According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated one out of every two adults in the nation has gum disease. While this condition is so common, it’s also preventable, which many of our patients are surprised to learn. With routine checkups and cleanings, our team can ensure that your gums stay infection-free. However, we also provide gum disease treatment from our Franklin Park, IL, board-certified periodontist to help restore the health of your oral tissues and smile before it’s too late.
Scaling and root planing, also known as a deep cleaning, involves our team removing all plaque and tartar accumulation from the surface of your teeth, as far down as the pockets of your gums. Then, we’ll smooth out the roots of your teeth, which will allow your gums to healthily reattach and protect your vulnerable tooth roots.
Using our soft tissue dental laser, we’re able to reduce the number of harmful bacteria in your mouth. This special device produces a concentrated beam of light that can precisely remove damaged oral tissue while also eliminating the need for scalpels and sutures. It immediately cauterizes the area on-contact, which minimizes your recovery time and risk of infection as well.
Our in-house periodontist has completed an additional three years of specialty training in order to be able to perform more complex and effective procedures under our roof. Some of the treatments that they’re able to perform include cosmetic surgeries, gum grafting, and surgical implant placement. The great part about having our in-house specialist is that you won’t have to travel across town to receive these procedures, and you’ll be able to rely on the same, trusted team of professionals, no matter what your needs are.
At Grand Dental – Franklin Park, our dental team understands the struggles and challenges caused by gum disease in Franklin Park. Inflammation, tenderness, and bleeding are all common indicators that affect millions of individuals in the United States. If not caught in its early stages (gingivitis), it can quickly worsen, resulting in periodontitis and eventual bone and tooth loss. Patients who are concerned about their oral health and have many questions about the potential worsening of their gum and teeth are encouraged to review the following answers provided by our dental team.
Yes, bleeding is only one symptom of gum disease, and it may or may not occur in some patients. It is also possible for it to occur in individuals who have specific medical conditions or who take various medications. The only way to know whether a person has periodontal (gum) disease is to have a member of Grand Dental – Franklin Park examine their mouth. If inflammation and tenderness also appear, there is a good chance appropriate gum disease treatment should be administered.
Yes, it is true that advancing gum disease can be linked to other serious health problems. When inflammation and infection enter the bloodstream (commonly during the advanced periodontitis stage), they can travel to various parts of the body, affecting the brain, the heart, the kidneys, the lungs, and other vital organs. Heart disease, diabetes, negative cognitive decline, and respiratory illness are just a few of the many ways a person’s overall health can be impacted by gum disease. This is why seeking professional treatment is essential early on.
Regular dental checkups and cleanings should occur every six months; however, when diagnosed with periodontal disease, it is necessary to see a periodontist every three to four months if the problem is more advanced. The suggested frequency is determined by the chosen periodontist but is based on the severity of the infection and its progression as well as if the individual has bone loss. Lifestyle habits such as smoking and even genetics must also be considered.
Apart from periodontal checkups, it is necessary that patients maintain optimal oral hygiene at home to minimize bacterial accumulations in between appointments.
Patients with gum disease should plan to see both a regular dentist and a periodontist in Franklin Park. These professionals will work together to ensure the best results for individuals who are suffering from inflamed and infected gum tissues. While a general dentist can speak about your dental history, a periodontist can create a treatment plan that will benefit your oral and overall health to ensure a disease-free smile in the future.