TREATMENTS

Gum Disease Therapy and Diagnosis

Periodontal or gum disease happens when bacteria gets below the gum line and the attachment between the gum and tooth is lost. Three out of four Americans have some form of periodontal disease and only 3 out of 100 will ever get treated before its too late.

One of the most significant advances in dental medicine, a simple DNA test, can now determine the specific type and quantity of disease-casuing bacteria in your mouth!  These bacteria, if left untreated, can cause periodontal disease, tooth loss, and also affect your risk for developing other systemic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes (among others).
 
This exciting new test is for anyone with symptoms of gingivitis or periodontal disease. These symptoms include: bleeding gums, bad breath, red or inflamed gums or loss of bone around your teeth.  Other indications for this test would be prior to extensive dental procedures and in some cases, surgical clearance for heart surgery or joint replacement.
 
This gentle oral rinse procedure is performed by swishing a small amount of sterile saline throughout the mouth and can be done in about 30 seconds. The sample is then sent to OralDNA Labs, Inc. for processing.
 
The lab report that we get back will identify the bacteria associated with the gum infection and allow us to develop a far more powerful and effective treatment plan.  Through this state-of-the-art technology, we are now able to treat the cause of the infection and not just the symptoms. The goal of therapy then becomes to reduce your overall bacterial risk for disease progression.  As with most diseases, earlier treatment and targeted treatment can help stop periodontal disease before irreversible damage occurs.
 
In addition to this bacterial DNA test, we can also offer you a genetic susceptibility test that will tell us if your genetic makeup puts you at greater risk for developing gum tissue infections (due to an exaggerated immune respone). This will further enable us to optimize your therapy and recare program.
 
If you or a loved one is in need of either if these tests, please call for more information.  It is our mission to offer you the most cutting edge, comprehenseive oral-systemic healthcare available.