Informative Facts on Common Dental Procedures
Isn't a little bleeding from the gums normal? Not at all.
It may be common, but it is not normal.
It usually indicates a bacterial infection below the gumline.
My gums bleed, but I have no pain, so what's the problem? Bleeding is usually the only warning sign of gum infection.
Later, when the disease progresses to a bone infection, you may get additional symptoms such as soreness, swelling, recession, abscesses, loose or drifting teeth or bad breath How do you treat periodontal disease? Wherever possible, the least invasive methods are used.
The dentists frequently use herbal, vitamin and antibiotic therapies.
The dentists want to get rid of the infection and strengthen your system to resist infection.
I've heard people talk about getting their gums deep cleaned or scaled.
What is that? Sometimes as periodontal disease progresses, the soft plaque on the teeth hardens into tartar (calculus).
As the infection causes the gum to separate from the roots of the teeth, the tartar fills in the space.
This material prevents healing and is removed.
Removing tartar from the roots sounds painful.
Is it? To be honest, most people prefer something to alleviate the discomfort of gum treatment.
For example:
they studied couples who suffered from periodontal disease.
The bacteria known as Actinobacillus (Aa) has been most widely implicated as the cause of periodontal disease.
The investigators found that the same strain of Aa was present in both spouses, suggestion the transmission of the bacteria between adults living in close contact with each other.
The implication is that an adult infected with periodontal disease can infect their spouse or can be reinfected by their spouse.
It may be prudent to have your significant other or adult children evaluated for periodontal disease.
Do women have special periodontal needs? Yes.
Shifting levels of estrogen and progesterone during menstruation, pregnancy, and other life stages can influence your oral health.
Gums may swell, allowing bacteria to grow more rapidly.
Hormone changes may lower your immunity, making you more sensitive to periodontal problems.
Unchecked, these can lead to more serious problems.
What can be done? First, children need early education in the warning signs of gum disease-red, puffy, or bleeding gums.
The second key is proper brushing.
The third key is diet-particularly a reduction in (or, even better, elimination of) the consumption of sugary snacks and soft drinks.
Sugars and carbohydrates are among the chief culprits in causing gum disease.
And the final key is regular professional checkups.
Professional scaling and polishing will remove plaque...
and checkups will reveal any symptoms of gum disease so treatments can be started early.
How do you sterilize your instruments? All instruments are first washed by hand and then placed in a chemical disinfectant bath.
After that, they are placed in sealed packs and autoclaved.
An autoclave is a type of pressure cooker which sterilizes by steam under pressure.
A color change on the sterilization bags confirms that the items have been sterilized.
As an additional check, the autoclave is tested on a monthly basis.
I've been told I grind my teeth in my sleep.
Is this a problem? Sometimes anxiety will lead to increased tension of the major jaw muscles resulting in an increase in night time (and occasionally day time) clenching or grinding.
While grinding teeth can sound like a cement mixer, clenching is perfectly silent but just as damaging.
In any case, these jaw movements may cause rocking of the teeth, interruption of the blood supply to the teeth and gums and looser teeth an/or gum recession.
If you think you need help, please call for an appointment.
Why is gum disease potentially more dangerous than previously thought? A number of studies have shown that people with periodontal disease are at greater risk for heart attacks, strokes, and premature births.
It may be common, but it is not normal.
It usually indicates a bacterial infection below the gumline.
My gums bleed, but I have no pain, so what's the problem? Bleeding is usually the only warning sign of gum infection.
Later, when the disease progresses to a bone infection, you may get additional symptoms such as soreness, swelling, recession, abscesses, loose or drifting teeth or bad breath How do you treat periodontal disease? Wherever possible, the least invasive methods are used.
The dentists frequently use herbal, vitamin and antibiotic therapies.
The dentists want to get rid of the infection and strengthen your system to resist infection.
I've heard people talk about getting their gums deep cleaned or scaled.
What is that? Sometimes as periodontal disease progresses, the soft plaque on the teeth hardens into tartar (calculus).
As the infection causes the gum to separate from the roots of the teeth, the tartar fills in the space.
This material prevents healing and is removed.
Removing tartar from the roots sounds painful.
Is it? To be honest, most people prefer something to alleviate the discomfort of gum treatment.
For example:
- Topical anesthetic which is painted on the gum with a cotton tip
- Nitrous oxide, often called Laughing Gas
- Tranquilizers
- Local anesthetics
they studied couples who suffered from periodontal disease.
The bacteria known as Actinobacillus (Aa) has been most widely implicated as the cause of periodontal disease.
The investigators found that the same strain of Aa was present in both spouses, suggestion the transmission of the bacteria between adults living in close contact with each other.
The implication is that an adult infected with periodontal disease can infect their spouse or can be reinfected by their spouse.
It may be prudent to have your significant other or adult children evaluated for periodontal disease.
Do women have special periodontal needs? Yes.
Shifting levels of estrogen and progesterone during menstruation, pregnancy, and other life stages can influence your oral health.
Gums may swell, allowing bacteria to grow more rapidly.
Hormone changes may lower your immunity, making you more sensitive to periodontal problems.
- Menstruation can affect your oral health.
Your gums may swell and develop ulcers or herpes-like sores. - Pregnancy brings on changes, too.
Many women suffer some level of gum disease, even if they've never had problems with plaque before. - The good news is that pregnancy induced periodontal problems may recede after your child's birth.
Thorough home and professional care is your best defense-keep a close eye on your condition. - In menopause, gums may be sore, sensitive, and dry, leading to periodontal problems.
Care for gums and teeth scrupulously at home, and get periodontal maintenance therapy frequently.
Update your dentist on your medical history, so he can help you through these special changes and phases.
Unchecked, these can lead to more serious problems.
What can be done? First, children need early education in the warning signs of gum disease-red, puffy, or bleeding gums.
The second key is proper brushing.
The third key is diet-particularly a reduction in (or, even better, elimination of) the consumption of sugary snacks and soft drinks.
Sugars and carbohydrates are among the chief culprits in causing gum disease.
And the final key is regular professional checkups.
Professional scaling and polishing will remove plaque...
and checkups will reveal any symptoms of gum disease so treatments can be started early.
How do you sterilize your instruments? All instruments are first washed by hand and then placed in a chemical disinfectant bath.
After that, they are placed in sealed packs and autoclaved.
An autoclave is a type of pressure cooker which sterilizes by steam under pressure.
A color change on the sterilization bags confirms that the items have been sterilized.
As an additional check, the autoclave is tested on a monthly basis.
I've been told I grind my teeth in my sleep.
Is this a problem? Sometimes anxiety will lead to increased tension of the major jaw muscles resulting in an increase in night time (and occasionally day time) clenching or grinding.
While grinding teeth can sound like a cement mixer, clenching is perfectly silent but just as damaging.
In any case, these jaw movements may cause rocking of the teeth, interruption of the blood supply to the teeth and gums and looser teeth an/or gum recession.
If you think you need help, please call for an appointment.
Why is gum disease potentially more dangerous than previously thought? A number of studies have shown that people with periodontal disease are at greater risk for heart attacks, strokes, and premature births.
Source...