FAQs

If you value your oral as well as overall health, anytime is a good time to see a Periodontist for a periodontal evaluation. Sometimes the only way to detect periodontal disease is through a periodontal evaluation. A periodontal evaluation may be especially important in the following situations:

• Gums that bleed easily.
• Red, swollen or tender gums.
• Persistent bad breath.
• Loose or separating teeth.
• A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite.
• A sore or irritation in your mouth that does not get better within two weeks.
• If you are thinking of becoming pregnant.
• If you have a family member with periodontal disease.
• If you have heart disease, diabetes, respiratory disease or osteoporosis.

Four out of five people have periodontal disease and don’t know it!  Most people are not aware of it because the disease is usually painless in the early stages.  Unlike tooth decay, which often causes discomfort, it is possible to have periodontal disease without noticeable symptoms.  Having regular dental check-ups and periodontal examinations are very important and will help detect if periodontal problems exist.

Periodontal disease begins when plaque, a sticky, colorless, film of bacteria, food debris, and saliva, is left on the teeth and gums.  The bacteria produce toxins (acids) that inflame the gums and slowly destroy the bone.  Brushing and flossing regularly and properly will ensure that plaque is not left behind to do its damage.

Other than poor oral hygiene, there are several other factors that may increase the risk of developing periodontal disease:

• Smoking or chewing tobacco – Tobacco users are more likely than nonusers to form plaque and tartar on their teeth.

• Certain tooth or appliance conditions – Bridges that no longer fit properly, crowded teeth, or defective fillings that may trap plaque and bacteria.

• Many medications – Steroids, cancer therapy drugs, blood pressure meds, oral contraceptives.  Some medications have side affects that reduce saliva, making the mouth dry and plaque easier to adhere to the teeth and gums.

• Pregnancy, oral contraceptives, and puberty – Can cause changes in hormone levels, causing gum tissue to become more sensitive to bacteria toxins.

• Systemic diseases – Diabetes, blood cell disorders, HIV / AIDS, etc.

• Genetics may play role – Some patients may be predisposed to a more aggressive type of periodontitis.  Patients with a family history of tooth loss should pay particular attention to their gums.

Signs and Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

• Red and puffy gums – Gums should never be red or swollen.

• Bleeding gums – Gums should never bleed, even when you brush vigorously or use dental floss.

• Persistent bad breath – Caused by bacteria in the mouth.

• New spacing between teeth – Caused by bone loss.

• Loose teeth – Also caused by bone loss or weakened periodontal fibers (fibers that support the tooth to the bone).

• Pus around the teeth and gums – Sign that there is an infection present.

• Receding gums – Loss of gum around a tooth.

• Tenderness or Discomfort – Plaque, calculus, and bacteria irritate the gums and teeth.

Good oral hygiene, a balanced diet, and regular dental visits can help reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease.

Evidence suggests a possible link between periodontal diseases and other systemic conditions that can negatively affect a person's overall wellness, such as diabetes and heart disease.

Bacteria associated with periodontal diseases have been linked to heart disease, diabetes, stroke and preterm or low weight births. The bacteria travel through the body's veins and arteries using them as a highway system to link to other parts of the body. Periodontal bacteria can also spread from the oral cavity to the rest of the body, including the lungs and can cause respiratory diseases associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the sixth leading cause of mortality in the United States. Researchers have found that people with periodontal disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease as those without periodontal disease.

No matter where bacteria travel in the body, the immune system will respond by sending white blood cells to battle the bacteria. These white blood cells release chemicals that create an inflammatory response. Inflammation can damage tissues. Scientists now understand that inflammation causes or complicates many diseases, including pancreatic cancer and Alzheimer's disease. For example, inflammation can damage tissues in the brain which can increase a patient's risk of developing Alzheimer's. Inflammation from gum disease has also been linked to arthritis. Many scientists believe that inflammation is responsible for the development of rheumatoid arthritis in some of the estimated 2.1 million people suffering from the condition. Today, the level of inflammation in your body can be evaluated with a Creative protein test from a blood sample.

Autoimmune diseases can have side effects related to oral health. Maintaining good oral health can impact your quality of life. Good oral health provides the ability to eat and speak with confidence and contributes to your overall well being.

Plaque is a clear, sticky film that adheres to the surfaces of teeth, gum tissues, dental restorations, and even the tongue. It is so adherent, that it can not be washed or rinsed off, but must be mechanically removed. Plaque is neither food stuck on the teeth, nor food debris. It contains a variety of bacteria that can cause dental decay, contribute to calculus (tartar) formation, and initiate the inflammatory response associated with periodontal disease.

Research has shown that plaque must be controlled in order to combat periodontal (gum) disease. Furthermore, by reducing plaque, decay can be kept to a minimum. Couple a lifetime of good plaque control with fluoride supplements (which are most effective when added to developing teeth during childhood), and dental decay becomes almost non‑existent.

There are a number of reasons why you should consider a dental implant:

Without the root structure of a natural tooth present, the jawbone can shrink. This shrinkage will make your face look older than it is.
There are no loose parts to worry about losing. The dental implant is stable and comfortable. No adjustment is needed after placement. Normally, it will serve its owner for life.
Are dental implants successful?

With more than three decades of clinical experience and over a million patients treated, statistics confirm a success rate of nearly 95 percent for individual Nobel Biocare dental implants*, and even higher for the bridges they support.

* Results based on dental implants and dental bridges remaining and in function over a five-year period.

Improved appearance: When you lose the entire tooth - crown and root - shrinkage of the jawbone may cause your face to look older. Dental implants can stop this process. A traditional denture or dental bridge doesn’t.

Preserve natural teeth: With traditional dental bridges, teeth adjacent to missing teeth are normally ground down to be used as anchors for a dental bridge. Dental implants often eliminate the need to modify healthy teeth.

Permanent solution: There are no loose parts to worry about losing. The dental implant is stable and comfortable. No adjustment is need after placement. Normally, it will serve its owner for life.
Expected ResultsBack to topHow will dental implants affect my life?

Dental implant-supported replacement teeth look, feel and function like natural teeth. This means that you can eat and drink whatever you choose. But most importantly, dental implants often improve quality of life in a very concrete way. People who have felt embarrassed and worried because of their tooth problems are often overwhelmed by what new permanent teeth can do for their self-esteem.

Today, state-of-the-art guided surgical techniques are convenient alternatives to place dental implants and allow you to have the dental implant placed in a single session using keyhole surgery. This new method has significantly simplified the procedure, for both patients and dentists. The major advantage of the guided surgical technique is the minimal amount of manipulation of the soft tissue due to keyhole surgery. This significantly reduces the healing time and the discomfort normally associated with traditional dental implant surgical techniques.

The conventional process can take from three to six months. First, the dentist places the dental implant, which is left for three to six months to heal and integrate with the jawbone. During the healing period, your are given a temporary prosthesis until the permanent crown is put in place.

The procedure chosen depends on several factors, such as your dental health, the number of teeth involved and which teeth are replaced. These factors will also determine the total number of visits to the dentist throughout the treatment period.