LAKE FOREST AND LAKE BLUFF IL
Periodontal disease is an infection that begins as gingivitis and, if left untreated, could result in tooth loss and other adverse health effects. During the initial gingivitis stage, bacteria and plaque accumulate on your teeth, creating gum infections. As the process progresses into periodontal disease, bacteria that causes inflammation, your gums may become tender, and you may notice bleeding while brushing or eating. With its ability to increase your risk of systemic diseases, periodontal disease should receive prompt attention from a qualified dentist. Our Lake Forest dentists who treat periodontal disease share on the blog today how they treat periodontal disease to improve your oral health dramatically.
What are the symptoms of periodontal disease?
No two patients are alike in their oral health status and treatment needs. However, the same symptoms appear for most patients with periodontal disease and are as follows.
- Receding gums
- Tooth sensitivity
- Swollen, red, or sore gums
- A bad taste in your mouth or consistent bad breath
- Bleeding gums, especially during your oral health care routine of brushing and flossing
Patients who discover the above symptoms should immediately contact our periodontal disease dentists in Lake Bluff to schedule an appointment for an examination. Gum disease found and treated during the early stages can help you avoid permanent damage. However, when gum disease remains untreated, it can advance to periodontitis which causes irreversible damage. In addition, since bacteria hide in the gum pockets, they are incredibly challenging to remove without professional dental treatment at our Lake Forest dental office.
What treatments are available for patients with gum disease?
Daily brushing and flossing are not enough to manage a bacterial infection. When you avoid professional dental treatment, the condition worsens and could lead to tooth and bone loss. Fortunately, our Lincolnshire dentists that treat periodontal disease can offer four treatment methods.
Although you may not respond well to one particular treatment type, we may use a combination of the following methods for the best results.
- Repetitive Therapy – Repetitive therapy is a non-surgical scaling and root planing process that is typically the first line of treatment for gum disease sufferers. The dental hygienists at our Lake Forest dental office will remove plaque and tartar from below the gum line and smooth surfaces of accessible tooth roots.
The number of treatments required depends on the following factors:
- Plaque growth rate
- Gum disease severity
- At-home oral hygiene regimen effectiveness and quality
- Previous periodontal treatment and your body’s response to the treatment
- Arestin – Because gum disease results from a bacterial infection, you can treat it with oral antibiotics. However, some patients may need an immediate Arestin antibiotic powder application in the gum pockets to continuously work to kill harmful bacteria. Arestin absorbs into the gums naturally and can remain active for about a month.
- Perio Protect – Patients who have the most severe gum disease cases may benefit most from Perio Protect. Perio Protect is an at-home gum disease care option that administers medicine to your gums when you use a customized tray. Paired with routine dental deep cleanings and good at-home oral hygiene, Perio Protect can help you control your gum disease and prevent it from worsening.
Periodontal Disease Treatment in Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, and Lincolnshire
Periodontal disease is a severe condition that can cause adverse health effects both orally and in your overall health and wellness. Therefore, it’s crucial to seek immediate, professional treatment if you think you may have gum disease. Our Lake Bluff experienced dentists who treat periodontal disease encourage you to schedule a checkup and cleaning appointment to catch gum disease early enough to respond to treatment and avoid permanent damage. Feel free to call Lake Forest Smiles at (847) 234-4800 or contact us online to schedule your appointment today.