Periodontics is the branch of dentistry that focuses on the tissue around the teeth, including the gums. Periodontal disease, commonly referred to as “gum disease”, is an ongoing bacterial infection in the gums and bone around your teeth. This infection causes inflammation under the gums, and if not treated can destroy the bone around your teeth, resulting in tooth loss.
Periodontal disease is typically painless until it reaches the advanced stages. However, there are common symptoms which may indicate the presence of periodontal infection. Early stage symptoms can include red or swollen gums, bleeding when brushing, and aching or sore gums, while more advanced symptoms could be anything from receding gums, to a change in your bite or spaces between your teeth. If you notice any of these warning signs, it may be time to schedule a periodontal evaluation. An experienced periodontal specialist can do an oral evaluation and provide the periodontal disease treatment that you need.
When the gums start to recede, the lack of tissue foundation can threaten the structure of your teeth. Gum recession causes the root of the tooth to be exposed, which increases sensitivity and can eventually lead to tooth loss. Gum surgery may be needed to save the tooth.
During the gum graft surgery, a portion of tissue is taken from the roof of your mouth. This tissue graft is placed over the root of the exposed tooth to create a strong, solid gum line. Recovery usually takes about 1 – 2 weeks, and over-the-counter medications are recommended to manage the pain and discomfort during the healing time.
Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is an infection of the gums and the bone that supports your teeth. It usually starts quietly, with little or no pain, which is why regular checkups matter so much.In its early stage, called gingivitis, the gums may be red, swollen, or bleed when you brush. Caught early, this stage can often be reversed.
If it is left untreated, the infection can spread below the gum line, damage the bone, and eventually lead to loose teeth or tooth loss. The good news is that gum disease is very treatable, especially when it is addressed early.
Contact our Skokie team if you notice any of the following:
Treatment depends on how far the disease has progressed. For early gum disease, a deep cleaning known as scaling and root planing removes plaque and tartar from below the gum line and smooths the tooth roots so the gums can heal and reattach.
For more advanced cases, or when the gums have receded, a gum graft can rebuild the tissue and protect the exposed roots. Our team will walk you through the right plan for your situation and help you keep your gums healthy for the long term with a simple maintenance routine.
Treatment is done with local numbing for your comfort, so it is not painful. A deep cleaning is a bit more involved than a routine cleaning, and any soreness afterward is usually mild and short lived.
Early gum disease, called gingivitis, can often be reversed with timely treatment and good home care. More advanced gum disease can be managed and controlled to protect your teeth and bone. The sooner it is treated, the better the outcome.
A regular cleaning removes buildup from the visible surfaces of your teeth. A deep cleaning, or scaling and root planing, reaches below the gum line to remove bacteria and tartar from the roots, and is recommended when gum disease is present.
Many dental plans cover scaling and root planing as a necessary treatment for gum disease. Our team will confirm your coverage and review your options before treatment begins.
Near you at Dental Matters, we provide a wide range of dental services including periodontal care. Whether you are certain that you need periodontal therapy, or you would like us to do a periodontal evaluation, we invite you to contact our nearby team to schedule a consultation. You can reach our office at: 847-227-8277.