Studies indicate that older people have the highest rates of periodontal disease. Data from the Centers for Diseae Control and Prevention indicates that over 70% of Americans 65 and older have periodontitis. Diabetes (type 2), obesity, show link to periodontal disease. It is important to know about periodontal disease risk factors. But prevention and early diagnosis can make a big difference in your life.
TO ASSESS YOUR GUM DISEASE RISK click here
Treatment methods depend upon the type of disease and how far the condition has progressed. The first step in treatment of periodontal disease is usually a thorough cleaning that may include scaling to remove plaque and tartar deposits beneath the gum line. Low dose antibiotics or irrigation with anti-microbial chemical agents may be recommended to help control the bacterial growth that create toxins and cause inflammation of the periodontium (periodontitis). This will help to control infection and to promote normal healing.
To find information please visit the MouthHealthy.org page about periodontitis and gum diseases.
scaling & root planing
Scaling and root planning is a non-invasive treatment method to treat periodontitis and to prevent it from advancing. The procedure entail a careful cleaning of the crown and root surfaces under the gums to remove bacteria, toxins, and tartar (calculus) that build up in the pocket. The tooth roots are planed to smooth the root surface allowing the gum tissue to heal and reattach to the tooth. In order to maximize patient comfort, a local anesthetic is used. Early non-invasive treatment may prevent future periodontal surgery.
When disease is very advanced and deep pockets present between teeth and gums that is difficult to thoroughly clean, surgery may be needed to restore periodontal health.
periodontal maintenance
Once a healthy environment has been established with appropriate periodontal treatment, the most important phase of periodontal therapy begins…long term maintenance. The frequency of periodontal maintenance is determined by the patient’s susceptibility to the disease. Most commonly these sessions are scheduled every two to four months, alternating between the general dentist and the periodontist.
gum recession
Gum recession occurs when your root surface becomes exposed – and may be a sign of gum disease, which destroys the structures that support your teeth.
WHY GUM RECESSION MATTERS?
The role of gum tissue is to cover and protect the root of the tooth and underlying bone. When gum tissue recedes, the bone and other tissues that support your tooth’s root are also lost. The resulting root sensitivity may also make eating and drinking unpleasant or painful. It’s important to identify and treat recession early. Left unchecked, recession could advance to a point where the root becomes unprotected, teeth may loosen and fall out.
Symptoms of gum recession can include:
- Sensitive teeth
- Tender gums
- Longer tooth line
- Exposed roots
- Loose teeth
implants & pre-implant surgery
When tooth or teeth are missing due to decay, fracture or congenitally, dental implants are an exciting and effective way to replace them. Dental Implants when done properly are the closest thing dentistry has to giving you back your natural dentition.
implant treatment procedure:
- diagnosis: The dentist determines whether an implant is the right solution with the help of X-Ray images and CT scans for three-dimensional imaging. One important condition for the treatment is that there is sufficient bone.
- implant placement: The implant is inserted under local anesthesia. A temporary restoration may be placed on the implant during the healing stage. This allows for a natural-looking smile early in the process.
- healing process: After approximately one week, the stitches are removed. The healing phase will last between six weeks and a few months, depending on the medical situation. During this time, diligent oral hygiene is vital to the healing stage of the treatment.
- placement of final restoration: The dental laboratory uses an impression to produce the crown, or bridge. It will be inserted after healing of the implant is complete.
- aftercare: Just like natural teeth, implants require regular check-ups and thorough oral hygiene. With appropriate care, the long-term function of implants can be maintained. Our team will guide you on cleaning and hygiene measures.
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Sometimes it is necessary to perform pre-implant surgeries to maximize bone support. These include socket preservation or reconstruction, guided bone regeneration, and sinus augmentation.
