Gum Disease Treatment – New Lenox
Stop Gum Disease In Its Tracks
Periodontal disease (also referred to as gum disease) is the leading cause of tooth loss among American adults, as well as one of the most common health problems throughout the world. This infection may seem relatively harmless in the beginning stages, but receiving treatment early is absolutely vital if you want to protect your smile from lasting damage. At Atrium Family Dental of New Lenox, Dr. Albert, Dr. Stylski, and Dr. Snow offer several non-invasive gum disease treatment options for banishing dangerous bacteria and revitalizing oral health. Have you noticed any bleeding in your saliva after flossing? Does your gum tissue seem overly red or swollen? Please don’t wait – contact our New Lenox, IL dental office today to schedule a checkup.
Why Choose Us for Periodontal Therapy?
- State-of-the-Art Soft Tissue Laser
- Highly Experienced & Compassionate Dentists
- Extended Morning & Evening Office Hours
Scaling & Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is essentially a professional cleaning that has been elevated to the next level. Our hygienists will perform treatment in two distinct segments, starting with the thorough elimination of plaque and tartar from around and underneath the natural gum line. Once this is complete, any rough spots along the tooth root surfaces will be gradually smoothed down as well to prevent further bacterial buildup. Depending on the severity of the patient’s symptoms, this treatment may require multiple appointments to successfully complete here in New Lenox.
Do You Need Scaling & Root Planing?
To determine whether or not scaling and root planing is ideal for you, we will start by examining your gums. X-rays are also captured to collect as much information as possible. Depending on the condition of your gum tissue, the depth of the pockets, and the progression of your gum disease, we may recommend scaling and root planing to keep the condition at bay.
The Process of Scaling & Root Planing
The complete scaling and root planing process is usually completed over the course of two appointments, but this can vary from patient to patient. To remove plaque and tartar, we will start by scaling the teeth with dental tools. We will target the gumline and beneath the gumline where plaque, tartar, and bacteria build up.
After the scaling portion is complete, we will move on to the root planing portion of the treatment. This is when we smooth down sections of the teeth beneath the gumline. This helps the gums to adhere to the teeth, speeding up the healing process by making it more difficult for bacteria to build up in the future.
Aftercare Tips for Scaling & Root Planing
It is normal for the gums to feel a little bit sore after scaling and root planing. There may also be some inflammation in those areas. This is temporary and should subside over the next couple of weeks. Here are some tips to help the healing process go quickly and smoothly.
- Brush twice per day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste
- Rinse your mouth with saltwater after meals
- Floss daily
- Stick to a soft diet following your treatment
- Avoid foods and beverages that are spicy, acidic, or hot
- Refrain from intense physical activity
Antibiotic Therapy
Antibiotic therapy can often be an excellent supplement to scaling and root planing or soft tissue laser therapy. The medication will be directly placed in specific sites throughout the mouth, eliminating remaining bacteria over a period of days or weeks following the initial treatment. Studies have found that antibiotics can reduce the size of deep periodontal pockets, helping many patients avoid more invasive treatment down the road.
Soft Tissue Laser Dentistry
If gum disease has caused more moderate damage to a patient’s oral health, soft tissue laser therapy is a highly comfortable and precise way to eliminate diseased tissue from the mouth. This technology’s focused beam provides instant sterilization, and any post-operative symptoms like bleeding or swelling are minimized to almost nothing at all. Most patients feel so comfortable and at ease throughout the treatment experience that they don’t even need local anesthetic!