Periodontal Disease

Treating Gum Disease in Highland and Valparaiso

Without early treatment, gum disease can quickly compromise patients’ oral and overall health. At The Periodontal Group, Highland and Valparaiso periodontists,  Dr. Gene Ranieri and his associate Dr. Basel Hajjar, combine evidence-based techniques with modern dental technologies to help patients regain health, function, and aesthetics. 

Contact Us Schedule An Appointment

Understanding Gum Disease

Triggered by the accumulation of plaque and the development of tartar, there are three distinct stages of periodontal disease: 

Gingivitis: Plaque accumulates and hardens into tartar, spurring on the development of bacteria. These bacteria create toxins which cause gum inflammation, sensitivity, and bleeding.

Periodontitis: Severe inflammation causes gums to begin separating from the teeth, creating periodontal pockets in which more bacteria, plaque, and debris can become trapped. In addition to gum discoloration, bleeding, and sensitivity, patients may also notice that their teeth appear longer than normal. 

Advanced Periodontitis: Bacteria within the periodontal pockets begin attacking the connective tissue and bone below the gum line, weakening the stability of teeth. In the most severe cases, patients may notice their teeth feel looser or begin to lose teeth. 
Periodontal disease is one of the most easily prevented dental conditions. However, due to its lack of noticeable symptoms, many patients do not realize that they are exhibiting symptoms until they have already reached the later stages of the condition where more advanced care is needed.

The Impact of Gum Disease

Like any other oral condition, periodontal disease has an impact beyond the dentition. As the disease progresses through its three distinct phases, the gums and supporting bone tissue slowly deteriorate, compromising patients’ oral health and function. 

Beyond the smile, gum disease can seriously damage an individuals’ overall health. In recent studies, the bacteria that cause gum disease has been linked to an increased risk of developing serious health issues, including cardiac issues, stroke, and respiratory problems. For expecting mothers, gum diseases heightens the likelihood of high-risk pregnancy and delivery, having been correlated to premature birth and low birth weight. As a result, addressing this oral health risk as soon as possible is critical to protecting a patient’s overall wellness. 

The Periodontal Group Approach to Gum Wellness

At our Highland and Valparaiso specialty practices, advanced technology allows our periodontists to provide every patient with exceptional, tailored care throughout every phase of gum disease therapy. The Periodontal Group offers several different options for treating varying conditions of periodontal disease. 

For patients with mild to moderate cases of gum disease, LANAP laser surgery can be used to remove bacteria and plaque from below the gum line and help stimulate gum reattachment to the tooth. Less invasive than traditional root planing and scaling, this approach is ideal for patients who have still have sufficient bone density. 

For advanced cases of gum disease, several treatments may be used to comprehensively treat the gums and surrounding tissue. If an individual is missing teeth and bone structure as a result of periodontal disease, Dr. Ranieri, and Dr. Hajjar may recommend bone grafting or augmentation followed by dental implant placement to restore the entire smile. 

Achieve Lasting Health Today

At The Periodontal Group, our goal is to provide high-quality care in an environment where patients feel comfortable. If you exhibiting any symptoms of periodontal disease, we urge you to contact our Valparaiso or Highland office immediately. 

Related Procedures