Laser Periodontal Surgery

At Downtown Family Dentistry, we have invested in the latest dental technology to make receiving dental care easy and efficient for you.

Laser Periodontal Surgery—No Cutting and No Sutures

Our state-of-the-art dental equipment includes dental laser technology for periodontal therapy. There’s no cutting and no sutures involved, meaning a less painful process compared to traditional periodontal surgery. Recovery time is faster with laser periodontal surgery than in traditional periodontal treatment.

See the official website for more information regarding Laser Periodontal Surgery

Some of the signs and symptoms of periodontal disease include:

  • Bleeding gums
  • Loose teeth
  • Increased spaces between teeth
  • Persistent bad breath
  • Pus around the gums and teeth
  • Receding gums around a tooth
  • Red and inflamed gums
  • Tenderness and discomfort

Periodontal Disease

We work to maintain the overall health of your mouth, including your gums. Periodontal (gum) disease is characterized by an excessive amount of plaque and calculus (tartar) which have accumulated around the teeth, causing deterioration to the surrounding area of the teeth (and can include the jawbone).

It can be identified by red, swollen and bleeding gums. If left untreated, periodontal disease will eventually begin to destroy the gums and bone. Because the early stages of periodontal diseases are usually painless, it can be difficult to detect.

 

Medical Risks & Periodontal Disease

Periodontal Infection Causes Medical Problems

  1. Blood Stream—Chewing injects infectious bacteria into your blood stream
    Periodontal bacteria in the blood stream increased 4 times (24%) in those who chewed just 50 times.
  2. Breathing—Periodontal bacteria are breathed int your lungs
    Periodontal bacteria can be breathed into the lungs and increase the incidence of lung disease.
  3. Immune System—Periodontal infection can lower your immune system
    A study has found that health care costs were 21% higher for those patients with sever periodontal disease.
  4. Transmission—Periodontal infection is transmitted to your spouse and children
    DNA tests show that periodontal infection is transmitted directly from spouse to spouse and parent to child.

Research Findings

Alzheimer’s—Determining Factor

Gum disease early in life, less education, and a history of stroke are more important than genes in determining who develops dementia, concluded a study of 100 dementia patients with health identical twins.

Blood Cancers—30% More Risk

A demographic study of nearly 50,000 men showed that those with periodontal disease had a 30% higher risk of blood cancers, including leukemia, multiple myeloma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Diabetes—Increased Severity

Periodontal disease affects blood sugar control, lengthens the duration of diabetic symptoms, and speed the transition from pre-diabetes to diabetes.

Diabetes—2.8–3.4 Times More Risk

Diabetic patients are 2.8 to 3.4 times more likely to have periodontal disease.

Heart Attack—2.7 Times More Risk

Demographic studies of 1,372 subjects showed those with periodontal disease were 2.7 times more likely to have a heart attack.

Heart Disease—40–72% More Risk

Demographic studies of 10,907 subjects showed a 40% to 72% increased risk of heart disease.

Kidney Cancer—49% More Risk

A demographic study of nearly 50,000 men showed that those with periodontal disease had a 49% higher risk of kidney cancer.

Lung Cancer—36% More Risk

A demographic study of nearly 50,000 men showed that those with periodontal disease had a 36% higher risk of lung cancer.

Lung Disease—1.5 Times More Risk

In a demographic study of 13.792 individuals, those with periodontal disease had a 1.5 times greater risk of getting chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Obesity—76% Higher in Young Adults

In a study of 13.665 young adults (18–34) who had periodontal disease, 76% were more likely to be obese.

Osteoporosis—Treatment Link

Research has shown that treating osteoporosis can lower the severity of periodontal disease.

Pancreatic Cancer—63% More Risk

In a study of 51,529 males, it was found that men with periodontal disease have 63% to 126% higher risk of pancreatic cancer.

Premature Childbirth—79% Higher

Premature low birth-weight greatly increases complications. Women with untreated periodontal disease have a 79% higher chance of premature childbirth. Treatment gives an 84% reduction in premature births.

Stroke—Bacteria in Blood Clots

Periodontal bacteria have been found in blood clots, and those with periodontal disease have a higher risk of stroke.

Tongue Cancer—5 Times More Risk

Men with advanced periodontal disease have more than five times the risk of tongue cancer.

Call 918.456.4441 for lasting dental health.