New Advances in Treating Periodontal Disease

New Advances in

Treating Periodontal Disease

What is Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection characterized by red, swollen, tender gums that bleed easily. It occurs when soft plaque buildup, also called biofilm, slips between the sulcus the protective areas where the gum attaches to the tooth. With the protective area breached, bacterial infection is able to set in and begin eating away at the teeth and gums. When the disease is allowed to progress, the gums recede, a pocket forms around the tooth, and bacteria is able to infiltrate the bone.

Health consequences

Besides the possibility of teeth loosening and falling out, the real danger occurs when bacteria from the mouth travels into the bloodstream increasing the risk for infections in organs and constantly challenging the immune system. Periodontal disease is a known risk factor for heart attack, stroke, diabetes, osteoarthritis, oral cancer and low birth weight infants.

Traditional Therapies

In the early stages where pockets are shallow the best approach is simply good oral hygiene, healthy diet and visits to the dentist every 3-4 months. Brushing and flossing every day removes biofilm, and prevents tarter buildup between the teeth and below the gumline, and lessens the likelihood that bacteria will enter the bloodstream.

If the disease progresses beyond the early stage, deep cleaning will be administered. In some instances it is necessary to refer the patient to a periodontist for gum surgery.

New and Advanced Treatments

New technologies such as the phase contrast microscope and Florida probe aid the dentist in detection and diagnosis so the problem can be addressed early and preventatively. The phase contrast microscope identifies the exact bacteria causing the problem. The Florida probe is a visual, interactive tool which more comfortably measures pocket depths.

The PerioProtect method treats periodontal disease by getting rid of biofilm and controlling inflammation with a FDA cleared medical device, called a perio tray, to deliver antimicrobial agents to the source of the infection.

Customized nutritional therapy has become an integral part of any periodontal treatment plan. Well documented scientific studies have proven the effectiveness of specific plant extracts, co-enzymes and vitamins in removing free radicals, reducing inflammation, boosting the immune system, repairing gum tissue and helping to build new bone

An often overlooked aspect of treating and preventing periodontal disease is to address the bite force on your teeth.

Uneven bite can cause bone deterioration by the root of the teeth receiving the most force. A specialized sensor called a “T-scan” can measure which teeth are receiving the most force so that the teeth can be reshaped to bite against each other in harmony.