Peridontal Disease Treatment in Chicago

Periodontal Disease Treatment

Periodontal disease, also referred to as gum disease, is an infection
of the gums. Periodontists are dentists who specialize in the
prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease. Treatments
for periodontal disease come in two forms. We have nonsurgical
treatments used to treat the initial stages of periodontal disease
(gingivitis), and surgical treatments used to treat the later stages of
the disease.

Nonsurgical vs. surgical treatments for periodontal
disease

Factors that will determine your treatment options include:

  • The stage of gum disease.

  • Your existing oral health.

  • Your existing overall health.

  • Your ability to follow post-treatment oral hygiene
    instructions.

Nonsurgical periodontal disease treatments

Nonsurgical treatments for periodontal disease include:

Dental prophylaxis

A dental prophylaxis is a routine dental cleaning for removing plaque
and tartar. If you have gingivitis (the first stage of periodontal
disease), professional dental cleanings and help you reverse the
symptoms.

Scaling and root planing

Scaling and root planing is a deep dental cleaning that reaches deep
beneath your gum line to remove plaque and tartar. It also involves
smoothing rough surfaces on your root. This procedure is done under
local anesthetic.

Antibiotic therapy

Your periodontist may use antibiotics to control infection.

Laser periodontal therapy

The procedure involves using a tiny laser to remove infected
tissue.

Surgical periodontal disease treatments

People with moderate to advanced stages of periodontal disease
usually require surgical intervention. Surgical treatments for
periodontal disease include:

Pocket reduction surgery (flap surgery)

Involves creating an incision along your gum line to temporarily move
your gums away from your teeth in order to access the root. The
procedure is done to remove tartar and clean the area.

Bone grafting

Your periodontist may use your own bone or a donated bone to rebuild
areas that have been damaged by periodontal disease in a procedure known
as bone grafting.

Gum grafting

Gum grafting repairs receded gums using your own tissue taken from
the roof of your mouth or synthetic tissue.

Guided tissue regeneration

Involves placing a membrane that blocks your gum tissue from growing
where the bone should be. This allows the damaged bone to
regenerate.

If you suspect that you have the symptoms of gum disease such as red,
swollen, and bleeding gums, reach out for help early. Call us and set up
a consultation with our periodontists.