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Politis Periodontics
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Services

  • Periodontist in Lake Forest

Below are some of our periodontal services. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact us!

Dental Laser Therapy

State of the art treatment for your gum disease utilizing the worlds first and only scientifically proven FDA cleared device, the PerioLase® MVP-7™

Learn More.

Watch a short video.

Examination and Full Mouth X-Rays

Your initial examination appointment with Dr. Politis will require an hour of your time. During this appointment your medical and dental histories will be review and a comprehensive periodontal examination, including a head/neck cancer screenings, will be performed.
Current full mouth X-rays (radiographs) provided by your general dentist are necessary to assess any underlying bone or tooth related issues that cannot be visibly seen when examining the mouth.  Dr. Politis may request the taking of clinical photographs or additional x-rays (taken digitally) to aid in the proper diagnosis and treatment of your case.

Disease Control / Scaling & Root Planing

A disease control appointment is usually performed prior to any surgical treatment.  During this appointment, our hygienist Bernadine cleans your mouth and goes over proper hygiene techniques to help you thoroughly clean your teeth at home. You will leave with cleaning instructions and products to help maintain the surgical work that will be done later.
Scaling and root planing is performed by our hygienist Bernadine or by Dr. Politis. This type of cleaning goes deeper into the gums than a regular dental cleaning. A combination of hand instruments and ultrasonic instruments are utilized to remove your tartar (calculus) deposits and smooth root surfaces. This treatment clears the areas of excess bacteria and may help with gum tissue reattachment, reducing your pockets in the process.

Crown Lengthening

Why? A crown lengthening procedure is done as to expose more of the natural tooth so that your new crown can be placed upon a stable foundation. This procedure is also done if the margin for your crown would be too far below the gum line to allow for a fit that would not irritate your tissues.

How? Once you are completely numb, the gum tissues are flapped open, excess tissues are removed and some bone will need to be reduced to lower the gum line to the desired height. The change is quite small (1-3 mm usually) but it can make a significant different in the appearance and stability of your new crown.

Pinhole® Surgical Technique

The Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique (PST®), invented and patented by John Chao, D.D.S., is a scalpel-free, suture-free procedure for treating gum recession.

Learn More!

Soft Tissue Grafting

Why: Soft tissue grafting is done to help provide a tougher band of tissue in areas where your gum is naturally thin or recessed. Although complete coverage of the exposed root of your tooth may not be obtained, the ultimate goal is to thicken your gum tissues, thereby preventing further recession.

How:Once you are completely numb, Dr. Politis will clean and polish the teeth that will receive the graft. A small piece of tissue is then taken from the roof of the mouth and placed into the treatment area.  You will leave with stitches that will separately protect the area the graft was take from and secure the new graft in place.

Frenectomy

Why? A frenectomy is done when the “muscle” pull under the lip on either the upper or lower teeth ( usually found between the two front teeth ) is too low, wide or tight. This can cause either spacing between the teeth or can contribute to gum recession in these areas.

How?  Once you are completely numb, Dr. Politis will gently release the “muscle” from the lip and then place biodegradable stitches to assure that you are comfortable after surgery. This procedure is relatively quick and is usually done for orthodontic purposes or when tissue grafting the lower front teeth.

Extraction & Bone Grafting

Why? If the tooth has broken down beyond repair or has cracked, it is best to remove and replace the tooth. This will help alleviate pain, infection and further damage to adjacent teeth. The bone grafting is placed to help restore bone height and width appropriate for later placement of an implant.

How? The tooth is removed from the mouth as gently as possible, as to not affect the surrounding bone walls. A series of hand instruments and an ultrasonic hand piece are used to achieve this. The socket is then cleaned out of all infected tissue. Once the socket is clean, a sterilized bone material is placed into the socket. Your body absorbs the bone grafting and replaces it with your own natural bone. After about 4 months of healing time, an x-ray is taken to make sure the area has healed properly enough for implant placement. We can then schedule your dental implant.

Dental Implants

What is a dental implant? Dental implants are artificial roots, placed under the gum line, that are designed to replace a missing tooth or teeth. They are a good option for those individuals that have lost one or more teeth and desire a secure, long lasting replacement.

Why? When replacing a single tooth, dental implants are often the most natural tooth replacement option, both in function and ability to clean. They have the advantage over obtaining a bridge in that they require no drilling of the neighboring teeth. This helps to limit the potential for future cavities and possible damage to adjacent teeth. Additionally, since dental implants are made of titanium, there is no potential for cavity development.

How? A small “pilot” hole is made in the bone. Once the direction indicator is placed to make sure the implant will be exactly where Dr. Politis and your general dentist want it, the hole is slowly expanded to the appropriate implant size. The implant is then placed directly into the bone and a healing cap is placed on top of it to allow the gum tissue to grow around the implant.

Implants are only considered the “root” of the tooth; once we place the titanium root, you must see your general dentist for the chewing portion of the restoration (the implant crown) We do not do restorative dentistry at Politis Periodontics.

Biopsies

Why? A soft tissue biopsy is done to check any area of suspicion, whether it be a growth or a deterioration.

How? Once you are numbed, a small piece of surface tissue is removed and placed in a sterile container. You most likely will not have stitches afterwards. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for testing. We usually have your results in about 2 weeks.

Nightguards

Why? An acrylic night guard helps to redirect the forces on your teeth where they are hitting each other while clenching or grinding; putting less stress on certain areas in your mouth. The use of a night guard helps to maintain your bite.

How? A night guard is fabricated after making impressions of your upper and lower teeth. These impressions are sent to the dental laboratory for the construction of your customized appliance. Once we receive the appliance, typically in 3-4 weeks, you return to our office for the fitting and adjustment of the night guard.

Post Orthodontic

Sometimes after orthodontic treatment, the patient may be left with overgrown, thickened tissue. This can cause the teeth to look shortened or gummy, and can also cause soreness in the gums. This makes it hard for the patient to brush and floss as they should and sometimes causes insecurity with your smile.

With the latest technology, we can minimize discomfort associated with excess tissue growth and make the gums more esthetically pleasing around your newly straightened teeth!

This procedure is non-invasively done with the WaterLase laser to make for quick results and quick recovery.

Request an appointment

Contact Us

  • Phone
    (708) 386-8600
  • Address
    Politis Periodontics
    7327 North Avenue
    River Forest, IL 60305

PERIODONTAL SPECIALISTS

A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the diagnoses, prevention and treatment of periodontal diseases.
Periodontists are experts in the treatment of oral inflammation, management of gum recession and placement of dental implants.
Constantine L Politis , DDS
Constantine L Politis , DDS
5.0
Based on 9 Reviews
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Tina B.
Tina B.
2018-09-06 20:54:27
Dr. Politis is a great periodontist! He is focused on providing excellent care and in a compassionate, comfortable way. I appreciate his honesty and...
LIZ B.
LIZ B.
2018-05-31 12:15:50
Dr. Politis is one of the most professional periodontists I have had the pleasure of doing business with (and I have seen a few in my years). Nothing was...
Brett G.
Brett G.
2018-01-31 09:30:59
Dr. Politis is a consummate professional. He is passionate about his craft and full of compassion for his patients and their care. I was referred to him...
Eric A.
Eric A.
2018-01-01 16:55:25
No one is excited when they hear the words "oral surgery," but Dr. Politis made what could be a worrisome experience into one that was frankly astonishing:...
Politis Periodontics
Politis Periodontics
5.0
Based on 4 reviews
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Jango IG88
Jango IG88
00:59 17 Jul 18
The best dentist in America. A great blend of skills and personal attention to each and every patient. They have a first rate staff and modern technology that makes each visit pain free. The doctor has a great sense of humor and makes you feel at ease. attend!!
Maria Samatas
Maria Samatas
15:35 02 May 18
Being the office manager of a general dentist’s office, I hold a specialist and his staff to a particularly high standard; and Dr. Politis and his team did not let me down! I’ve had several visits to the office, and everyone from Diane in front to the hygienist and assistant are welcoming and professional. Dr. Politis is awesome! He is skilled, knowledgeable and really takes the time to not only explain what your procedure is but also but how to take care of the site in the future. Surrounded by the most up to date technology, Dr. Politis has a calming chair side manner that put nervous patient like me at ease. My gums look great, and I am a very satisfied patient. Thank you, Dr. Politis!
Esther Lopez
Esther Lopez
20:33 06 Mar 18
I have nothing but great things to say about Dr. Politis. His staff was amazing and his new facility in River Forest is beautiful. He was completely thorough with his exam and diagnosis. I felt taken care of from beginning to end. Thank you Dr. Politis and team for taking care of my teeth!
Richard Munaretto
Richard Munaretto
02:38 16 Jun 17
Smooth and gentle office. Recently moved into River Forest after many years in Oak Park. Just nice people
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