If you have gum disease in Oak Park, IL, there is hope for a brighter dental future!
Gum disease is a serious dental condition that has been associated with such health conditions as diabetes, heart disease, pancreatic cancer, stroke, and even premature birth. Untreated, it leads to tooth and bone loss. Our team will help you get control of your gum disease in Oak Park, IL.
Could Your Bad Breath Be Something More Serious?
Do you have bad breath that does not seem to go away after brushing your teeth? Often, bad breath is one of the warning signs of gum disease. As the gum tissue around your teeth begins to harbor bacteria, a smell emanates from those hidden areas. The smell is a symptom of a larger problem.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis is an advanced form of gum disease. As your gums become more irritated and inflamed, they begin to pull away from the teeth, creating small “pockets” along the gum line. These pockets allow for even more bacteria to become entrapped below your gums and around the roots of your teeth. Tooth loss, bone loss, and irreversible damage to your gums and soft tissues begin to occur with time.
Treatment
Periodontal disease is treatable, but cannot be fully cured and needs to be managed over the course of a patient’s life – similar to other diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. After completion of your periodontitis treatment, you will be scheduled for regular ongoing maintenance. These visits will involve a thorough debridement and monitoring of your oral health to ensure the disease does not progress further.
Concerned About The Cost of Dental Care?
The smile you want doesn’t mean anything if you can’t afford it. Luckily we provide competitive rates, many financing options including CareCredit, have free consultations, and we also accept insurance. If you have any questions or concerns please read about how affordable we are, or give us a call at (708)-386-0960.
Gum Disease Happens in Several Stages
Gum disease does not happen overnight. The typical stages of gum disease include gingivitis, early periodontitis and advanced periodontitis.
Gingivitis Stage
During this stage, the gums are under attack from plaque. This makes them tender, swollen or painful. The gums will likely bleed when you eat or brush your teeth. If you see a dentist at this stage, you may be able to halt your gum disease.
Early Periodontitis Stage
At the beginning of periodontitis, you may start to see some gum recession. As the gums become more diseased, they recede away from the teeth. This leaves pockets for bacteria to flourish in. Once periodontitis has begun, it is essential that you make an appointment to get a deep cleaning. A deep cleaning will boost your odds of being able to keep your natural teeth.
Advanced Periodontitis Stage
By the time periodontitis has advanced, you are at risk of losing bone density as well as teeth. However, with intervention, it is often possible to remedy the situation. You will still have to control your gum disease through regular appointments with Dr. John Perna and his team, but you can finally rid yourself of the signs and symptoms of the problem.
Schedule Your Next Appointment
Call us for a no-judgment appointment. Even if you have not had treatment for your gum disease for years, we can help! We are available at (708)-386-0960.