Millions of Americans are currently suffering from gum disease and the damage it causes to their mouths. It is estimated that over 50% of adults suffer from some form of periodontal disease ranging from mild to severe. This can lead to painful symptoms such as swelling, redness, and bleeding gums. This may seem shocking since most dental problems are easily preventable. Regardless the reason, we are here to help.
At Premier Dentistry in downtown Chicago near Millennium Park, Dr. Nechama Brand and Dr. Abraham Stein offer periodontal therapy treatments for bleeding gums. We will help you fight-off infections, prevent tooth loss, and restore your smile back to its former glory.
Understanding Periodontal Disease
Periodontal diseases are a group of infections that affect the tissues, roots, and bones supporting your teeth. This happens when you do not consistently remove plaque, a sticky substance, from your teeth and gums. The bacteria in plaque will irritate the gums and cause infections. This bacteria-filled substance will eventually develop into tartar.
In order to cure these diseases, our dentist or dental hygienist will need to remove tartar from your teeth, especially at the gum line, using special tools. This process will aid in the removal of gum disease and have you smiling in no time.
There are two main types of periodontal disease: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is a milder form of periodontal disease that causes irritation, swelling, and bleeding in the gum tissue around the teeth. Periodontitis is a more advanced form of periodontal disease that can lead to loss of supportive tissue and bone.
Gingivitis
The buildup of plaque and bacteria, which results in inflammation of your gum tissue, causes gingivitis. It is the most common form of periodontal disease and is the first step in the more serious form of periodontal disease. Inadequate oral hygiene contributes to the spread of gingivitis. The most common signs include red, swollen, and bleeding gums. However, it is reversible with the right professional dental care, antiseptic mouthwash, and an excellent oral hygiene routine at home.
Periodontitis
This stage of gum disease develops when bacteria coat tooth roots and cause a chronic inflammatory response. This response deteriorates the gum tissue and ligaments that connect teeth to the jaw. Symptoms of periodontitis include bad breath, mouth sores, toothaches, loose teeth, and tooth loss. Prompt and effective treatment for gum disease is the key to minimizing your risk for more complex problems. Not addressing periodontitis can impact your long-term dental health and overall health and wellness.
What Does Gum Disease Look Like?
Unfortunately, many people do not even realize they suffer from this disease. The symptoms are either not that bad, or patients think that they are due to something else. If you are visiting our dentist regularly, chances are that we will catch the disease in the early stages. However, if you are in-between visits or do not visit our dentist regularly, then please look out for the following signs and symptoms of periodontal disease:
- Sore, red, swollen, or irritated gums
- Bleeding gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Sores in the mouth
- Loose teeth
- Pain while chewing
- Change in your bite
- Receding gums
- Puss in between teeth
- Change in the fit of your dentures
- Tooth loss
If you notice any of the signs and symptoms, request a dental exam and worry-free consultation today.
Causes of Gum Disease
The most common cause of this oral disease is a lack of proper oral hygiene. Some people may simply fail to care for their teeth and gums, while others suffer from a fear of the dentist and refuse to seek the dental care they need. Either way, your teeth and gums require consistent care that is necessary to keep them healthy. There are other things that can lead to periodontal disease, including hormonal changes (pregnancy), certain medications, and diseases such as diabetes. Additional risk factors for gingivitis and periodontitis include the following:
- Smoking
- Tobacco Products
- Heavy Alcohol Use
- Genetics
- Stress
- Weakened Immune Systems
One of the best ways to prevent gum disease is to maintain your oral health at home and schedule regular dental appointments. During routine teeth cleanings, we remove the plaque and tartar buildup that is a large contributing factor to tooth decay and gum disease. Routine appointments to our Chicago dentist office at Millennium Park also result in fresher breath and brighter teeth. Additionally, we strongly suggest remaining in good overall health and quit using tobacco of any form.
Treating Periodontal Disease in Millennium Park, Chicago
We offer many gum disease treatment options for our patients who have gingivitis or periodontitis. We offer many gum disease treatment options for our patients who have gingivitis or periodontitis at our dental office. With the right professional dental care, your gums and teeth won’t need more than a regular brushing at home to stay healthy.
If you have painful inflammation due to periodontitis or gum disease, we offer many treatment options for you. From prescription medications like antibiotics, to scaling and root planing that removes plaque from the teeth, our dentist can help get your mouth feeling better again. Treatments may include scaling and root planing, antibacterial rinses, laser dentistry, and gum surgery.
Scaling & Root Planing
Scaling and root planing goes beyond a professional dental cleaning. This treatment is about deep-cleaning the areas above and below the gum line. To perform scaling, a dental hygienist uses special tools to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria from the gums. Root planing smooths the surface of the tooth roots so they can reattach to the gums. Depending on your needs, we may need to repeat these treatments more than once to achieve the best results.
Antibacterial Rinses
An antibacterial rinse can benefit patients in the early stages of gum disease. Dr. Stein or Dr. Brand may prescribe a specific rinse to help improve your health and prevent gum irritation from developing further. They contain antibacterial agents that help to reduce bacteria in the mouth, which helps to reduce inflammation and speed up the healing process. While brushing and flossing are important for oral hygiene, adding an antibacterial rinse into your routine can be an invaluable tool in keeping your mouth healthy.
Laser Dentistry
In some cases, dental lasers may eliminate the need for gum surgery. Dental lasers precisely and safely remove diseased tissue while minimizing the risk of infection. Lasers offer many benefits, including reduced bleeding, quick care, and painless treatment. Dental lasers also promote a faster healing response from the body. To learn more about our laser treatments see, Laser dentistry.
Gum Surgery
For advanced stages of gum disease, you may need gum surgery to remove diseased tissue and heal your gums. Gum surgery typically takes 1-2 hours and is usually done under local anesthesia, but some procedures may require more time. We may refer you to a specialist that can treat your severe gum disease in a comfortable setting.
Periodontal Disease FAQs
To help people understand this condition better, read the following frequently asked questions about periodontal disease. We hope this information will help you make informed decisions about your oral health.
How does my dentist diagnose gum disease?
Most dentists will let you know when they see the classic signs of gum disease during your regular dentist appointments every six months. However, if you schedule these visits, then there is a chance you may have it and not even know. To ensure you are receiving the dental care you need, please visit one of our caring dentists for a checkup every six months.
How much does it cost to treat gum disease?
Unfortunately, there is no simple answer to this. It is likely that the more severe your oral health is, the more expensive it will be to treat it. Additionally, if you suffer from advanced stages, you may require restorative dental treatments to restore your oral health. All these procedures will add up quickly.
We strongly advise visiting one of our Chicago dentists for an examination. Then we will be able to create a treatment plan and give you an estimated cost of care, including what your dental insurance will offer coverage for.
Schedule a Periodontal Exam Today
Do your gums bleed when you brush and floss your teeth? You may be developing gum disease. Request an appointment with Chicago, IL, dentists Dr. Brand or Dr. Stein today. You may also call our dental practice for comfortable dental care at 312-586-8596.
At Premier Dentistry, our goal is to make treatment as comfortable as possible. If you have any questions about gum disease treatment, please let Dr. Brand or Dr. Stein know at your next consultation. They will be happy to review your treatment options with you.