Highland Park Periodontics and Dental Implants, LLC, Ray Sanai, DDS, MS

What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease (also known as "gum disease" or "Pyorrhea") is an ongoing bacterial infection in the gums and bone which support your teeth. If not treated, this ongoing infection can cause you to lose your teeth. Periodontal infection is responsible for 75% of adult tooth loss. Periodontitis may begin with a simple inflammation of the gums that does not affect the bone in an early stage. This inflammation is known as gingivitis. It is therefore important to treat early gingival disease by keeping regular dental visits to avoid it from progressing to more advanced levels such as peiodontitis.

What is an ongoing infection?

With an ongoing infection, your immune system never wins the battle. If you have periodontal disease, your immune system has lost the battle with periodontal bacteria to a point where you now have deep pockets of infection around your teeth. If cleaning is not performed regularly, deep pockets around your teeth serve as a reservoir of debris and bacteria. The failed immune reaction results in release of defensive chemicals such as antibodies that act on the bone surrouning your teeth. This will result in loss of supporting bone and increased mobility of teeth which could evantually lead to loss of your teeth if no treatment is rendered.

Why should I get my periodontal infection treated right away?

People with periodontal disease have low resistance to periodontal bacteria. This causes a continuing gum infection which grows in "bursts" of activity. Each time it grows, more support for your teeth is lost. Some factors that can cause a " burst" of activity are:

1. Poor Oral Hygiene.
2. Dental Plaque.
3. Smoking.
4. Genetic Factors.
5. Stress or Tension.
6. Diet.
7. Age.
8. Illness

When your infection has a burst of activity, or when there are signs that this is about to occur, your general dentist may recommend you see a periodontist.

If you are considering periodontal treatment or dental implants, your mouth will be examined thoroughly and your dental and medical history will be reviewed to ensure that dental implants are appropriate for you. Dental x-rays and, frequently, panoramic (or complete) x-rays of your jaws will be taken to evaluate your jawbone and to determine success criteria of the proposed procedure. Occasionally, more detailed information is required and can be provided by more specialized digital or CAT scan x-rays with dental implant cases.