Periodontal Treatment
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal Disease, which includes gingivitis & periodontitis, is a silent, painless, chronic, communicable bacterial infection that often goes undetected or ignored until severe gum and bone destruction catches an individual’s attention.
There are two main aspects to the disease – the direct destructive effects of the bacteria themselves, and the individuals genetically determined immune response which further adds to the destructive bone loss.
How do we diagnose Periodontal Disease?
The diagnosis of periodontal disease is important in order to properly and effectively treat it. Once the correct diagnosis has been made, the appropriate treatment can be introduced. To facilitate accurate diagnosis and determine the extent of the infection the following patient information is required:
- Full mouth periodontal pocket recording/screening
- Appropriate x-rays
- Patient DNA analysis to determine genetic vulnerability to the disease
- Bacterial DNA analysis to isolate exactly which bacteria are causing the disease; this is repeated after treatment to confirm that therapy has been successful.
What are the Risk Factors in developing the disease?
There are many risk factors known in the development of Periodontal Disease. The most common are:
- Poor oral hygiene
- Genetics
- Smoking
- Osteoporosis
- Certain Medications
- Immune Disorders
At ELOHC we are proud to be one of the very few dental facilities utilizing the latest molecular diagnostic technology in the management of periodontal disease.
What is Laser Assisted Periodontal Therapy?
Treatment of Gingivitis – A tiny laser fibre (about the thickness of three hairs) is inserted between the tooth and the gum and the infection is cleared away without cutting or stitching the gums. The procedure involves little discomfort and does not require local anesthetic. Treatment may require four sessions a week apart, dependent on the individual’s diagnosis.
Treatment of Periodontitis – This is where laser therapy is used to treat moderate to advanced periodontal disease. The procedure is typically performed under local anaesthesia to eliminate any possible discomfort. As with gingivitis treatment, a tiny laser fibre is inserted between the tooth and the gum and the infection is cleared away without cutting or stitching the gums. The roots are then thoroughly cleaned of tartar and plaque and the laser is used again with a different setting to create a stable, firm blood clot to seal the pocket. For a short time afterwards, patients need to follow a soft diet but other than this the procedure has minimal impact and little post-operative discomfort.
What is Laser Assisted Periodontal Therapy?
Treatment of Gingivitis – A tiny laser fibre (about the thickness of three hairs) is inserted between the tooth and the gum and the infection is cleared away without cutting or stitching the gums. The procedure involves little discomfort and does not require local anesthetic. Treatment may require four sessions a week apart, dependent on the individual’s diagnosis.
Treatment of Periodontitis – This is where laser therapy is used to treat moderate to advanced periodontal disease. The procedure is typically performed under local anaesthesia to eliminate any possible discomfort. As with gingivitis treatment, a tiny laser fibre is inserted between the tooth and the gum and the infection is cleared away without cutting or stitching the gums. The roots are then thoroughly cleaned of tartar and plaque and the laser is used again with a different setting to create a stable, firm blood clot to seal the pocket. For a short time afterwards, patients need to follow a soft diet but other than this the procedure has minimal impact and little post-operative discomfort.
The Whole Body-Mouth Connection
Periodontal Inflammation is strongly linked to:
- Heart disease and heart attacks
- Strokes
- Many cancers including pancreatic cancer
- Adult onset diabetes
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Premature birth defects
- Pre-term births
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We look forward to welcoming you to our practice!