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Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a chronic infection of the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth (gums and bones).

It is a very serious disease that can result in tooth loss, but it is generally painless, so you might not know you even have it.

If left untreated, the gums and bones holding your teeth in place can be damaged, leading to possible tooth loss
Periodontal disease is very common and affects an estimated 50 million people in the United States
Recent studies suggest a link between periodontal disease and other health complications including diabetes and heart disease

What causes gum disease?
The main cause of periodontal disease is bacterial plaque, the sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth. This plaque causes your gums to become swollen and tender. The plaque builds up on the teeth, causing the gums to become red and sensitive.

In this early stage, it is known as gingivitis. Surprisingly, gingivitis affects more than 50% of the population. Gingivitis is a reversible condition if you follow a daily hygiene routine:

Proper brushing and flossing
Daily use of an antibacterial mouthwash

Untreated gingivitis can advance to periodontitis, in which the gums separate from the teeth, forming pockets (spaces between the teeth and gums). When the bacterial plaque enters into these pockets, the area becomes infected. Although there isn’t much pain associated with gum disease, the consequences of this affliction can be just as discomforting, including:

An unhealthy smile, in which the gums pull back from your teeth
Offensive bad breath
Gums that become infected and bleed
Teeth that become loose, possibly fall out, or have to be removed

Please take a few short minutes to answer the questions in the Patient Self- Evaluation Test to find out if you might have gum disease.

Three out of four Americans have some form of
Periodontal Disease. are you one of them?
Read on to find out how many of these Periodontal
Disease indicators apply to you:

If you answered YES to 2 or more of these questions, you might be at risk or you
may already have Periodontal Disease. Make an appointment for a complete
periodontal diagnosis.

How Will I Be Diagnosed?

1		Do you smoke?
2		Are you pregnant?
3		Do you have diabetes?
4		Do you grind or clench your teeth?
5		Are you currently taking oral contraceptives?
6		Are you under a great deal of stress?
7		Do you have bad breath?
8		Are your gums red and swollen?
9		Do your gums bleed when brushing and/or flossing?
10		Are your gums pulling away from your teeth orreceding?
11		Do you have teeth that appear to be loosening?
12		Have you noticed a change in the way your teeth fit together?
13		Have you recently lost a tooth?

1. We will first want to review your complete medical and/or dental history with you.

2. We will discuss with you any medications or existing conditions that apply to you that might affect your periodontal health.

3. To accurately evaluate your gums’ health, our hygienist will then perform a painless technique called periodontal probing.

A periodontal probe is a small measuring instrument, and is placed in between your teeth and gums to determine the depth in millimeters of the periodontal pocket.

A periodontal pocket of up to 3 mm is considered healthy.
Beyond 3 mm may be a sign of gum disease.

If you think you may have gum disease, or might be at risk for getting it. Give us a call.

There are many new, painless ways to treat periodontal disease. Ask about
the most advanced treatment options now available.

How is periodontal disease treated?
Our office use an effective treatment protocol for this condition that includes ARESTIN.

Scaling and root planing (SRP) is a procedure that we use to remove plaque buildup, tartar and bacteria from the infected area around teeth. The regular cleaning removes the plaque and tartar from above the gum line. The root planning removes the tartar from below the gum line.
Besides the regular scalers to remove the tartar, we also use an ultrasonic scaler. It consists of a wand with a small scaling tip that produces a soft ultrasonic vibration. The small quick vibration in combination with a gentle water flow gives us a whole new level of effectiveness in calculus removal.
After the source of infection is removed, your gums start to heal. ARESTIN is an antibiotic that we easily place in the infected gums around your teeth to treat your periodontal disease and help promote healing after SRP.
ARESTIN is a small amount of powder that is administered quickly and easily. Application is comfortable, no bandages are required, and it won’t leak or fall out

Important facts about treating periodontal disease:

Eliminating the infection of periodontal disease is a key focus of treatment
Some infectious bacteria may remain in the affected area after deep cleaning and begin multiplying again
ARESTIN is indicated as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) procedures for reduction of pocket depth in patients with adult periddontitis. ARESTIN” may be used as part of a periodontal program, which includes good oral hygiene, and scaling and root planning

Because periodontal disease is a chronic disease, your gums need to be checked regularly. Be sure to return for your foHow-up appointments.