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.