Effective Periodontal Disease Treatment to Protect Your Long-Term Oral Health

At Wyse Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we are committed to protecting every aspect of your oral health. While strong, sparkling teeth are certainly important, healthy gums are just as vital to your long-term wellness. Periodontal disease is a serious concern that, if left untreated, can lead to tooth and bone loss. In turn, this would necessitate extensive restorative procedures to repair your smile. Fortunately, when you visit our Bloomington, IL, office regularly, Dr. Jay W. Chrisman and Dr. David Wyse can provide treatment that can often prevent gum disease from occurring. Even when it does develop, our early and effective intervention can lessen its severity and reduce your risk for permanent damage to your smile. 

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is the direct result of excess oral bacteria. When these germs build up on your teeth, they can eventually spread to your gums. The first stage of gum disease—gingivitis—occurs when the bacteria accumulates along your gum line. Gingivitis is reversible and a dental professional can treat gingivitis by performing a deep cleaning that will eradicate the bacteria. However, if left untreated, the bacteria will multiply and spread to soft tissues within your gums and create pockets around your dental roots. This stage of gum disease is called periodontitis. Although this is a chronic and irreversible condition, routine care can keep it under control and lower the likelihood of flare-ups.

The Symptoms of Gum Disease

The symptoms of gingivitis are mild and may include slight sensitivity and redness. The effects of periodontitis, however, are much more severe. They may include:

• Pronounced gum irritation
• Redness
• Noticeable bleeding
• Visible gum recession
• Dental sensitivity, especially as the tissues recede away from the tooth roots
• Loose teeth as the pockets around your roots expand
• Tooth loss

Because of the serious nature of gum disease, it is important to seek treatment right away. In addition to dramatically impacting your appearance and oral function, tooth loss can also lead to bone atrophy and facial sagging. There is also extensive evidence that gum disease may increase your risk for heart attack, stroke, and other life-threatening health conditions.

Our early and effective intervention can lessen the severity of gum disease and reduce your risk for permanent damage to your smile

Treatment Options for Periodontal Disease

There are several ways to treat gum disease. Scaling and root planing—also known as a deep cleaning—is one of the most effective options. Using remarkably gentle techniques, your dentist or hygienist will clean out the periodontal pockets and excise diseased tissue with little impact on the healthy portions of your gums. Afterwards, he or she will “scale” the rough spots on your tooth roots. This process will smooth the microscopic cracks and fissures that can trap bacteria. Because your teeth and gums will be numb throughout the entire process, you will likely experience very little discomfort. Once the treatment is complete, we may administer antibiotics to ensure all harmful microbes are destroyed. After periodontal treatment, it is vital that you maintain good oral hygiene to control the condition and prevent additional damage.

Of course, prevention is the best treatment for gum disease. For this reason, daily oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing, is vital. You should also schedule regular professional teeth cleanings to eliminate any bacteria that you cannot remove on your own. A healthy diet that limits sugar and refined carbohydrates—bacteria's main source of energy—is also beneficial. Finally, we recommend that you cease smoking altogether, as tobacco products can make it more difficult for your body to fight off infection.

Protect Your Oral Health

If you are experiencing the symptoms of gum disease, do not wait to receive the treatment you need. Contact us online or call our office at (309) 663-6393 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Wyse or Dr. Chrisman. Many patients trust their smiles to our practice because of our consistently high level of care.