Winston Cutler
2 months ago
Targeted periodontal treatment at Big City Dental — protecting your gums, your teeth, and your long-term oral health in Chicago’s Southport neighborhood.
Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, and most people have it to some degree without knowing. At Big City Dental in Chicago, Dr. Nilay Patel offers thorough periodontal evaluation and targeted treatment to stop disease progression, restore gum health, and protect the foundation that holds your teeth in place. Healthy gums are not optional — they are essential to everything else in your mouth.
What Is Periodontal Therapy: Periodontal therapy refers to the non-surgical and surgical techniques used to treat gum disease at various stages of progression. The most common treatment is scaling and root planing, a deep cleaning procedure that removes bacterial buildup from beneath the gumline. More advanced cases may require additional targeted treatment. The goal is always to eliminate infection, reduce inflammation, and create conditions where gum tissue can heal and remain stable.
Prevent Tooth Loss
Untreated periodontal disease destroys the bone and tissue that anchor your teeth. Treating gum disease in its early stages is the most reliable way to keep your teeth for life.
Protect Your Overall Health
Research continues to establish links between periodontal disease and systemic conditions including heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory illness. Treating gum disease is not just good for your mouth — it is good for your whole body.
Eliminate Pain and Sensitivity
Swollen, bleeding, or receding gums are uncomfortable and often a sign that something more serious is developing. Periodontal therapy reduces inflammation and resolves the discomfort that comes with active gum disease.
Fresher Breath
Persistent bad breath is one of the most common signs of periodontal disease, caused by bacteria living beneath the gumline. Effective perio treatment removes the source — not just the symptom.
A Healthier Foundation for All Other Dental Work
Before any restorative or cosmetic treatment can succeed long term, your gums need to be healthy. Periodontal therapy creates the stable foundation that every other dental investment depends on.
Step 1 — Comprehensive Periodontal Evaluation
Dr. Nilay will measure your gum pockets, evaluate bone levels with digital X-rays, and assess the overall health of your gum tissue. This gives him a precise picture of the stage and extent of any disease present.
Step 2 — Personalized Treatment Plan
Based on your evaluation, Dr. Nilay will recommend a treatment approach specific to your situation. He will explain what he found, what is recommended, and what you can expect from the process — clearly and without pressure.
Step 3 — Scaling and Root Planing
For most patients with moderate to advanced gum disease, scaling and root planing is the primary treatment. This deep cleaning procedure removes calculus and bacterial buildup from beneath the gumline and smooths the root surfaces to discourage future accumulation. Local anesthetic is used to keep you comfortable throughout.
Step 4 — Supportive Periodontal Maintenance
After active treatment, most patients transition to a periodontal maintenance schedule — typically every three to four months — to monitor healing, prevent recurrence, and maintain the progress made during treatment.
Step 5 — Coordination With Other Treatment
Periodontal health directly affects the success of implants, crowns, and other restorations. Dr. Nilay coordinates your perio care with any other planned treatment to ensure the best possible outcomes.
Our friendly team is here to help with anything you need — from insurance questions to treatment details.
Common signs include bleeding gums during brushing or flossing, persistent bad breath, swollen or red gum tissue, gum recession, loose teeth, or sensitivity along the gumline. Many patients have early-stage gum disease with no obvious symptoms at all — which is why routine exams are so important.
Scaling and root planing is performed under local anesthetic, so patients typically feel little during the procedure. Some soreness and sensitivity in the treated areas is normal for a few days afterward. Most patients are surprised by how manageable the recovery is.
Early-stage gum disease (gingivitis) can be completely reversed with professional treatment and improved home care. More advanced gum disease (periodontitis) cannot be fully reversed, but it can be effectively controlled. With consistent periodontal maintenance and good oral hygiene, most patients successfully stop disease progression and maintain their teeth for life.
The majority of periodontal cases at Big City Dental are treated non-surgically with scaling and root planing. More advanced cases may occasionally require a referral to a periodontist for surgical intervention. Dr. Nilay will be upfront with you about what your case requires.
A standard hygiene cleaning addresses the tooth surfaces above the gumline. Scaling and root planing goes significantly deeper, targeting the bacterial deposits that have accumulated in the pockets between the tooth roots and the gum tissue. It requires anesthetic, takes longer, and is typically done in two appointments — one half of the mouth at a time.
Our patients come from across Chicago’s Northside neighborhoods. Here’s what they’re saying about their experience at Big City Dental.
2 months ago
Another great visit w Ashley! Chopping it up between spritzes!
3 months ago
I was taken back for my cleaning exactly on time, and the entire visit was efficient without feeling rushed. Another great experience and visit.
3 months ago
I've been going to this practice for over 30 years, and my long-time dentist finally retired a few months ago. I'm very happy to report that the new dentist who has taken over is a very sociable, knowledgeable, and trustworthy person. I'll be happy to continue going here for another 30 years!
4 months ago
I can’t say enough good things about this dental office. From the moment you walk in, everyone is kind, welcoming, and professional. The dentist truly takes the time to explain everything, answer questions, and make sure you’re comfortable throughout the entire visit. I always feel like I’m in great hands and that they genuinely care about doing excellent work—not rushing or cutting corners. The quality of care is consistently wonderful, and I leave every appointment feeling confident and well taken care of. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a dentist they can truly trust!
4 months ago
Been a patient here for years, and every time I leave, I swear I’m going to floss every day… it lasts about a week, but they never judge me! The hygienists are gentle, esp Abby. Dr. Nilay is awesome, and they somehow make dental cleanings almost enjoyable. Highly recommend this crew!
5 months ago
Big City Dental was clean, efficient, and friendly. I will be requesting Abby every time I go now!
5 months ago
Love the place. Amazing people. Friendly staff 🫶🏼✨
5 months ago
I had such a wonderful experience with Raquel and Serena. They were incredibly kind, patient, and professional from start to finish. Their calming personalities and friendly attitudes made the entire visit so much more comfortable. They took the time to explain everything clearly and made sure I felt at ease throughout the appointment. You can truly tell they care about their patients. Thank you, Raquel and Serena, for providing such exceptional care—your teamwork and positivity make all the difference! 🌟🦷
5 months ago
I would definitely recommend Big City Dental to everyone that I know. My Hygienist Ashley was very efficient and thorough and my teeth especially clean. I was totally impressed. I will definitely recommend Ashley to all my family and friends.