Elite Dental understands the importance of healthy gums for a healthy smile and overall well-being. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common condition that can lead to tooth loss and other total-body health complications if left untreated. Our experienced team in Chicago, IL offers comprehensive periodontal treatment options to combat gum disease and restore your oral health, including a comprehensive in-house periodontal program to help our patients reclaim their healthy gums.
Understanding Gum Disease
Gum disease is primarily caused by the buildup of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth. If plaque is not removed through regular brushing and flossing, it can harden into tartar, irritating the gums and causing inflammation.
Stages of Gum Disease
The stages of periodontal disease include:
- Gingivitis: The early stage of gum disease, characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums. It is often reversible with professional cleaning and improved oral hygiene.
- Periodontitis: If gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis. In this stage, the gums pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that become infected. The infection can damage the supporting bone and tissue, eventually leading to tooth loss.
Common symptoms of periodontal disease include:
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Bleeding gums while brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad breath
- Receding gums
- Loose teeth
- Changes in your bite
At Elite Dental, our comprehensive periodontal treatment options are customized to each of our patients. Our periodontal therapies include:
Laser Picket Therapy (LPT)
LPT is a minimally invasive periodontal treatment that uses a laser to remove diseased tissue from the pockets between the teeth and gums. This helps to reduce inflammation and promote healing. LPT is a safe and effective treatment for mild to moderate periodontitis.
Laser Detoxification Treatment (LDT)
LDT is a non-surgical periodontal treatment that uses a laser to remove bacteria and toxins from the pockets between the teeth and gums. This helps to reduce gum inflammation and promote proper healing. LDT is a safe and effective treatment for mild to moderate periodontitis.
Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning procedure that removes plaque and tartar from below the gum line, smoothing the root surfaces to promote gum reattachment.
Gingivectomy
Dr. Lee offers gingivectomies, a surgical procedure to remove diseased or overgrown gum tissue, reshaping the gums for improved periodontal health and overall aesthetics.
Arestin®
At Elite Dental, we offer Arestin, a locally administered antibiotic placed in periodontal pockets after scaling and root planing to help control infection and promote healing within the gums.
Chemotherapeutic Rinse
We may offer our periodontal patients prescription mouthwashes containing antimicrobial agents to reduce bacteria and control plaque buildup.
Laser Pocket Disinfection
Laser pocket disinfection at Elite Dental is a minimally invasive procedure using a dental laser to remove infected tissue and bacteria from periodontal pockets, promoting healing and reducing pocket depth.
Pregnancy and Gum Health
Hormonal changes during pregnancy can increase the risk of gingivitis. We provide specialized care for expectant mothers to maintain optimal gum health throughout pregnancy.
Schedule Your Periodontal Therapy with Elite Dental
Don't let gum disease compromise your oral health and overall well-being. Dr. Lee and her team are committed to your long-term health, using modern techniques and technology to provide comprehensive treatment options for periodontal disease at every stage. Contact Elite Dental today to schedule a consultation and learn more about our periodontal treatment options!
