Periodontist in Chicago — Expert Gum Disease Treatment
Healthy gums are the foundation of every confident smile. At Minty Dental Boutique in Chicago’s Forest Glen neighborhood, Dr. Caroline Jermanus, DDS, MS, a board-certified periodontist, provides advanced treatment for gum disease, gum recession, bone loss, gingivitis and dental implants.
We welcome patients from Sauganash, Edgebrook, Jefferson Park, and the broader Northwest Chicago area seeking gentle, specialized gum care.
Who Is This Service For?
You may benefit from seeing a periodontist if you:
- Have bleeding or swollen gums when brushing or flossing
- Notice gum recession or teeth that look “longer”
- Experience loose or shifting teeth
- Have persistent bad breath despite brushing
- Have diabetes, heart disease, or risk factors linked to gum health
- Are planning dental implants or have implants with inflammation
- Have been told you have “deep pockets” or bone loss around teeth
Whether you’re managing early-stage gingivitis or advanced periodontitis, Dr. Jermanus tailors treatment to your specific stage of gum disease.
Meet Your Specialist: Dr. Caroline Jermanus, DDS, MS
- Board-Certified Periodontist (American Board of Periodontology)
- Advanced training in periodontics, dental implants, bone regeneration, sinus augmentation, and soft-tissue grafting
- Gentle, people-first approach; clear explanations and thoughtful follow-up
- Collaborates with our restorative team to create stable, esthetic results that last
Common Symptoms of Gum Disease
- Red, puffy, or tender gums
- Bleeding after brushing or flossing
- Chronic bad breath or bad taste
- Gum recession and exposed roots
- Tooth sensitivity
- Loose or separating teeth
- Dentures or bite that no longer fit properly
Early gum disease (gingivitis) is reversible, but untreated periodontitis can lead to tooth and bone loss. The sooner treatment begins, the better your long-term outcome.
Periodontal & Implant Services We Offer
Non-Surgical Gum Therapy (early to moderate disease)
- Comprehensive exam & periodontal charting
- Scaling & Root Planing (“deep cleaning”)
- Local antimicrobial therapy (as indicated)
- Ongoing periodontal maintenance every 3–4 months to help prevent relapse
This conservative phase treats infection under the gumline, smooths root surfaces for healing, and sets the stage for healthier gums.
Surgical Periodontal Therapy (advanced disease)
When pockets are deep or bone loss is present, Dr. Jermanus may recommend:
- Pocket reduction / flap surgery to access and disinfect root surfaces
- Guided tissue regeneration & bone grafting to rebuild support
- Crown lengthening for restorative/esthetic needs
- Laser-assisted therapy when appropriate to decontaminate diseased sites
Chicago periodontists commonly pair these regenerative procedures with careful maintenance to protect results.
Gum Recession Treatment (soft-tissue grafting)
Receding gums can expose roots, increase sensitivity, and affect your smile line. Dr. Jermanus performs:
- Connective-tissue grafts for root coverage and thicker gum tissue
- Free gingival grafts to increase attached gum and resist further recession
- Pinhole-style/modified minimally invasive approaches when indicated
These techniques help protect teeth and improve esthetics.
Dental Implants & Implant-Site Development
For missing teeth or hopeless teeth due to periodontal disease:
- 3D planning & guided implant placement
- Socket preservation, ridge augmentation, and sinus lifts
- Single-tooth, multi-tooth, and full-arch solutions
- Ongoing implant maintenance to help prevent peri-implantitis
Local Chicago periodontal centers emphasize that site development (bone and soft tissue) is critical for long-term implant success—exactly the approach we take at Minty.
Step-by-Step: What to Expect During Periodontal Treatment
- Comprehensive Evaluation & Digital Imaging
Dr. Jermanus performs a full periodontal charting, measuring pocket depths and assessing bone levels with 3-D imaging. - Personalized Treatment Plan
You’ll review your results together and receive a clear, customized plan that may include non-surgical or surgical therapy. - Non-Surgical Therapy (Scaling & Root Planing)
Deep cleaning removes plaque and bacteria below the gumline and smooths root surfaces to promote reattachment. For early-stage cases like gingivitis, deep cleaning (scaling & root planing) and improved home care can fully reverse symptoms. - Surgical or Regenerative Therapy
For advanced disease, Dr. Jermanus may perform pocket reduction, bone grafting, guided tissue regeneration, or soft-tissue grafting. - Implant Placement (if indicated)
When teeth can’t be saved, dental implants restore both function and appearance with long-term success. - Maintenance & Follow-Up
Periodontal maintenance visits every 3–4 months protect your investment and prevent recurrence.
Benefits of Periodontal Treatment
- Stops bleeding, swelling, and infection
- Prevents tooth and bone loss
- Improves breath and oral freshness
- Enhances gum esthetics and smile harmony
- Provides a stronger foundation for implants and restorations
- Reduces inflammation that can affect overall health
Risks & Considerations
All periodontal procedures are safe when performed by a trained specialist, but potential risks include:
- Temporary swelling, soreness, or sensitivity
- Minor bleeding or gum tenderness after surgery
- Possible root exposure or temporary tooth looseness
- Post-operative infection (rare and managed with antibiotics)
Dr. Jermanus discusses each step beforehand so you know exactly what to expect and how to care for your gums afterward.
Recovery & Aftercare
Most patients return to normal activities within 24 hours after non-surgical therapy and within 2–3 days after surgical procedures.
Aftercare instructions:
- Avoid spicy, crunchy, or hot foods for 48 hours
- Rinse with prescribed antimicrobial mouthwash
- Use a soft-bristle toothbrush
- Take medication as directed
- Apply cold compresses to reduce swelling
- Attend scheduled follow-ups for check-ups and cleaning
Healing times vary from a few days to several weeks depending on procedure complexity.
When Periodontal Surgery May Not Be Recommended
- Uncontrolled diabetes or hypertension
- Active infection elsewhere in the mouth or body
- Heavy smoking or vaping habit
- Pregnancy (some procedures postponed until later trimesters)
- Inadequate bone support for implants without grafting
If surgery isn’t suitable, alternatives like non-surgical therapy, localized antibiotic delivery, or laser-assisted treatments may be recommended first.
Cost Ranges & Insurance Information
Procedure | Typical Range (Chicago Area) |
Scaling & Root Planing | $250 – $400 per quadrant |
Periodontal Surgery | $1,000 – $3,000 per site |
Soft-Tissue Graft | $800 – $1,500 per tooth |
Dental Implant Placement | $2,000 – $4,500 per implant |
Exact pricing depends on complexity and insurance coverage.
Minty Dental Boutique accepts most PPO insurance plans and provides CareCredit® and Cherry Financing to make care affordable.
You’ll receive a written estimate before treatment begins.
Doctor’s Insight
“Gum health isn’t just about your smile—it’s about your overall well-being.
When we restore the foundation of your teeth, we’re protecting more than your mouth—we’re protecting your health and confidence.”
— Dr. Caroline Jermanus, DDS, MS, Board-Certified Periodontist
FAQs
Whether you’re looking for more information about dentistry services, we hope this section will help answer any questions you may have.
Do I need a referral to see a periodontist?
No—patients can book directly with Minty Dental Boutique for an evaluation.
Is gum disease reversible?
Early stages (gingivitis) are reversible with professional cleaning and good home care. Advanced periodontitis requires specialized treatment to stop progression.
Will the procedure hurt?
Local anesthesia and gentle techniques keep you comfortable. Mild soreness afterward is typical and manageable with over-the-counter pain relief.
How long do results last?
With good oral hygiene and regular maintenance visits, periodontal results can last a lifetime.
Can gum disease affect my heart or overall health?
Yes. Studies show links between periodontal inflammation and systemic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and pregnancy complications.
What if I’m missing bone for implants?
Dr. Jermanus can perform bone grafting or sinus augmentation to rebuild support and prepare the site for successful implant placement.
How often should I see a periodontist after treatment?
Most patients transition to maintenance every 3–4 months for long-term gum stability.
Do you offer laser treatment for gum disease?
Yes, select cases benefit from laser-assisted therapy to remove bacteria and reduce discomfort with faster healing.
Can gingivitis be treated without surgery?
Yes. Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease and is fully reversible with professional cleaning and consistent oral hygiene. Dr. Jermanus often starts with non-surgical therapy to restore gum health.
Schedule Your Periodontal Consultation Today
Don’t wait until gum disease causes irreversible damage.
Book a consultation with Dr. Caroline Jermanus at Minty Dental Boutique and discover how healthy gums can transform your smile and overall well-being.
