Periodontal Treatments and Preventative Hygiene Care to Eliminate Gum Disease
Dr. Jon Marc Van Slate To maintain proper oral health, current dental research confirms that we should have a dental prophylaxis cleaning every 3-4 months. We now understand that it takes about 3 months for the bacteria prevalent in periodontal disease and tooth decay, to recolonize to pretreatment levels. Unfortunately, due to insurance reimbursement reasons, many patients still have their teeth cleaned no more than every 6 months. Healthy gums should never bleed, so we recommend a cleaning schedule based on gingival bleeding and plaque accumulation. We call this a BALANCE POINT, and it is unique to everyone.
The mouth is a snapshot of what is going on inside the body. If there is a lot of inflammation in the gum tissue, there will be a corresponding inflammation internally. In fact, the same bacteria found in periodontal disease is also found in high numbers in people with heart diseases, autoimmune diseases, Alzheimer’s and diabetes. Having proper oral hygiene care truly is one of the single most important things we can do for our overall health. At the Advanced Dental Care of Tanglewood, we score a patient’s periodontal condition on every visit. We also are diligent in training our patients in home care techniques using automatic brushes, water flossers and mouth rinses.
Our hygienists are the best in the dental business. They are distinguished in being laser certified and have completed extensive programs in Periodontal Therapy and Myofunctional Therapy.
Reach out to our practice today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Van Slate and learn more.
Oral Hygiene Instruction
To effectively take care of your teeth, it requires meticulous and consistent care. This means we need help from our patients to maintain the proper health of their mouths. Unfortunately, studies show that most people do not spend the proper amount of time taking care of their oral health. We advocate, and educate, all our patients in the correct way to use automatic toothbrushes, water flossers and mouth rinses.
The most effective way to brush your teeth is with automatic toothbrushes. We should spend 30 seconds brushing each mouth quadrant, for a total of 2 minutes, at least twice a day. It is well documented that correctly using a water flosser, for 2 minutes daily, is much more effective than regular string flossing. We also advocate a 30 second swish, with an effective mouth rinse, daily. Our patients who have good oral hygiene habits are healthier and have dramatically less tooth and gum problems.
Dr. Jon Marc Van Slate understands that healthy gums are a crucial component of a beautiful smile, which is why he offers a range of periodontal treatments at his Houston, TX, practice. We can address the early stages of periodontal (gum) disease with a deep cleaning, or use innovative laser therapy to treat more advanced cases. Reach out to our practice today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Van Slate and learn more.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
Approximately half of the United States population has some form of gum disease, ranging from minimal gingivitis to advanced periodontitis. Undergoing routine examinations and cleanings is one of the best defenses against gum disease, since they allow our team to diagnose the condition and provide immediate treatment. If we find that you are at-risk for periodontal disease, you should undergo more frequent examinations. You may have a form of periodontal disease if:
- Your gums are red, tender, or swollen
- You notice gum tissue pulling away from teeth
- Your gums bleed when you brush or floss
- You have pus along the gum line
- You have chronic bad breath
If you notice any of these symptoms, we recommend scheduling an examination as soon as possible. When left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and a range of other oral health concerns. Furthermore, studies have shown that the condition may contribute to serious systemic health problems, including diabetes and heart disease.
Scaling and Root Planing
If we determine that you have a mild to moderate form of gum disease, we will typically recommend that you undergo a scaling and root planing procedure, also known as a deep cleaning. During this procedure, Dr. Van Slate will carefully remove plaque from the surfaces of teeth both above and below the gum line and smooth any rough spots on your dental roots to prevent the buildup of bacteria. If you have developed any periodontal pockets, we can also treat these by administering ARESTIN®. This special antibiotic contains microspheres that slowly release minocycline hydrochloride over time to continually eliminate bacteria.
Using an innovative soft-tissue laser, Dr. Van Slate can eliminate bacteria, treat periodontal pockets, and reduce biofilm that has collected on teeth.
Laser Gum Therapy
Our practice is equipped with some of the most advanced dental technology available. Depending on your periodontal needs, we may recommend laser gum therapy. Using an innovative soft-tissue laser, Dr. Van Slate can eliminate bacteria, treat periodontal pockets, and reduce biofilm that has collected on teeth. The laser does not emit vibration, heat, or sound, so laser periodontal treatment involves minimal discomfort. When compared to traditional methods, using a laser is less invasive and more accurate. If we determine that you have a more severe form of gum disease, we can refer you to a specialist in the area.
Digital Radiographs
Digital radiographs are now common in most dental practices. Digital technology provides dramatic advantages to our patients. It provides instant, high-definition images that are much easier to diagnose from, and it requires 85% less radiation exposure when compared to conventional radiographs.
To provide our patients with the proper care they deserve, we recommend that you have a full mouth radiograph series every 3-5 years (depending on the patient’s condition). This may include 20 individual radiographs and a panorex scan of the jaws. Not only is this vital to examination of the teeth, but it also allows us a comprehensive way to look for cysts, tumors and infections in the head and neck area.
For a healthy patient, we recommend bitewing radiographs every 12 months in order to detect areas of decay that are not visible with a normal examination. For patients who are particularly cavity prone, we may recommend more frequent radiographs. Because digital radiographs are safer and require much lower dose of radiation than ever before, the benefits of better treatment outcomes far outweigh the risks.
VideaAI
We are now using the innovative VideaAI technology to help us objectively detect decay and periodontal disease on our patient’s digital radiographs! Artificial Intelligence has greatly enhanced our ability to detect dental problems in their earliest stages. This technology allows our patients to better visualize and be more involved in the diagnosis of their treatment needs.
PERIO PROTECT
The Perio Protect System is one of the most promising products to come along in years for the treatment of all stages of gum disease. Perio Protect is a safe, hydrogen peroxide based gel that works to eliminate harmful bacteria in the deeper pockets around teeth, where brushing and flossing cannot reach.
Perio Protect is designed to be used at home for at least 15 minutes a day. Because improvements to the gingival tissue and oral health are so predictable, it can be beneficial for everyone to use. We highly recommended Perio Protect for people with any stage of periodontal disease, and for those with chronic bleeding and gum inflammation.
The key to success with this system begins with the patented Perio Protect trays. These trays are uniquely designed to provide an easy, effective and comfortable way to hydrostatically push the anti-microbial gel, deep into the gingival tissues surrounding the teeth. The trays are designed with a seal that holds the gel in place, allowing the time necessary to kill the harmful bacteria.
CURODONT
With Curodont Gel, we finally have an FDA approved product proven to reverse dental decay in its early stages, often preventing the need for dental restorations.
Curodont can be placed, without anesthesia, in as little as five minutes per tooth, and has no side effects. Curodont gel contains hydroxyapatite, the building block of natural tooth enamel. It is recommended for the treatment of white spot lesions and for early decay lesions between teeth. Over time, the enamel is re-mineralized, strengthened and repaired. We can often see radiographic improvements in 3 to 6 months.
SEAL AND PROTECT
Seal and Protect is a simple treatment for sensitive teeth that works by effectively desensitizing areas of exposed dentin caused by gum recession. It also protects these vulnerable areas from tooth decay.
The application process requires no anesthetic, and is proven to decrease tooth sensitivity for up to two years.
The most common reason for gum recession is due to excessive forces from clenching and grinding habits. Seal and Protect works by sealing the exposed tooth porosities that communicate with the main tooth nerve.
Schedule an Appointment Today
Our range of periodontal treatments can help you achieve and maintain healthy gums. We can often address the early stages of gum disease with minimally invasive methods, before it has a chance to develop into a serious concern. To learn more about our periodontal services, contact a member of our friendly staff today.
