Posted July 21, 2014.
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a degenerative condition caused by bacteria in the plaque that builds up on the teeth. The first symptoms of periodontal disease include red and tender gums, swelling in the gums, and gums that bleed easily. If periodontal disease is left untreated, it can lead to loss of the teeth, bone, and gum tissue; periodontal disease is the number-one cause of adult tooth loss. In addition, periodontal disease has been linked to several medical conditions, including:
- Stroke
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Pregnancy complications
- Bacterial pneumonia
- High blood pressure
To improve the health of your gums and to avoid these serious health problems, our dentists provide periodontal care. When you visit our McHenry, Illinois dental office, Dr. Dano and Dr. Thakrar may recommend scaling and root planning, which are deep cleaning methods that can halt the progress of periodontal disease. We are also pleased to provide laser periodontal treatment at Bull Valley Dentistry, which can make your periodontal treatment more comfortable and effective.
Many surgeons in the McHenry County area send patients to us for “periodontal clearance” prior to surgical joint replacement, heart surgery, or other surgical procedures where bacteria is a concern. Surgeons do not want to introduce bacteria from your mouth into your system when it is trying to heal from a surgical procedure. It is important NOT to have surgery if you have uncontrolled periodontal disease.
If you believe that you may suffer from periodontal disease, we encourage you to contact us today. It is never too late to begin steps to a Healthy Mouth!
Bull Valley Dentistry | 815.322.7689 | www.bullvalleydentistry.com