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PERIODONTICS IN NORRIDGE, IL
Periodontics is the area of dentistry that specializes in preventing, diagnosing and treating gum disease. Periodontists receive up to three additional years of specialized training in diagnosing and treating periodontal disease and are also experts in treating oral inflammation and replacing missing teeth with dental implants. Periodontal treatments and procedures include:
- Teeth scaling, root planing and laser treatments
- Pocket reduction
- Gum grafting
- Crown lengthening
- Dental implants
The staff of Dr. Sal is committed to helping you achieve good periodontal health for a lifetime.
PERIODONTAL (GUM) DISEASE
It sneaks into your mouth slowly, sometimes silently and painlessly, and steals your teeth! This horrible creature, called gum disease or periodontal disease, affects over 75% of adults at some time and causes them more tooth loss than cavities do. Caused by plaque bacteria that attack gums, supporting tissues and even bones, periodontal disease may display warning signs such as:
- Gums that are red, swollen, tender or bleed easily
- Gums that have pulled away from teeth
- Persistent bad breath or bad taste
- Changes in tooth position, looseness, separation or mismatch
Factors increasing gum disease include tobacco use, poor oral hygiene, family history, especially crooked teeth, pregnancy, diabetes and certain medications. Not to worry – when detected in earlier stages, gum disease can be treated and even reversed. Let Dr. Sal check your gums today and help ward off that sneaky attacker!
SCALING AND ROOT PLANING
Scaling and root planing is the primary method for treating gum disease. Infrequent brushing and flossing and general poor oral hygiene over prolonged periods of time can cause periodontal, or gum, disease. When this occurs, your dentist will almost certainly recommend scaling and root planing to cure the disease.
Over multiple visits, your dentist will use specially-designed dental tools to remove build up on the gum line and under the gums. In most cases, a local anesthetic is utilized. Once the process is complete, your dentist will determine if additional periodontal surgery is required.