It is a fact that periodontal health impacts not simply the teeth and gums, but the entire body. The connection between gum health and systemic health affects individuals’ risk of heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and cancer, among many other systemic complications. Unfortunately for men, periodontal disease impacts the whole-body health of men disproportionately to women. In fact, while women develop periodontal disease at a rate of 38.4%, men suffer from the disease at a rate of 56.4%.
Periodontal disease, a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the soft and hard structures that support the teeth, occurs for a variety of reasons. Read on to learn about the various risk factors that increase susceptibility to periodontal disease, and what steps you can take to decrease your risk of gum disease.
Worried that you may have periodontal disease, a.k.a. gum disease? The first step in alleviating that fear is gaining awareness of the warning signs for periodontal disease. If you experience any of the symptoms discussed below, you may be developing periodontal disease. But do not panic — instead, gain peace of mind by consulting an oral health professional who can get you started on a treatment plan.
You’ve been told that you have periodontal disease and that you need to see a periodontist. Now what? What is a “periodontist”? And what is “periodontal disease”? Read on to have your fundamental questions answers before even stepping foot in a periodontal office.
It is an unfortunate truth that COVID-19 has become the new normal in our every-day life, at least for now. Along with the worry surrounding the advent of this disease, a myriad of other concerns have arisen. Should I go to the grocery store? Is it safe to see my family? And importantly, should I skip my periodontal visit?
Incongruously, many people who feel comfortable heading to the grocery store, taking pets to the nearby park, or pumping gas at the nearby station make the conscious choice to skip their periodontal visits. These individuals cite coronavirus fears as the reason for this course of conduct. But is skipping periodontal appointments a prudent choice?
For an abundance of reasons, skipping out on periodontal appointments is one of the worst actions one can take for health’s sake during this pandemic. Here are some of the reasons why:
For many, the holiday season entails family, fun, and food . . . often too much food. But did you know that the food you choose during holiday festivities can actually improve your oral health? By intentionally consuming goodies that actually aid your oral health while avoiding some of the worst oral health offenders, you can still enjoy many Christmas treats while simultaneously helping your teeth and gums. Read on to discover some of the traditional holiday foods that work to your mouth’s advantage, and some of the foods that you should avoid.
As a periodontist, I perform surgical implant procedures on a regular basis, and I have placed over 3,000 implants during my career with an overwhelming success rate. However, sometimes patients come to me who have previously received implants, the implant has failed, and the implant now requires removal surgery and replacement. Removal and replacement due to failure is not only frustrating for the patient, but it is also expensive and time-consuming. Fortunately, there are a number of steps a patient can take to help ensure the first implant he or she receives remains healthy and secure for years to come.
A beautiful smile begins with healthy teeth and gums. The explosion of new technology has given periodontists advanced techniques and materials to treat, heal, and enhance your natural smile. We know that receiving care from a specialist can be expensive. If you are wondering how to obtain excellent and affordable periodontal treatment, we have an idea! Welcome to North Raleigh Periodontics VIP Membership Plan.
When explaining to patients their likelihood of developing inflammatory gum disease, I describe what I call the “Pyramid of Susceptibility.” This pyramid is comprised of three layers: (1) bacteria, (2) genetic makeup of saliva, and (3) immune system. These three components are significant determinants in a person’s likelihood to develop gum disease. Furthermore, consideration of these factors, along with a number of external variables, can help predict and prevent the development of periodontal disease for each individual patient.
Have you been told that you need regenerative treatment for recessed gums, and you want to know what to expect pre and post-operatively? Or have you already experienced the gum graft procedure, and you’d like to know if you are on the right track towards complete healing? It’s important to know not only what gum graft surgery itself involves, but also how to prepare yourself both before and after this relatively minor procedure.