Periodontal Disease Therapy
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Periodontal (gum and jaw bone) diseases, including gingivitis and periodontitis, are serious infections that, left untreated, can lead to tooth loss. It begins when the bacteria in plaque (the sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth) causes the gums and jaw bone to become inflamed and infected.
During a periodontal examination, Dr. Nehawandian and her hygienist, Jenna will diagnose the health of the gums and bones . A periodontal probe (small dental instrument) is gently used to measure the sulcus (pocket or space) between the tooth and the gums. The depth of a healthy pocket measures three millimeters or less and does not bleed. The periodontal probe helps indicate if pockets are deeper than three millimeters. As periodontal disease progresses, the pockets usually get deeper.
Bacteria enters the general circulation through diseased gum tissue and becomes available to the rest of the body. Gum and Jaw bone disease has been linked to several serious health problems ,s
uch as Osteoporosis, heart disease, stroke, pregnancy problems, diabetes and respiratory diseases.
By using pocket depths, presence of bleeding, inflammation, tooth mobility, etc., we are able to make a diagnosis that falls into a category below.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the first stage of periodontal disease. Plaque and its toxin by-products causes the gums to become red, swollen, and bleed easily.
Periodontitis
Plaque hardens into calculus (tartar). As calculus and plaque continue to build up, the gums begin to recede from the teeth. Deeper pockets form between the gums and teeth and become filled with bacteria and pus. The gums become very irritated, inflamed, and bleed easily. Slight to moderate bone loss could occur.
Advanced Periodontitis
The teeth lose more support as the gums, bone, and periodontal ligament continue to be destroyed. Unless treated, the affected teeth will become very loose and may be lost. Generalized moderate to severe bone loss may be present. Back
Periodontal treatment (Gum and Jaw bone Therapy) methods depend upon the type and severity of the disease. Dr.Nehawandian and her dental hygienist will evaluate the health of your gums and recommend the appropriate treatment.
To treat periodontal disease, a special periodontal program called Comprehensive gum and bone therapy will be recommended. The program consists of the following treatments:
• Genetic and Bacterial Testing-According to the American Academy of Periodontology, up to 30% of the general population may be genetically susceptible to gum disease. Despite aggressive oral care habits, these people may be six times more likely to develop periodontal disease. A
genetic test will help identify these people and we can get them into appropriate treatment that may help them keep their teeth for a lifetime.
The bacterial test provides information on the species and number of detected microorganisms which allows for recommendation for treatment with suitable antibiotics.
• Full mouth Disinfection-Generalized cleaning with a thorough disinfection of the mouth including the cheeks, tongue and palate with antibacterial mouth rinses.
• Scaling and Root Planning- a careful cleaning of the root surfaces to remove plaque and calculus [tartar] from deep periodontal pockets and to smooth the tooth root to remove bacterial toxins.
• Laser Therapy- A Diode Laser may be used to kill the bacteria causing the progression of the active disease.
• Home Care- Medicated mouth rinses, a waterpick and an electric tooth brush (Oal-B) will be recommended to help minimize and control infection and promote healing.
• Arestin- local delivery of antimicrobials and host modulation, as needed on a case-by-case basis.
If the pockets cannot be maintained/do not heal after the Comprehensive gum therapy program, periodontal surgery may be needed to reduce pocket depths, making teeth easier to clean. Dr. Nehawandian may also recommend that you see a Periodontist (specialist of the gums and supporting bone). Back
It only takes twenty four hours for plaque that is not removed from your teeth to turn into calculus (tartar)! Daily home cleaning helps control plaque and tartar formation, but those hard to reach areas will always need special attention. Periodontal disease is episodic by nature.
Once your periodontal treatment has been completed, Dr. Nehawandian and her hygienist will recommend that you have regular maintenance Therapy (Active maintenance ), usually four times a year to keep active periodontal conditions under control. At these cleaning appointments, the pocket depths will be carefully checked to ensure that they are healthy. Plaque and calculus that is difficult for you to remove on a daily basis will be removed from above and below the gum line.
Good oral hygiene practices and active maintenance visits are essential in maintaining dental health and keeping periodontal disease under control! Back
HALITOSIS (Bad Breath)
Halitosis, known as bad breath, can affect any of us at any time. Most of the time (85-90%) bad breath originates in the mouth. It caused by bacteria in our mouth. This bacteria is breaking down food debris which creates by products called volatile sulfur compounds (methyl mercaptan and hydrogen sulfide) which emit a smell similar to rotten eggs. Because this bacteria needs an environment free of oxygen, they will live in areas that are difficult to reach-such as pockets around teeth; the grooves in the tongue and especially on the back of the tongue. In some conditions the bad breath may be caused by a systemic condition such as troubles with the pharynx, lungs or stomach.
