Experts in Treating Periodontal Disease
Gingivitis
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Periodontitis and Your Health
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Periodontal Disease (also known as "gum disease" or "periodontal infection") is an ongoing bacterial infection in the gums and bone around your teeth. This infection leads to an inflammation under the gums, and if not treated, this inflammation can destroy the bone around your teeth. This results in tooth loss. Approximately 75% of all adult tooth loss is due to periodontal infection.
Medical Consequences of Periodontal Disease
More importantly, research has associated periodontal infection to several serious medical problems; including heart disease, diabetes and stroke. As ongoing research continues to define how periodontal disease is associated with these and other health problems, oral health maintenance is essential. Periodontal health is a key component to a healthy body.
Laser Assisted Periodontal Therapy
Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP™) is a new therapy that allows for the effective treatment of periodontal disease with no removal of tissue.
LANAP™ is a gentle, conservative, non-invasive method of treating gum disease without cutting, suturing or removing tissue. Using a precision laser, we are able to kill up to 99% of the disease causing bacteria in the periodontal pockets. Because there is no defense against the laser, the bacteria can not adapt and avoid elimination as with anti-biotic treatment.
There is no cutting or suturing as with traditional methods of treating periodontal disease. This provides a fast, virtually pain free procedure with that effectively treats periodontal disease.
Additionally, the precision of the laser allows us to avoid removing significant tissue. This allows for a faster recovery and minimal loss of tooth and bone structure after the procedure.
LANAP In the News
Antibiotic Treatment for Gum Disease
Another very effective treatment for gum disease is an antibiotic called Arestin. It is applied directly to the periodontal pocket and starts to killing the harmful bacteria immediately once applied. It continues working for days after your appointment.
It is often recommended by itself or in conjunction with other procedures such as scaling and root planing.
Another very effective treatment for gum disease is an antibiotic called Arrestin. It is applied directly to the periodontal pocket and starts to killing the harmful bacteria immediately once applied. It continues working for days after your appointment.
Symptoms of Periodontal Infection
Periodontal infection is usually painless until it reaches an advanced stage. However, there are some symptoms that can indicate the presence of periodontal infection.
These may include:
- Red or swollen gums
- Bleeding when brushing (pink toothbrush), or at other times
- Aching, itchy, sore or tender gums
- Receding gums (teeth beginning to look longer)
- Pus between your teeth and gums when you press down on the gums
- Bad breath
- Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
- Any change in the fit of partial dentures
- Loose, separating or protruding teeth
- Spaces between teeth
Important Note: Your gums can look and feel quite normal and yet deep pockets of periodontal infection can still be present. To be certain about any periodontal disease, ask your dentist or periodontist to examine your gums for signs of infection.
Who is a Periodontist?
A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease. Many periodontists have also taken advanced training in the placement of dental implants. Periodontists receive extensive training in these areas, including 3 additional years of education beyond dental school. Periodontics is one of the 8 specialties recognized by the American Dental Association.