Your dentist has referred you to a periodontist. What exactly is that?
Your family dentist has recommended that you consult with us so that we may determine the presence or extent of periodontitis (gum disease). Dr. Kenneth Frick and Dr. David Jones are periodontists who specialize in this area of dentistry.
Periodontal disease begins when bacteria invade the gum tissue surrounding the teeth. This bacteria gets attached to the teeth by a sticky film (plaque). The gum can become puffy, bleed easily, and gradually lose its ability to protect the bone that holds the teeth.
Pockets form around the teeth when this happens. These pockets allow more bacteria to get caught between the gum and the tooth beyond the reach of a toothbrush. Over time, the effects of the bacteria will cause the bone that holds the tooth to degenerate. Without treatment, these teeth become loose and may need to be removed. Since most of this destruction usually occurs beneath the gum line, the gum tissue may appear normal. Since this process is usually painless due to its chronic nature, it can go unsuspected until it is too late. Only a thorough periodontal examination can reveal if hidden disease is present.
Appropriate treatment by the general dentist and your periodontist coupled with follow-up home care by you can help to prevent recurrence and severe continuation of the disease.
Treatment usually begins with a periodontal scaling and root planing, which is a thorough cleaning of the tooth roots and any gum pockets. Plaque and tartar (calculus) are removed and the tooth roots are made smooth so harmful plaque (bacteria) cannot easily stick.
Oral hygiene is reviewed with emphasis on thorough daily brushing and flossing.
A reevaluation is usually done after completion of the scaling and root planing to determine if any further treatment is necessary. Surgery is recommended for those patients who have an advanced form of the disease.
What happens on my first visit?
We begin with a medical and dental history, since your resistance to disease is affected by many factors. This is followed by a thorough periodontal examination of your mouth. We may need to take a full mouth series of x-rays unless you have had a recent set taken in your general dentist's office in which case we will ask them for a copy. These x-rays allow us to determine the amount of bone loss that has occurred. We then go over the findings and recommendations for treatment. Many patients find it helpful to bring their spouse or a friend with them. In most cases no treatment is performed at this appointment.
Can I delay treatment to a more convenient time?
Delaying diagnosis and treatment means delaying the benefits that treatment provides. Immediate diagnosis and treatment prevents further destruction to the gum and bone tissue. Your ability to enjoy a wide variety of foods and to taste your food properly will be protected. Also, you can avoid suffering unnecessary pain caused by the disease.
With treatment, a patient can eliminate the unpleasant taste in the mouth often associated with the disease as well as the embarrassment of offensive breath. Your appearance will be protected through early treatment as successive loss of teeth often encourages lines, wrinkles and a "sunken" look due to the loss of tone in the facial muscles.
A patient's self-confidence and self-image is often renewed through an improved appearance. Early treatment is also less expensive.
Periodontal disease can be stopped. Your mouth can be restored and the disease need not return.
After periodontal treatment, is maintenance treatment necessary?
Absolutely! Periodontal treatment is divided into two phases. The first phase or the active phase to get your mouth healthy. The second phase or the maintenance phase is designed to keep your mouth healthy. Gum disease is a chronic disease. You can never be immune to it. But you can minimize the chances of it coming back. Studies have shown that periodontal treatment with maintenance is very effective at preserving ones teeth and dramatically reducing the incidence of tooth decay and gum disease recurrence. Studies have also shown that periodontal treatment without maintenance is of little value in the long run in preserving periodontal health.
