Periodontal Disease

Periodontal diseases are infections of the gums, which gradually destroy the support of your natural teeth. There are numerous disease entities requiring different treatment approaches. Dental plaque is the primary cause of gum disease in genetically susceptible individuals. Daily brushing and flossing will prevent most periodontal conditions. Bacteria found in plaque produces toxins or poisons that irritate the gums, which may cause them to turn red, swell and bleed easily. If this irritation is prolonged, the gums separate from the teeth, causing pockets (spaces) to form. As periodontal diseases progress, the supporting gum tissue and bone that holds teeth in place deteriorate. If left untreated, this leads to tooth loss.Why is oral hygiene so important? Adults over 35 lose more teeth to gum diseases, (periodontal disease) than from cavities. Three out of four adults are affected at some time in their life. The best way to prevent cavities and periodontal disease is by good tooth brushing and flossing techniques, performed daily.

Periodontal Technology

Microscopic Evaluation:

Since periodontal disease is caused by bacteria, and bacteria are not visible to the naked eye, we use a microscope to evaluate the microflora present in your mouth. From this analysis we are able to get a visual perspective on the types of bacteria and their level of activity.

This extra step in conjunction with a traditional periodontal exam gives us the information needed to provide an exceptional level of care.

Micro-ultrasonics:

These small probe-like instruments which vibrate at precise frequencies with sterile water collants are utilized as adjuncts to conventional curettes (hand instruments) to comfortably reduce the presence of bacterial plaque and calculus.

Gum Disease Laser Therapy:

Periodontal or gum disease happens when bacteria gets below the gum line and the attachment between the gum and tooth is lost. Three out of four Americans have some form of periodontal disease and only 3 out of 100 will ever get treated before its too late.

Gum disease is a silent, chronic, painless and communicable bacterial infection that often goes undetected or ignored until severe gum and bone destruction is unbearable and no longer able to be ignored. Left untreated gum disease can cause tooth loss and traditional treatment can hurt.

The latest conservative gum therapy uses a laser. The laser gently disinfects and evaporates diseased tissues from around the tooth and inside the gum pocket. This treatment interrupts the bacterial destruction of your tissues and bone giving them a chance to heal. Systematic repeated visits, generally 2-8, allow the gum pocket to be disease-free and sometimes allow tissues to reattach to the pocket back to a normal or near-normal depth. This new laser therapy is gentle, less painful, has a quick recovery. While surgery may still be indicated for severely advanced periodontal cases, laser therapy is a much more conservative, effective and comfortable option for beginning to moderate periodontal cases.

Examples of treatments available using gum laser therapy include:

Chemotherapeutic Agents:

Sometimes surgical intervention can be avoided with the use of localized antibiotics or antiseptics in conjunction with scaling/root planning ("a deep cleaning"). After the dental professional has thoroughly cleansed and prepared the specific site on your tooth, a localized and precise amount of medication can be delivered to aid in proper healing. The amount and type of medication would be determined based on your level of periodontal disease. An additional benefit of these medications is that they have a time release component which enables them to keep helping you long after you have left our office.

Periodontal/Gum Treatments

Periodontal Maintenance/non-surgical

Gingivitis and early stages of periodontal disease are best treated with non-surgical and laser therapy. It usually consists of a slide exam with our microscope, followed by the use of an ultrasonic instrument and/or hand scalers/curettes in between your teeth and gum to remove plaque and calculus. This procedure might be followed by a medicated irrigation of the spaces between your teeth and gums and placement of any chemotherapeutic agents where advised.

Surgical:

Periodontal Surgery

The surgical technique that the doctor chooses will depend on the type and severity of your disease, other oral conditions, and your overall health. The most common reason why you are being advised of this form of treatment is that the pockets (the spaces between your gums and your teeth) have become so deep that we do not feel that can clean them adequately, therefore the doctor has decided that you need surgery to remove the plaque and calculus below the gum line.

Periodontal Plastic Surgery

These procedures are a predictable way to care for sensitive or exposed root surfaces and prevent future gum recession. If you are unhappy with the appearance of short/unsightly teeth, this can be greatly improved by a combination of periodontal and cosmetic dentistry procedures. Crown lengthening/"Gum Lift" is reshaping the gum and supporting tissues to allow adequate room to place a healthy final restoration or for cosmetic reasons.

Indications include:

Gingival/Gum Grafting Procedures

When gums are thin and weak recession may occur. Many feel that when this occurs the area may be more susceptible to bacteria penetration and trauma. When gum recession is a problem then gum reconstruction using grafting/surgical techniques is an option.

Indications include:

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