Periodontic

Buckingham Dentistry Periodontic Care- Dr. Laurie Stanell

Almost half of Americans are affected by some stage of gum disease. (Periodontal disease)

What causes gum Disease?

  • Bacteria mixed with saliva and food particles form a sticky “plaque” on teeth.
  • Plaque that is not removed can harden and form “calculus.” (tartar)
  • Brushing can’t remove calculus only a professional cleaning will remove it.
  • The longer plaque and calculus remain on the teeth the more harmful they become.

Gingivitis

The bacteria cause inflammation of the gum, commonly known as Gingivitis. When you have gingivitis your gums will be red, swollen and will bleed when brushing and flossing.

Gingivitis is reversible with consistent daily brushing, flossing, and regular professional cleanings.

Gum Disease

Untreated gingivitis will advance to gum disease (periodontal disease).

In gum disease, gums pull away from the teeth and form spaces “Pockets” that become infected. The body’s immune system fights the bacteria. Bacterial toxins and the body’s natural response to infection start to break down the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place. If not treated bone will continue to diminish and the teeth will eventually become loose and have to be removed.

Signs of Gum Disease

  • Can have no signs at all
  • Swollen, red, tender gums
  • Bleeding while brushing
  • Pus between teeth and gums
  • Bad breath
  • Loose teeth

Call for a thorough periodontal disease evaluation today! 215-794-3898

Many recent studies have linked gum disease to other health problems.

  • Premature birth
  • Heart disease
  • Diabetes
  • Stroke
  • Cancer
  • Respiratory disease

Risk Factors for Gum Disease

  • Stress
  • Genetics
  • Age
  • Tobacco use
  • Poor oral hygiene
  • Poor nutrition
  • Obesity
  • Crooked teeth
  • Use of certain medications:
    • Cancer therapy drugs
    • Oral Contraceptives (Birth control pill)
    • Steroids
    • Some Calcium channel blockers
    • Some Epilepsy drugs

Treating Gum Disease

Scaling and Root Planing (for early stages of gum disease)

A numbing agent is applied to remove plaque and calculus below the gum with a ultrasonic device that flushes out harmful debris and bacteria and hand scaling to smooth any rough spots on the tooth surface. Then a antibiotic treatment to treat the infection. This treatment, along with meticulous home care result in a clean surface for the gums to reattach to the teeth.

Once diagnosed and treated for gum disease at your post op appt we will discuss your professional cleaning frequency.

Moderate to severe stages of gum disease usually need gum surgery and will be referred to a Gum specialist (Periodontist)

Dr. Stanell and her team work with Oral DNA Labs. Using saliva samples to measure your risk level and severity of gum disease while allowing us to customize your treatment plan and even prevent the infection before you have symptom

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Monday:

8:00 am-6:30 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-1:00 pm

Friday:

only business office hours from 8-1

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed