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What is periodontal disease?
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Periodontal disease (also know as periodontal infection, gum disease or pyorrhea) is an ongoing infection in the gums around your teeth. The cause of periodontal disease is infectious bacteria which gets deep into your gums.
This infection starts destroying the bone
which supports your teeth. If left untreated, it can
lead to tooth loss. For more information, see the section
entitled Periodontal Disease.
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What
are the symptoms of periodontal infection?
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Because periodontal
infection grows under your gums, you can have no
symptoms at all. More advanced cases can have some
of the following symptoms:
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Red, swollen or tender gums.
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Spaces
between the teeth
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Tooth
Sensitivity to heat/cold
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Loose
or shifting teeth
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Bad
breath
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Missing
teeth
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Deep
pockets around the teeth
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Gums
receding around the teeth
(Longer looking teeth)
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For more information see the section entitled Periodontal Disease.
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Why,
all of a sudden, is my dentist sending me to a periodontist?
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Periodontists have advanced training in
the treatment of periodontal disease and dental implants.
Patients with periodontal infection have
lowered resistance to periodontal bacteria. This causes
a continuing gum infection which can grow in bursts.
Some factors which can cause a dramatic speed-up of
your periodontal disease are:
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Poor
Oral Hygiene
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Stress
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Dental
Plaque
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Diet
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Smoking
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Age
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Genetic
Factors
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Illness
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Two other important factors are:
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Lack
of regular dental checkups.
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Lack
of regular dental cleanings.
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When your infection has a "burst"
of growth, or when there are signs that this is may
occur, periodontal treatment may be recommended.
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How
is periodontal disease treated?
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There are a few different treatments for
periodontal infection. The goal of treatment is to remove
the infectious bacteria from beneath the gums and control
its future regrowth. For more information see Procedures.
After your initial examination,
we will completely explain your different options for
treatment.
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Does
periodontal treatment hurt?
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One of our primary
concerns is that you have a comfortable experience during
treatment. Towards this end, we offer an extensive array
of the latest techniques to minimize discomfort.
For more information on these techniques,
see Procedures.
Many of our patients come back stating
they are amazed at how little discomfort they experienced.
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What
is going to happen on my first appointment?
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On your first visit to our office, you
will receive a periodontal examination. You should experience
little, if any, discomfort during this examination.
If necessary, x-rays will be taken to further evaluate
any loss of bone around your teeth.
Afterwards the findings and options for
treatment will be thoroughly explained. At that time
the doctor will answer any questions you may have.
Our goal is that you leave with a complete
understanding of your condition and the treatment needed
to restore you to optimum oral health.
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How
much will treatment cost and will my insurance cover it?
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Everyone deserves to keep their natural
teeth for a lifetime. While periodontal treatment is
not as costly as replacing natural teeth due to tooth
loss, its cost can vary greatly depending upon your
needs.
If you have dental insurance, this may
provide full or partial coverage. Our office will contact
your insurance company to learn what they will cover.
We do accept assignment of most insurance benefits and
your responsibility will only be to cover the remainder.
We feel that finances should never
be an obstacle to treatment. For your convenience, we
offer several payment options. We have payment plans
to suit your individual needs. Our insurance coordinator,
will be happy to answer any of your financial or insurance
questions.
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Why
must I have my periodontal infection treated?
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Periodontal infection grows in "bursts
of activity".
It is likely that you have been referred
to us because your general dentist has noticed an increase
in infection activity.
This infection eats away at the bone that supports your teeth (leading to tooth loss). If not treated, there can be a number of consequences. Please see the Consequences
and Medical Consequences sections for a list of these.
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What
are the medical consequences, if I delay treatment?
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When periodontal infection gets into the
bone around your teeth, it can then then enter your
the blood stream. From there it travels to other parts
of the body and can contribute to medical problems.
Recent research has found that patients
with periodontal disease are more than twice as likely
to have heart disease and stroke.
Please read the section entitled "Medical
Consequences" to see a an overview of recent
research correlating periodontal disease with serious
medical problems.
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Do
you work with my general dentist regarding my periodontal
care?
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Your general dentist knows your entire
dental history, the condition of your teeth, and your
future dental needs. He is in charge of your overall
dental care. We work closely with him or her to ensure
you receive the best possible dental care.
In many cases, your general dentist may
do your preliminary periodontal treatment and a portion
of your periodontal maintenance afterwards.
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What
are implants?
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Implants are natural looking replacements for missing teeth. The implant itself is a post which is attached to your jawbone. This post provides an anchor for your general dentist to place crowns, fix partials, or other restorations.
We are experts in the placement of implant
posts. Implants begin with an evaluation by your general
dentist who will decide if you are a good candidate
for this procedure.
For more detailed information, please see the section entitled "Implants".
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Do
you use the latest equipment and techniques?
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We keep ourselves up to date regarding
equipment and periodontal procedures. You can be sure
you will receive state-of-the-art care.
Regarding sterilization, we believe that all procedures should be safe as well as comfortable. We use only the latest sterilization techniques. For more information on treatment techniques and sterilization see the section entitled "Procedures".
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What
other treatments do you provide?
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Besides periodontal treatment and implants,
we can perform a number of procedures. These include:
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Crown
Lengthening.
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Gingival
(gum) Grafting.
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Gingival
(gum) Contouring.
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Bone
Grafting.
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Frenectomy.
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Ridge
Augmentation.
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For more information on these procedures, please see the section entitled "Procedures".
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