Periodontal Disease
About Periodontal Disease
Your Dentist has referred you to a periodontist, now what?
Your family dentist is recommending that you visit my office so that the extent of your periodontitis or gum disease may be evaluated. I am a specialist in this area of dentistry and I am known as a periodontist.
Commonly known as Pyorrhea, periodontal disease is a progressive ailment suffered, to some extent, by nearly 90% of adults over age 35. It is the primary reason for loss of teeth by people over 30.
Periodontal disease begins when bacteria invade the gum tissue surrounding the teeth. Once this bacterial invasion takes hold, the gums become puffy, bleed easily, and gradually lose their "grip" on the teeth they are supposed to protect. Pockets form where the gum loses its grip. These pockets allow more bacteria to lodge under the gum line below the reach of a toothbrush. Some of the bacteria produce toxins that attack the bone which supports the teeth. Without treatment, teeth become loose and may need to be removed.
Because this destruction usually occurs beneath the gum line, the gum tissue may appear normal. This explains why many people discover too late that they have the disease. Only a thorough periodontal examination can reveal if hidden disease is present.
What Can Be Done?
Appropriate treatment along with follow-up care by you and your family dentist can help to prevent recurrence of the disease.
- Treatment usually begins with a thorough cleaning of the tooth roots and any gum pockets. The plaque and calculus are removed and tooth roots smoothed to eliminate any crevices that can harbor plaque.
- This is followed by a daily home care program including careful brushing and flossing to remove plaque from under the gum margins.
- Sometimes, the biting surfaces of the teeth may be adjusted to evenly distribute the chewing pressures throughout the mouth.
- Other forms of treatment are necessary to help the gums reattach to the teeth for those patients who postpone periodontal care until the disease has progressed to an advanced state. Dr. Scharf is an expert at both nonsurgical and surgical treatment of gum disease. He was the first periodontist on Long Island trained and certified in both perioscopy and laser periodontal therapy.
