Non-Surgical Treatment

Treating Gum Disease

Over 80% of Americans have some degree of periodontal (gum) disease. Our team of highly educated and experienced dental hygienist are truly pioneers in the effective use of laser therapy and biologic and diagnostic methods. Their goal is to maximize the results of nonsurgical treatment so as to eliminate or reduce the need for surgical intervention. And this makes for a happy patient.

How does laser-assisted periodontal therapy differ from a deep cleaning?

If periodontal disease is diagnosed early, non-surgical therapy may be the only treatment necessary. This involves the removal of plaque and calculus from the root structures and the use of lasers to reduce the bacteria embedded in the gum tissue and stimulate repair. This therapy is performed over a series of appointment is for maximum effectiveness. The goal of the treatment is to reduce the depth of the pockets surrounding the teeth and control the systemic bacteria and inflammation associated with periodontal disease.

Scaling and root planing is a procedure that removes the tooth adherent plaque and calculus from below the gum line while soothing the surfaces of the roots.

Laser Bacterial Reduction is unique adjunct utilized during all nonsurgical treatments. Laser allow us to use very safe and predictable light energy to lower the concentration of bacteria that become embedded in the gum tissue and enter the bloodstream.

Photo Bio-Modulation or the use of low-level lasers is used externally to stimulate your body’s healing response. This advanced laser therapy is used during non-surgical therapies.

What is Oral DNA and why do I need it?

For more advanced cases salivary diagnostics might be ordered to determine the specific causative bacteria or genetic influences. This information is used to prescribe customized antibiotic or anti-inflammatory therapies to help control your periodontal infection. Norwood Park Periodontics partners utilizes Oral DNA Laboratory’s revolutionary salivary diagnostics to customize your treatment needs.

How often do I need a Periodontal Cleaning?

What most call a “normal cleaning” is what dentistry refers to as prophylaxis. It is the type of cleaning we provide to individuals with no bone loss or history of periodontal infection. Once you have been diagnosed with periodontal “gum” disease, you are at risk to further bone loss and systemic disease processes. Your preventative cleanings are now referred to as “periodontal maintenance” a customized procedure utilizing ultrasonics, biofilm disruption and lasers. The best way to safeguard your oral health is to follow the strict interval prescribed by your dental team.

Dental Hygiene Questions

Why can't I just get a normal cleaning?

What most call a “normal cleaning” is what dentistry refers to as a prophylaxis. It is the type of cleaning we provide to individuals with no bone loss nor history of periodontal infection. Once you have been diagnosed with periodontal “gum” disease, you are at risk to further bone less and systemic disease processes. Your preventative cleanings are now referred to as “periodontal maintenance” a customized procedure utilizing ultrasonics, biofilm disruption and lasers. The best way to safeguard your oral health is to follow the strict interval prescribed by your dental team.

What can't I just get my teeth cleaned every 6 months?

The interval for preventative maintenance appointments or “cleanings” is based on a scientific equation involving the degree of infection, the causative bacteria, your general health status and your immune response. It is critical to understand that periodontal disease is not curable, we only control the infection. Research indicates that the bacteria that cause periodontal disease begin mutating around day 45-60 and can reinfect the host as early as 75-90 days. The timeline is different for each patient. We estimate a “balance point” for your oral health based on the fore-mentioned factors. If we allowed you to go 6 months between cleanings, we most likely would be retreating your gum infection rather than preventing its recurrence. Remember that your oral health recommendations are a custom formula for your success; no two mouths are treated the same.

What are the benefits of lasers?

At Norwood Park Periodontics you will be exposed to soft tissue lasers as well as lasers for photo bio-modulation. In general lasers utilize safe and calculated light energy to evoke a therapeutic outcome. The soft tissue lasers utilize non-surgical settings to reduce the causative bacteria that invade the gum tissue and enter your blood stream. The lasers used for photo bio-modulation direct the healing light energy into surrounding tissues to stimulate enhanced wound repair and healing.

How is laser-assisted therapy different than a deep cleaning?

We are asked that question all day, every day. Our non-surgical approach to periodontal disease is a cornerstone of the practice and one of the many aspects that sets Norwood Park Periodontics apart. Scaling and root planing or a “deep cleaning” is a procedure that removes the calculus/tarter from the tooth structure. In many practices this is the only step taken during non-surgical therapy. At Norwood Park Periodontics, this is one of many steps in our non-surgical approach. In addition to removing the calculus/tarter from the tooth, we also employ lasers to reduce the causative bacteria embedded in the gum tissue, photo bio-modulation to stimulate tissue repair, glycine powder to disrupt bacterial colonies and antibiotics to reduce bacteria in the gemlike as well as your bloodstream. As you can see, we are very serious about our non-surgical approach and will continue to offer you the most comprehensive therapy available.

If my parents lost all of their teeth, will I?

Due to the many advances in the treatment of periodontal disease, we can almost always answer that question with a NO. At Norwood Park Periodontics we are relentless at researching and implementing the latest research and technologies geared to help you keep your teeth. But understand that if your disease state is so advanced when you begin your treatment with us, tooth loss may be the only option. Fortunately, Dr. Hosters and Agnes are exceptional at regenerative and implant procedures designed to rebuild and give back what the disease process destroyed. If losing your teeth is a concern, please make sure you share that with a team member so we can alleviate your fears.

Is gum disease contagious?

No, periodontal disease is not contagious but is can be cross contaminated. Unlike an airborne or surface adherent pathogen like influenza, periodontal disease cannot be spread through the air nor direct contact. The primary mode of transmission is saliva. Habits like sharing a spoon, cup or kissing can transfer the bacteria from one mouth to another; this is defined as cross-contamination. Norwood Park periodontics will be able to identify the specific causative bacteria as well as provide products and services to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.

Why do I need X-rays?

X-rays are an invaluable diagnostic tool. Without them we would be guessing more than 50% of the time. Dental imaging such as radiographs and 3 dimensional CT scans provide us insight into the degree bone destruction as well as cavities between the teeth or below the bone level. Imaging is irreplaceable in identifying underlying anatomical landmarks impacting your treatment such as nerve or sinus positioning related to implant placement. Lastly, dental imaging is crucial in finding masses or growths in the oral cavity that might otherwise go undiagnosed.

What Our Clients Say

“It was an amazing experience! The ladies at the front desk were extremely welcoming and all my questions were answered. 100% recommend! The service was outstanding, 10/10!”

Monica M

“Dr. Hosters and the whole team provide service on a very high level. They are professional and friendly. I have been through different procedures here and always felt that they took good care of me. Due to Dr. Hosters passion for Native American art, the office is beautifully decorated. Highly recommended!”

Anna M

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Norwood Park Periodontics | 5212 North Le Claire Avenue, Chicago IL 60630 | 773-774-4888 | ©2024, All Rights Reserved | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy

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Norwood Park Periodontics
5212 North Le Claire Avenue
Chicago IL 60630
773-774-4888

©2023, All Rights Reserved
Terms of Use | Privacy Policy