Maintain a Healthy Smile with Gum Disease Management
Periodontal or gum disease is a severe oral condition that affects the gums and surrounding tissues. Left unaddressed, periodontal disease can cause gum recession, bone loss, and other health complications. Westwyn Dental LLC offers gum disease treatment to ensure patients in and around Berwyn, Illinois, achieve optimal periodontal health and a beautiful smile. If you suspect gum disease, don’t wait! Schedule an appointment today with Drs. Connor Schroyer and Isabella Duarte. We’ll help you recover your healthy gums.
How does gum disease develop?
Gum disease can be caused by smoking, hormone imbalances, bad heredity, and other factors, but poor dental hygiene is the main culprit. Too much dental plaque can accumulate along the gum line due to inadequate brushing and flossing. The harmful bacteria found in plaque create toxins that irritate your gums.
The early stage of gum disease (gingivitis) causes gum redness, tenderness, and bleeding, especially when cleaning or picking your teeth. Gum disease progresses gradually, like tooth decay. Over time, gingivitis advances beneath the gum surface, attacking the supporting structures. Often, this causes your gums to recede (pull away) from your teeth, causing deep periodontal pockets that become suitable breeding grounds for harmful bacteria and tartar (dental calculus).
Untreated gum disease eventually causes tooth loss as the harmful bacteria break down the teeth-supporting structures. Worse yet, advanced gum disease creates an “inflammation overload” in the body, putting you at risk of diabetes, heart disease, pregnancy complications, and other systemic conditions.
How is gum disease treated?
Periodontal disease is severe but easily treatable, especially when caught early. Gingivitis can be reversed with good oral hygiene and regular cleanings. However, if gum disease doesn’t respond to basic dental care, our dental team can recommend the following treatments.
- Deep teeth cleaning: This treatment combines two non-surgical procedures. Scaling involves removing plaque, tartar, and bacterial toxins from your tooth surface and deep periodontal pockets. Then, the dentist uses root planing to smooth the roots of your teeth, which discourages the growth of bacteria colonies. Deep teeth cleaning is often administered under local anesthesia for a painless experience. You may also need more than one visit, depending on the extent of the infection.
- Antibiotic therapy: Scaling and root planing (SRP) are stand-alone treatments. However, the dentist can complement deep cleaning with topical or oral antibiotics to prevent reinfections.
- Periodontal surgery: Most patients respond to deep teeth cleaning, but some need advanced treatment from a periodontist. We can’t clean the roots properly if the periodontal pockets are too deep. In such cases, gum flap surgery may be necessary to expose the roots of your teeth for a thorough cleaning. Gum and bone grafting may be needed if your tissues are irreversibly damaged.
Is gum disease preventable?
Yes! Preventive dental care is the most effective way to maintain your healthy gums. Observe the following tips to maintain optimal periodontal health.
- Use fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth twice daily
- Floss your teeth diligently at least once daily
- Visit your dentist twice annually or sooner for routine check-ups and cleanings
- Quit tobacco use of any form
- Limit the intake of sugary drinks and foods
- Keep your mouth hydrated
- Manage stress, diabetes, and other immune-suppressing conditions
Do you miss your healthy gums?
Protect your smile today with gum disease treatment in Berwyn, IL. Whether you’re experiencing symptoms or want a routine check-up, our expert team is here to help. Call (708) 797-9377 and schedule your gum disease screening with Westwyn Dental LLC.
Gum Disease
The 3 stages of gum disease are gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis. Gingivitis is caused by toxins irritating the gum line as a result of plaque buildup. Signs and symptoms of gingivitis includes swelling, sensitivity, and bleeding of the gums during brushing and flossing. Gingivitis can be easily reversed through professional care and good home oral hygiene. Periodontitis is categorized by irreversible bone loss that results from untreated gingivitis. The gums may begin to form a pocket below the gum line which traps food and plaque. Dental treatment and home care can help prevent from further damage, but at this stage, the results are not reversible. Advanced periodontitis is when the fibers and bones supporting the teeth destroyed. This may cause teeth to shift or loosen. Teeth may have to be removed depending on how advanced the disease has become and if treatments are not effective. You can begin by preventing gum disease with good oral health. Pick up a brochure or ask your dentist today.
