Protect Your Gums and Your Health with Expert Periodontal Care
Healthy Gums Are the
Foundation of a Healthy Smile
Gum disease is one of the most common oral health conditions in the United States, yet it is also one of the most preventable and treatable when caught early. At Mill Pond Dental in Mokena, IL, we provide personalized periodontal treatment for every stage of gum disease, from early gingivitis to advanced periodontitis. Our goal is to help you achieve and maintain healthy gums that protect your teeth and support your overall well-being for years to come.
Periodontal disease does not just affect your mouth. Research has linked gum disease to serious systemic health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, respiratory illness, and complications during pregnancy. Treating gum disease is not only important for your smile. It is important for your whole body.
Signs You May Have Gum Disease
Gum disease often progresses quietly in its early stages, which is why regular dental exams are so important. However, your body does provide warning signs when something is wrong. Contact our office if you notice any of the following:
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad breath that does not improve with brushing
- Gums that appear to be pulling away from your teeth
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Pain or sensitivity when chewing
Gum Disease Progresses In Three Stages
Gingivitis
- The earliest and most reversible stage of gum disease
- Gums become inflamed from plaque buildup along the gumline
- Bone and connective tissue remain unaffected at this point
- Fully reversible with professional cleanings and improved home care
Periodontitis
- Develops when gingivitis is left untreated
- Infection spreads below the gumline
- Begins damaging the bone and tissue that support your teeth
- Requires professional treatment to halt its progression
Advanced Periodontitis
- The most severe form of gum disease
- Causes significant bone loss and deep pockets around the teeth
- Often leads to tooth loss
- Requires advanced treatment to preserve remaining teeth and restore gum health
Periodontal Treatment Options at Mill Pond Dental
Scaling and root planing is the most common non-surgical treatment for periodontitis. During this deep-cleaning procedure, our team carefully removes plaque and hardened tartar deposits below the gumline.
The root surfaces are then smoothed to discourage bacteria from reattaching and to encourage the gums to heal and reattach to the teeth. This procedure is typically performed with local anesthesia for your comfort.
After active gum disease has been treated, ongoing periodontal maintenance appointments are essential to controlling the infection and preventing recurrence. These visits are more thorough than standard cleanings and are scheduled at intervals determined by the severity of your condition, typically every three to four months.
When gum recession exposes the roots of your teeth, gum grafting can restore lost tissue and help protect against further damage. Donor tissue is placed in areas of recession to reinforce the gumline, reduce sensitivity, and improve the overall health and appearance of your smile.
A gingivectomy involves the removal of excess or diseased gum tissue to eliminate the pockets where bacteria thrive. This procedure creates a cleaner, healthier gumline that is easier to maintain and reduces the likelihood of recurring infection.
A frenectomy is a minor procedure that removes or modifies the frenum, a small band of tissue in the mouth that can restrict movement of the tongue or lips. This is commonly performed to correct tongue-tie in infants or to address gum recession, speech issues, or spacing between teeth in older children and adults.