Take Control of Your Gum Health with Periodontal Treatment
Do you have tender, bleeding, or receding gums? These issues are likely caused by periodontal disease, a severe inflammation of your gums. If left untreated, gum disease can cause serious oral and systemic problems. Rediscover your healthy gums today with periodontal treatment in Darien, Illinois.
Acura Dental Implants & Periodontics uses surgical and non-surgical periodontal treatments to restore your healthy gums. Whether you have mild or advanced gum disease, please schedule an appointment with our periodontist, Dr. Amer Atassi. Soon, you’ll notice improvement in comfort, aesthetics, and functionality.
Real Patients. Real Smiles.
What are the periodontal treatment options available?
Dr. Atassi provides customized periodontal treatment options to cater to different needs. He always starts with the least invasive treatments, which are surgical. Surgical therapies are utilized when your disease is too advanced or does not respond to conservative treatments.
Non-surgical options
Non-surgical gum disease treatment is needed when gum disease is in its early to moderate stages. At this stage, your gums are red, swollen, tender, and bleed easily when you brush and floss. Your gum pockets may be deeper than 4mm, showing signs of gum recession. Chronic bad breath also develops because of harmful bacteria trapped beneath the gumline.
Deep teeth cleaning is the first line of defense against moderate gum disease. This non-surgical treatment is two-fold. Scaling uses special tools to remove harmful deposits (plaque, tartar, and bacterial toxins) from deep pockets. Then, Dr. Atassi smooths the roots to eliminate rough surfaces and prevent the re-adherence of harmful bacteria. It also encourages healthy gums to reattach to the teeth.
Deep cleans are more extensive than regular dental cleanings. We use anesthesia to ensure comfort and multiple visits may be necessary for severe cases. Most patients only need deep teeth cleaning to treat periodontal disease.
Surgical options
Surgical intervention may be necessary to restore oral health when gum disease progresses beyond the mild and moderate stages.
- Pocket depth reduction (flap surgery): Periodontal disease causes gum recession, creating deep pockets where harmful bacteria thrive. Gum flap surgery is needed when the pockets are too deep to clean with scaling tools. The periodontist folds back the gum tissue, removes unhealthy deposits, and repositions the gums snugly against the teeth. Flap surgery reduces pocket depth, making it easier to maintain oral hygiene and prevent future infections.
- Osseous surgery: The doctor removes diseased tissues and reshapes uneven bone surfaces to eliminate areas where bacteria can accumulate. This procedure reduces pocket depth and encourages gums to reattach to the bone.
- Bone grafting (regeneration): Advanced gum disease breaks down the underlying bone, crumbling everything attached to it. A bone graft replaces lost bone tissue to reestablish the health and stability of your alveolar ridge.
- Laser periodontal treatment: Laser dentistry is a minimally invasive approach to treating gum disease. Instead of scalpels and sutures, the doctor uses light technology to target and remove infected tissues. This treatment offers reduced discomfort, faster recovery, and minimal bleeding compared to traditional cut-and-sew surgery.
Successful gum disease treatment is more than cleaning your teeth. It’s a combination of careful monitoring and advanced techniques. Periodontal disease develops in stages, and each stage needs a specific approach. Dr. Atassi uses targeted treatment plans to stop gum disease in its tracks and restore your gum health.
Periodontal treatment FAQs
What is periodontal treatment? Why might I need it?
Periodontal treatment addresses gum disease, a condition that can lead to gum recession, bone loss, and tooth loss if left untreated. Gum disease often develops silently, and early intervention is crucial to prevent damage and maintain oral and overall health. Periodontal care not only protects teeth and gums but can also reduce the risks of related health problems like heart disease and diabetes. Treating gum disease early can also prevent more invasive and costly dental procedures later.
What non-surgical options are available at Acura Dental?
For mild to moderate gum disease, we use deep cleaning techniques. Scaling targets plaque and tartar buildup beneath the gum line, while root planing smooths the tooth roots to encourage the gums to reattach securely. These non-invasive treatments can often halt disease progression and promote gum healing without the need for surgery. In some cases, antimicrobial treatments or medicated rinses may be recommended alongside cleaning to improve results.
What surgical treatments are offered if deeper intervention is needed?
When non-surgical care is not sufficient, surgical treatments may be recommended. Options include flap surgery to access and clean deep pockets, bone reshaping or grafting to restore lost bone, and guided tissue regeneration to encourage new gum growth. Laser therapy is also available for precise, minimally invasive treatment in certain cases. These procedures are designed to restore the health of gums and underlying bones while preserving natural teeth whenever possible.
How does laser therapy work? When is it used?
Laser periodontal therapy targets harmful bacteria and diseased tissue while preserving healthy gum and bone. The laser allows for a more precise and less invasive approach compared to traditional surgery, often resulting in less discomfort and faster recovery for patients with advanced gum disease. Laser therapy can also reduce bleeding, swelling, and the risk of infection during and after treatment.
What should I expect during my first appointment for periodontal care?
During your initial visit, Dr. Atassi will review your dental and medical history, examine your gums, and discuss your treatment options. Diagnostic imaging may be taken to assess bone and tissue health. Based on the findings, a personalized treatment plan will be created. Patients often find reassurance in knowing exactly what to expect, and in some cases, treatment can begin on the same day to prevent further gum deterioration.
What does recovery look like after periodontal treatment?
Recovery depends on the type of treatment performed. Non-surgical procedures may result in temporary gum sensitivity or mild discomfort for a few days. Surgical procedures, such as flap surgery or bone grafting, typically require a longer healing period, careful oral hygiene, soft foods, and follow-up visits to monitor progress and remove sutures if necessary. Pain or swelling can usually be managed with over-the-counter medications, and most patients notice improvement in gum health within a few weeks.
What are the long-term benefits? How is maintenance handled?
Effective periodontal treatment improves gum health, reduces the risk of infection, and stabilizes teeth. Maintaining results requires consistent oral hygiene and regular periodontal maintenance appointments, usually every 3-4 months. Ongoing care ensures gum disease does not return and helps preserve overall oral health for years to come. Patients often enjoy better comfort while eating, reduced sensitivity, and a healthier, more confident smile after completing treatment.
Periodontal treatment near Darien, Illinois
Do you have gum disease? Let us help you achieve healthy gums with advanced periodontal treatments. Contact Acura Dental Implants & Periodontics at (630) 581-0000 and schedule an appointment.
