Patient Care by the Dallas Dentist
Periodontal Disease
While seldom painful and frequently free of any obvious signs or symptoms, periodontal disease can progress undetected to the point where supporting bones are destroyed. 80% of all adults have some form of gingivitis (bacterial infection in the gum) and 40% have periodontiitis (bacterial infection in the bone). Early treatment and prevention is essential. While periodontal disease is caused by bacteria, a number of factors including poorly fitted bridges, badly aligned teeth, and defective fillings contribute to the development of this condition.
Periodontal disease has now been linked to heart disease, making people with periodontal disease at two times greater risk factor for heart disease. It has also been shown to cause low birth weight babies when mothers have periodontal disease. The problem is the bacteria under the gum is like an open wound, getting into the blood stream causing a "bacteremia." If you have periodontal disease we provide non-surgical treatment designed to remove the bacteria below the gum mechanically. This process may also include the application of site-specific topical and systemic antibiotics and antimicrobials below the gum line to allow the gum tissue to heal. Research shows that the bacteria is contained in a biofilm which is very difficult to completely remove. Therefore, we use "repetitive debridement" technique to eliminate the biofilm.
Patients with advanced periodontal disease or patients not responding to conservative treatment, the Dallas General Dentist will work very closely with a Periodontist who has a consistent philosophy. The first stage for all patients with periodontal disease is to decrease the bacterial population below the around the gums over a period of time through our non-surgical treatment and a customized patient care program. Learn more
