Recent studies show that 47.2% of adults aged 30 years and older have some form of periodontal disease. Unfortunately, although many people are aware of the importance of healthy teeth, not many are aware of the health of their gums and the greater impact it has on the overall health of the body. The truth is that the gums are no less important than your smile. Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, is one of the leading causes of tooth loss. 

Why Are Healthy Gums So Important?

Your oral health depends on your gums. The tissue in the gums and jawbone support your teeth, keep them in place, and give them stability. Even if you have been keeping up with your daily dental routine and have never had something as little as a cavity, teeth can still fall out when the gums are not healthy enough to sustain the weight of your teeth.

How Can Periodontal Therapy Improve Your Gum Health?

During your first check-up, your dentist will examine the gums to assess how severe the gum disease is and the best form of treatment that needs to take place. We will first complete an initial visual assessment to see for any swelling or inflammation of the gums. Sometimes a small tool will be used to check and see if any pockets have developed underneath the gum lines. Once diagnosed with gum disease, the following therapies can help manage pain and prevent tooth loss.

• Scaling and root planing – also referred to as deep cleaning, this unique procedure removes tartar and bacteria that are lying beneath the gum line, contributing to gum disease. Normally, the bacteria and tartar cannot be accessed by regular cleaning, meaning heavier duty cleanings are needed. This particular treatment plan usually needs to take place over a few appointments.
• Antibiotic gel – When the damage is not too severe, an antibiotic gel is an option. The gel is placed exactly underneath the gum line where the bacteria is attacking the tissue in your gums. This is done right after a deep cleaning. For maximum effectiveness, the 2 treatments together should be considered.

Gum disease is a serious problem, but if diagnosed with it at an early stage, you can stop the issue of tooth loss right in its tracks. With regular check-ups, constant care, and great hygiene, you can keep your teeth healthy. When you are worried you may have gum disease; it is essential that you contact Sheehan Dental immediately so that a dental professional can examine and create a dental plan to remove the bacteria.

Periodontal Disease Can Lead To Bone Loss

Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is the development of harmful bacteria underneath the gum line. It all begins with plaque and tartar build-up in the mouth. Not only can it cause tooth loss, but it can be the destruction of your jaw bone. Poor oral hygiene isn’t the only reason that gum disease occurs. Some other conditions like HIV and diabetes can diminish antibacterial defenses and promote periodontal disease.

Periodontitis: Treat Advanced Gum Disease in Palos Park IL

Periodontitis is the most aggressive form of gum disease, and when left untreated, it can lead to the recession of the gums, loss of bone, and tooth loss. This gum disease is grave and can jeopardize your teeth and your health. Your Sheehan Dental dentists have the expertise and equipment to restore your overall health and remove any harmful bacteria. When your gum disease is too advanced and results in tooth loss, our clinic can replace the lost teeth with dental implants.

Routine Dental Cleaning vs. Periodontal Maintenance Therapy

Routine dental cleanings are a preventative dental treatment where one of our dental hygienists will clean and polish your teeth above the gum line. It is recommended by the ADA (American Dental Association) to have constant visits to the dentist for regular check-ups, even when there is no immediate problem. It is critical that you have regular cleanings at least every six months to prevent gum disease and tooth decay. Periodontal maintenance is the cleaning of teeth above and below the gum line.

Post-Therapy Dental Care

After your scaling and root planing procedure at Sheehan Dental, it is essential that you follow the recommendations and tips of your dentist. Some of the steps that you need to take into account following your procedure include:

• Adhering to your doctor’s recovery instructions
• Limit your activity for the first 24 hours; it is best to allow your mouth time to heal naturally.
• To prevent your gums from bleeding, do not forcefully rinse your mouth for at least 24 hours following the treatment.
• Do not engage in smoking or alcohol usage for at least a week. It can slow the time of healing and put you at more risk of infection.

Common Questions Asked About Periodontal Treatment 

Is Scale And Root Planing Painful?

It all depends on the patient’s pain tolerance and the amount of bacteria build-up that exists. For most, the procedure is not painful at all. You may experience little discomfort after the procedure is done, but your dentist will apply a local anesthetic to numb the gums and prevent any unpleasant discomfort during the process.

What Is The Scale And Root Planing Process?

If you have ever had professional teeth cleanings before, the process is not all that different. The same tools will be used to scrape any plaque that is above the gumline. The process is completely manual, and the length of the procedure depends on the condition of the gums. The anesthetic will reduce any pain that occurs during the process. Once all of the toxins are removed, the gums will heal and close. Depending on the unique condition of the patient’s gums, more than one appointment may be necessary.

What are the Benefits of Scale and Root Planing?

Scale and Root Planing is the only way to reverse gum disease. Once the procedure is completed, it is absolutely crucial that the patient maintains proper oral hygiene at home. Remember to brush your teeth twice a day and floss every evening to remove any plaque build-up. Also, remember to visit your dentist at Sheehan Dental at least every 6 months.

Contact Sheehan Dental for Periodontal Maintenance & Preventive Dental Care in Palos Park IL

Periodontal Therapy is specialized care that helps prevent the return of the periodontal disease. Patients who are diagnosed with this disease will begin treatments with a scaling and root planing procedure. Without a return visit, gum disease can come back. It is ideal for visits 3 to 4 months following the initial treatment. Your dentist at Sheehan dental will talk to you about the entire treatment plan and schedule for your next periodontal maintenance therapy cleanings.

It is essential that the removal of tartar and plaque takes place as soon as possible so that worse side effects do not arise. When left untreated, the bacteria can build up and release harmful toxins, expanding below the gum line. If the bacteria grows below the gumline, extreme discomfort, itching, redness, and swelling can occur. As a result, more vigorous treatment plans may need to be an option. Keep your gums healthy with Sheehan Dental and allow us to help with periodontal therapy & preventative dental care in Palos Park,IL