Periodontal Disease Treatment

While those with gum disease often do not exhibit symptoms, you may be surprised to learn that an estimated 75 percent of Americans over the age of 35 have some form of the disease. Unfortunately, gum disease can be quite problematic if left untreated. Severe cases can lead to tooth loss, respiratory illness, heart disease, stroke, complications with pregnancy, and more. Luckily, this disease is easily avoidable! With regular biannual dental check-ups at Meadows Dental Care, our expert team can provide the early diagnosis and treatment that will allow you to avoid the complications of this largely preventable illness.

Diagnosing Gum Disease Early

In its earliest stages, gum disease begins as an infection in the gums known as gingivitis. If left untreated, this infection can advance to gum disease, or periodontitis, and cause significant problems for supportive gum tissues and even your jawbone.

At Meadows Dental Care, we’re committed to diagnosing this disease early and tackling the issue head on. The first step in preventing periodontitis is knowing your risk level. If any of the following factors pertain to you, you may be at higher risk for gum disease and, therefore, it is important that you visit the dentist two times a year to receive preventative care and an early diagnosis:

• Smoking and/or using tobacco products
• Genetic predisposition to gum disease
• Diabetes
• Buildup of dental plaque
• Chronic stress
• Poor nutrition
• Hormonal fluctuations
• Bruxism (teeth grinding)

If you meet any of the above criteria, or you’ve noticed bleeding or inflammation of the gums (especially when brushing or flossing), be certain to call Meadows Dental Care to schedule your appointment/

Deep Cleanings and Cutting-Edge Treatment

If, during your check-up, we uncover signs of gum disease, there are a few ways in which we can target and treat the problem. No two cases are the same, and treatments often vary depending on the severity of the illness, so we will customize a treatment plan that works specifically for you. Some of your treatment options include the following:

• Deep Cleaning – This non-surgical procedure is also known as scaling and root planing. During this treatment, we will remove the plaque and tartar from your gum tissues that cause periodontitis. We will then perform a deep cleaning of the dental enamel, roots, and gum pockets, ridding the infection from the source.
• Pocket Reduction Procedure – In certain cases, the gum disease may have progressed to a point in which treatment requires surgical intervention, such as a pocket reduction surgery. This entails folding back the gum tissue to remove the harmful bacteria that is hidden deep within the gum pockets.
• Gum Graft Procedure – This surgical procedure is for patients whose gums have begun to recede as a result of the disease. This treatment allows us to supplement the receding gums with tissue from either a donor or your palate.

Whether you’re exhibiting early symptoms of gum disease or have a more severe case of periodontitis, our staff will work carefully with you to create an effective treatment plan to get you back to good health.

If you feel you may be at risk for gum disease or wish to receive preventative care, contact our Palatine office today to schedule your appointment!