Periodontal Surgery

Periodontal Disease Treatment

Periodontal or gum disease is a serious infection of the gums and tissues surrounding the teeth. When left untreated, this condition can lead to tooth and bone loss. Recent research has linked periodontal disease to other serious conditions, such as heart disease.

Dr. Jeffrey Singer offers LASER treatments for periodontitis to achieve improved periodontal health. [See section on LASER] Laser procedures offer alternative treatments that are less traumatic than conventional flap surgery with scalpel incisions and sutures and conserve healthy tissue. Light energy from the laser is directed through a tiny fiber that removes diseased tissue and aids in reducing bacteria associated with the disease. When the area is thoroughly cleaned, the body can heal normally.

Dr. Singer takes this condition very seriously. In fact, our practice is one of the few in the area to offer a wide variety of periodontics therapies. In addition to deep scaling, root planning, and the latest ultrasonic instruments, Dr. Singer can also use therapeutic medicines, such as Periostat®, Arestin®, Periodex®, OsteoGen®, Capset®, Atridox®, and Periogard®. For periodontal defects, we offer Emdogain®, the only material known to promote periodontal ligament and adjoining bone re-growth. This reliable solution promotes the re-growth of hard and soft tissues lost due to periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease is the major cause of tooth loss in adults - affecting three out of four people over the age of thirty-five (35). More than half of adults over 18 already have periodontal disease in the early stages.

Causes of periodontal disease are:

Plaque continually forms on teeth. As plaque hardens into calculus, it extends from gumline to tooth root. The gums will detach from the tooth and form pockets. Bacterial activity continues in these areas. As this disease worsens, bone supporting the tooth is destroyed - finally tooth loss.

At least 30 different types of bacteria can produce periodontal disease. Bacteria create toxins (poisons) that irritate gums and loosen the attachment of gum tissues to the teeth. Smoking, chewing tobacco, clenching of teeth also may contribute to periodontal disease. Additionally poor diet, some medications, and high levels of stress contribute to periodontal disease.

Symptoms of periodontal disease are:

• Swelling and Redness of the gums
• Bleeding gums when you brush your teeth.
• Loose teeth.
• Change in the way your teeth meet together when you are biting and chewing. Bad Breath.
• Beneath the gum tissue, bone destruction that you cannot see

Treatments for periodontal disease

• Non-surgical: Scaling and root planning; Antibiotics; Bite correction
• Surgical: Advanced periodontal disease requires gum surgery.

Preventing periodontal disease

• Use an excellent electric tooth brush twice a day with special toothpaste.
• Use stimudents
• Use dental floss
• Eat nutritious foods
• See your dentist regularly

If it's been a while since you've been to the dentist and you think you may have periodontal disease, call our practice to schedule a consultation with Dr. Singer. Ask us about Perio Dentures.

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