Des Plaines, IL 60016
Periodontal Treatment
Periodontitis is a disease of tissues supporting the teeth in the mouth. Often unnoticed for years, it results in loss of bone around teeth. It affects approximately 50% of adults over the age of 30 and is thought to occur in people who have preexisting gingivitis-an infection that is limited to gingival tissue and does not cause bone loss. It is caused by accumulation of bacterial plaque at the gum line. If left untreated, bacterial plaque calcifies to form dental calculus above and below the gumline.
Treatment of Gingivitis and Periodontitis.
If you have gingivitis, routine cleanings in our office will remove plaque and tartar build-up. This is a standard treatment to prevent development of established periodontitis. If periodontal disease is present, deep cleaning with the use of local anesthetic should be done. Once the source of infection (calculus under the gum) is removed, your gums will heal and tighten around the teeth.
We use ultrasonic scalers and professional scraping instruments such as hand scalers and curettes to remove bacterial plaque and calculus. Local anesthetic is commonly used to prevent any discomfort during the procedure.
3 Month Recare
If you have a history of periodontal disease we must monitor your gums closely and prevent recurrence of this destructive infection.
Risk Factors for Periodontal Disease
- - use of tobacco
- - genetic susceptibility
- - several diseases that decrease resistance to infection.
