• Overview
• Restorative
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• Implants and Dentures
• Pediatric
• Technology
• Relaxation Massage

• Our Staff
• Dr. Sophocles

• Scheduling and Hours
• Office Location
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• What to Expect

• Introduction
• Cosmetic Bleaching
• Anti-Snoring Device
• Gallery of Dental Work

• Frequently Asked Questions
• Gum Disease
• Clenching and Grinding
• Cracked Tooth
• Temporomandibular Joint Disorders
• The Mouth-Body Connection
• Tobacco and Oral Cancer

Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease)

Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is an infection of the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. It is caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on the teeth. It is usually painless, so you may not know you have it.

Approximately 75% of all adults will develop some form of periodontal disease during their lifetime. With this knowledge, we provide individualized treatment recommendations based upon our findings, to both treat and prevent periodontal diseases in all age groups.

Examinations

During your examination, the hygienists and doctors thoroughly examine not only the teeth, but also the health of the gums and other oral tissues. At this time, the overall health of the mouth can be determined and recorded in your file. It is sometimes important, however, to focus on the periodontium (gums) primarily; to diagnose and record accordingly. These findings will be used to establish a baseline of one's oral health as well as to serve as a guide through the treatment and ultimate resolution of dental disease.

Oral Hygiene Instruction

Proper oral hygiene instruction (OHI) is the single most important tool a dental professional can provide for the patient. This instruction is an integral part of our periodontal maintenance program. In most cases, the OHI is included in the regular examination fees. However, where special attention must be paid, predominantly in moderate to advanced cases of periodontal disease, a fee will be assessed to the patient for this time consuming, yet crucial service.

Prophylaxis (Polishing)

The American Dental Association defines a prophylaxis as "a scaling and polishing procedure performed on patients in normal or good periodontal health to remove plaque, calculus and stains above the gum line to prevent cavities and periodontal disease." Prophylaxis is a preventive procedure and is not performed in the presence of periodontal disease. Common signs of periodontal disease are bleeding of gums during examination, pocket depths greater than 3 mm, and/or evidence of bone loss.

Periodontal Scaling

This therapeutic procedure is for patients with generalized gingivitis (periodontal disease). Gingivitis by definition is an inflammation of the gums characterized by changes in color, form, position, surface appearance and presence of bleeding and/or discharge. The disease is reversible and there may be no loss of attachment or bone. A patient presenting with loss of attachment or bone is diagnosed as having periodontitis, not gingivitis.

Periodontal Root Planing

This is a therapeutic procedure for patients with periodontitis, which may vary in the degree of severity. Scaling and root planing removes calculus, toxins and microorganisms from the root surface and above. Most commonly the procedure is performed one or two quadrants per visit with the administration of local anesthesia.

Periodontal Maintenance

This therapy is for the maintenance of patients with periodontal disease having already gone through scaling and root planing. It is a comprehensive therapy, which includes a thorough periodic examination.

The Progress of Periodontal Disease

	Normal, Healthy Gums Healthy gingiva (gum tissue), periodontal ligament, and bone anchor teeth firmly in place.
	Gingivitis Gingivitis develops as toxins, enzymes, and other plaque byproducts irritate the gums making them tender, swollen, and likely to bleed easily.
	Periodontitis Periodontitis occurs when plaque byproducts destroy the tissues that anchor your teeth in the bone. As the disease progresses, pockets form, which allow more plaque to collect below the gum line. Tooth roots are exposed and become susceptible to decay and sensitive to cold and touch.
	Advanced Periodontititis In advanced periodontititis, 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.

Did you know that periodontal disease can affect the health of your overall body? Learn more about the mouth-body connection.