Which Treatment Will Best Address Gum Disease?

On Tuesday, we looked at the causes of gum disease and the risk factors patients should be aware of. In today’s blog, we’re going to move into how we actually treat gum disease. We have multiple options, including scaling and root planing, as well as laser surgery, to address the issue and improve your oral health.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gum Disease Treatment

Question: How does a scaling and root planing work?

Answer: A scaling and root planing acts as a deep cleaning, allowing us to remove plaque buildup from the surface of the teeth and from the roots. Doing so reduces inflammation, which means we can use this procedure to reverse gingivitis or to manage the early stages of gum disease.

Question: What can we do to prevent gum inflammation?

Answer: You can avoid smoking or tobacco use. We also recommend brushing and flossing your teeth daily to reduce the amount of plaque that forms on your teeth. Every six months, you need to see us for a regular dental cleaning, which can remove plaque and help you avoid inflammation.

Question: When do you prescribe laser surgery?

Answer: We recommend laser surgery for more serious cases of gum disease. The laser actually removes the infected tissue, which allows the healthy gum tissue to adhere to the teeth, closing exposed periodontal pockets. The lasers reduce the risk of infection, bleeding, and promote a faster healing time. Patients also rarely require the use of anesthesia during the procedure.

Question: When should I see the dentist?

Answer: You should give us a call if you notice any changes to your gum tissue, such as soreness, redness, or bleeding when you brush and floss.

ABOUT YOUR SKOKIE, IL, COSMETIC DENTIST:

Dr. Brent Engelberg and our highly-skilled team proudly serve patients and their families from Arlington Heights, IL, and all surrounding communities, including: Northbrook, Deerfield, Highland Park, Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, Vernon Hills, Lincolnshire, Libertyville, Skokie, Evanston, Palatine, Schaumburg, Elk Grove Village, Rolling Meadows, and the Northern and Northwest Chicago Suburbs. To learn more, schedule a consultation online, or call our office today at 847-259-8030.

 

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