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Gum Treatment:
M. Todd Bonin, DDS |
PERIODONTITIS, also known as gum disease, is an inflammatory condition that affects the surrounding tissues of the teeth (gum and bone). It is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
GINIGIVITIS is a bacterial infection of the tissues and can lead to more severe forms of gum disease. New studies have shown that the toxins produced by gum disease have been linked to heart attacks and strokes. |
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Wondering if you might have gum disease? |
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A smile is a first impression.
What does yours say. |
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“My gums bleed when I brush” |
yes |
no |
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“Spaces have developed between my teeth” |
yes |
no |
“I think I have bad breath” |
yes |
no |
“Food collects between my teeth” |
yes |
no |
“My bite has changed” |
yes |
no |
“The gums are pulling away from my teeth” |
yes |
no |
If you answered, “yes” to one or more of the above questions, you should schedule an appointment for a comprehensive oral examination, which includes periodontal charting and screening for the any signs of gum disease.
Periodontal treatment is an investment in your health. Treating periodontal problems will help you achieve a healthy mouth and help prevent tooth loss. In fact, with prompt treatment, proper home care, and regular dental visits, a great majority of patients can keep their teeth for a lifetime.
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What is the treatment for Periodontal Diseases? |
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After evaluating your periodontal health, Dr. Bonin will work with you to determine the treatment options that best meet your needs.
Treatment can vary widely depending on how far the diseases have progressed. If caught in the early stages, simple procedures are done that will remove the plaque and calculus from below the gum line and disrupt the infection-causing bacteria. If these diseases have advanced to the point where the periodontal pockets are deep and the supporting bone is lost, further treatment might be necessary.
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Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning) |
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Scaling and root planing or what some people call a "Deep Cleaning" is a step above regular cleaning. It is a non-surgical technique that removes plaque and calculus below the gum line. Tooth root surfaces are cleaned and smoothed with specially designed instruments. This procedure will generally arrest periodontal infection that is limited to the gum tissues and not yet advanced into the bone.
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Arestin Treatment |
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Arestin is a conservative, non-surgical way to treat pockets of infection caused by periodontal disease. It is used either in conjunction with scaling and root planing, or may be used if scaling does not effectively eliminate the bacteria.
Arestin is a commonly used antibiotic, minocycline, in high concentration, which is placed directly into the pockets. It is slowly released over a period of 7 days, and effectively eliminates the bacteria deep in the pockets, and even within the gum tissue itself.
This mode of direct therapy is much more effective than taking the medication by mouth. We use Arestin treatment both in the initial phase of treatment, and also during maintenance, if pockets recur.
Research shows significant reduction in pocket depths, as well as reduction in disease activity.
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Surgical Treatments |
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There are a variety of surgical treatments that can be used to resolve your particular needs. If surgery is required, rest assured that Dr. Bonin and his entire team will make certain that you are always comfortable not only during the surgical procedure but postoperatively as well.
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There have been tremendous advances in periodontal treatments over the past 10 years. Many are quick, painless, and relatively expensive, considering the cost of extractions and full mouth dentures these days. There’s no reason to let that happen. Let us help you save your teeth! |
| Call to schedule your appointment 281-440-3530 |
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