The Disease
Outside Influences
What
To Expect From The Periodontist
The
Disease
Outside
Influences
What
To Expect From The Periodontist
The
Disease
Outside
Influences
What
To Expect From The Periodontist
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Periodontitis
Stage One
Stage Two
Stage Three
Stage Four
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Contrary to
popular opinion, periodontal disease, not tooth decay,
is the chief cause of tooth loss in adults. To maintain good oral
health,
it is essential that you
take the initiative to prevent this serious, and often hidden disease.
Treatment of periodontitis depends upon how much damage the disease
has caused. In the early stages (i.e. gingivitis), the dentist or
periodontist
will use
deep cleaning techniques, known as scaling and root planing, to remove
hardened plaque and infected tissue under the gum and smooth the
damaged
root surfaces. This allows the gum to re-attach to the teeth. A
special
mouth rinse or an antibiotic
might also be prescribed to help control infection.
Surgery may also be required if periodontitis has destroyed a
significant
amount of the gum and/or bone tissue. Once scaling and root planing
have
been performed, a simple curretage may be performed where infected
gingival
tissue is excised from the surrounding healthy tissue. Or, a flap
surgery
may need to be performed, where the gums and bone are excised of
infected
tissue, the bone is reshaped, and then the tissue is realigned and sewn
back in place.
While
periodontal disease can be controlled, there are external factors
which play a role in adding certain risks to an occurrence or
recurrence.
These are:
.
DIABETES
Diabetes can affect the lining of the blood vessels, thickening them.
This thickening in turn causes the transfer of oxygen to
the cell and waste
from it to slow down. By slowing down this process, diseases like
periodontitis
can grow and infect the entire oral cavity if not treated. It is
especially
important to be vigilant in your daily oral hygiene regimen if you
suffer
from diabetes. And be sure to
ask us for any up to date preventive measures that you
can take, so
your smile will always be with you!
.
TOBACCO
It is a clinically proven fact that people who smoke are at a much
greater risk of an occurrence of periodontal disease. As much as five
times
greater risk than a non-smoker. And the chemicals associated with
smoking
cause other detrimental effects such as heart disease and cancer.
Smokeless
tobacco is even more of a culprit when it comes to periodontitis. Those
who dip
snuff or chew tobacco are allowing direct contact between the mucous
membranes in their mouths and chemicals so carcinogenic that if they
were
separated and put in containers they would be considered hazardous
materials. This behavior, while preferred by some, can cause great risk
to your overall health.
.
POOR OR NO ORAL HYGIENE HABITS
The importance of a daily regimen of preventive oral hygiene including
brushing
and flossing is well established. We have known for many years the
hazards of not caring properly for our teeth and gums. There are
certain
techniques that allow for a more proper cleansing of the tooth, gum and
tongue surfaces,
and those areas between teeth, and next to the tooth below the gum
line. A toothbrush with soft outer bristles is best, followed by
flossing between and around teeth, and under the gum line. Our caring
staff
will show you the best way to hold and use your toothbrush, where to
brush,
and how to best utilize this important tool in your fight against
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What
to expect if you have been
diagnosed with periodontitis:
First, a
diagnosis must be made. Dr. Stojanovic may refer you to see a
specialist. Let him decide if specific treatment by a
periodontist
is necessary.
Once this has been determined, and you are scheduled to see a
periodontist, be sure to follow any special instructions and show up
for your appointment 15 minutes early. (There may be paperwork for you
to fill out)
The Periodontist
will be assess your oral health and a definitive
treatment plan should be accepted.
Once you accept the treatment plan it will become necessary to make
changes in certain oral habits so that the doctors work brings about a
swift cure, and there is no recurrence of periodontal disease. The most
common mistake made by those receiving periodontal treatment is that it
will "cure" their problem for good. This is an easy assumption to make
when you consider that most other dental work, other than orthodontics,
is considered "permanent" to one extent or another. But periodontal
disease
very easily reestablishes it's foothold, making prevention a lifelong
ambition.
Most importantly,
if you have or suspect
that you have periodontal disease,
don't put off seeing us. Fiesta
Dental Care can provide the absolute best
care with our professional techniques, and a minimum of pain, if the
disease is
caught in it's early stages. Your smile is definitely worth the time
and
effort you put into keeping it healthy and bright!
Call us today at
(480)726-0360 for your free
smile evaluation!
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