Periodontal treatment methods depend upon the type and severity of the disease. Your dentist and dental hygienist will evaluate for periodontal disease and recommend the appropriate treatment.
Periodontal disease progresses as the sulcus (pocket or space) between the tooth and gums gets filled with bacteria, plaque, and tartar, causing irritation to the surrounding tissues. When these irritants remain in the pocket space, they can cause damage to the gums and eventually, the bone that supports the teeth.
If the disease is caught in the early stages of gingivitis, and no damage has been done, one to two regular cleanings will be recommended. You will also be given instructions on improving your daily oral hygiene habits and having regular dental cleanings.
If the disease has progressed to more advanced stages, a special periodontal cleaning called scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) will be recommended. It is usually done one quadrant of the mouth at a time while the area is numb. In this procedure, tartar, plaque, and toxins are removed from above and below the gumline (scaling), and rough spots on root surfaces are made smooth (planing). This procedure helps gum tissue to heal and pockets to shrink. Medications, special medicated mouth rinses, and an electric toothbrush may be recommended to help control infection and healing.
If the pockets do not heal after scaling and root planing, periodontal surgery may be needed to reduce pocket depths, making teeth easier to clean. Your dentist may also recommend that you see a Periodontist (a specialist in the gums and supporting bone).
Why Gum Health Matters
At South Suburban Family Dental in Blue Island, IL, periodontal health is taken seriously at every appointment because gum disease is one of the most common and most consistently underestimated conditions we see in our patients. It develops silently in its earliest stages, often producing no pain or obvious symptoms until significant damage to the gum tissue and supporting bone has already occurred. By the time a patient notices that something feels wrong, the disease may have progressed well beyond what a standard professional cleaning can address. This is why consistent professional monitoring at every recall appointment is so important, and why our team evaluates gum health at every visit, not only when symptoms are present.
The connection between gum disease and overall health is something our doctor wants every patient to understand. Research has established meaningful links between untreated periodontal disease and elevated risk for cardiovascular disease, difficulty controlling blood sugar in diabetic patients, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and respiratory conditions. Gum disease is a chronic inflammatory condition, and the inflammatory load it places on the body extends well beyond the mouth. Treating it promptly and maintaining it consistently is not just a matter of saving teeth; it is a meaningful contribution to overall systemic health.
Staying On Top Of Your Gum Health
Patients who have been treated for active periodontal disease require more frequent professional maintenance than the standard twice-yearly recall to keep the condition stable. Most periodontal maintenance patients are seen every three to four months, with the specific frequency determined by the severity of their condition and the consistency of their home hygiene. Between professional visits, consistent daily brushing and thorough flossing remain the most reliable tools available for managing gum health at home.
If it has been a while since your last professional cleaning or if you have noticed any bleeding, swelling, or sensitivity in your gum tissue, do not wait to have it evaluated. The friendly and reliable team at South Suburban Family Dental in Blue Island, IL is here to assess your gum health honestly and recommend the most appropriate level of care for your specific situation. Contact our office today to schedule your appointment.