What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is manifested in two forms:
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease. It causes an inflammation and some bleeding of the gums. There is an accumulation of bacteria colonies (plaque) at the gum line. Gingivitis causes gum inflammation but no bone loss.
Periodontal disease (gum disease) is second stage of gum disease. This chronic bacterial infection destroys the supporting bone and collagen fibers in the gums tissue. Thus, the bone and gum tissue is destroyed and there is loss of jaw bone and gum tissue. The teeth lose their support and become mobile.
The Progression of Periodontal Disease
Periodontal Disease is a common problem affecting approximately half of U.S. adults over the age of 30 years. It occurs in people who have preexisting gingivitis where the inflmation and infection start to destroy the bone and gum tissue. The tissue peels away from the tooth creating a space/pocket in which more bacteria and food particles can accumulate. When left untreated, plaque calcifies to form dental calculus (tartar). Dental calculus must be removed completely by the Hygienist in order to combat periodontal disease.
Treatment of Gum Disease
Our office uses the following protocols and technologies to treat gum disease:
- COMPUTERIZED CHARTING. Our computer software allows us to measure the depth of the periodontally infected gum tissue as well as the healthy areas. Thus, your hygienist can compare your readings from one appointment to the next. A printout shows how you are doing and where you can help yourself with better home care. Therefore, you get treatment specifically tailored to you.
- CAVITRON ULTRASONIC INSTRUMENTATION. Your hygienist will use the most modern ultrasonic equipment available to remove tartar (calculus) buildup quickly and comfortably. This eliminates huge areas of infection.
- LASER TREATMENT. Laser Bacterial Reduction involves the hygienist inserting a laser in between your gum tissue and tooth. The laser energy destroys residual bacterial. Plus, the laser energy stimulates the collagen fibers in the gum tissue to re-attach to the tooth.
- SOFT TISSUE THERAPY. Your hygienist has been trained to thoroughly remove the bacteria ridden plaque and tartar deposits that infest the tooth roots. This is a major key to eliminating periodontal disease.
- CAVI-JET. In addition to the traditional polishing that you are accustomed to, we also utilize an air polishing system (like a mini sand blaster) to remove stains from your teeth.
