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 Lakeview, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Contact UsCommon Questions
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.
Explore
Exams, cleanings and digital X-rays with hygienists who take their time.
Implants planned with 3D imaging by an AAID-member dentist.
Fillings, crowns, bridges and implants to repair worn, cracked or missing teeth.
See all services at Big City Dental
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Happy Patients
Our patients come from across Chicago’s Northside neighborhoods. Here’s what they’re saying about their experience at Big City Dental.
4.8 out of 5 on Google160+ reviews
Very good dental hygienist. Patient, answered all questions and cleaned my teeth with no discomfort
I have been going to Big City Dental for year. The current crew is beyond exceptional. During my most recent appointment, Ashley provided a wonderful cleaning. Dr Patel and I sat down for a consultation for some work we will need to do in the near future. His clam demeanor and extensive knowledge put me completely at ease. I had a scan preformed by Yana she was great. Raquel checked me out in her usual kind and efficient way. She also created an estimate for the upcoming procedures. I highly recommend Big City Dental.
Our family has gone to Big City for decades and we recommend the practice to our family and friends for gentle and comprehensive care. Great location too.
Dr. Kalentsky recently sold the practice to a new dentist, and he's great! Had been a patient of Dr. K for years, and the transition has been pretty seamless.
Always the best care and attention! Everyone is professional and friendly and always accommodating if I need to reschedule an appointment. Also, I really appreciate the reminders about upcoming appointments! Hooray for Big City Dental!
I saw doctor Nilay yesterday for the first time and I had a great experience. He was attentive and guided me through the procedure and made me feel very comfortable. I definitely recommend Dr. Nilay Patel if you are looking for a great dentist!
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!
Ashley does a great job as hygienist- takes the time to explain what she's doing. Dr. Nilay also great and thoroughly explains procedures. Great location!
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!
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!
Big City Dental was clean, efficient, and friendly. I will be requesting Abby every time I go now!
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.
A selection of recent 4 and 5 star Google reviews. The rating reflects all reviews.
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Big City Dental on Southport Ave is accepting new patients. Whether you’re due for a cleaning or ready to transform your smile, Dr. Nilay and the team are here to make it easy!
