Gum Disease Treatment in Berwyn, IL

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, occurs when bacteria grow in your mouth and infect your gums. This bacteria then builds up and creates an infection. There are several stages of gum disease, and the earliest stage is called gingivitis.

Gum disease can also cause the teeth to become loose or fall out. Gum disease is a very serious oral health issue. If you have any symptoms of gum disease, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist right away.

Symptoms of gum disease

If you notice any of these symptoms of gum disease, then schedule a consultation with your dentist right away.

Gum disease symptoms:

• Gums that are red and swollen
• Gums that are tender or painful to the touch
• Gums that bleed easily
• Bad breath
• Gum recession
• Teeth sensitivity

Treatment of gum disease

Gingivitis Treatments

Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease. Gingivitis is a reversible condition and can often be treated through professional dental cleanings and good oral hygiene habits at home. At-home treatments include:

• Brushing and flossing
• Using an antiseptic mouthwash
• Avoiding smoking
• Avoiding an excessively acidic diet

If you have gingivitis, it’s important that you seek treatment right away. Without treatment, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis.

Periodontal Treatments

If it’s been a while since your last dental appointment, schedule one today. Our dental team will assess the health of your gums and recommend the treatments you need. We’ll work with you to restore your gums and teeth to a healthy state.

During your appointment, our team will evaluate your gums and recommend a treatment based on the extent of your condition. Your options include:

• Scaling and root planing
• Antibiotics
• Oral surgery
• Gum grafts
• Tissue regeneration
• Pocket reduction surgery

Advanced Periodontal Treatments

When non-surgical treatments don’t eliminate gum disease, a dentist may recommend gum surgery. The most common is flap surgery, which involves folding back the gums and removing the tartar and bacteria deposits from the roots of the teeth.

More advanced surgeries include:

• Gum graft surgery
• Bone graft surgery
• Sinus lift surgery

Preventing gum disease

The best way to avoid gum disease is to practice good oral hygiene. This includes brushing your teeth at least twice daily and flossing every day. You should brush for at least two minutes at a time and floss between each tooth and behind your back molars.

Conclusion

Gum disease treatment should consist of a thorough cleaning followed by periodontal maintenance. These deep cleanings help remove the plaque and tartar from your teeth, and then further treatments like scaling and root planing will help remove the bacteria from your gums.