Gene Therapy, the Next Best Thing for Periodontist in Long Island
Gum disease attacks millions of Americans each year giving plenty of motivation for researchers to continue to search for effective ways to regenerate the tooth-supporting structures damaged with advanced stages of the disease. One new method that has Periodontist in Long Island hopeful is the use of gene therapy to repair the soft tissue.
Gene therapy is a technique used to correct defective genes responsible for disease development and involves researchers inserting a normal gene into the defective gene, creating a healthy, genetically-engineered cell. This amazing medical procedure has made leaps and bounds in the treatment of debilitating defects and now shows promise to help regenerate tooth-supporting structures in the mouth.
The Journal of Periodontology published a study conducted by the University of Michigan that discussed a recent breakthrough in the possibility of using gene therapy to restore damage caused by periodontal disease. During the study researchers inserted a gene called bone morphogenetic protein that encodes a bone-stimulating factor into an inactivated virus in a rat, which then transferred the genes into grown skin cells.
What is most fascinating about this process occurred after these genetically-engineered cells were transplanted into large periodontal bone defects surrounding the teeth. The damaged tooth-supporting structures, such as the jawbone, periodontal ligament and the protective coating on the teeth actually showed signs of rejuvenation.
Even though this study needs more time before it can be sure gene therapy will successfully repair damage caused by periodontal disease it does provide hope to Periodontists worldwide. Talks about using gene therapy in their treatment efforts is nothing new to Periodontists and this evidence brings forth the next step in making these talks a reality.
Even though researchers continue to move forward in advanced treatments for periodontal disease the best sure proof way to keep a healthy smile is prevention. To help prevent gum disease, familiarize yourself with early warning signs which include;
- Bleeding while brushing or flossing
- Red or swollen gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Loose or missing teeth
- Changes in the way your teeth or dentures fit in your mouth
- Gums that have pulled away from your teeth
If you notice any of these changes in your mouth visit a Periodontist in Long Island right away. For a Periodontist who offers an alternative to tradition surgery, contact Dr. Scharf. He treats gum disease with a laser, not a scalpel. Call today at 631-661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com.
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