Gum Disease Treatment – Lockport, IL
Tackling Gum Disease With Advanced Techniques and Technology
Gum disease is surprisingly common and actually affects one out of two adults in the United States alone, based on data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Gum disease appears subtlety through oral bacterial growth and can rapidly lead to tooth loss if left untreated. During your routine checkups, we carefully look for the signs and symptoms of gum disease, increasing the chances of catching it before it permanently damages your smile. We also offer comprehensive gum disease treatment from our Lockport, IL periodontist.
Why Choose Grand Dental - Lockport for Gum Disease Treatment?
- Soft Tissue Laser Therapy Available
- Gum Disease Treatments Personalized to You
- Board-Certified Periodontists In-House
Scaling & Root Planing
To reduce the presence of harmful oral bacteria, we perform scaling and root planing (or deep cleaning.) Our hygienist first removes plaque and tartar from enamel above and beneath the gum line as well as in your gum pockets. Root planing works to smooth out the roots, promoting the reattachment of the gums to the teeth. Combined, these steps reverse gum disease symptoms and put your oral health back in the right direction.
Soft Tissue Laser Dentistry
Our dental office uses soft tissue lasers to reduce the amount of oral bacteria. This advanced dental instrument utilizes concentrated light beams to remove damaged tissue, cauterizes the area on-contact, eliminates bleeding, reduces recovery time, and lowers the risk of infection.
We can also use laser therapy to stop cold sores from developing, particularly when they first appear, and kill the virus that causes these often painful outbreaks.
Advanced Periodontal Procedures
If more complex gum disease develops and we need to perform more advanced procedures to protect your oral health, our team is prepared. With the help of our in-house periodontists, we can perform gum grafting, cosmetic surgery, surgical dental implant placement and more, all without asking you to travel to another dental office!
Periodontal Disease FAQs
Gum disease in Lockport is a serious oral health issue that impacts countless individuals in our community. If you are suffering from the symptoms associated with this condition but have questions about the road ahead, our team at Grand Dental – Lockport is here to provide answers. With honesty and transparency, we can explain the process of treatment as well as the potential cost and alternative options should you require more advanced periodontal therapy.
How can I avoid periodontal disease?
Some of the best ways to reduce your risk of gum disease include:
- Maintaining excellent oral hygiene by brushing twice each day, flossing once a day, and regularly using an ADA-approved mouthwash.
- Quitting bad oral habits such as smoking, eating ice, and biting your fingernails.
- Switching out sugars and starches for healthier options. Leafy greens, lean proteins, vegetables, fruits, and dairy are all good options.
- Attending six-month dental checkups and cleanings to catch and eliminate plaque and tartar buildup.
Will it hurt to undergo periodontal therapy?
We strive to make treatment as comfortable as possible for our patients. When you meet with our periodontist in Lockport, Dr. John Micaletti, he will evaluate your oral tissues to determine the severity of the disease before formulating a personalized treatment plan.
At our practice, we offer different types of care, including scaling and root planing, soft tissue laser therapy, and advanced periodontal procedures.
Before we begin certain treatments, we use local anesthesia to numb the gums. You may feel some pressure in your mouth as our team works, but there should be no real pain.
After completing these services, it is normal to feel some soreness. However, taking over-the-counter pain medication can help to minimize discomfort.
What happens if my teeth cannot be saved?
Gum disease can progress from the early stages of gingivitis to advanced periodontitis. When it begins to attack the bone, the symptoms may be quite severe, making it difficult to save a patient’s teeth.
If periodontal therapy cannot save your teeth, our team will need to extract them and discuss ways to replace them down the road. Complete recovery is essential before moving forward with tooth replacement. You may eventually be eligible for dental implants, dentures, or a dental bridge.
Will my dental insurance cover gum disease therapy?
Most dental insurance companies provide coverage for periodontal therapy. Patients are encouraged, however, to review their policy and determine how much it will cost out of pocket to undergo treatment. Insurance carriers may label these treatments as minor or major, which means they may agree to pay anywhere from 50% to 80% of the total cost.
Individuals, however, will need to have met their deductible as well as consider how much of their annual maximum is available, as this will determine how much the insurance company agrees to pay.
At Grand Dental – Lockport, our team is ready to assist in helping patients identify alternative, affordable ways to pay.