Periodontal Diagnosis

Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums and the bone that surrounds the teeth. Suffers of gum disease often aren’t aware of it because it is rarely painful in the earliest stages.

The main cause of periodontal disease is bacteria build-up under the gums in the form of plaque. Unless regular care is taken of your teeth and gums by daily brushing and flossing, along with regular cleanings, your mouth is a breeding ground for disease-causing bacteria. Some of the warning signs may include:

• Persistent bad breath
• Bleeding of gums when brushing or flossing
• Soft, swollen or tender gums
• Gums shrinking away from teeth
• Loose teeth
• Changes in the spaces between teeth, which may reflect changes in the underlying bone

When you visit our office, you receive an X-ray examination and periodontal probing analysis. Any plaque and tartar build-up is removed, and teeth, gums and bone are all professionally monitored for even the slightest diseased condition. With daily at-home care and routine dental visits, you can be assured a lifelong, bright and healthy smile.

Periodontal Disease & Diabetes

Diabetics are at greater risk of oral infections and diseases, due to the reduced flow of oxygen and nutrients to the body’s tissues, and the slowed removal of harmful wastes.

Also, the bacteria in your mouth that are responsible for periodontal disease thrive on sugars, including glucose—the sugar linked to diabetes. If diabetes is not properly cared for, high glucose levels in your saliva feed these bacteria, and gum disease sets in. The reverse is also true; an infection of the gums makes it more difficult to control blood sugar levels.

Daily flossing and brushing, along with regular cleanings, are essential for sufferers of Diabetes, and for everyone. These prevention measures reduce plaque; the number one cause of periodontal disease. Diabetics may require prescribed antibiotics and medicated mouth rinses, as well as more frequent dental cleanings.

With good dental hygiene and care, you can remain healthy and free of periodontal disease.

Periodontal Disease & Heart Disease

Researchers have discovered that sufferers of periodontal disease may have an increased risk of developing coronary heart disease and stroke. Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is an infection of the teeth, gums, and the ligaments and bone that surround your teeth.

The link between periodontal disease and heart disease exists in the bacteria associated with periodontal disease. These bacteria can trigger the formation of blood clots that can block arteries, causing a heart attack, or travel through your bloodstream to the brain resulting in a stroke.

Another heart condition stemming from these bacteria is infective endocarditis. This inflammation of the sac around the heart can be a potentially fatal infection

Keeping your teeth and gums healthy can directly impact the health of your heart. If periodontal disease is a factor in your dental history, we will suggest therapies and at-home oral hygiene routines that can significantly improve your oral health.

Scaling & Root Planing

When tartar builds up below the gumline, routine cleanings cannot eliminate the toxins residing near the roots. This build-up occurs when regular flossing and brushing are ignored, and can only be corrected by scaling and root planing.

Over several visits, we use small scaling instruments an ultrasonic scaler and lasers to carefully remove plaque, tartar and bacteria build-up from below the gumline. Then, we plane (smooth) the root surfaces of your teeth and sterilize the pockets with a laser so that your gums will reattach to your teeth and heal properly. Sometimes, antibiotics, topical medications, or at-home treatments may be prescribed to promote rapid healing and eliminate potential infection.

Special tools and techniques will be advised beyond regular flossing and brushing, to ensure continued oral health. With this procedure, your teeth and gums can be restored to a healthy and disease-free condition.

For more information or to schedule a consultation appointment, please Contact Us.