Periodontics Dentistry: Periodontal Dentist in Chicago

What is Periodontistry?

A periodontist specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating periodontal disease and placing dental implants. Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, occurs when the gums are infected and can lead to a variety of serious health concerns. Periodontists are expertly trained at diagnosing and treating these symptoms if needed.

What Treatments Do Periodontists Do?

Periodontists are not only experts at helping prevent gum disease before it starts, but they are expertly trained in gum disease treatments. They can help you develop a strong dental care at home to ensure you’re sufficiently taking care of your gums. Should you need treatment for gum disease, they are able to perform various periodontal procedures such as scaling and root planing, flap surgery, pocket reduction surgery, bone grafts, laser therapy, periodontal surgery, and more.

Why is Gum Disease a Health Concern?

If left undiagnosed and untreated, gum disease can worsen and lead to even more complex problems. The bone that supports your teeth can be destroyed and it’s possible for your teeth to loosen and eventually fall out.

Aside from causing issues within your mouth, gum disease is known to be connected to a variety of other diseases including heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and issues with infertility and birth. Your gums help prevent inflammation and damage in your body, and your mouth is a vessel for bacteria and other dangerous particles to enter through. By having severe gum issues, you are then predisposed to an array of other health problems that could otherwise be avoided with good oral hygiene.

The early stage of gum disease is known as gingivitis, which can be reversed with the right oral care routine and frequent checkups if caught early enough. If it isn’t caught or taken care of early enough, then it turns into periodontitis, which is when more serious periodontist intervention is necessary.

When Should You Go to a Periodontist?

While your dentist may be the one to suggest you see a periodontist and refer you, you may also see one on your own accord if you think you may have signs of advanced gum disease. dentart_periodontistsSome signs your gums are in trouble include puffy or swollen gums, bright red gums, gums that bleed easily or bleed from brushing or flossing, chronic bad breath, loose teeth or puss between teeth, gums that are tender to the touch, gum recession, and painful chewing.

If you notice that you are consistently experiencing some or all of these symptoms, you should consider seeing a periodontist or scheduling an appointment with your dentist to see if specialized intervention is necessary.

Periodontists at DentArt

Dr. Nidhi Shah BDS, MS is our highly trained board-certified periodontist and implant surgeon. She has comprehensively mastered the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease at several private practices and is a member of the American Academy of Periodontology. Her years of experience and comprehensive approach allow her to help clients achieve supreme gum health, even after experiencing advanced gum disease symptoms.

Contact Us Today

Take control of your gum health. With gum disease being easily preventable, it’s important to take the necessary steps to ensure you’re taking the right care of your teeth. For a dentist in West Loop who has a board-certified periodontist ready to work with you to improve your gum health, call us tod