Periodontal disease is a serious issue that affects many people’s lives. Luckily our experienced periodontists are capable of treating periodontal disease in our patients, a field in which they have rigorous training and education.
The cleaning of calculus, or tartar, is a major component of treating periodontal disease. However, changes in the patient’s behavior are just as important. Making sure your dental hygiene habits are up to par is critical in the treatment of periodontal disease.
Your teeth are meant to last a lifetime, so it is critical to properly care for them. If you have periodontal disease, don’t feel hopeless. It is a treatable disease, but one that requires the patient to be aware and active with their dental care.
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Periodontal (Gum) Disease: What You Need to Know
Darien Dental – Darien, IL
At Darien Dental, we believe that healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy smile—and overall health. Periodontal disease is one of the most common yet overlooked conditions we treat, often progressing silently until permanent damage has already occurred.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal (gum) disease is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the gums, bone, and supporting structures of your teeth. It begins with plaque buildup and can progress into deeper infection if left untreated.
- Gingivitis: Early stage (bleeding, red, swollen gums)
- Periodontitis: Advanced stage involving bone loss and attachment loss
The infection is driven by harmful bacteria that live below the gumline, especially in deeper pockets where oxygen is low.
Why Periodontal Disease Is a Serious Health Issue
Periodontal disease is extremely common—and often underestimated:
- Nearly 50% of adults over 30 have some form of gum disease
- It is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults
- About 30% of adults show periodontal pockets ≥4 mm (a sign of disease)
Beyond oral health, research has linked periodontal disease to systemic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and inflammation throughout the body.
What Is Subgingival Calculus—and Why It Matters
One of the most important—and often overlooked—factors in periodontal disease is subgingival calculus (tartar below the gumline).
- Found in up to 67% of adults
- Acts as a reservoir for bacteria and toxins
- Can embed into the root surface, making it difficult to remove
Recent research shows that calculus is not just a passive buildup—it may actively contribute to inflammation and even stimulate bone loss through immune responses.
Even microscopic deposits can remain after treatment and continue to irritate the gums, which is why thorough care and maintenance are critical.
Bone Loss and Periodontal Pocket Depths
As periodontal disease progresses, it destroys the bone supporting your teeth.
Bone Loss
- Occurs when infection triggers the body’s inflammatory response
- Leads to loosening of teeth and eventual tooth loss if untreated
- Can progress silently without pain
Pocket Depths
Healthy gums: 1–3 mm
- 4 mm or more = early periodontal disease
- 5 mm or more = advanced disease requiring treatment
Deeper pockets allow bacteria to thrive where brushing and flossing cannot reach, accelerating the disease process.
Why Periodontal Disease Is Often Overlooked
Many patients don’t realize they have gum disease because:
- It is often painless in early and moderate stages
- Symptoms like bleeding gums are dismissed as “normal”
- Damage (bone loss) occurs below the surface and is not visible
- Patients may only seek care when teeth feel loose or sensitive
Unfortunately, by the time symptoms become obvious, the disease is often advanced.
Treatment Options at Darien Dental
We provide evidence-based, non-surgical periodontal therapy to stop disease progression and restore gum health.
Debridement
A thorough initial cleaning used when there is heavy plaque and calculus buildup. This allows proper evaluation and prepares the gums for definitive treatment.
Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning)
The gold standard for treating periodontal disease:
- Removes plaque and subgingival calculus below the gumline
- Smooths root surfaces to help gums reattach
- Reduces bacterial load and inflammation
This is a critical first step in halting bone loss.
Periodontal Maintenance
After treatment, ongoing care is essential:
- Typically every 3–4 months
- Targets bacteria before they recolonize deep pockets
- Helps maintain stable pocket depths and prevent relapse
Periodontal disease is a chronic condition, meaning maintenance is not optional—it is necessary for long-term success.
Why Following Through Is Critical
One of the biggest reasons periodontal treatment fails is lack of follow-through.
Without consistent care:
- Bacteria quickly repopulate deep pockets
- Residual calculus can continue to trigger inflammation
- Bone loss may continue—even without obvious symptoms
With proper treatment and maintenance, periodontal disease can be controlled and stabilized, helping you keep your natural teeth for life.
Protect Your Smile at Darien Dental
At Darien Dental, we focus on early detection, thorough treatment, and long-term maintenance of periodontal health.
If you’ve noticed:
- Bleeding gums
- Bad breath
- Gum recession
- Or it’s been a while since your last periodontal evaluation
Don’t wait. Periodontal disease is manageable—but only when it’s addressed early and consistently.
Schedule your periodontal evaluation today and take the first step toward healthier gums and a healthier life.