Periodontics
At Glen Ellyn Dentistry, we are proud to offer our patients a selection of highly effective treatments and services designed to address periodontal issues while helping to restore the health of the teeth, gums, and periodontia.
What Is Periodontics?
Periodontics is a branch of dentistry that focuses on the detection, diagnosis, treatment, and management of diseases and other concerns related to oral structures and tissues that support the teeth, such as the periodontal ligaments, cementum, alveolar bones, and the gingiva.
Common Periodontal Treatments
Periodontal Cleaning
Also known as periodontal maintenance or periodontal scaling and root planing, periodontal cleaning is similar to the routine scaling and polishing of teeth during a regular oral hygiene exam. However, periodontal cleaning reaches further below the gum line to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria from the periodontal structures of the teeth, such as the roots. This type of cleaning is typically accompanied by root planing, a procedure designed to smooth the surfaces of the roots to discourage further bacterial growth.
Gum Surgery
Surgery to remove diseased portions of the gum tissues and to restore the health of the gums might be performed to help manage advanced cases of periodontal disease. At Glen Ellyn Dentistry, we use advanced tools and techniques such as the BIOLASE Waterlase dental laser and the CHAO Pinhole Surgical Technique to improve these processes, minimize recovery times, and maximize positive treatment outcomes.
Periodontics and Dental Implants
Dental implants are one of the most popular treatments for replacing missing teeth. To be a candidate for dental implants, however, patients must have good periodontal health. Our dentists can help prepare patients for dental implants by working with them to address periodontal health concerns, such as periodontal disease.
Could I Benefit From Periodontics?
Most patients discover that they require periodontal treatment while at the dentist for a routine dental examination and cleaning. There are some signs and symptoms you could experience that can indicate the need for periodontal care. These include:
- Painful, swollen, and/or red gums
- Gum recession
- Gums that bleed easily
- Visible plaque and tartar accumulation on the surfaces of the teeth
- Tooth sensitivity
- Persistent bad breath
- Permanent teeth that become loose
- Changes to the way your bite feels
- Tooth loss
If you experience any of these signs or symptoms of periodontal issues, you should visit a dentist as soon as possible for an examination and diagnosis.
Certain medical conditions, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, correlate with an increased risk of developing advanced periodontal disease. If you have one of these medical conditions, you should discuss this with our dentist and be sure to schedule examinations at least every six months.
How To Prevent Periodontal Disease
Once advanced beyond its first stage (gingivitis), periodontal disease can only be managed and not cured. For this reason, preventing periodontal disease whenever possible is recommended.
Periodontal disease can be prevented by practicing good oral hygiene habits at home. This means brushing two times a day for two minutes and flossing at least once a day. If you are at an increased risk of developing periodontal disease, we might also recommend using an electric toothbrush, incorporating a water flosser, and using an alcohol-free antibacterial mouth rinse daily.
Additionally, healthy adults should visit the dentist for routine hygiene appointments and exams at least twice a year.
Advanced Periodontics With Our Glen Ellyn Dentists
At Glen Ellyn Dentistry, we specialize in periodontics, offering several advanced treatments and services, including periodontal disease management with the BIOLASE Waterlase dental laser, gum restoration with the CHAO Pinhole Surgical Technique, scaling and root planing, and more.
If you have been diagnosed with periodontal disease at any stage, treatments should begin right away to keep the infection at bay so that you can safeguard both your oral and general health.
To learn more about periodontics and periodontal disease management, we welcome you to contact Glen Ellyn Dentistry at 630-942-0727 to request a consultation with Dr. Charise Petrelli or Dr. Cathy Nguyen today.
