BC Perio Dental Treatment

Periodontal Disease is similar to other chronic diseases, such as Diabetes. The key to control is early diagnosis and treatment, followed by prompt ongoing treatment. This entails periodontal maintenance procedures or supportive periodontal therapy. Periodontal maintenance will help in gaining control of the disease and increase your chances of keeping your teeth.

If the bacterial plaque and tartar accumulation in the pocket is not cleaned out every 3-4 months, this bacteria can produce escalations in inflammation and trigger bone loss to start occurring again. This is why 3-4 month periodontal cleanings are very important.

Periodontal Infection Is a Medical Problem
Periodontal disease is no longer thought to be just a dental problem. Researchers are finding many correlations between periodontal infection and serious medical problems.

Your Infection Can Be Transmitted
Research using DNA testing has found that 80% of all periodontal disease comes from bacteria transmitted from a parent or spouse. Patients with periodontal disease can pass their infection along to their loved ones.

Some Patients Are at Higher Risk
Patients in certain higher risk categories (see below) should pay particular attention to any signs of periodontal disease.

Those patients having a personal or family history of:

  • Heart disease
  • Heart attack
  • Stroke
  • Premature childbirth
  • Diabetes
  • Respiratory diseases

Those patients having higher risk lifestyles, including:

  • Chronic stress
  • Smoker
  • Sedentary and overweight
  • Frequent colds, flu, etc.

Periodontal Maintenance Visit
Your periodontal maintenance visit will include:

  • An update of your medical & dental history
  • A periodontal examination & measurement of your periodontal pockets
  • An oral cancer screening
  • Tooth root cleaning & polishing
  • Oral hygiene instructions

Team Approach
We work together with your general dentist as a team to provide you with the best possible care. Many times periodontal cleanings will be alternated between our office and your general dentist. During the cleaning at your general dentist’s office, they will concentrate on what is happening with your teeth above the gum line. When you see our office, we will concentrate mostly on what is happening below the gums.

Ongoing periodontal maintenance treatments in our office and dental visits and cleanings with your dentist will ensure your optimum oral health and highest possible care.

To prevent re-infection and avoid more periodontal treatment, it is quite important that you follow the periodontal maintenance program set out by your periodontist and your general dentist.

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