Periodontal Disease - It’s not just about dental health, it’s about overall health.
Also known as gum disease, it is a bacterial infection affecting the gums and bone around the teeth. The word periodontal means “around the tooth”, and that is what periodontal disease does…it destroys the bone and tissues that surround and support your teeth. Periodontal disease is the main cause of tooth loss in adults and is almost as widespread as the common cold.
Numerous independent research studies indicate that periodontal disease is linked to…
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Respiratory disease
- Strokes
- Pre-term low birth-weight babies
- Poor digestion
- Overall health issues
Some studies suggest that periodontal disease may pass through saliva, meaning that you could infect your partner or children.
Diagnosing Periodontal Infection and Treatment Protocol
Comprehensive treatment first starts with a thorough diagnostic evaluation. In our assessment of your gums, we look for any signs of active bacterial infection beyond the areas you are able to clean or access with home care techniques...tooth brushing, flossing, and other interdental tools. Based upon our clinical findings, we will make a continued care recommendation, or if indicated, a plan for clinical treatment. Clinical treatment typically involves a series of periodontal therapies to help stabilize bacterial infection in your gums. The infected area is treated with microsonics instrumentation, detailed hand instrumentation, and a diode laser which uses light and heat to remove infected tissue which promotes reattachment of new, healthy gum tissue. There are also locally administered antibiotics that can be used concurrently with your clinical treatment. Arestin is a locally administered antibiotic used to aid the fight of infection, enhance the healing process and aid in pocket depth reduction during Periodontal Treatment and Periodontal Maintenance.
Links to Related Articles
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Alerting Patients About the Role of Obesity in Increasing the Risk for Gum Disease
Helping Parents Understand the Risks of Childhood and Adolescent Obesity and the Suspected Link to Gum Disease
Helping Patients with Diabetes Understand the 2-Way Relationship Between Diabetes and Gum Disease
Oral Complications of Treatment for Head and Neck Cancer: What You Need To Know
Helping Patients Understand the Suspected Link Between Gum Disease and Heart Attack/Stroke
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