Periodontal Disease is not uncommon. Many Americans in the US have some form of the disease that range from simple gum inflammation to more serious complications that can cause the loss of teeth.
Gum disease is caused by the bacteria in our mouths that also cause plaque and tartar. The longer the plaque and tartar are on the teeth, the more harmful they become, leading to gum inflammation or gingivitis, where the gums become red, swollen and can bleed easily.
Daily brushing and flossing can easily reverse gingivitis; however, if not treated, gingivitis can lead to periodontisis. As the bacteria pull the gums away from the teeth, our own body’s immune system kicks in. The toxins from the bacteria, combined with the body’s response to the infection causes the bone and tissue that hold our teeth to break down. If this is not treated, this can lead to loosened teeth that will have to be removed.
But periodontal disease does not just concern our teeth though; scientific studies have suggested that there is an association between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease, pulmonary disease, diabetes, and pregnancy complications. Obviously, this makes treating gum disease all the more important.
How do you know if you have gum disease? If the following symptoms are present, a visit to the dentist is urgently needed: bad breath that wouldn’t go away, red or swollen gums, tender or bleeding gums, painful chewing, loose teeth, sensitive teeth, receding gums.
The first step in fighting periodontal disease is through proper dental hygiene and preventive care. Flintridge Dental Studio suggests regular visits to the dental hygienist for teeth cleaning along with daily brushing and flossing.
At Flintridge Dental Studio, prevention is of the utmost importance, which is why it offers a soft tissue management program that includes regular cleanings, LASER gum treatments when needed, and the latest in medications to prevent the onset of gum disease.
Flintridge Dental Studio also uses Arestin (an antibiotic placed subgingivially in the perio pocket) for the treatment of gum disease. This helps prevent further bone loss as well as reduce pocket depths. And in order to ensure that the treatments are working as it should, the patients will receive home care instructions and at least three follow up examinations.
If the problem isn’t with the gums and/or periodontal disease, but with the teeth itself, Flintridge Dental Studio can still save hopeless cases via root canal. Root canal is used to save teeth with roots that have been damaged or infected and require extraction. Though root canal is synonymous with painful dental visits, Flintridge Dental Studio uses modern anesthetics and technology to perform root canals that cause little to no pain.
Those who are afraid of needles need not worry about anesthetics. Gone are the days when large needles are used to inject the anesthesia. Instead, Flintridge Dental Studio employs a high tech, computerized anesthetic delivery system called, The Wand. The Wand delivers an accurate and safe delivery of anesthesia that is painless.
To add to the patients’ comfort, Flintridge Dental Studio employs sedation dentistry. The reason is because, despite the use of painless injections, many people are still anxious and fearful at the thought of a needle. Even the word “dentist” can conjure up images of dread.
To address this problem, one hour before a patient’s visit to Flintridge Dental Studio, a pill is dispensed to relax the patient. The level of sedation is light enough for patient’s to answer questions, but powerful enough to have them sleep throughout their visit. In some cases, nitrous oxide is also used.
Periodontal disease is not a joke. Don’t let your fear of dentists get in the way to fresher breath, healthier gums, and whiter teeth. Visit Flintridge Dental Studio at 4542 Rinetti Lane, La Cañada Flintridge to enjoy stress-free dental care.
To find out more about the services offered by Flintridge Dental Studio, visit http://flintridgedentalstudio.com or call (818) 495-4969 for more information.
