Gum Disease Treatment
Periodontal disease affects three out of four adults. It is caused by bacterial
plaque build-up that infects the periodontal (gum) tissues. This infection destroys
the tissue and bone that supports the teeth. The #1 cause of adult tooth loss in
America is periodontal disease.
A recent ADA (American Dental Association)
survey has shown that 75% of American adults believe they have "good dental health",
while at the very same time, they admit their gums bleed after brushing or flossing.
In fact, bleeding gums are an early sing of gum disease.
Gum disease progresses most frequently without painful symptoms. That is why everyone
should have a periodontal evaluation at established intervals. Delaying treatment
will result in more advanced disease.
Mounting evidence relates gum disease to variety of health concerns, some that are
life threatening. A recent study describes the association between heart disease
and gum disease to be at least as strong as the linkage of heart disease to cholesterol,
body weight, or smoking.
At some point, most people will suffer from periodontal disease.
Soft Tissue Management
What do we hope to accomplish with Soft Tissue Management?
- Gums that do not bleed
- Fresher breath and taste
- Gums that are not red, swollen, or tender
- Knowing how to effectively maintain good oral hygiene
- Reduced pocket depths
- Control of Periodontal Disease
What is Soft Tissue Management?
Soft Tissue Management is an individualized plan to eliminate infection of the gums
and root surfaces. An appropriate plan will be chosen by your dentist and hygienist.
We will perform the treatments to help eliminate infection, make recommendations
to help you more effectively clean your teeth daily, and guide you through our efforts
to achieve and maintain oral health.
For our patients with a periodontal condition The Smile Doctor can provide an excellent
soft tissue management program to stop tissue and bon degeneration and begin the
process to regain a healthy mouth. For further information concerning step to our
soft tissue management program, and products we use and recommend you may line to
the Prodentec web site.
A Soft Tissue Management treatment plan will enable you to achieve improved health.
You will enjoy fresher breath and healthier teeth and gums. This program combines
professional dental care and the Rota-dent plaque removal instrument. This program
is also specifically designed to control plaque and permit healing of gum tissue.
Included in the Soft Tissue Management Program is the Rota-dent Professional Homecare
Instrument. You will be instructed in the proper use and benefits of this exceptional
instrument each time you visit your dental professional's office. Daily homecare
is the key to the success of this program.
Please ask us or oral hygiene professional about this wonderful program on your
next visit
Laser Treatment
As part of our ongoing commitment to provide our patients with the best possible
care, we're pleased to offer the benefits of dental laser. We hope the following
information will "enlighten" you regarding this exciting new technology.
As a patient, what does the laser mean to me?
The laser is very precise and allows us to treat gum disease earlier than ever before.
We can often intercept problems before they become big and require you to face more
serious (and expensive) treatment.
Gum disease is today's most serious dental problem. When the laser treats soft tissue
inside the mouth, they is little or no bleeding. That means you probably won't need
stitches following surgery. It also means less risk of spreading blood-born disease.
Will it hurt?
The aspect of laser many patients appreciate most is its comfort. While no treatment
is truly painless, the laser greatly reduces the need for anesthetics such as Novocain.
This enhances our ability to treat patients who are pregnant or medically compromised.
The children we treat are often less fearful. And with the laser, the need for postoperative
pain medication is also reduced or eliminated.
Is it safe?
Yes, very safe. Laser like the one in our office have safely performed millions
of procedures. This safely is also supported by hundreds of university studies.
Our laser is so precise, it only removes a few cell layers at a time. It delivers
its bean in tiny pulses. In any given second, it is actually off longer than it
is on. Most procedures use less than three watts of power, less than many portable
phones.
Are any precautions necessary?
Laser energy is not radioactive but simply magnified light. However, just as you
wear sunglasses while tanning on the beach, you'll wear special glasses during treatment
to protect your eyes from prolonged exposure to the bright light.
What does the laser look like?
The dental laser is a suitcase-sized unit which contains an energy source and a
sophisticated electronic control system. The laser light is delivered by a pen-like
handpiece connected to the energy source by a lightweight optical fiber.
What does it sound like?
As the pulses of laser energy leave the tip of the optical fiber, they is a slight
ticking sound. It is not loud and most of our patients say it is not at all unpleasant.
Is every patient treated with the laser?
Though the laser is a wonderful instrument, it is not appropriate for all procedures.
It is frequently used in conjunction with conventional instruments. Please ask us
about the role the laser might play in your treatment.