FAQs

Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the gum and bone that supports the teeth. If left untreated it can lead to eventual tooth loss. Plaque can cause the gum tissue to become inflamed and over time it progresses to the underlying bone.

Instead of leaving your treatment to one dental professional, you should consider having both your general dentist and a periodontist be actively involved in the diagnosis and treatment of your periodontal disease. This team approach will help your general dentist (who is familiar with your dental and medical history) and your periodontist (who has extensive experience treating periodontal disease) collaborate to tailor a treatment plan that works best for your individual case. Patients who present with moderate or severe levels of periodontal disease, or patients with more complex cases, will be best managed by such a partnership.

Given that more patients are exhibiting signs of periodontal disease, coupled with research that suggests a relationship between periodontal disease and other chronic diseases of aging, periodontal treatment may necessitate a greater understanding and increased level of expertise by a trained specialist.

In addition, periodontists offer treatment for gum recession and cosmetic periodontal procedures to help improve your smile. Patients who are interested in dental implants would also benefit from the expert training and skill of a periodontist.

While your general dentist is often the first point of contact in making patients aware that there is a problem with the health of their gums, patients do not need a referral to see the periodontist. There are several signs that can elude to the need to see a specialist. However, these may become evident in the advanced stages of the disease. It is strongly recommended that patients visit their dentist yearly for check-ups.

Gum disease is often silent and many people do not develop symptoms until their disease has reached an advanced stage. Warning signs of gum disease include the following:

• Red, swollen or painful gums
• Bleeding when brushing, flossing or eating hard foods
• Gums that are receding or pulling away from the teeth, causing the teeth to look longer
• Loose or separating teeth, changes in the way your teeth fit together or the way your prosthesis (denture etc.) fits.
• Persistent bad breath

With proper care, gum diseases can be treated and controlled in the large majority of patients.

People who have gum disease may have risk factors that predispose them to developing the disease. Risk factors include genetics or family history, smoking, diabetes, stress and clenching or grinding your teeth. It is also important to make sure you are effectively removing the plaque from your teeth when you are brushing and flossing and seeing your dentist for regular cleanings.   Your periodontist will evaluate you for potential risk factors for gum disease and make recommendations regarding brushing and flossing.

Most patients who have a history of gum disease or certain risk factors for gum disease, need to be seen every 3 months for cleanings. It is important to remember that gum disease is not cured, but it can be controlled with regular periodontal maintenance visits. Your periodontist will perform an individual evaluation to determine how often you need to have your teeth cleaned.

Research has shown that periodontal disease is associated with several other chronic inflammatory diseases. While bacteria is necessary for the development of periodontal disease, research suggests the inflammatory process links periodontal disease to other diseases like heart disease and diabetes. Therefore, treating gum inflammation may not only help manage periodontal diseases, but may also help with the management of these chronic inflammatory conditions which pose a major health risk. The key is control.

When periodontal infection gets into the bone around your teeth, it can then enter your blood stream. From there it travels to other parts of the body and can contribute to medical problems. Delaying treatment not only impacts the likelihood of keeping your teeth but also your overall systemic health.

Diabetic patients are more likely to develop periodontal disease, which in turn can increase blood sugar and diabetic complications.

People with uncontrolled or poorly controlled diabetes are more likely to have periodontal disease than people without diabetes, and are more susceptible to contracting infections. In fact, periodontal disease is often considered a complication of diabetes.

Research has suggested that the relationship between diabetes and periodontal disease goes both ways – periodontal disease may make it more difficult for people who have diabetes to control their blood sugar.

Severe periodontal disease can increase blood sugar, contributing to increased periods of time when the body functions with a high blood sugar. This puts people with diabetes at increased risk for diabetic complications. For optimal health, both periodontal disease and diabetes need to be well-controlled. It is recommended that

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 complete your insurance forms. It is strongly recommended that you contact your insurance provider to know the details of your dental coverage.