Periodontal simply means “the tissue around the teeth.” Periodontists specialize in the treatment and surgery of this area, which is often characterized by gum disease. Plaque is the most common element causing gum disease.
Unfortunately, periodontal-related problems are often discovered after they have persisted for an extended period of time. Proper oral hygiene, daily dental care and regular dental checkups will minimize the risk of gum disease. Gum disease ranges from mild (gingivitis) to moderate (periodintitis) to the severe (periodontitis). Treatments are available for every case of gum disease.
Gum Disease
Can you inherit gum disease? Are some people more susceptible to gum disease? Can dentists identify it?
Recently a profound discovery has indicated that some individuals inherit a susceptibility to periodontal disease. This concept contradicts my training about plaque removal.
Using modern Genetic Sequencing Techniques we can evaluate a patient's genetic susceptibility. We know that a person who is Genotype Positive increases their chance of periodontal disease by 19 times. Knowing an individual patient's risk status should affect how actively that patient needs to be seen after receiving gum treatment. In addition to the inherited genetic predisposition, risk factors for developing severe periodontal disease include poor oral hygiene and smoking.
Here in office we perform a procedure that uses a high frequency sound wave to loosen and remove tartar. The Cavitron ultrasonic cleaner is a state of the art instrument. The Cavitron unit is so gentle that it can even be used to administer deep cleaning and gum therapy many times without the need for anesthetic. Having your teeth cleaned with the Cavitron unit is a safe effective and painless alternative to traditional cleaning methods.
Common problems associated with gum disease:
- “Long” teeth (receding gum lines expose the root portions of your teeth)
- Discolored or deteriorating tooth structure
- Gum depressions (holes in between the teeth in the gum tissue)
- Infected gum line (discoloration or inflammation of the gum tissue)
- Tooth loss or tooth movement
The effects of gum disease can be damaging to your dental health. However, through proper preventive care and oral hygiene, you can avoid problems associated with gum disease.
Please contact our office for a periodontal evaluation.