Everything you need to know about periodontal gum therapy treatments

If you have infected, receding gums or are experiencing pain and loose teeth, you may be diagnosed with a condition known as periodontal disease. Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is an infection that can cause irreversible damage to the jawbone, the gum tissues, and even the teeth. At Peter O. Cabrera, DDS Bahareh Sabzehei DDS, MS Periodontics & Dental Implants of Chicago, Illinois, Drs. Peter O. Cabrera and Bahareh Sabzehei can educate you on this condition and discuss possible options for therapy to address the problem and restore the smile’s health!

What is periodontal disease, and what can it do to the smile?

Periodontal disease is caused by the bacteria in plaque accumulating around the teeth and irritating the gum tissue. The body’s natural response to this irritation is inflammation, which leads to various symptoms, such as redness, swelling, tenderness, or pain in the gums. As periodontal disease progresses, it can form pockets between the teeth and the gum line that fill with bacteria and pus. If left untreated, this can damage or even destroy connective tissues and jawbone structures, causing tooth loss or abscesses.

What are some treatments for periodontal disease?

The goal of periodontal therapy is to provide the best care possible and stop the progression of the disease. Treatment is tailored to each individual based on their needs and may include:

• Scaling and root planing. During this procedure, Drs. Cabrera and Sabzehei will carefully remove any plaque and tartar from both above and below the gum line
• Antibiotic therapy. Medications are commonly used to treat infections caused by periodontal disease
• Surgery. If needed, surgery can be performed to reshape or reconfigure gum tissue to eliminate deep pockets that trap bacteria
• Laser treatment. This minimally invasive procedure helps reduce gum inflammation, pain, bleeding, swelling, and sensitivity while promoting healthy tissue regeneration

Which treatment is right for me?

To determine which periodontal gum therapy is right for you, our team at Peter O. Cabrera, DDS Bahareh Sabzehei DDS, MS Periodontics & Dental Implants will need to evaluate your smile and determine the stage of the disease. Drs. Peter O. Cabrera and Bahareh Sabzehei will also evaluate the damage caused by the condition to decide if restorative dental procedures after treatment would be beneficial in repairing or replacing lost gum tissue, jawbone, or natural teeth. Developing a customized treatment plan is ideal for addressing the problem effectively and affordably, ensuring each patient gets the care and attention they need to combat this infection and get the smile back to health. While periodontal disease cannot be cured, it can be controlled and managed with the help of a periodontal team.

Who can I contact to get a proper diagnosis and learn more about ways to treat the infection?

If you have periodontal disease or are experiencing any symptoms, call (312) 736-7959 to schedule an appointment and discuss your treatment options.

Drs. Peter O. Cabrera and Bahareh Sabzehei will work with you to create a customized treatment plan for you! They can diagnose the stage of your condition and talk to you about how periodontal therapy can address the problem.