Tracy Dentist - Disease Management - Smiles by Design in Livermore

Disease Management

1. How can you help me if I have periodontal (gum) disease?
Periodontal, or gum, disease is a condition that affects your gums and bone, both of which anchor and support your teeth. This disease is very common in adults and affects approximately 75% of the adult US population. It is not painful and, therefore, those who have it may not be aware of their condition. It can be difficult to treat, particularly if it becomes advanced. You need a professional examination in order to ascertain whether or not you have gum disease. We will help you treat the causative agent, bacteria, which cause dental plaque and tartar. The build-up of plaque and tartar around the teeth adversely affects the gums. The later, and more destructive, stages of the disease process affect the bone and, therefore, the attachment to the tooth. When this is severe, the tooth will be lost. If the process is detected early enough, we can help to eliminate the problem – or at least slow it down. There is no cure for the advanced stages of the disease.
2. Aside from surgery, are there other options for treating gum disease?

Yes there are. You may have heard about some of the new and successful methods for treating gum disease with lasers. There are also new medications that include germ-killing agents. For example, there is a new antibiotic that, when placed between the gum and tooth, has the ability to kill bacteria for an extended period of time (up to 30 days). We are even seeing some success when dietary supplements are added to therapy with medication and good home care. Surgical treatment has advanced significantly with the use of laser technology. This is only needed in a limited number of cases. Lasers can be used for surgical, as well as non-surgical treatments. When lasers are used for surgery, vs. conventional surgical techniques, much less pain and more rapid healing is the result. Lasers also allow us to successfully treat cases that were considered hopeless just a few years ago. Whether you are concerned about the possibility of having gum disease or if you would like to discuss new surgical techniques that can help the disease you already know you have, we would be happy to schedule a consultation with you at no charge.