Services

Hygiene

Gum Disease

Gum disease is an infection of the tissue that supports your teeth. It is the most common chronic bacterial infection in adults and left untreated can spread throughout your entire foundation.

It is a silent, active and aggressive infection that occurs when harmful bacteria grow beneath the gums and create “pockets” or spaces in the gums and around the teeth. Gum disease typically does not cause discomfort or pain until it gets to the more advanced stages. If not treated early it can lead to bone and tooth loss and can threaten your overall health.

Studies show that people who have gum disease are more likely to suffer from coronary artery disease.

• Bacteria in the mouth can affect the heart when they enter into the blood stream. Bacteria then attach to fatty plaque in coronary arteries which contribute to clot formation. Blood clots obstruct normal blood flow which restricts the amounts of nutrients and oxygen required for the heart to function properly This may lead to a heart attack
• Inflammation caused by periodontal disease increase plaque build-up which may contribute to arteries swelling.
• Gum disease can also exacerbate existing heart conditions.

Oral infection is also a risk factor for stroke. Patients with periodontal disease can appear to worsen the severity of coronary artery disease which occurs when arteries become thickened and narrowed causing heart attack or stroke.

People with Diabetes are more likely to have periodontal disease than people without Diabetes because diabetics are more susceptible to contracting infections. Diabetics with periodontal disease have a harder time controlling their blood sugar and are at an increased risk for diabetic complications.

Periostat

Periostat is a derivative of tetracycline called doxycline. When used in this form to fight against gum disease, it works by suppressing enzymes over produced by the body that destroy gum tissue and bone.

Periostat is used as an adjunct to scaling and root planning (SRP). It improves the effects of SRP by allowing the body to repair and rebuild damaged tissue.

Arestin is a locally administered antibiotic. It is a small amount of powder that is easily applied by a dental professional. It gets deposited under the gumline, dirsctly into the infected pocket.. Arestin works well in conjunction with scaling and root planing. The antibiotic powder will remain in the pocket for up to 21 days.
Arestin is Minocycline which is also in the tetracycline class of antibiotics.

Oraquix

Our office offers Oraquix “as a needle-free alternative” when anesthetic is required for the comfort of our patients.

We use Oraquix when patients require numbness for scaling and root planning (SRP) or just have sensitive gums when having routine cleaning. It is a lidocaine / prilocaine gel which is used below the gumline. It is effective and easy to administer with no discomfort.

Oraquix avoids patient’s needle anxiety by using a blunt tip applicator and dispenser instead of a needle and syringe.