Chicago Periodontics - Gum Disease

A healthy smile is about much more than just bright, white teeth. The foundation of your entire smile—and a critical component of your overall health—lies within your gums. Periodontics is the specialized field of dentistry focused on the health of the supportive structures around your teeth, including your gums and jawbone. At Dental Smiles of West Loop, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive Chicago periodontal services to prevent, diagnose, and treat gum disease, helping you maintain a strong and healthy foundation for a lifetime.

Our practice is built on the core principles of Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness (EEAT). We understand that the idea of periodontal treatment can be intimidating. Our compassionate team combines advanced, minimally invasive technology with a patient-focused approach to ensure your care is comfortable, effective, and tailored to your specific needs. We are your partners in protecting your smile from the ground up.

Understanding Gum Disease

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a progressive infection of the gums that can destroy the bone that supports your teeth. It is often silent in its early stages, which makes regular dental checkups essential for early detection. The condition begins when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, builds up on the teeth and hardens into tartar.

The Stages of Gum Disease

There are two main stages of periodontal disease:

• Gingivitis: This is the earliest and mildest form of gum disease. It is characterized by red, swollen gums that may bleed easily when you brush or floss. The good news is that gingivitis is completely reversible with a professional cleaning and improved at-home oral hygiene.
• Periodontitis: If gingivitis is left untreated, it can advance to periodontitis. At this stage, the infection has spread below the gum line, causing the gums to pull away from the teeth and form pockets. These pockets trap more bacteria, and the body's immune response, combined with bacterial toxins, begins to break down the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place. If not treated, this can lead to tooth loss.

Comprehensive Chicago Periodontal Services

At Dental Smiles of West Loop, we offer a full spectrum of periodontal treatments designed to halt the progression of gum disease and restore your oral health.

Scaling and Root Planing

This procedure is the cornerstone of non-surgical periodontal therapy and is often referred to as a "deep cleaning." It is the first line of defense against periodontitis.

• Scaling: We carefully remove all plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line.
• Root Planing: We smooth out the tooth roots to help your gums reattach to the teeth and to prevent bacteria from accumulating in the future.

Periodontal Maintenance

After active therapy, periodontal maintenance is crucial for preventing a recurrence of the disease. These are more than just standard cleanings. During these appointments, we meticulously clean the periodontal pockets and monitor the health of your gums to ensure the infection remains under control.

Advanced Surgical Treatments

For more advanced cases of periodontitis, surgical intervention may be necessary to restore health. Our skilled team is proficient in procedures such as pocket reduction surgery (flap surgery) and bone or tissue grafting to regenerate lost tissue and provide a stable foundation for your teeth.

The Mouth-Body Connection: Why Gum Health Matters

The importance of periodontal health extends far beyond your mouth. A growing body of scientific evidence has linked chronic gum disease to a range of serious systemic health conditions, including:

• Heart Disease
• Diabetes
• Stroke
• Respiratory Infections
• Pregnancy Complications

The bacteria from infected gums can enter the bloodstream and travel throughout the body, causing inflammation and contributing to these other health issues. By seeking expert Chicago periodontal care, you are not just saving your smile; you are investing in your overall well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

Understanding your gum health is the first step toward protecting it. Here are answers to five common questions we receive about periodontics at our Chicago office.

1. What are the warning signs of gum disease?

Common signs include red, swollen, or tender gums; bleeding while brushing or flossing; persistent bad breath; gums that have pulled away from the teeth (making teeth look longer); and loose or separating teeth. However, gum disease can be present without any obvious symptoms, which is why regular dental exams are so important.

2. Is periodontal treatment painful?

Patient comfort is our utmost priority. For non-surgical treatments like scaling and root planing, we use local anesthesia to numb the area completely, so you will not feel any pain during the procedure. Post-procedure discomfort is typically minimal and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.

3. Can gum disease be cured?

Gingivitis, the earliest stage, is completely curable. Once the disease progresses to periodontitis, it cannot be cured, but it can be effectively managed. Through professional treatment and diligent at-home care, we can halt the progression of the disease and maintain the health of your gums and bone for years to come.

4. How is gum disease different from gingivitis?

Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gums and does not involve any bone loss. It is reversible. Periodontitis is the advanced stage where the infection has caused irreversible damage to the bone and tissues supporting the teeth. All periodontitis starts as gingivitis, but not all gingivitis progresses to periodontitis.

5. What can I do at home to prevent gum disease?

The best defense is a great offense. To prevent gum disease, you should brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes, floss daily to remove plaque from between teeth, and eat a balanced diet. Most importantly, you must see your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and examinations.

Learn More About Our Chicago Periodontal Services

Don't wait for bleeding gums or loose teeth to take your gum health seriously. The team at Dental Smiles of West Loop is here to provide the expert care you need to ensure your smile remains healthy and strong for a lifetime.

Contact us today to schedule your consultation for Chicago periodontics and take a proactive step toward protecting your oral and overall health.