Periodontal refers to the gums and bone that supports the teeth; the foundation for the teeth. Periodontal disease then is the breakdown of the gum tissue and bone caused by bacteria. Uncontrolled periodontal disease is one of the ways adults lose their teeth.
We also now know that periodontal disease is an infection that not only impacts the mouth but also impacts the rest of your body in some fashion. Bacteria from the mouth enter through the infected gum tissue and travel through the bloodstream settling in blood vessels, organs such as the heart, and even in the brain the most recent research is showing.
The bacteria raise the risk of stroke, heart attack, diabetes and possibly even Alzheimer’s disease. The inflammation that occurs as the bacteria enters into the bloodstream aggravates chronic inflammation-based diseases such as arthritis, stroke. So, it is important that even a little bit of bleeding from the gums is an opportunity for bacteria to affect your total body health.
In our McHenry office, we pay close attention to this from the very first exam. We make an assessment utilizing a CBCT scan to help determine if your level of health is consistent with the goals you have for your oral health. This is an educational tool that has a great visual appeal and records the presence of plaque, bleeding and bone levels around each tooth. It allows for an easy, visual comparison from one exam to another, relating to your goals and medical history.
Oral infections, even when relatively mild, can affect the health of the whole body. Bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream and create an immune response elsewhere in the body, elevating the risk of many serious conditions like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, pneumonia, and pregnancy complications.
Evidence continues to mount that connects what happens in your mouth with what happens in your body. The mouth is the window to the body and what we see in your mouth gives significant clues about what is going on in your body.
This is why we choose to place such a strong emphasis on preventive and routine care. We routinely monitor for periodontal disease because it enables early detection. Focusing on our patient’s periodontal health and oral hygiene allows them to live disease-free and enhances their health as a whole.
Periodontal Disease Treatment
We know that since periodontal disease is a bacterial infection, the lower the levels of plaque in your mouth, the less the risk of bone loss and impact on your systemic health. The focus during treatment is keeping the bacteria levels low. This can be done with coaching and instruction on proper techniques during hygiene appointments, so the patient can maintain control of their oral health.
In other cases where bone loss may have started, the therapy changes as the ability of the patient to effectively control. Our hygienist will often need to perform root planing (sometimes referred to as deep cleaning) to assist with cleaning areas that are beyond the ability of the patient to clean on their own. When these concerns exist, there may be a need for more frequent monitoring of these cases.
Patient Testimonial
Dear Dr. Williams, it was a pleasure meeting you, my appointment went well. You are a 5-star doctor. Frances Palm
Explore More of Our Services
We provide General & Family Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, including Smile Makeovers, Teeth Whitening, Porcelain Veneers, Invisalign, Dental Implants, Root Canal Therapy, Periodontal Care, Crowns, Bridges, and Dentures, TMJ/TMD Therapy & Senior Dentistry.
Expert Periodontal Treatment in McHenry, Illinois
Unique Smiles Dentistry is committed to providing you with exceptional, individualized oral health care. We offer a variety of options for Periodontal Treatment and fighting gum disease at our McHenry office. If you are looking for the best dentist in the McHenry area, we would love to help! Dr. Deepa Williams, DDS has been involved in Dentistry since 2007 and has an extensive background in Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry. Please contact our office at (815) 385-0777 to schedule an appointment. We serve many patients from McHenry, Crystal Lake, Woodstock, Spring Grove, Richmond, Genoa City, Twin Lakes, Wonder Lake, Island Lake, Johnsburg, Ringwood, Volo, Fox Lake, Lakemoor, Holiday Hills, Round Lake, Round Lake Park, Round Lake Beach, Geneva Lake, and surrounding areas. We look forward to meeting you soon!