Periodontal Therapy
At Mindful Dental, your dental health is our top priority. That’s why we offer periodontal therapy in Chicago, IL for new and existing patients. When you come in for a dental exam, your dentist will carefully evaluate the health of your teeth and gums. If certain conditions exist, you may be recommended for periodontal therapy in order to try to preserve your natural teeth.
The Dangers of Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease threatens the health and life of natural teeth. The disease develops slowly, over a period of years, so there is ample time to stop the progression. However, if you’ve neglected your teeth and gums, or have not visited the dentist as often as you should, you may have developed periodontal disease.
The disease starts with gum inflammation. This is something that is easily visible; it looks like red, swollen gums that are tender to the touch. At this stage, the condition is called gingivitis. Treatment for gingivitis is available at your dentist’s office. But if you don’t treat it, then it progresses to periodontitis, a much more severe condition that frequently leads to tooth loss. Periodontitis is marked by receding gums, bleeding gums, deep pockets around the teeth, and shifting or loose teeth. Periodontitis is caused by the accumulation of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth. Plaque can harden into tartar, which only a dental professional can remove. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are vital to prevent the progression of this disease. Some people have a tendency to have more plaque than others, which means they have a higher risk for periodontal disease.
Periodontal Therapy Services
As your dentist in Chicago, IL, Mindful Dental offers a full range of periodontal therapy services. They include:
Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing go a long way toward ridding your teeth of the plaque and tartar that cause periodontal disease. Scaling consists of removing plaque and tartar above the gum line. Root planing is a process that involves smoothing out the roots of the teeth so that they can better reattach to the gums.
Antibiotic Therapy
Antibiotics can be highly effective at helping to control harmful bacterial infections. Your dentist can prescribe antibiotics as needed. These can be taken orally or applied directly to the periodontal pockets around problematic teeth. This last method is a targeted approach that must be done in the dentist’s office. If you do take oral antibiotics, it’s very important that you carefully follow the instructions, for best outcomes.
Laser Therapy
Laser therapy is an advanced treatment option that uses focused light energy to remove infected tissue and bacteria from periodontal pockets. This minimally invasive procedure promotes faster healing and reduces discomfort compared to traditional methods. Laser therapy can be an excellent option for patients with moderate to severe periodontal disease.
Surgical Treatments
If you have advanced periodontal disease, surgical intervention may be necessary in order to save your teeth. Common surgical procedures include flap surgery, where the gums are lifted back to remove tartar, and bone and tissue grafts to regenerate lost bone and tissue. These procedures aim to restore the health and function of the affected areas.
Benefits of Periodontal Therapy
Periodontal therapy has been proven time and again to be an effective treatment against periodontal disease. Consisting of not one but multiple treatments delivered in a brief timespan, this therapy is your best hope for saving your remaining natural teeth. Benefits include:
Improved Oral Health
After successful periodontal therapy, you can expect to enjoy healthy teeth and gums for as long as they are maintained in the future, which includes at-home oral hygiene and regular dental visits. Since your teeth will look better, you’ll be more likely to take good care of them, too!
Better Overall Health
Periodontal disease threatens general health, so when it’s treated successfully, the risks for certain health complications, such as heart disease, automatically go down.
Better Appearance
After periodontal therapy, your smile will be improved, making you look and feel better about yourself. You’ll be able to smile confidently, knowing that your teeth reflect your general health.
For more information about periodontal therapy or to get started, contact your Chicago, IL dentist today to book an appointment. You’ll be glad you did!
