Gum Disease and Periodontal Treatment in Elgin & Schaumburg, IL
Gum disease is one of the most common diseases that affect human beings, but that doesn’t mean that it should be ignored or overlooked. Mild gingivitis may only present very mild symptoms, but when gum disease progresses, it can lead to gum recession and tooth loss.
Dr. Kong and the High Point team want you to be knowledgeable about what to look for so you’ll know when to call us for an appointment. If you need to see a dentist in Elgin or Schaumburg for gum disease treatment, please get in touch with your nearest High Point Dentistry location today!
Stages of Gum Disease
Gum disease naturally progresses through stages, and if you know what to look for, you can recognize these different stages and catch the disease early enough for minimally invasive treatment. Our team is also trained to recognize the signs and begin treatment early.
Gingivitis
The first stage of gum disease is gingivitis. You may have heard the term before as it is the most common form of gum disease. In this stage, gums are red and swollen, causing them to bleed more easily. With proper attention and better at-home care, we can reverse the effects of gingivitis and get your gums back in shape.
Periodontal Pockets
If gingivitis continues, the gums begin to separate from the teeth and form spaces between the teeth and gums, known as pockets. These pockets become inflamed and infected. Over time and without treatment, the pockets will deepen, allowing more tissue and bone to be destroyed.
Periodontitis
The final stage of gum disease is called periodontitis. In this stage, bone and gum loss is extensive, and teeth may become so loose that they need to be extracted.
Development & Damage
Gum disease develops when the plaque that collects between the teeth and gums isn’t removed, both by proper at-home care and by routine dental visits. Plaque and tartar tend to build up in areas that are hard to reach with a toothbrush, so your regular brushing routine isn’t enough to make sure that these areas are clean – you will want to come in every six months for thorough cleanings.
Our oral health is a key part of our body’s overall health. Not only can gum disease lead to gum recession and tooth loss, but it is also linked to heart disease and stroke. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of gum disease is a crucial part of taking care of your body.
Symptoms: What to Look Out For
- Red, swollen, sensitive, inflamed gums
- Bleeding when you brush or floss, or when you chew hard food
- Gums receding or pulling away from teeth
- A change in the way your teeth fit together
- Loose teeth
- Sores in mouth
- Constant metallic taste or bad breath
If you notice one or more of these symptoms, it’s important that you call our office to schedule an appointment, so we can evaluate your gums and begin any necessary gum disease treatment.
Treatment of Periodontal Disease
When you visit us, either for a routine appointment or because you’ve noticed signs of gum disease, and we find that you do have some form of gum disease, we will do what we can to start treatment immediately. Sometimes an enhanced oral care routine and cleaning is enough, or we may want to schedule a deep cleaning (known as periodontal scaling and root planing) and apply antibiotics to stop periodontal disease in its tracks.
More advanced periodontitis requires more extensive work to stop the disease. Using a soft tissue laser, we can remove the diseased tissue to help restore your gums to health. Whatever stage of gum disease you have, it’s important to visit your nearest High Point Dentistry location as soon as possible so we can evaluate your situation and decide on the best treatment course.
