Periodontics
in New Lenox, IL

Periodontal disease (or gum disease) is an inflammatory condition that results from the buildup of plaque and tartar (and eventually bacteria) between the teeth and gums. The bacterial infection that occurs causes the gums to become red and inflamed, and over time, the gum tissue, roots of the teeth, and even the underlying bone can start to deteriorate. At Lincolnway Dental Associates, we want to help you avoid this painful and potentially life-altering disease. With periodontics, we can diagnose, treat, and help you prevent gum disease for good.

Are your gums sore and inflamed? Are you having trouble cleaning off some of the buildup on your teeth? Call the Lincolnway team at (815) 462-4838.

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Periodontics in new Lenox IL

Symptoms of Gum Disease

Often, people don’t know they have gum disease. It takes its time developing and may not cause symptoms until it has progressed to a more advanced stage.

However, there are some red flags that could indicate an infection. Look for these signs:

  • Chronic oral pain
  • Tender, swollen gums
  • Receding gums (make teeth appear longer)
  • Gums bleed when you brush and floss
  • Bad breath that won’t go away
  • Sores inside the mouth
  • Loose teeth
  • Separating of the teeth

If you’re noticing any of these problems with your teeth and gums, don’t hesitate to contact us for an appointment.

Periodontal Treatments

Dr. Leesa and her team offer a variety of periodontal services to help treat and prevent gum disease. These services include:

  • Scaling and root planing: We carefully clean the surface of each tooth to remove all traces of plaque and tartar from the crown, root, and surrounding periodontal pocket. We also smooth the root of each tooth to remove excess bacteria.
  • Fluoride: Fluoride strengthens the tooth enamel and protects the teeth from future plaque and bacteria buildup. It also helps to prevent cavities and tooth decay.
  • Dental implants: If a decayed tooth needs to be extracted, we can replace it with a dental implant. Dental implants look and function just like natural teeth.

Additional Periodontics

Along with treating gum disease, we can also provide these services to improve the health and appearance of your teeth and gums:

  • Gingivectomy: This procedure involves surgically removing some of the gum tissue to treat gingivitis or to fix a “gummy” smile.
  • Frenectomy: Do you have a web-like membrane connecting your tongue to the bottom of your mouth? That’s called a frenulum, and it can actually increase your risk for gum disease. A frenectomy is a simple procedure where we remove the frenulum, which prevents further pulling on your gums.
  • Operculectomy: If you have a wisdom tooth that is only partially covered by gum tissue, we can perform a minor procedure to remove that flap of tissue to treat any existing inflammation and relieve pain. This also helps to prevent the buildup of plaque in the area.
Woman Wearing Pyjamas Standing At Sink Brushing Teeth In Bathroom

How to Prevent Periodontal Disease

Preventing periodontal disease is something every individual should learn at an early age.

Here are some very important habits that children and adults alike need to incorporate into their routines:

  • Brushing your teeth (and tongue) twice a day
  • Flossing at least once a day to dislodge food particles and plaque that are stuck between your teeth
  • Rinsing your mouth out with mouthwash after brushing and flossing to remove any remaining food particles
  • Seeing a dental professional every 6 months for a full oral exam

Additionally, you may be more at risk for gum disease due to genetics, your age, certain habits such as smoking, and your diet.