Dentistry and Gum Disease The history of dentistry and gum disease seem to be intertwined all the way back to ancient times.Hippocrates and Aristotle both mentioned Periodontis in their writings.They spoke of ointments that would help sterilize the mouth, and recommended as well a rather painful remedy no longer practiced that involved a red hot wire laid across the gums.Dentistry and the treatment of gum disease remained very primitive (and also very painful) throughout the Middle Ages on into the 1800s.
While the 1800s saw some significant changes in the practice of dentistry, gum disease treatments still remained barbarous and excruciating for most patients.Dentists would try to prevent Periodontis by cleaning teeth with scrapers, and cavities were treated with odd and painful hand instruments.
As better instruments have been developed in dentistry, gum disease treatment is finally something most patients can not only bear to endure, but actually want to have performed.Over 80% of the population suffers from gingivitis and Periodontis.When left untreated, gum disease can cause all sorts of problems ranging from the mild to the very severe.
Twentieth-century general dentistry typically treated gum disease with several types of surgery.One type of surgery was cutting away the diseased portion of the gum and grafting healthy tissue in its place.Another solution used by general dentistry to treat gum disease is root scaling and planing.This involves removing bacteria from the surfaces of teeth that touch the interior of the gums.Creating a more healthy tooth surface contributes to the healing of the gums themselves.
Cosmetic dentistry sometimes uses the practice of Gingevectomy to treat gum disease, although typically this is not the best solution to correcting diseased tissue.Gum removal in today’s world of dental science serves the more cosmetic benefit of removing excess tissue from around teeth and making them look more proportional in relation to the gum line and to one another.
Probably the best treatment for gum disease in today’s world of modern dentistry is laser periodontal therapy, also known as LANAP.LANAP is performed with a sophisticated ND: YAG laser called a PerioLase® MVP-7.This is probably the least painful treatment for Periodontis ever developed.
The PerioLase® MVP-7 emits a concentrated infrared beam which cuts away disease tissue and sterilizes the gums in the process.The dentist uses an ultrasonic scaler to remove root surface tartar.Very unique hand held instruments are then used to remove root surface tartar.While the basic techniques of scaling and planing are still used, the use of more specialized instruments, combined with the new technology of the a laser, makes this one of the least invasive and sterile of all gum disease treatments in dentistry.The minimization of discomfort also makes it highly unlikely that the patient will need to have pain medication prescribed.Little if any pain medicine is needed after LANAP has been performed.What few patients do feel the need for pain medication can almost always use over the counter products to this end.
The Medical Center Dental group specializes in dentistry that both looks good and feels good to the patient.It is for this reason we both recommend and practice the LANAP procedure for gum disease treatment to both eliminate infected portions of the gums and preserve as much healthy oral tissue as possible.
Cosmetic Dentistry is a specialized field that requires extensive knowledge and experience to be done correctly. The Medical Center Dental Group in Houston, Texas brings all of that and more to the direct benefit of each and every patient we treat. Although we are located in the world famous Houston Medical Center at Scurlock Towers, we routinely see dental patients who travel from Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, Beaumont Midland and Houston, Texas to see Dr. Dale Brant, Dr. Charles Campbell or Dr. Elizabeth O’Sullivan-Winslow for their cosmetic denistry services.
Patients need to see their dentist once every three months in order for periodontal disease control to be effective. Gum disease must be closely monitored by dental professionals.
Now, new evidence is emerging that suggests a new risk factor – gum disease. Pregnant women who suffer from periodontal disease could be up to seven times more likely to give birth to a baby that is born both too early and too small.
People who have respiratory ailments, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, typically suffer from reduced protective systems, making it difficult to eliminate bacteria from the lungs.
A Houston cosmetic dentist can correct in this defect with a procedure known as periodontal ridge augmentation. This recaptures the natural contour of the gums and jaw bone. A tooth replacement can then be made that is natural looking, easy-to-clean, and beautiful.
Houston, Texas Laser Periodontal Therapy can help prevent infection and heal gum tissue. Failure to treat gum tissue that is infected by periodontal disease often leads to early tooth loss.
Tooth roots are often exposed because of gum recession. People who experience this condition often find it embarrassing to smile because their teeth look too large for their mouth.
Laser Periodontal Therapy (LPT) is a breakthrough in the treatment of gum disease just as LASIK was for ophthalmology. LPT takes some of the most effective treatment techniques that have been used for many years and enhances them with the conservative use of a specialized laser.
Periodontal (Gum) disease and other oral health problems have plagued mankind from the beginning of time. The Cro-Magnon people, who inhabited the earth over 25,000 years ago, showed early evidence of tooth decay.
Gum disease cures were hard to come by in past history, and we are still battling this problem today. Many people living back in the 17th and 18th centuries did not have the appropriate equipment to combat the onset of gum disease, thus finding a cure was extremely difficult.
One of the biggest problems dentists encounter with their patients is periodontal disease. A receding gum line may be affecting your willingness to smile, but with treatment your outlook can be changed. What people do not realize though is that the treatment to prevent periodontal disease in the fir...
Keeping our teeth clean and beautiful is an important part in maintaining a healthy gum line. Many of us do not realize the health benefits of tooth brushing on a regular basis and tend to get lackadaisical about this procedure over time.
Gingivitis begins when plaque and calculus (tartar) build up on teeth and inflame surrounding gum tissue. Symptoms include swelling, bright red or purple coloration of the gums, gums that itch or hurt when touched, occasional bad breath, and receding gum line.
Gum Disease treatment is on the rise as the amount of people being diagnosed with periodontal infection augments. It is estimated that between 90-95% of the population have some form of gum disease.
Gum disease symptoms are not always easy to recognize. Millions of Americans have some form of gum disease and many do not recognize the symptoms. The only way to know for sure is to have a dental checkup with your family dentist. Gum disease, better known as periodontal disease, is an infection tha...
Statistics show 90-95% of the population is in some state of gum disease. The Medical Center Dental Group's motto is "healthy gums don't bleed"; however, most patients admit that their gums have always bled when they have their teeth cleaned.
