10. I have been diagnosed with gum disease and my periodontist has recommended more frequent cleanings. Why is this necessary?
Research shows that those with a history of periodontal (gum) disease maintain their healthy status longer after treatment with more frequent cleanings. Depending on the severity of your gum disease and other factors, it may be recommended that you have a total 3-4 cleanings per year. Removing the bacteria from your teeth on a more frequent basis reduces the chance that your gum disease will return. Those with gum disease have an increased risk for relapse after treatment if they do not follow through with more frequent cleanings.
11. I have lost bone around my teeth from gum disease. Is it possible to grow bone back?
Growing bone or bone regeneration around teeth can be successful for some patients. However, the presence of bacteria around teeth makes it more of a challenge to achieve reliable results from bone grafting. The procedure will only work for specific types of bone defects. Research has shown that defects shaped like a cup tend to respond well to bone grafting. Once the defect loses a side of the cup, the procedure is much less predictable. Your periodontist can evaluate the bone defect to determine if grafting will work for you.
12. I have pain, clicking and popping in my jaw. Can anything be done to relieve the pain?
Your symptoms suggest that you may have temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD). An exam and a special series of x-rays are necessary to diagnose TMD. Initial treatment may include medication, physical therapy and bitesplint therapy. A bitesplint is a custom-made acrylic mouthpiece that fits over the upper teeth. Treatment must include nightly use of a bitesplint to be successful. In most cases, if appropriate treatment recommendations are followed, TMD symptoms can be managed comfortably without the need for further treatment.
13. I am pregnant and I was recently diagnosed with periodontitis. Can my gum disease affect my baby?
Untreated periodontal (gum) disease puts mothers at greater risk for having pre-term low birth weight babies. Pre-term low birth weight babies are most susceptible to infections and often suffer from various illnesses. Periodontal treatment will lower your chance of having a pre-term low birth weight baby. Typically, treatment will consist of a deep cleaning to remove the bacteria and deposits around your teeth. An antibiotic may also be recommended. Expectant mothers can have this treatment preformed early in the second trimester. However a dental exam is recommended for any woman planning to conceive
14. I have periodontal (gum) disease and was recently diagnosed with cardiovascular (heart) disease. Does periodontal disease put me at greater risk for having a heart attack or stroke?
New studies have identified an association between gum disease and heart disease. Those with gum disease may have an increased risk of a fatal heart attack or stroke. Bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream and cause inflammation of blood vessel walls. Inflammation combined with other factors eventually leads to the formation of a dangerous build-up that may cause life-threatening consequences. The best way to prevent the systemic complications of periodontitis is to seek regular dental care. Your dentist may recommend additional treatment to reduce the amount of disease-causing bacteria.
FAQ's page 1 | 2 | 3
