Periodontal Therapy

The Registered Dental Hygienists at HD Dentistry will conduct professional prophylaxis (cleanings). This process removes built up plaque and calculus to help prevent gingivitis, cavities, and periodontal (gum) disease.

Researchers recently determined that periodontal disease exacerbates health problems in other parts of the body. On average, the human mouth harbors 400 species of bacteria causing gingivitis and localized bleeding, which will eventually lead to periodontitis.

According to Dr. Robert Genco, editor of the Journal of Periodontology and of Biology at the State University of New York Buffalo, patients think of gum disease in terms of their mouth only and not about the fact that gum disease is a serious infection that can release bacteria into the bloodstream. He continues, "The end results could mean additional health risks for patients whose health is already affected by other diseases--or lead to serious complications such as heart disease."

Dr. Hanneman and Dr. Dustrude recommend cleanings every six months and they realize that each patient may have different needs. One may require a cleaning every 3-4 months, while another only once a year.

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is caused by plaque, the colorless, sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on the teeth. The bacteria in plaque produce byproducts that can irritate the gums, and if left over a period of time, seriously damage the structures that support the teeth. Studies show that high concentrations of plaque can lead to heart disease.

It is often a slow and progressive disease that affects the supporting structures around the teeth. The signs of periodontal disease are:

• Bleeding gums
• Bad breath
• Pocketing or cratering
• Drainage or discharge
• Recession of gums
• Loosening of teeth

Periodontal disease is a silent, painless disease! HD Dentistry utilizes several methods to treat periodontal disease. If caught early, non-surgical approaches are a good alternative.

Progression of Periodontal Disease

Healthy gingiva (gum tissue), periodontal ligament, and bone anchor teeth firmly in place.	Gingivitis develops as toxins, enzymes, and other plaque byproducts irritate the gums making them tender, swollen, and likely to bleed easily.
Periodontitis occurs when plaque byproducts destroy the tissues that anchor your teeth in the bone. As the disease progresses, pockets form that allow more plaque to collect below the gum line. Tooth roots are exposed and become susceptible to decay and sensitive to cold and touch.	In advanced periodontitis, the teeth lose more support as the disease continues to destroy the periodontal ligament and bone. Unless treated, the affected teeth frequently become loose and may fall out or require removal by a dentist.

Soft-Tissue Management (STM) - non-surgical

STM is a non-surgical periodontal treatment where the hygienist root planes the root surface and cleans out the pockets of infected gums and teeth. Root planing goes beyond routine scaling. It smooths root surfaces, removes endotoxins, and any diseased gum tissue to promote healing and reattachment of gum tissue to the tooth surface. It will not regenerate bone, but it will create a shallow pocket that can be cleaned with good home care. Generally, you are given a topical and/or local anesthetic to make treatment comfortable. Special at-home rinses (Peridex) may also be used. Smokers are much less likely to have success with STM treatment and are strongly encouraged to quit if they want this treatment.

Subgingival Medicaments

In dentistry today, we fight periodontal disease with the use of soft tissue management (mentioned above) and utilize the latest in drug technology with the use of medicaments (antibiotics), which are placed beneath the gumline. These medications are used with moderate to advanced periodontal disease and helps slow the progress of bone destruction caused by the disease. We use Arestin to deliver these medicaments. Arestin is a time-release powder that delivers the antibiotic minocycline, a tetracycline derivative.

Depending on your examination and findings, Dr. Hanneman or Dr. Dustrude will discuss the care option for you. Medicaments can help eliminate or delay surgical intervention for treating moderate to severe gum disease.

Surgical Approach

If regular cleanings and a non-surgical approach to your gum disease does not slow or arrest the problem, we will refer you to a specialist for surgical intervention. Periodontal surgery is an aspect of removing excess tissue around your tooth in an effort to eliminate the pockets. Alveolar (mouth) bone does not regenerate. Once a patient reaches this state, it is a serious situation. If Dr. Hanneman or Dr. Dustrude feels that surgery is in the best interest to maintain your teeth, you will be referred to an area specialist.

Schedule a consultation for periodontal maintenance with us by calling (920) 233-6001 or contact us.