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Periodontics

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swollen gums

Our gums are sensitive, and if we do not practice good oral hygiene habits, they can become inflamed, painful, or infected. Gums are important and help to hold our teeth in place and protect our tooth roots. If gums are not taken care of, bacteria can spread and cause gum disease or other health problems. If you are experiencing swollen or tender gums, we encourage you to contact our office. Gum problems should be addressed promptly to avoid infection or other serious complications.

Why Are My Gums Swollen?

Swollen gums are a response after damage or an injury. If bacteria enter the gums this causes the gums to swell, and try and protect your body from the harmful bacteria. Swollen gums can be caused by your diet, dry mouth, poor oral hygiene, or dental appliances that may irritate the area. Symptoms of problems with your gums include bleeding, receding gums, pain, or swelling. If you experience any of these symptoms you must be seen right away to help stop the deterioration of your gums, and avoid infection.

What Can I Do at Home To Help Treat Swollen Gums?

There are many home remedies to help treat swollen or inflamed gums. Rinsing with salt water, tea tree oil, or aloe vera as a mouthwash can help to fight inflammation and heal your gums. Other home remedies include eating foods high in Vitamin D, using a warm or cold compress, or placing black tea bags on the inflamed area.

Home remedies are never a cure for swollen gums, but these remedies can help treat the problem. Anyone with swollen gums should always seek medical advice. The combination of medical treatment and home remedies can get you feeling better quickly. Treating swollen gums or gum disease takes time, and this depends on the severity of the inflammation or infection. Oral hygiene habits at home are extremely important in battling swollen gums and gum disease.

What Professional Treatments Are Available?

There are professional treatments for swollen gums, and depending on the severity of the inflammation will determine which treatment is best. If you have mild to moderate gum inflammation this can be treated with a thorough cleaning and improved oral hygiene habits at home. For severe cases, we offer treatments such as root planing and scaling, laser treatment, or pocket reduction surgery. These treatments can clean and remove the bacteria and tartar from underneath the gums, and repair gums from recession. If you have an infection or abscess our team can help determine the location of the infection, and provide you with antibiotics to help clear up the infection.

Continue to practice good habits at home with brushing and flossing to help heal your gums faster. Drink plenty of water, and get a proper amount of sleep to help your body fight off any bacteria. Avoid foods and drinks high in sugar, and follow a healthy lifestyle with proper exercise daily.

Interested in Finding Out More About Treatment for Swollen Gums?

If you have swollen gums and are in need of treatment, please contact Epic Periodontics. Our doctors have helped many patients treat swollen gums, and seeking professional help can avoid serious complications. We create a welcoming and calm environment and always provide the highest level of care.

Take that first step towards healthy gums, by calling Epic Periodontics today to schedule your appointment.

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get rid of a gum infection

When you have gum disease the first thing you probably think of is what home remedies you can try before seeing your dentist. Home remedies are a cheap and very effective way to treat gum disease, and catching it at the early stages can help. Practicing good oral hygiene habits is the first step towards treating a gum infection. Anytime you are experiencing extreme pain, sensitivity, bleeding, or have a fever you should always seek medical advice, and be seen in our office.

What Can I Do At Home?

  • Brush at least twice each day.
  • Rinse after each meal.
  • Floss daily.
  • Make sure you are using a proper toothbrush with soft bristles.
  • Use a natural mouthwash daily.
  • Attend your regular exams and cleaning appointments at your dentist.
  • Avoid foods and drinks high in sugar.

Can I Use Salt Water to Help a Gum Infection?

Salt water is extremely effective in helping to heal gums affected by gum disease. Salt water can treat inflammation, ease pain, and reduce bacteria in the mouth and gums. Rinsing with salt water 2-3 times a day can be effective in battling a gum infection. Be careful to not rinse with salt water too often, as this can cause the salt to affect your tooth enamel. Other homemade mouthwash combinations can also be effective, such as lemongrass and oil, aloe vera, and tea tree oil.

Salt water can help to treat a gum infection, but this is not a cure. If you are experiencing symptoms of a gum infection you should contact our office and be seen as soon as possible. Antibiotics may have to be used to help clear up the infection and stop any further damage to your gums or jaw. Home remedies combined with professional help can clear up a gum infection, and get you on the road to recovery quickly.

Interested in Learning More?

If you think you have a gum infection or are experiencing symptoms that include bleeding, swollen gums, or fever, we encourage you to contact our office to be seen. Our staff will ensure you are seen promptly, help treat the infection and get you feeling better quickly. Infections can become serious and cause other health complications if they are not treated. At Epic Periodontics we treat our patients like family and always provide the very best service. Our doctors have years of experience in treating gum infections and love to help patients restore their smiles.

Contact Epic Periodontics today to schedule your appointment, and take that first step towards feeling better!

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can salt water heal a gum infection

Gum disease is common in many adults, and today we have numerous choices to pick from on the store shelves to help maintain our oral health. Even with using these products and rinses to rid away bacteria and plaque, we still develop gum disease. Salt water is one of the oldest treatments and home remedies for any infection and many still use this method to treat gum infections.

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is the build-up of bacteria and plaque underneath the gums. The bacteria grow if not treated, and over time you develop gum disease or periodontal disease. Gum disease should always be addressed promptly because it can lead to other complications such as tooth loss, gum recession, jawbone issues, and overall health conditions such as cardiovascular problems.

What Symptoms Indicate I May Have Gum Disease?

  • Bleeding, inflamed, or tender gums.
  • Gums that recede or pull away from your teeth.
  • Persistent bad breath.
  • Sensitivity to hot and cold
  • Teeth are loose or shifting out of place.

How Can Salt Water Help?

To help fight gum disease you can use a salt water rinse at home every day. Mix a teaspoon of salt water into a small glass of warm water. Do not swallow the water, but gently rinse the water around the mouth for between 15-30 seconds. When you are done spit the water out and repeat the process at least 3 times a day. Never rinse more than a few times a day. Over rinsing can cause the salt to damage the enamel on your teeth.

Salt water can help to remove the plaque and bacteria from your teeth and gums. Salt has healing properties that can treat and heal inflamed or swollen gums caused by gum disease. Even though salt water is extremely effective in helping to treat gum disease, salt water cannot cure gum disease. If you feel you have symptoms of gum disease, we recommend contacting our office and between professional help, and good oral hygiene habits, we can help you treat your gum disease quickly.

Do You Have Symptoms of Gum Disease and Want To Learn More?

If you have symptoms of gum disease and would like to learn more about treatments available, please contact Epic Periodontics. Our doctors have years of experience in periodontics and have helped many patients with gum disease. Gum disease should always be addressed promptly to avoid complications. Let our team help you restore your smile today!

To schedule an appointment with us, contact Epic Periodontics, and our team will be happy to assist you.

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gum biopsy

Keeping your gums healthy is important, and issues such as gum disease or oral cancer can affect not only your dental health, but your overall health if left untreated. Attending your regular appointments in our office can help to get in front of any gum issues before they become serious. Our staff will clean and polish your teeth, and we will also evaluate your gum health, and perform an oral cancer screening.

If during your appointment our team notices a lesion or area of concern, we may recommend a gum biopsy. A gum biopsy is when we test an infected area to identify what may have caused the abnormal tissue to develop. Gum biopsies are very important, and can help identify the issue or stage of cancer that requires treatment.

Symptoms of Gum Cancer

  • Bleeding gums
  • Thick or unusual looking gum tissue
  • Red, white, or dark patches on the gums
  • Gumline cracks

How Does a Gum Biopsy Work?

During a gum biopsy we remove a sample piece of tissue from you gums or jaw to determine the cause of the abnormality. Local anesthesia is used, and the procedure itself is minimally invasive. If the area is hard to reach, we may recommend general anesthesia, but this is rarely needed. A pathologist can take a look at the tissue sample, determine the cause, and check if the tissue is cancerous.

What Can I Expect After My Gum Biopsy?

After the biopsy is complete your gums may still feel numb from the anesthesia. This should wear off after a few hours. Patients may feel tender or sore near the area where the biopsy took place. This should subside after a few days. If you notice prolonged pain or swelling, we recommend contacting our office right away, so we can take a look at the area. Risk for infection is rare, and patients can return to normal activity after a day or two.

Gum biopsies can save lives, and help us treat the issue promptly before it becomes worse. Patients can reach out to their insurance provider to review their benefits, and check to see what coverage is available should you need a gum biopsy.

Ready To Find Out More?

If you have an area of concern, or are due for your regular dental exam and cleaning, contact Epic Periodontics. Our doctors have years of experience in periodontics and treating gum disease, and love to help our patients. We always put your oral health first, and our passion is to help you keep your teeth and mouth healthy. Never hesitate to contact our office if you feel you have an issue or are in pain. Gum issues that are not treated can progress, and complications can occur if they are not treated promptly.

To schedule your appointment, contact Epic Periodontics, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you!

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a sinus lift

A sinus lift is also known as a sinus augmentation, and is a procedure that is done to help with the placement of dental implants. One of the key things we look at when patients choose dental implants is the bone in the jaw. Dental implants require enough bone in the jaw to create a sturdy base for the implants. If a patient has suffered bone loss, they may require a sinus lift to provide the support needed.

A sinus lift procedure helps to increase the amount of bone in the upper jaw, and is common procedure. More and more patients require a sinus lift due to the increase in popularity of dental implants as a choice for restoration.

Why Is a Sinus Lift Necessary?

A sinus lift may be needed if you are missing teeth and do not have sufficient bone near the back of your jaw. The cause of tooth loss can be from genetics, from periodontal disease, or other medical conditions. If a patient has a sinus cavity that is too close to your upper jaw, a sinus lift can also help to create space for dental implants.

What Can I Expect During My Sinus Lift Procedure?

If you chose to move forward with the sinus lift procedure the first step is to determine where the bone used in the procedure will come from. Bone can be used from other areas of your mouth or body, from a cadaver, animal, or a synthetic bone material can be used. Once the bone source is decided, the next step is to take measurements of your jaw and sinus cavity and prepare for the procedure.

A sinus lift procedure takes approximately 90 minutes, and we begin by sedating the patient using local or general anesthesia. The doctor will cut the gum tissue and expose the jaw bone.  A small hole will be cut into the jaw bone to allow the doctor to push on the membrane of the sinuses. As the bone is lifted, the doctor can fill the space with the bone grafting material. The area is then closed with sutures.

Once the patient is awake after the anesthesia, they may feel swelling and slight bleeding, but discomfort should be minimal. We recommend to avoid blowing your nose or sneezing because this can cause the bone graft material to move or loosen. Patients should keep their nasal passage moist, and we may recommend an antibiotic or mouthwash to help prevent any infection. Patients should plan to relax for a day or two, and avoid any strenuous activities.

After sinus lift surgery we do require patients to return to our office, so we can check and see how the healing process is progressing. Your stitches may be removed if they have not dissolved, and multiple return visits may be required. The entire healing process form a sinus lift can take about 6 months to ensure the bone heals, and can provide the proper support for dental implants.

Read To Find Out More?

If you are interested in finding out more about a sinus lift procedure, we encourage you to call our office. Our doctors have years of experience in sinus lifts, and provide the very best care for all of our patients. Our consultation process can give you all of the information you need regarding the procedure, and allows you to ask any questions about the process.

At Epic Periodontics, we use the latest technology and equipment, and provide a calm and welcoming environment for our patients. Let us help you take charge of your oral health, and schedule your appointment today.

To schedule your appointment, contact Epic Periodontics, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

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lose teeth in your 30s

Periodontitis is also known as gum disease, and is a gum infection that damages soft tissue. This disease can destroy the bone and eventually cause tooth loss if not treated promptly. Periodontitis slowly progresses, and can advance quickly before you may even notice you have an issue.

During this advancement process you typically don’t feel anything, and the process is painless. Attending your regular exams and cleanings in our office is extremely important to stay on top of your teeth and gum health. Our doctors can get in front of issues quickly before they become a problem.

Many feel because they are still in their 30’s that they do not have to worry about developing periodontitis. However, your 30’s is when you start to see damage that is caused by not taking care of your teeth and gums in your younger years. Gum disease is very common amongst people in their 30’s, and this age group is when it starts for those that have maybe neglected their teeth when they were younger, or are genetically susceptible to gum disease. If periodontitis is not addressed this can lead to losing your teeth prematurely.

What Can I Do To Prevent Periodontitis?

If you want to prevent issues with your gums or inflammation you should start by evaluating your oral hygiene routine at home. Make sure you are brushing and flossing daily to help minimize your risk for developing gum disease. At Epic Periodontics, your oral health is our priority, and when you visit our office, we perform a detailed evaluation of your gums and teeth to determine the condition of your gums. If we notice any issues, we will discuss them with you and may recommend changes to your oral care routine at home. Our staff can provide a personalized care program for you to follow, and this can help you stay on track with your oral hygiene at home.

Tips To Prevent Periodontitis

  • Attend regular cleanings and exams to remove plaque and tartar buildup, and to help detect signs of gum disease early.
  • Use a toothpaste that contains fluoride to help prevent cavities.
  • Brush for at least two to three minutes at least twice a day, and make sure to brush along the gum line.
  • Floss daily to remove the plaque in between your teeth.
  • Use a mouthwash to help rinse away plaque and bacteria, and keep your mouth feeling fresh.
  • Avoid tobacco products that can accelerate the deterioration process, and cause gum disease.
  • Exercise regularly and follow a healthy diet, avoiding foods with high levels of sugar.
  • Seek care right away to treat cavities or any other issues promptly.

Our job is to keep your teeth and mouth healthy, and we pride ourselves on quality dental care you can trust. Let our team at Epic Periodontics help you take charge of your oral health, and prevent serious issues such as periodontitis from developing.

Interested in Making an Appointment?

If you think you may have gum disease or would like to schedule your exam and cleaning, contact Epic Periodontics. Our doctors have years of experience in periodontics, and always provide the highest level of care to all of our patients. At Epic Periodontics, we use state of the art technology in a welcoming and calm environment where patients know they are in good hands.

To schedule your appointment with us, contact Epic Periodontics, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

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dental bone graft

Gum and bone grafts may sound intimidating, and you may be worried about the process. The good news is that both types of grafts are common and are both minimally invasive. Bone grafts help to replace missing bone in the jaw to ensure there is a sturdy base for dental implants. Gum grafts help to correct receding gums that have been damaged due to periodontal disease.

After a graft procedure patients may experience some pain and sensitivity. Most patients compare the pain to a tooth removal. Depending on the amount of bone and gum that is grafted will determine how mild or moderate the discomfort is after the procedure. During graft procedures our team uses local anesthesia to keep you pain free and comfortable. Once the graft is complete, patients will start to feel some sensitivity after the anesthesia wears off.

What Can I Do at Home After My Graft Procedure To Stay Comfortable?

Patients can take over the counter pain relief medication, and we may also recommend antibiotics depending on the severity of the graft procedure. Patients can apply ice to the area to alleviate any discomfort. After a graft procedure a cold liquid diet is typically recommended, and patients can also eat very soft foods such as scrambled eggs or pudding. Patients should avoid any hard or crunchy foods during the healing period.

When you sleep you should elevate your head and avoid sleeping on the side where the graft was performed. Refrain from any strenuous activity after grafting to ensure you do not disrupt the healing process. After a few days patients can begin to return to their normal routine, and start to introduce regular foods into their diet.

Are Grafts Worth the Trouble?

If you are wavering at the thought of needing graft surgery keep in mind the pain is very minimal and temporary and the benefits outweigh the recovery. Our doctors have years of experience in gum and bone grafting, and use the latest technology and equipment. The procedure is advanced and our team can treat gum recession, or bone issues quickly and with minimal discomfort. Our goal is to improve the condition of your mouth, and help prevent further deterioration in the future. We encourage patients considering graft surgery to schedule a consultation with our doctor to discuss the procedure, and any concerns you may have.

Your oral health is our priority, and we make sure our patients feel comfortable and at ease when they visit our office. At Epic Periodontics we provide quality dental care patients can trust. Let our team help you take control of your dental health, and restore your smile.

Interested in Scheduling an Appointment?

If you are interested in scheduling an appointment to find out more about gum or bone grafting, contact Epic Periodontics. We always put our patients first, and treat everyone that visits our office like family. We welcome new patients to our practice, and look forward to becoming your preferred provider.

To schedule your appointment contact Epic Periodontics, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

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Adobestock 194071069

Keeping your gums healthy is important, and issues such as gum disease or oral cancer can affect not only your dental health, but your overall health if left untreated. Attending your regular appointments in our office can help to get in front of any gum issues before they become serious. Our staff will clean and polish your teeth, and we will also evaluate your gum health, and perform an oral cancer screening.
If during your appointment our team notices a lesion or area of concern, we may recommend a gum biopsy. A gum biopsy is when we test an infected area to identify what may have caused the abnormal tissue to develop. Gum biopsies are very important, and can help identify the issue or stage of cancer that requires treatment.

Symptoms of Gum Cancer

• Bleeding gums
• Thick or unusual looking gum tissue
• Red, white, or dark patches on the gums
• Gumline cracks

How Does a Gum Biopsy Work?

During a gum biopsy we remove a sample piece of tissue from you gums or jaw to determine the cause of the abnormality. Local anesthesia is used, and the procedure itself is minimally invasive. If the area is hard to reach, we may recommend general anesthesia, but this is rarely needed. A pathologist can take a look at the tissue sample, determine the cause, and check if the tissue is cancerous.

How Does a Gum Biopsy Work?

After the biopsy is complete your gums may still feel numb from the anesthesia. This should wear off after a few hours. Patients may feel tender or sore near the area where the biopsy took place. This should subside after a few days. If you notice prolonged pain or swelling, we recommend contacting our office right away, so we can take a look at the area. Risk for infection is rare, and patients can return to normal activity after a day or two.

Gum biopsies can save lives, and help us treat the issue promptly before it becomes worse. Patients can reach out to their insurance provider to review their benefits, and check to see what coverage is available should you need a gum biopsy.

Ready To Find Out More?

If you have an area of concern, or are due for your regular dental exam and cleaning, contact our periodontist in Mt. Prospect, IL. Our doctors have years of experience in periodontics and treating gum disease, and love to help our patients. We always put your oral health first, and our passion is to help you keep your teeth and mouth healthy. Never hesitate to contact our office if you feel you have an issue or are in pain. Gum issues that are not treated can progress, and complications can occur if they are not treated promptly.

To schedule your appointment, contact Epic Periodontics, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you!

by
lclykpnm

Periodontitis is also known as gum disease, and is a gum infection that damages soft tissue. This disease can destroy the bone and eventually cause tooth loss if not treated promptly. Periodontitis slowly progresses, and can advance quickly before you may even notice you have an issue.

During this advancement process you typically don’t feel anything, and the process is painless. Attending your regular exams and cleanings in our office is extremely important to stay on top of your teeth and gum health. Our doctors can get in front of issues quickly before they become a problem.

Many feel because they are still in their 30’s that they do not have to worry about developing periodontitis. However, your 30’s is when you start to see damage that is caused by not taking care of your teeth and gums in your younger years. Gum disease is very common amongst people in their 30’s, and this age group is when it starts for those that have maybe neglected their teeth when they were younger, or are genetically susceptible to gum disease. If periodontitis is not addressed this can lead to losing your teeth prematurely.

What Can I Do To Prevent Periodontitis?

If you want to prevent issues with your gums or inflammation you should start by evaluating your oral hygiene routine at home. Make sure you are brushing and flossing daily to help minimize your risk for developing gum disease. At Dentist X, your oral health is our priority, and when you visit our office, we perform a detailed evaluation of your gums and teeth to determine the condition of your gums. If we notice any issues, we will discuss them with you and may recommend changes to your oral care routine at home. Our staff can provide a personalized care program for you to follow, and this can help you stay on track with your oral hygiene at home.

Tips To Prevent Periodontitis

• Attend regular cleanings and exams to remove plaque and tartar buildup, and to help detect signs of gum disease early.
• Use a toothpaste that contains fluoride to help prevent cavities.
• Brush for at least two to three minutes at least twice a day, and make sure to brush along the gum line.
• Floss daily to remove the plaque in between your teeth.
• Use a mouthwash to help rinse away plaque and bacteria, and keep your mouth feeling fresh.
• Avoid tobacco products that can accelerate the deterioration process, and cause gum disease.
• Exercise regularly and follow a healthy diet, avoiding foods with high levels of sugar.
• Seek care right away to treat cavities or any other issues promptly.

Our job is to keep your teeth and mouth healthy, and we pride ourselves on quality dental care you can trust. Let our team at Dentist X help you take charge of your oral health, and prevent serious issues such as periodontitis from developing.

Interested in Making an Appointment?

If you think you may have gum disease or would like to schedule your exam and cleaning, contact Dr. Saba Khan!. Our doctors have years of experience in periodontics, and always provide the highest level of care to all of our patients. At Epic Periodontics we use state of the art technology in a welcoming and calm environment where patients know they are in good hands.

To schedule your appointment with us, contact our Mt. Prospect periodontist, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

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Scaling of Teeth

Scaling and root planing helps to clean the teeth and remove plaque on both the tooth and root surfaces. This periodontal procedure is done to deep clean and remove plaque buildup from the gums and teeth. If you have periodontal pockets or swollen gums, scaling and root planning can help restore your gums and prevent tooth loss.

What Can I Expect Before My Treatment?

Before your treatment you may be required to take antibiotics. There is risk of infection with scaling and root planing because of the bacteria that is cleaned out during the procedure. With a deep cleaning treatment, sometimes bacteria can be released into the bloodstream during the process.

Scaling and root planing may cause some discomfort. To keep patients relaxed and comfortable, we may apply topical or local anesthetic to the area. This numbs the gums where we are working. Minor bleeding and swelling may occur, but this should subside after a few days.

Other risks include issues with gum reattachment, gum recession, or nerve damage. These side effects are rare, and most patients have no issues after their treatment. The most common side effect is pain and sensitivity after the procedure.

How Is the Recovery Process?

Most patients experience pain and sensitivity after the procedure. This typically lasts between 5 to 7 days or up to a few weeks, and this varies per patient. To help with sensitivity we recommend eating a soft food diet, and avoid drinking any hot or cold beverages. Over the counter medications can be taken, and we recommend brushing and flossing regularly to keep up with your oral hygiene at home. Patients can rinse with warm salt water to ease the pain during recovery. Overall, the healing process is quick, and patients can return to normal activity soon after their treatment.

Scaling and root planing helps to stop gum disease, and promotes healing where your gums are inflamed. This procedure can eliminate bad breath and protect the roots of your teeth.

Interested in Finding Out More?

At Epic Periodontics, we have years of periodontal experience, and love to help our patients. Taking care of your teeth and gums is important, and our team is here to help. Gum disease should always be treated, and can lead to more serious issues in the future if it is not addressed properly.

If you are interested in finding out more about how scaling and root planing can benefit you, contact Epic Periodontics, and our friendly staff will assist you.