Periodontal Services in Chicago, IL

Periodontists are also specialists in treating oral inflammation and any condition requiring either non-surgical treatment or oral plastic surgery. Oftentimes, periodontists are treating conditions caused by periodontal disease and its effects, such as persistent bad breath or gum recession.

Periodontal care protects the gums, bone and ligaments that anchor your teeth. Even cavity-free teeth can become loose if their support breaks down. Care can help calm inflammation, ease bleeding and bad breath, and slow gum recession, which can leave roots exposed and sensitive.

Because gum health supports everything else in your mouth, periodontal care also helps protect fillings, crowns and bridges, and it plays a role if you’re considering replacing a missing tooth. Healthy gums and bone are an important foundation for many types of tooth replacement, including dental implants.

Periodontal care begins with a careful look at your gums. Your dentist will measure gum pockets, check for recession and loose teeth, and review X-rays to see the bone levels around your teeth. This helps show how healthy your gums are and which kind of care will help most.

Many patients start with non-surgical treatment such as scaling and root planing, which removes bacteria and tartar from below the gumline. Afterward, you’ll usually return for a check to see how the gums have responded. When a case needs more specialized care, such as gum surgery or grafting for recession, your dentist may recommend seeing a periodontist.

Keeping gums healthy is an ongoing effort. Regular maintenance visits, careful brushing along the gumline, daily cleaning between the teeth and not smoking all make a real difference.