Gum Disease Treatment Specialist
Oasis Family Dental
Paula Skowronski-Adamiak, DDS
Family Dentist & Facial Aesthetics Specialist located in Jefferson Park, Chicago, IL
Gum disease is a common condition that not only affects your mouth, but if left untreated, it can lead to a number of health problems. Don’t let gum disease get out of control and affect your health. Paula Skowronski-Adamiak, DDS, and the team at Oasis Family Dental in the Jefferson Park neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois, provide comprehensive gum disease treatment to children and adults. Before gum disease leads to tooth loss and complex dental work, schedule a cleaning at Oasis Family Dental. You can call the office or request an appointment online.
Gum Disease Treatment Q & A
What causes gum disease?
Gum disease is often the result of poor oral hygiene and excessive plaque and tartar buildup on your teeth and along your gumline. However, some people get gum disease as a result of other conditions and habits like:
- Hormonal changes
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- Medications
- Smoking
- Family history
Smoking can also hinder the positive effects of professional gum disease treatment.
What are the symptoms of gum disease?
If not treated, early-stage gum disease (gingivitis) can lead to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease that usually leads to infection and tooth loss. For this reason, it’s important to know the signs and symptoms. These include:
- Red, swollen gums
- Bleeding gums
- Painful chewing
- Tooth pain
- Tooth sensitivity to temperatures
- Chronic bad breath
- Bad taste in your mouth
- Loose teeth
- Change in bite pattern
- Gums that recede from your teeth
If you have any of these symptoms or you can see plaque buildup on your teeth along your gums, schedule an exam right away so you can receive the treatment you need. The sooner you receive professional care the better your chances of reversing permanent damage to your teeth and gums.
What is the treatment for gum disease?
Once your dentist at Oasis Family Dental determines the extent of your gum disease, they recommend appropriate treatments that can include:
- Deep cleaning
- Scaling to remove tartar
- Root planing to smooth tooth roots
- Antibiotics to fight a bacterial infection
If your gum disease has progressed to advanced periodontitis, you could need oral surgery to help reduce gum pockets that have formed, and help your gums reattach to your teeth.
What happens during scaling and root planing?
During a scaling and root planing treatment for gum disease, your dentist uses special tools to remove tartar and bacteria from the surface of your teeth beneath your gums. Treatment can include the use of a laser or an ultrasonic device. Once the plaque is removed from your teeth, root planing smoothes the surface of exposed tooth roots to prevent further plaque buildup.
If you or your children experience the signs of gum disease, seek treatment as soon as possible to avoid oral health and overall health complications. Select the next available appointment online or call the office to speak with a friendly team member.