Gum Disease Treatment in Arlington Heights
Gum disease treatment in Arlington Heights for bleeding, swollen or receding gums, from deep cleaning to laser therapy. Dr. Bilus Poles holds a Certificate of Proficiency in Dental Laser Surgery.
5.0 on Google · 541 reviews
- 5.0Google rating
- 541Google reviews
- 2,500+Hours of continuing education
- 2Dental degrees (DDS)
- MAGD: Master of the Academy of General Dentistry
- ICOI and IDIA Board Certified Diplomate
- Most major dental plans accepted
Gum disease treatment removes the bacteria and hardened tartar below the gumline that inflame your gums and, over time, damage the bone around your teeth. It is for anyone with bleeding, puffy or receding gums, bad breath or loose teeth. Omni Dental offers gum disease treatment in Arlington Heights, including laser therapy, with Dr. Poles.
What is gum disease?
Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. It starts when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, builds up along the gumline and hardens into tartar.
Your body reacts to that bacteria with inflammation. Left untreated, the inflammation can break down the gum attachment and the bone around the teeth, which can lead to tooth loss.
The stages of gum disease
Gum disease usually develops slowly, and early stages often cause no pain. Knowing the stages helps explain why treatment differs from person to person.
| Stage | What you may notice | Typical treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Gingivitis | Red, swollen gums that bleed when you brush | Professional cleaning and better oral hygiene |
| Early periodontitis | Gums start pulling away, forming pockets | Deep cleaning, sometimes with laser therapy |
| Moderate periodontitis | Deeper pockets, some bone loss, receding gums | Deep cleaning, laser therapy and maintenance |
| Severe periodontal disease | Loose teeth, a changing bite | Treatment above, sometimes a periodontist |
Signs you may need treatment
Many people with gum disease feel no pain, so these clues matter. See a dentist if you notice:
- Gums that bleed when you brush, floss or eat
- Red, swollen or tender gums
- Bad breath or a bad taste that does not go away
- Gums pulling back from your teeth
- Teeth that feel loose or are shifting
- A change in how your teeth fit together
- Pus between the teeth and gums
How is gum disease diagnosed?
At your exam, Dr. Poles measures the space between each tooth and the gum with a small ruler called a periodontal probe. Healthy gums fit snugly. Deeper pockets point to disease.
X-rays show the bone level around your teeth. Together, the measurements and X-rays show your stage and which treatment fits.
Your periodontal disease treatment options
Treatment depends on the stage, and the four main options are shown in the treatment guide on this page. The goal is to remove the bacteria, let the gums heal and keep the disease from coming back.
Once your gums are healthy, regular cleanings help keep them that way. Some advanced cases need gum surgery or bone grafting from a periodontist, and you will be told if your case calls for that.
Laser gum treatment in Arlington Heights
Dr. Poles holds a Certificate of Proficiency in Dental Laser Surgery from the American Board of Laser Surgery. He is also a member of the American Academy of Laser Dentistry. The laser targets inflamed tissue inside the gum pocket.
Laser therapy is one tool among several. Whether it suits you depends on your pocket depths, bone levels and overall gum health, and your plan explains how it fits in.
What recovery looks like
After a deep cleaning or laser therapy, your gums may feel tender for a few days. Your teeth may also be sensitive to cold for a while.
Most people go back to their normal routine soon after the visit. Your aftercare steps usually cover gentle brushing, what to eat while the gums heal, and when to come back. Call the office if bleeding, swelling or pain gets worse instead of better.
How to prevent gum disease from coming back
Gum disease can be controlled, but it needs ongoing care. Your part at home matters as much as the treatment.
- Brush twice a day with a soft brush, angled toward the gumline.
- Clean between your teeth every day with floss or small brushes.
- Keep every maintenance visit on your schedule.
- Avoid smoking and vaping, which make gum disease harder to control.
- Tell your dentist about changes in your overall health, since some conditions and medicines affect your gums.
If gum disease has already cost you a tooth, ask about replacing a lost tooth.
Gum pain or swelling that can’t wait?
A sudden gum abscess, fast swelling or severe gum pain needs prompt care.
Call (847) 483-8833, Monday to Friday, 10 AM to 6 PM, and read our guide to an urgent dental visit.
For swelling that affects breathing or swallowing, go to an emergency room or call 911.
Why choose Omni Dental for gum disease treatment in Arlington Heights?
Dr. Poles is a Master of the Academy of General Dentistry with more than 2,500 hours of continuing education. Read more about his training and memberships.
Omni Dental accepts most major dental plans, including Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna, Delta Dental and MetLife. New to the office? See what your first visit looks like.
Meet your dentist
Dr. Bilus D PolesDDS,MAGD,DICOI, DIDIA
Every treatment plan at Omni Dental is led by Dr. Poles, from checkups and cleanings to full-arch implant care.
- MAGDMaster of the Academy of General Dentistry
- ICOIBoard Certified Diplomate, Implantology
- IDIABoard Certified Diplomate, Implants
- LaserCertificate in Dental Laser Surgery
- Illinois license #019.027365
Your options
Which gum disease treatment fits your stage?
Treatment is matched to the stage of disease Dr. Poles finds at your exam.
Professional cleaning
For early gingivitis, a thorough cleaning and better home care often let the gums heal.
Scaling and root planing
A deep cleaning that removes tartar below the gumline and smooths the roots so gums can heal.
Laser gum therapy
A dental laser treats infected tissue inside the gum pocket, often alongside a deep cleaning.
Periodontal maintenance
Cleanings at shorter intervals after treatment to keep bacteria from building up in the pockets again.
Step by step
How does gum treatment work at Omni Dental?
- 1
Gum exam and X-rays
Dr. Poles measures each gum pocket and checks bone levels to find the stage of disease.
- 2
Your treatment plan
You get a plan that explains which treatment fits, how many visits it takes and why.
- 3
Treatment
Deep cleaning, laser therapy or both, with the area numbed first.
- 4
Recheck and maintenance
A follow-up visit checks healing, then regular maintenance cleanings help keep the gums healthy.
Smile gallery
Smile restorations from our office
Drag the handle to compare. Every photo shows a real Omni Dental patient.
Trusted and recognized
Affiliated with leading dental organizations
Dr. Poles is a member of leading dental associations and has completed more than 2,500 hours of continuing education.
Proud member of our local chambers of commerce
Insurance
We accept most major dental plans
We accept most major dental plans, including Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna, Delta Dental and MetLife. Bring your insurance card and we will check your benefits before treatment starts.
Not sure about your plan? Call (847) 483-8833 and our front desk will look it up with you.
- + most other major dental plans
Google reviews
Rated 5.0 on Google
Real words from real patients. Omni Dental holds a 5.0 rating from 541 reviews on Google.
- Katherine BastermajianMay 20, 2026★★★★★
He’s fabulous. Extremely nice and professional.
- AshtarMay 6, 2026★★★★★
I had a really great experience at Omni Dental! Everyone was so friendly and welcoming and the office was super clean and organized. Dr.Bilus is very honest and explained everything clearly without pushing unnecessary work. You can tell they genuinely care about their patients. Definitely recommend if you’re looking for a good dentist!!!
- George BitarMay 4, 2026★★★★★
The experience was amazing. I came in for a crown and I did not feel a thing. The process from beginning to end was the easiest process and I highly recommend Omni and Dr Poles. Thank you for everything
- SuNnY Mad1omApril 30, 2026★★★★★
Very careful with teeth and they treat you very nicely
- Rami LilouApril 30, 2026★★★★★
Been going to this doctor since I was 5, even at his old office, amazing and smooth experience everytime
- Jorge MendezApril 30, 2026★★★★★
Mayra and Atziri are very helpful with insurance. Isabel and Maribel are great assistants.
- Andrea ArroyoApril 30, 2026★★★★★
Such a mellow and genuine office and staff. Dr poles is genuinely honest and tells things like they are. Mayra at the front was such a sweet person and perfect customer service. Definitely found my dentist
- JessicaApril 28, 2026★★★★★
I had a great experience here ,all the staff is super friendly and great doctor :)
- Carlos Enrique Rodríguez SantanaApril 25, 2026★★★★★
Me fue muy bien con mis brakets muy buena atención muy atentos recomendado
Patient video testimonials
Real patients. Real stories.
Hear how patients feel about their care at Omni Dental, in their own words.
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Joseph L.Joseph shares his experience with Dr. Bilus Poles
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Asja S.Asja's patient experience at Omni Dental
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Ramsen S.Why I keep coming back to Omni Dental
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Lisa K.Lisa shares her experience with Dr. Bilus Poles
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Sarah A.Outstanding dental care at Omni Dental
What does gum disease treatment cost?
What sets the price
The stage of disease, how many areas need deep cleaning or laser therapy, and your dental plan.
Areas we serve
Close to home in the northwest suburbs
Our one office at 305 E. Rand Road in Arlington Heights sees patients from these nearby cities.
- Arlington Heights
- Schaumburg
- Buffalo Grove
- Palatine
- Mount Prospect
- Des Plaines
- Rolling Meadows
- Dental implants in Hoffman Estates
- Sleep apnea care in Elk Grove Village
All 58 communities we serve
Prospect Heights · Wheeling · Northbrook · Deerfield · Park Ridge · Bensenville · Glenview · Niles · Bloomingdale · Hanover Park · Morton Grove · Addison · Highland Park · Franklin Park · Mundelein · Bartlett · Elmhurst · Skokie · Wilmette · Libertyville · Villa Park · Lake Forest · Carpentersville · Carol Stream · Elmwood Park · Lombard · Melrose Park · Bellwood · Glen Ellyn · Evanston · Cary · Elgin · Maywood · Wheaton · Algonquin · Lincoln Square · Rogers Park · Westchester · Avondale · Oak Park · South Elgin · North Chicago · Grayslake · West Chicago · Uptown · Berwyn · Brookfield · Downers Grove · Gurnee
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Do not see your question? Call us and we will talk it through.
Call (847) 483-8833When is it too late to reverse gum disease?
Gingivitis, the earliest stage, can usually be reversed with a professional cleaning and better brushing and flossing. Once periodontitis has caused bone loss, that bone does not grow back on its own. Treatment can still control the infection and help slow further damage.
Can you smell if someone has gingivitis?
Sometimes. Bacteria under the gums can cause bad breath or a bad taste that brushing does not fix. Bad breath has other causes too, so it is not proof of gum disease. A gum exam with pocket measurements gives the real answer.
What is the difference between a regular cleaning and a deep cleaning?
A regular cleaning removes plaque and tartar above and just below the gumline on healthy gums. A deep cleaning, called scaling and root planing, reaches deeper into gum pockets and smooths the roots so the gums can heal. The area is numbed first.
Does laser gum treatment hurt?
The area is numbed before treatment, so most people feel little during the visit. Afterward, gums may feel tender for a few days. Dr. Poles gives you aftercare steps for your case.
What kind of dentist treats gum disease?
Many cases are treated by a general dentist with deep cleaning, laser therapy and maintenance visits. A periodontist, a gum specialist, may be needed for advanced cases that call for surgery or bone grafting. Dr. Poles tells you if your case needs that level of care.
How much does gum disease treatment cost?
It depends on the stage of disease, how many areas of the mouth need deep cleaning or laser therapy, and how often you need maintenance visits afterward. Your dental plan also changes your share. After your gum exam, ask for a written estimate that lists each step.