical antibiotics to prevent bacteria from spreading. They might also recommend a special mouthwash to keep harmful bacteria under control.
Ready to take control of your gum health?
Healthy gums are essential for a beautiful smile and overall well-being. La Grange Park Dentistry provides expert periodontal care in a welcoming, comfortable environment. Don’t let gum disease compromise your oral health. Dial (708) 350-6707 and schedule your periodontal consultation today. We proudly serve patients from La Grange, Brookfield, Riverside, Hinsdale, Western Springs, Summit, and beyond.
