A Closer Look at Gum Disease
Gum disease is an inflammatory disorder that, according to a study published by the Centers for Disease Control in 2012, affects nearly half of the adult population of the United States. Gum disease is caused by an infection which can lead to the loss of supporting tooth structure. Treatment plans vary depending on the type and severity of each patient’s case. Your treatment will be customized to your needs to give you the best chances of successfully managing the disease. Every patient is evaluated for gum disease when they come in for a regular checkup at Loukas Dentistry of Park Ridge.
Gum Disease Treatment
Dr. Thanasi Loukas and Dr. Maria Loukas provide several treatment methods to address gum disease. Deep cleanings, antimicrobial agents, surgery, and antibiotics can successfully treat different levels of gum disease. Your dentist may recommend more frequent checkups and cleanings to keep your disease from returning or progressing.
What is a Deep Cleaning?
A deep cleaning, also referred to as scaling and root planing, is a cleaning that focuses on thoroughly removing bacterial plaque from deep below the gum line. Scaling removes bacterial plaque while root planing smoothes out the rough surfaces of roots so that plaque has nothing to cling to. Anesthetic may or may not be required during a deep cleaning. After care for gum disease is of paramount importance. Routine maintenance in the dental office as well as meticulous home care must be strictly followed to achieve a consistently healthy oral environment.
Gum Disease and Overall Health
Research from across disciplines points to the fact that gum disease, an inflammatory disorder, can exacerbate the inflammatory response throughout the body. This means that allowing gum disease to go unchecked can not only compromise you oral health. It can increase your risk of developing other inflammatory diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular illness, arthritis, and Alzheimer’s disease. Maintain a health smile and you have a better chance of enjoying a lifetime of good overall health.