FAQ

The most common type of periodontal disease entails the formation of pockets around the teeth where the gum tissue detaches and bacteria and plaque accumulate under the gums. This creates an infection that gradually damages the bone and soft tissues around the teeth. Periodontal disease can, however, be effectively treated.

A form of deep cleaning under the gum line and practicing special oral hygiene procedures can be completed very conservatively. In other instances, soft tissue can be grafted to correct gum recession, or bone can be grafted to build up lost bone structure around the teeth and these procedures can be carried out completely painlessly.

It has been shown that periodontal disease can affect your general health. It increases the risk of heart disease or stoke. During pregnancy, it increases the risk of premature or low birth rate babies. Therefore, it is important to contact us as soon as you are referred, so that we can initiate treatment. It is also important to remember that if you take antibiotic pre-medication for dental appointments, you should take pre-medication prior to your periodontal examination appointment.

No, not necessarily. Often times people may develop rather severe periodontal disease and never experience any pain or bleeding gums.

Yes definitely. Recent studies show a strong association between cigarette smoking and periodontal disease. Current smokers are four times more likely to have periodontal disease than nonsmokers! On a positive note, those who have quit more then 11 years, showed no increased risk of periodontal disease.

Yes it is possible. Gum recession is often associated with periodontal disease, and it exposes root surfaces, which are more sensitive.

Yes, but not necessarily. The change in bacterial flora in the mouth, as well as drainage of infection from around the teeth can result in Halitosis.

A genetic marker (interleukin), has been identified which is inherited, and this can increase susceptibility to periodontal disease. In fact, there is a clinically available test for the gene. This is only a susceptibility though, and can be overcome by treatment.
Cigarette smoking, level of plaque accumulation, tooth grinding and diabetes are all major contributing factors

Yes. Our philosophy is to treat all disease as conservatively as possible. Many times periodontal disease can be treated by cleaning below the gumline, and increasingly, by localized or systemic antibiotic therapy.

Dental insurance usually, at least partially, covers periodontal treatment. In some instances, medical insurance will also contribute to coverage. Our office personnel will aid in investigating your insurance coverage, and submit a pre-estimate of any treatment needed. We will do our best to inform you of charges, and the extent of insurance coverage. We will work with you to establish a payment plan acceptable to you. We do not charge interest on these payments.

Your first appointment allows us to meet and answer your questions, and then carry out a careful periodontal examination. We will check for periodontal pockets, or other signs of disease in your mouth, and we will also conduct a thorough oral cancer examination.

1. Our primary form of treatment is to treat periodontal disease to stop progressive bone loss and achieve a healthier environment for the teeth, and your health in general.
2. We treat gum recession which causes exposure of root surfaces often resulting in sensitive roots, and progressive loss of support for the teeth
3. We are often called on to carry-out crown extension to expose additional tooth structure to permit restoring the tooth
4. We frequently evaluate patients for pathologic conditions of the oral cavity in genral.
5. Prior to the placement of restorations on the teeth-especially in esthetically sensitive areas in the front of the mouth- we may carry out reshaping and realignment of the gumline to achieve better health and esthetics.
6. The placement and maintenance of dental implants to replace missing teeth is a major part of our practice. We have placed implants for 20 years, and find them to be an amazingly successful option for tooth replacement! See the Nobelbiocare “smile advisor’ in on this website.