Periodontics

  1.  Periodontal Disease & Your Health

 Studies have shown links between periodontal (gum) disease, heart disease and other health conditions. Research further suggests that gum disease may be a more serious risk factor for heart disease than hypertension, smoking, cholesterol, gender and ages.Researchers conclusions suggest that bacteria present in infected gums can become loose and move throughout the body through the bloodstream. Once bacteria reach the arteries, they can irritate them in the same way that they irritate gum tissue causing arterial plaque, which can cause hardening and affect blood-flow.

  2.  Periodontal Stages

1. Gingivitis

   Gingivitis is an early stage of gum disease. Gums become tender, swollen and likely to bleed. This generally can be stopped with proper oral hygiene and treatment from your dentist.

2. Periodontitis (moderate)

   The gums deteriorate and begin detaching themselves from the teeth forming gum pockets, which allows plaque to collect below the gum line. This causes tooth roots to become susceptible to decay.

3. Periodontitis (advanced)

   A radical amount of gum tissue and bone tissue is lost. Teeth become loose and may even need to be extracted. This causes difficulties in normal everyday chewing and biting habits. If advanced periodontal disease is left untreated, patients run the risk of other serious health problems.

  3.  Oral Examination

New patients receive a comprehensive examination which includes a screening for oral cancer, gum and bone disease, blood pressure, and systemic disorders. A routine oral exam is performed on established patients to determine any changes in dental and health status since the previous visit. Your gum tissue is measured with a fine instrument ruler to calibrate in millimeters pocket depth between the tooth and the connective gum tissue around the tooth. Pocket depth more than 4 mm could indicate disease and infection. The deeper the pocket, the greater the extent plaque bacteria collects and infection in gum disease develop. X-rays are taken as needed. Tooth scaling and root planing occur as needed. Routine cleanings also include a professional polishing PROFY that removes only the soft sticky plaque that is above the gum line.

  4.  Periodontal Treatment

The goals of treating periodontal disease include removal of the plaque and tartar on the root surfaces and reduction of the pockets around the teeth. Since the pockets are where the bacteria live, we reduce the pocket depths thus reducing the surface area in which the bacteria can live. Early disease is often treated with scaling and root planing. Moderate and advanced periodontal disease often requires additional periodontal procedures to treat it effectively.

  5.  Gum Lift

A gum lift may be performed to create a more even gum line. Patients with a gummy smile can quickly and safely have unwanted tissue removed, thus exposing more tooth to shape a more attractive smile.

  6.  Tissue Graft

Root exposure resulting from gingival tissue recession may pose multiple problems for patients:

A gingival tissue graft will restore the proper gum tissue structure around the tooth.

• Undesirable esthetics
• Root sensitivity
• Impaired oral hygiene
• Increased caries susceptibility
• Teeth may become loose

  7.  Scaling & Planing

Tooth scaling removes plaque, tartar and hard crusty calculus deposits, which are loaded with bacteria. Sub-gingival tooth scaling is necessary when plaque and tartar are detected below the gum line.

After scaling the tooth roots may need to be planed to smooth the root surface. Soft tissue will re-attach itself to a smooth tooth surface. Your dentist may also recommend medications to help control infection, pain, or to encourage healing.

  8.  Brushing & Flossing

1. Brushing

   Step 1

   Place bristles along the gum line at a 45 degree angle. Gently brush using a circular motion along tooth surfaces.

   Step 2

   Brush each tooth individually! Tilt brush vertically behind the front teeth. Using the front half of the brush use the same circular motion.

   Step 3

   Place the brush against the biting surface of the teeth and use a gentle back and forth motion. Brush the tongue to remove odor producing bacteria.

2. Flossing

   Step 1

   Wind 18" of floss around middle fingers.

   Step 2

   Pinch floss between thumbs and index fingers, leaving 1"-2" length in between Use thumbs to direct floss between upper teeth, and index fingers for lower teeth.