Gum Disease Treatment – Mount Prospect, IL

What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease, also referred to as periodontal disease, is a common oral condition that is estimated to impact one out of every two adults in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Although the symptoms are relatively mild at first, the infection can develop to the point where it can no longer be cured, only managed. We want to prevent that from happening, which is why we focus on patient education as well as provide treatments in the early stages.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

It’s possible for gum disease to develop under the radar, which is why it’s so important that you get a dental checkup every six months. You should also get in touch if you experience any of the following symptoms between visits:

• Red, swollen, or tender gums
• Chronic bad breath, even after brushing your teeth
• Teeth that appear longer (a sign of gum recession)
• A change in the way your teeth come together
• Bleeding when brushing or flossing

How Do We Treat Gum Disease?

The treatment we recommend will depend largely on how severe the infection is. That’s why a comprehensive oral exam is needed! At our Mt. Prospect dental office, we offer periodontal cleanings, scaling and root planing, antibiotic treatment, and laser periodontal treatment, all with the goal of eliminating or managing the root of the problem.

Periodontal Cleanings

For our patients who have received advanced periodontal procedures, we offer follow-up gum cleanings to ensure that no infection-causing bacteria are left behind to negatively impact your oral health. This involves routine cleanings from our general dentist every three to four months, as well as more thorough gum and implant-focused cleanings from Dr. Khan. With this type of detail-oriented care, we’re able to preserve the health of the foundation of your smile so you can enjoy it for a lifetime.

Scaling & Root Planing

Countless patients visit Dr. Khan due to the damaging effects that gum disease has had on their smile. To help combat these symptoms, she offers thorough deep dental cleanings, also referred to as scaling and root planing. This two-step process typically takes place over the course of two appointments. First, Dr. Khan will conduct an in-depth removal of all plaque and tartar from the surface of the teeth to minimize bacteria presence within the mouth. Second, she’ll clear the roots of the teeth of any hardened bacteria deposits to allow the gums to healthily reattach to them.

Antibiotic Treatment

For our patients who are suffering from more advanced signs of gum disease, we may recommend antibiotic therapy in conjunction with a deep cleaning. In the form of either an oral prescription or a topical gel, we’ll prescribe antibiotics to help fight off harmful bacteria leading to inflammation, redness, and gum recession. It’s crucial to complete the process as instructed to ensure it’s effective and prevents bacteria from re-colonizing the mouth.

Laser Periodontal Treatment

At Epic Periodontics & Implant Center, we use the latest technology to offer patients the best possible results, like our soft tissue dental laser. Laser periodontal therapy is offered in combination with scaling and root planing to remove inflamed and severely damaged gum tissue from around teeth, leaving only healthy tissue behind. This also gives Dr. Khan better access to the roots of teeth, allowing her to more thoroughly clear any hardened pockets of bacteria below the gumline that might attract more bacteria to accumulate in the future.