Periodontics

Essential Periodontic Services 

At Northwest Dental Specialists, we specialize in periodontics, focusing on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions affecting the supporting structures of the teeth, including the gums, bone, and periodontal ligament. Led by Dr. Paola Rojas, our office in Mt. Prospect, IL, offers a wide range of treatments to restore and maintain your oral health, addressing everything from gum disease to dental implants.

What is Periodontics?

Periodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry dedicated to the health of your gums and the structures of the teeth. Periodontal care focuses on treating and managing periodontal disease, which, if left untreated, can lead to gum recession, bone loss, and tooth loss.

Our expertise includes:

  • Diagnosing various forms of periodontal disease
  • Managing the inflammatory response that damages the periodontium
  • Restoring the gum line and supporting structures

Periodontal Services at Northwest Dental Specialists

At Northwest Dental Specialists, We offer a comprehensive array of periodontal treatments to address every stage of gum disease and improve your oral health. Our services include:

Periodontal Therapy

We offer root surface debridement and deep cleaning to remove plaque and tartar buildup. These services help manage the pocket depth and prevent further damage.

Periodontal Maintenance

Periodontal maintenance is crucial for managing gum disease and preventing its recurrence. Regular visits allow us to monitor your oral health closely and provide timely intervention.

These visits are tailored to your specific needs, ensuring long-term oral health. Sticking to a consistent periodontal maintenance schedule can significantly reduce the risk of gum disease recurrence.

Scaling & Root Planing

Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning procedure used to remove plaque and tartar from below the gum line. This non-surgical treatment is essential for managing gum disease and preventing its progression.

Gum Grafting

When gum recession occurs and exposes the tooth roots, a gum graft procedure can effectively restore gum tissue and improve both oral health and aesthetics. Gum recession can lead to sensitivity, root decay, and an unattractive, gummy smile. Dr. Rojas can rebuild healthy gum tissue to cover exposed tooth roots and restore your gum line.

Bone Grafting

Bone grafting is necessary when periodontal disease has caused significant bone loss around your teeth. It’s a crucial step in restoring the foundation needed to support your existing teeth or for the successful placement of dental implants. We use bone grafting techniques to rebuild lost bone to prepare for future restorations or improve jawbone stability.

Ridge Augmentation

Ridge augmentation is a procedure designed to restore the natural contour of the jawbone after tooth loss or to prepare it for dental implants. When a tooth is lost or traumatized, the underlying bone can deteriorate, creating an indentation in the jawbone. This procedure restores your jaw bone and prevents additional problems.

Ridge Preservation

Ridge preservation is performed after a tooth extraction to maintain the natural shape of the jawbone. This procedure helps prevent bone loss and prepares the area for future restorations, such as implants or dentures.

Dental Crown Lengthening

At Northwest Dental Specialists in Mt. Prospect, IL, we use dental crown lengthening to adjust the gum line to expose more of your natural tooth structure. This is often required when a tooth is fractured, decayed below the gum line, or when an inadequate amount of tooth structure is visible for restoration, like a crown.

Osseous Surgery

Osseous surgery, or pocket reduction procedures, is a surgical treatment option for advanced gum disease. It involves reshaping the bone surrounding your teeth to eliminate pockets where bacteria thrive.

Frenectomy

A frenectomy is a minor surgical procedure to correct an overly thick or tight frenum. The frenum is a small tissue fold connecting the lips, cheeks, or tongue to the gum line. A frenum that is too tight can restrict lip or tongue movement, resulting in speech difficulties or gum recession.

Guided Tissue Repair

Guided tissue repair is a highly effective regenerative procedure utilized in periodontal therapy. This approach stimulates tissue regeneration and repairs damaged areas with advanced techniques to restore the gum tissue and periodontal ligament.

Full Mouth Implants (Hybrid)

Full mouth implants, or hybrid dentures, are a secure and stable tooth replacement option for patients in Mt. Prospect with missing teeth. This innovative solution combines dental implants’ stability with prosthetic teeth’ aesthetics, restoring both function and appearance.

Implant Supported Dentures

Implant-supported dentures offer a stable solution for missing teeth, combining the benefits of dental implants with dentures. By integrating dental implants into the jawbone, these dentures provide a secure fit, enhancing functionality and aesthetics. The American Academy of Periodontology recommends this innovative approach, which ensures optimal support and stability. Whether due to gum disease or other factors, implant-supported dentures can restore your smile and confidence.

Periodontal Plastic Surgery

Beyond addressing gum disease, Dr. Rojas offers periodontal plastic surgery to correct aesthetic concerns related to your gums. These procedures focus on enhancing the appearance of your smile by reshaping the gum tissue and creating a more balanced and harmonious gum line.

Oral Pathology

Our office also provides oral pathology services to diagnose and manage conditions affecting the oral cavity. This includes oral cancer screenings, biopsies, and the evaluation of abnormalities, such as sores, lesions, or persistent inflammation.

Sedation Services

For patients who experience anxiety or discomfort during dental procedures, we offer sedation services to ensure a calm and comfortable experience. Options include local anesthesia and other sedation techniques tailored to your needs.

Manage Periodontal Disease at Any Stage

Protect your smile and maintain healthy gums with expert care at Northwest Dental Specialists. Contact our Mt. Prospect, IL, office at (847) 398-0404 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Paola Rojas. We’ll develop a personalized plan to address your needs and achieve optimal oral health.

Periodontics FAQ

At Northwest Dental Specialists, we want you to feel confident about your care. Below are answers to some of the most common questions our patients ask about periodontal care.

Our dentist typically recommends more frequent visits for patients managing gum health, often every three to four months. Our team customizes your schedule based on your condition, helping monitor changes early and maintain long-term stability of your gums and supporting structures.

Yes, research has shown connections between gum disease and systemic health conditions. Our doctor takes a comprehensive approach by evaluating your oral health alongside your medical history, helping identify concerns that may impact both your mouth and overall well-being.

Our team in Mt. Prospect, IL, and Park Ridge, IL, develops treatment plans based on the stage of gum disease, bone levels, and your specific goals. Our dentist may combine multiple therapies to address both active issues and long-term maintenance, ensuring a well-rounded and individualized approach to care.

Early detection allows our dentist to address issues before they progress into more advanced stages. Our team uses regular exams and screenings to identify subtle changes, helping preserve your natural teeth and reduce the need for more complex procedures later.

Our team recommends consistent daily care, including proper brushing and flossing techniques, along with healthy lifestyle habits. Our dentist may also provide personalized guidance to help you maintain gum health and protect the results of your periodontal treatment.