With routine check-ups at the dentist, gum disease can be easily prevented. However, an estimated 75 percent of Americans over 35 years old have some form of the disease, which can ultimately cause severe health issues like stroke, respiratory illness, heart disease and more if left untreated. At Downtown Dental, we’re committed to helping you prevent and treat this largely avoidable illness to ensure you maintain good oral health for years to come.
How We Can Help
Gum disease begins with gingivitis—an infection caused bacteria found in plaque. If it is left untreated, the disease can progress to exhibit a number of painful symptoms, including receding gums, tooth loss, and more. Our in-house periodontist provides a number of treatments which vary depending on the condition of your gums. With these treatments, we can skillfully and thoroughly treat your periodontal issues:
- Biopsy – A method used to diagnose oral cancer involving the examination of a tissue sample.
- Bone Grafting – The building up of the jaw bone, used to support restorative devices such as dental implants and other periodontal procedures.
- Canine Exposure – A procedure to uncover impacted teeth (usually wisdom or canine teeth) that has become stuck in the surrounding gum tissue or bone.
- Crown Lengthening – A procedure to reshape gum tissue and bone shape to expose more of the enamel of the teeth for restorative and/or cosmetic purposes.
- Arestin – An antibiotic ointment used to treat infected gum pockets after scaling and root planing procedures.
- Frenectomy – A minor procedure to remedy a frenulum (or connective tissue between the gums and lip) that is too short or thick.
- Gum Grafting – A procedure to supplement the gums using tissue from the palate or a donor.
- Occlusal Adjustment – Corrects a bite misalignment as a result of crowding, shifting, or missing teeth.
- Periodontal Splinting – Joining teeth together to strengthen them when the surrounding gum tissue becomes loose.
- Osseous Grafting – A surgery which removes defects from the bone tissue around the teeth, serving as a treatment for periodontitis.
- Cosmetic Periodontal Surgery – Used to improve the appearance of your gums by removing excess tissue.
- Scaling and Root Planing – A non-surgical periodontal therapy in which plaque and tartar is removed from below the gum line and deep in the dental pocket.
- Osseous Surgery – A treatment to remedy enlarged gum pockets and remove decayed gum tissue as a result of periodontal disease.
While gum disease is asymptomatic in its earliest stages, there are a number of risk factors for periodontitis to be aware of in order to catch this illness before it can really take hold. If you suffer from chronic stress, bruxism, diabetes, or have a genetic predisposition to the disease, you may be at higher risk. Also, smoking, certain medications, and poor nutrition can increase the likelihood of getting gum disease. If you meet any of these criteria, be certain to schedule your routine check-up right away to take the necessary preventative measures.
Want to schedule your biannual check-up with Downtown Dental? Call our Chicago office today!