Periodontal Therapy | Chicago Dentists Near You

Healthy Gums, Stronger Body: Modern Periodontal Care in Chicago, IL

Every confident smile relies on a strong, healthy foundation, but swollen, sensitive, or bleeding gums can silently compromise your comfort and overall well-being. Gum disease can affect your ability to chew comfortably, speak with ease, and even stay healthy systemically. At Contos Smile Center, Dr. Contos helps protect your natural teeth and revitalize your smile.

Taking action early makes all the difference in preventing permanent tissue and bone loss. Call our friendly team today at (773) 973-0531 to schedule a consultation and take your first step toward lasting health. Our dentists in Chicago welcome patients from nearby Skokie, Lincolnwood, and Edgewater.

Localized Care for Chicago Residents and Surrounding Communities

Situated at 6428 North California Avenue in the vibrant West Ridge neighborhood of Chicago, IL, Contos Smile Center is deeply rooted in our local community.

In addition to serving our neighbors in West Ridge, Dr. Contos gladly welcomes potential patients from nearby surrounding communities who seek high-quality, compassionate periodontal care:

Evanston: Located just north of our practice, Evanston residents appreciate our easy accessibility down California Avenue and our thorough approach to long-term dental health.
Rogers Park: Just minutes east of our office, Rogers Park neighbors turn to Dr. Contos for comfortable, patient-centered care right around the corner.
Lincoln Park: Patients traveling from Lincoln Park choose Contos Smile Center for focused attention, detailed treatment planning, and personalized oral care.

What Is Periodontal Therapy?

Periodontal therapy is aimed at removing harmful bacteria, arresting infection, and promoting the healing of soft tissues surrounding your teeth. When oral bacteria accumulate along the gumline, they form a sticky film called plaque. Left untreated, plaque hardens into tartar (calculus), which may irritate and destroy the surrounding tissues.

Standard prophylaxis (routine dental cleanings) cleans the visible surfaces of the teeth above the gumline. Dr. Contos creates personalized treatment strategies to treat infection where it hides—deep within periodontal pockets.

Stages of Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease generally develops in progressive stages. Recognizing where your mouth sits on this spectrum enables Dr. Contos to intervene before permanent structural damage occurs.

Gingivitis: The initial, mildest form of gum disease. Gingivitis causes red, swollen gums that may bleed easily during brushing or flossing. At this phase, the underlying bone structure remains completely intact. Because gingivitis is reversible, prompt action with Dr. Contos can fully restore your gums to ideal health.
Slight to Moderate Periodontitis: When gingivitis goes untreated, bacterial infection spreads beneath the gumline. Gums begin pulling away from the teeth, forming “pockets” that trap debris and plaque. Minor bone loss begins, and traditional brushing can no longer reach the source of the problem.
Advanced Periodontitis: Chronic infection destroys the bone and connective fibers supporting your teeth. Pockets deepen, pus may form between teeth, gums recede significantly, and teeth begin to shift or feel loose. Advanced periodontitis requires structured periodontal therapy to prevent tooth loss.

Signs You May Need Periodontal Treatment

Pay close attention to these common indicators that your gums require professional attention:

Bleeding During Brushing or Flossing: Healthy gums do not bleed easily. Seeing pink in the sink when you brush or floss is one of the earliest signs of active inflammation.
Persistent Bad Breath (Halitosis): Oral bacteria produce volatile sulfur compounds as they feed on trapped food particles. Ongoing bad breath that mouthwash cannot fix often points to bacteria harboring below the gumline.
Red, Swollen, or Tender Gums: Healthy gum tissue is firm and pale pink. Soft, puffy, or tender areas signal your immune system is battling an infection.
Receding Gums: If your teeth suddenly appear longer or you feel increased sensitivity near the root, your gums may be pulling away due to tissue breakdown.
Changes in Your Bite or Loose Teeth: In advanced stages, periodontitis destroys the supporting bone structure. Loose teeth, new gaps forming between teeth, or a sudden change in how your bite feels require prompt evaluation by Dr. Contos at our Chicago, IL, dental clinic.

Periodontal Therapy Treatments

Every smile is unique, which is why Dr. Contos creates a personalized treatment plan tailored to the health of your gums and the stage of periodontal disease. At Contos Smile Center, periodontal therapy focuses on removing harmful bacteria, reducing inflammation, and helping your gums heal.

Treatment options may include:

Scaling and Root Planing: Often referred to as a dental deep cleaning, this treatment removes plaque and tartar below the gumline while smoothing the tooth roots to encourage healthy gum reattachment.
Periodontal Maintenance: After active treatment, more frequent maintenance cleanings help control bacteria and reduce the risk of future gum disease.
Antibacterial Therapy: In some cases, antibacterial medications may be placed in periodontal pockets to help reduce infection and support healing.
Ongoing Periodontal Evaluations: Regular measurements of gum pocket depth and tissue health allow Dr. Contos to monitor your progress and make recommendations as needed.

Caring for Your Gums at Home

Healthy gums require consistent care between dental visits. Following a good oral hygiene routine can help protect your treatment results and reduce the risk of future gum disease.

Dr. Contos recommends:

Brushing twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush
Flossing daily to remove plaque between teeth and along the gumline
Using an antimicrobial mouth rinse, if recommended
Eating a balanced diet that supports healthy gums
Avoiding tobacco products, which can slow healing and increase the risk of periodontal disease
Visiting Contos Smile Center for regular periodontal maintenance and dental exams

With routine care at home and professional periodontal therapy in Chicago, IL, you can keep your gums healthy, protect your natural teeth, and enjoy a confident smile for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a routine dental cleaning and scaling and root planing?

A routine cleaning (prophylaxis) cleans the visible crown portion of your teeth above the gumline and is intended for patients with healthy gums or mild gingivitis. Scaling and root planing is a therapeutic deep cleaning that reaches below the gumline to remove hardened tartar and smooth tooth roots in patients with active periodontitis.

Is periodontal therapy painful?

At Contos Smile Center, your comfort is a primary focus. Dr. Contos utilizes local anesthetics to completely numb the treatment area during deep cleanings, making the procedure pain-free. After treatment, mild tenderness or temperature sensitivity can occur for a day or two, but this usually responds well to over-the-counter pain relief.

How often will I need periodontal maintenance cleanings?

Most patients undergoing treatment for periodontitis require maintenance visits every three to four months. Bacteria repopulate deep pockets in about 90 to 120 days. Visiting Dr. Contos every few months prevents bacteria from rebuilding destructive colonies beneath your gums.

Can periodontitis be completely cured?

Gingivitis can be fully reversed, but periodontitis cannot be “cured” in the traditional sense. Lost supporting bone structure and soft tissue don’t naturally regrow. However, periodontitis can be successfully managed and halted. Through prompt treatment and consistent maintenance with Dr. Contos, you can keep the disease in remission and preserve your natural teeth for a lifetime.

Reclaim Your Health and Confidence with Dr. Contos

Living with sore, bleeding gums or worrying about losing your natural teeth can take a heavy toll on your peace of mind and self-esteem. Taking the first step toward restoring your oral health is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself and your future.

At Contos Smile Center, Dr. Contos and our compassionate team listen attentively to your concerns, treat you like family, and walk alongside you every step of the way toward a healthier, brighter future. Call our Chicago dental office at (773) 973-0531 to schedule your periodontal consultation.