The Oral-Systemic Connection
You may be aware that gum disease is a chronic condition affecting the gums, but did you know that gum disease is also linked to systemic health complications? Bacteria and inflammation in the mouth have been shown to contribute to systemic inflammatory conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, dementia, obesity, and even some cancers. Our team of medical and dental professionals understands this oral-systemic connection, assesses your risk factors for gum disease, and provides an integrated treatment that considers the health of your entire body as it relates to the health of your mouth. Through patient education, accurate diagnosis, and personalized gum disease treatment in Phoenix, our experienced team can improve your overall health by restoring your oral health.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
- Gum recession
- Red, bleeding gums
- Tender, swollen gums
- Chronic bad breath
- Loose teeth
Risk Factors for Gum Disease
- Poor nutrition
- Smoking and tobacco use
- Medications
- Poor oral health
- Systemic diseases
- Genetics
- Obesity
Specialized Treatment for
Long-Term Health
While the best time to accept treatment for gum disease is at the first symptoms, our experienced team is trained in protocols that can return your smile to proper health and function, even if you suffer from more severe stages of gum disease. Each stage of gum disease requires a certain type of treatment. We have developed the most effective treatment protocols for each stage to rid the mouth of infection and keep it healthy long-term with routine periodontal maintenance. Through this specialized process, we can successfully maintain the health of your teeth, bone, and gums, and reduce the risk for systemic complications as a result of gum disease’s chronic low-grade infection and inflammation. If you already suffer from advanced periodontitis that is affecting your systemic health, our dedicated medical team is here to collaborate with our dental team to restore whole-body health.
The Stages of Gum Disease
- Gingivitis is the beginning and reversible stage of gum disease characterized by tender, bleeding gums whenever you brush or floss. Gum irritation occurs when toxin-releasing plaque and tartar buildup on the teeth are not routinely and thoroughly eliminated. Medicated deep cleaning and irrigation with anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial solutions can effectively treat gingivitis and halt the further spread of infection.
- As chronic inflammation continues to irritate the gum tissue, it will begin to pull away from the teeth, creating periodontal pockets susceptible to more bacterial accumulation. Toxins continuously released around the tooth roots can damage the surrounding bone. Deep cleaning and localized antibiotic treatments in the pockets are needed to keep the infection from spreading.
- Long-term infection and inflammation can cause irreversible damage to the gum tissue and bone. Without a healthy support structure, teeth are at high risk of becoming loose and even falling out. Aggressive treatment with either osseous surgery or laser therapy using LANAP® treatment, in addition to antibiotic treatments and bone grafting, are necessary to restoring a healthy mouth and preventing the further spread of infection elsewhere.
LANAP: The Minimally Invasive Alternative
Patients suffering from advanced periodontitis oftentimes feel nervous about or even refuse traditional osseous surgery due to its invasive nature. Our periodontist is certified to offer LANAP®, the minimally invasive gum recession treatment Phoenix alternative to cut-and-sew treatment methods for gum disease. Using patented laser technology, bacteria and diseased gum tissue are eliminated from around the teeth and bone. Dental lasers also have a cauterizing effect and can accelerate healing by promoting the regeneration of new hard and soft tissue. LANAP is the treatment of choice for patients with gum disease looking for an alternative with minimal pain and bleeding, and a fast return to optimal health.
Don’t wait to treat your gum disease
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