Gum Disease Treatment – Arlington Heights, IL

Restore Health and Comfort to Your Gums

Man smiles at dentist

Gum disease is a sinister menace that may seem negligible when it starts out, but it will eventually develop into a painful and destructive infection that causes permanent damage if left unaddressed. Thankfully, the skilled team at Arlington Smiles Dental Studio offers effective gum disease treatments designed to eliminate oral infections at their source and encourage the teeth to reintegrate with the soft tissues. Here’s a quick look at how we treat gum disease at our Arlington Heights dental office.

Why Choose Arlington Smiles Dental Studio for Gum Disease Treatment?

  • Skilled and Compassionate Dental Team
  • Prevent Tooth Loss and Other Health Complications
  • Insurance Welcomed

What Is Gum Disease?

Lady shows inflamed gum tissue

Nearly half of American adults older than thirty have some form of gum disease, and the condition is more common among men and current smokers. Gum disease is caused by bacterial infection of the gum tissue, which usually results from accumulations of plaque and food debris within the mouth as well as irritation caused by acidic or sugary foods and beverages. Gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease, is characterized by mild inflammation and can usually be reversed with improved oral hygiene. Periodontitis, the advanced form of gum disease, causes permanent damage such as gum and jawbone erosion and tooth loss, and it must be managed with regular professional treatments such as scaling and root planing.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

Illustration of gum recession?

Gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease, will usually show itself through symptoms like:

  • Persistent bad breath (halitosis)
  • Swelling or redness of the gums
  • Tenderness
  • The gums bleeding during brushing or flossing
  • Mild gum recession

Periodontitis, on the other hand, will lead to more severe symptoms like:

  • Painful chewing
  • Looseness of permanent teeth
  • Dental sensitivity
  • Changes in bite alignment
  • Changes in how appliances like dentures and bridges fit
  • Irreversible tooth loss

How Do We Treat Gum Disease?

Teeth examined with dental mirror

The first step to finding the best way to address your gum disease is to schedule a consultation at our Arlington Heights dental office. After a thorough examination, Dr. Seredynski or Douglas may recommend a treatment like:

Scaling & Root Planing

Illustration of scaling and root planing

This two-part treatment is usually completed over two appointments that typically go like this:

  • Scaling: During the first appointment, our dentist will use specialized tools to gently remove plaque and tartar from the surfaces of the teeth and the pockets of the gums.
  • Root plaining: During the second appointment, our dentist will eliminate tartar and bacterial deposits from beneath the gumline and treat the dental roots to encourage them to reintegrate with the gum tissue.