Let’s keep things pleasant! The value and ease of protecting your gums and addressing problems early on

Gum disease is not so pleasant. In fact, it is one of the most frustrating conditions that our Pleasant Dental^® dentists deal with on a day-to-day basis. The symptoms are either non-existent or easy to ignore early on when the disease hasn’t caused damage and can be successfully managed without invasive treatment. At this stage, the condition is characterized by gingival inflammation (inflamed gums) and is called “gingivitis.” 

Fortunately, gum disease can often be prevented with nothing special – just the usual good brushing and flossing, day in and day out, and visiting our office in Dolton, Illinois, as recommended by your dentist. You need to keep up with professional visits because we can catch those things that might otherwise go unnoticed until it’s too late (and irreversible damage has been caused). 

It’s important to note that we have exclusive methods and equipment to eliminate stubborn dental plaque that regular toothbrushes and other over-the-counter products cannot remove. During your regular check-up or visit, we thoroughly yet gently remove “nasties” from your teeth and gum line. These disease-causing substances include bacteria and plaque build-up. When bacterial plaque builds up and hardens into tartar, you can’t remove it on your own safely and effectively. That’s where we come into play to get rid of this stubborn substance, which erodes the teeth and releases toxins – a process that inflames the gums and eventually breaks down supportive soft and hard tissues. 

TLC for your gums

Many of our patients with active gum disease can be successfully treated with scaling and root planing. This procedure is often referred to as “deep cleaning.” Many times no further treatment is needed; however, not all our patients are candidates for this more extensive alternative to the “standard” professional cleaning. 

Generally, SRP is appropriate if you have early- to moderate-stage periodontal disease. Healthy gums are typically firm, not swollen, and hug the teeth properly. They also don’t hurt or bleed when you touch them. Inflamed gums may appear puffier, redder than usual, and tender to the touch. You may notice “pink in the sink” or blood on your toothbrush and floss. 

At this stage, the effects of gum disease can be reversed. By using nonsurgical “deep cleaning” techniques, we can encourage the gums to heal. Eventually, the diseased gums will be restored to health. We avoid further damage and the progression of the disease. 

Advanced gum disease is called “periodontitis.” At this stage, we might refer you to one of the area’s top specialists in the treatment of periodontal disease. We partner with the specialists that are in the best possible position to get your mouth back in shape. After their recommended treatment is completed, we establish healthy and long-term habits with you. This includes frequent follow-visits and cleanings every three to six months. As needed, we can discuss ways to restore or replace teeth that were damaged or lost due to the disease process.

SRP, with follow-up exams and cleanings, is tolerated well often prevents the “worst” of periodontitis from occurring. These more severe forms of the disease affect the gums and all periodontal tissues, including the fibers, ligaments, and bone that support the teeth. When these supportive structures are affected, the changes to your mouth are hard to miss. You may notice that your teeth have shifted and feel loose, and you can rock them back and forth in their sockets. In addition to loose teeth and changes in their positions, you may have a foul taste in your mouth and persistently bad breath. We do not want gum disease to get to this point. So, if you are due for a visit, and even if your teeth feel and look fine, we need to see you! The best time for patients to visit us is before problems or changes are noticed. We at Pleasant Dental^® want to keep things pleasant and can do that non-invasively and relatively easily with hygiene and oral care product recommendations or a nonsurgical deep cleaning (as needed) – as long as we catch and intervene with the disease early before it progresses. Call (708) 576-1900 to schedule your visit today.

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