Periodontal (which literally means "around the tooth") diseases are serious bacterial infections that destroy the gums and bones that hold your teeth in your mouth. Left untreated, these diseases can lead to tooth loss. There are many forms of periodontal disease, including:
- Gingivitis
- Aggressive periodontitis
- Chronic periodontitis
- Periodontitis from systemic diseases
- Necrotizing periodontal diseases
Perio Truths
Gum Disease is a silent disease - you can have it and not even know it.
It occurs when bacteria gets below the gum line, beyond where your toothbrush can reach.
If you have gum disease, you can brush and floss all you want, but it will not go away until a dentist or hygienist removes the bacteria from under the gum line.
Gum disease is an infection which can be transferable. Risk factors make some people more susceptible to gum disease than others. You can clean your teeth twice a day and see your dentist twice a year and still have gum disease.
If you have gum disease, bacteria is getting into your blood stream and traveling throughout your body. Gum disease can double your risk for having a heart attack and other health problems.
When you eliminate gum disease you lower your risk for heart disease and other health problems.
Periodontal Services
Probing: The process of assessing the health of the bones supporting the teeth using a small probe like instrument in various spots around each tooth.
Preventative cleaning: A cleaning performed on teeth that are supported by healthy bone and healthy gum tissue.
Therapeutic cleaning: A cleaning performed on teeth covered by heavy tartar deposits which obstruct the probing process. Removal of such deposits allows for proper assessment of the health of the bone and gums around the teeth. This type of cleaning is normally followed by additional treatments.
Deep Therapeutic Cleaning: A cleaning performed on teeth whose supporting bone has begun to be destroyed accumulation of deposits and bacterial infection.
Localized antibiotic treatment: Arestin is a time-released antibiotic that fights the bacteria that causes periodontal disease. When placed in conjunction with the deep cleaning, healing is improved. Used for localized areas.
Laser Gingival Curettage: State of the Art technology that sterilizes the pocket of all bacteria. Laser therapy is used for generalized areas of infection in attempt to avoid periodontal surgery.
