According to a study at the University of Pennsylvania, successful treatment for gum disease may reduce the risk for pre-term birth. Read more here. http://www.upenn.edu/pennnews/news/successful-periodontal-therapy-may-reduce-risk-preterm-birth-according-penn-dental-study
Of course LANAP (Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure) could be considered as part of successful periodontal therapy.
Showing posts with label periodontal disease. Show all posts
Showing posts with label periodontal disease. Show all posts
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Sunday, May 09, 2010
Thinking Outside the Box Means Thinking Outside the Tooth
There is substantial research linking gum (periodontal) disease to serious conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and even pancreatic cancer. Instead of addressing these systemic disease at advanced stages, why not be pro-active and deal with less pain by creating a healthy mouth.
Our mouths are the easiest line of access for bacteria to enter our bodies. Gum disease starts off as plaque, an opaque bacterial film, which eventually hardens forming tartar or calculus. Calculus deposits harbor bacteria, which infect the gums. In early stages, this is called gingivitis, characterized by red swollen gums that bleed when you brush your teeth. Many people experience bad breath and an unpleasant taste in their mouths as well.
Unchecked gingivitis progresses to periodontitis, a much more serious form of the disease where periodontal pockets are formed, separating teeth from the gums and supporting bone structure. Without treatment, infection becomes severe and the pockets deepen, harboring bacteria (which then enters the blood stream), and eventually resulting in tooth loss. Gum disease is a chronic condition, and the effects are wide-spread. The chronic infection of gum disease exacerbates other systemic diseases previously mentioned above.
The way to repair the damage is to get rid of the infection and close up the pockets. This is where thinking "outside the box" comes in. Until recently treating gum disease meant cut and sew flap surgery (aka, scalpel surgery and sutures). Most dentists are trained to treat gum disease by cutting through healthy tissue on the surface to "scrape out" the infected, underlying gum tissue. Modern technology and the use of a specific laser and protocol have proven successful in treating gum disease, which in turn can help control diabetes and lower the risks of heart disease and stroke.
This "out of the box" successful, laser-alternative protocol I am referring to is called Laser Assisted new Attachment Procedure (LANAP). The LANAP protocol is the only laser-assisted procedure certified by the FDA for treatment of periodontitis or gum disease. This breakthrough procedure can actually regenerate new gum and bone tissue, as shown in dental university studies and among my own patients. I can honestly say the LANAP protocol is a patient-friendly, minimally invasive procedure that is a great improvement over traditional gum surgery.
Be an informed patient/consumer. Always ask what your alternatives are. With the advancement of science and modern technology, there is no reason to settle for old-fashion, "traditional" solutions.
Our mouths are the easiest line of access for bacteria to enter our bodies. Gum disease starts off as plaque, an opaque bacterial film, which eventually hardens forming tartar or calculus. Calculus deposits harbor bacteria, which infect the gums. In early stages, this is called gingivitis, characterized by red swollen gums that bleed when you brush your teeth. Many people experience bad breath and an unpleasant taste in their mouths as well.
Unchecked gingivitis progresses to periodontitis, a much more serious form of the disease where periodontal pockets are formed, separating teeth from the gums and supporting bone structure. Without treatment, infection becomes severe and the pockets deepen, harboring bacteria (which then enters the blood stream), and eventually resulting in tooth loss. Gum disease is a chronic condition, and the effects are wide-spread. The chronic infection of gum disease exacerbates other systemic diseases previously mentioned above.
The way to repair the damage is to get rid of the infection and close up the pockets. This is where thinking "outside the box" comes in. Until recently treating gum disease meant cut and sew flap surgery (aka, scalpel surgery and sutures). Most dentists are trained to treat gum disease by cutting through healthy tissue on the surface to "scrape out" the infected, underlying gum tissue. Modern technology and the use of a specific laser and protocol have proven successful in treating gum disease, which in turn can help control diabetes and lower the risks of heart disease and stroke.
This "out of the box" successful, laser-alternative protocol I am referring to is called Laser Assisted new Attachment Procedure (LANAP). The LANAP protocol is the only laser-assisted procedure certified by the FDA for treatment of periodontitis or gum disease. This breakthrough procedure can actually regenerate new gum and bone tissue, as shown in dental university studies and among my own patients. I can honestly say the LANAP protocol is a patient-friendly, minimally invasive procedure that is a great improvement over traditional gum surgery.
Be an informed patient/consumer. Always ask what your alternatives are. With the advancement of science and modern technology, there is no reason to settle for old-fashion, "traditional" solutions.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
The LANAP Protocol: Periodontal Patients' Best Friend
I have been providing the LANAP (laser assisted new attachment procedure) protocol for the last few years. Without exaggeration or hyperbole, in my 25 years in the practice of dentistry, I have never seen a more effective, patient friendly, powerful technique than the LANAP protocol for the treatment of ANY dental concern, including gum disease. Patient acceptance is unparalleled, results are clinically proven, and a positive patient experience is the rule. LANAP is an FDA approved procedure that features no cutting or amputation of gum tissue, no stitches, and virtually no risk of post operative infection. LANAP is a regenerative procedure that features superior healing compared to conventional techniques. There are at present, approximately 1000 user/clinicians in the US and Canada. The number of periodontal specialist users is growing steadily; it is my decided opinion that the "Gold Standard" for periodontitis treatment is now the LANAP protocol. I am honored to help doctors learn the technique as an Instructor for the Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry, the sole provider for all continuing education and instruction for the LANAP protocol.
Sunday, September 06, 2009
What Doctors Wish You Would Do.
From Woman's Day Magazine and Yahoo News:
Among the tips for healthy living these important dental considerations.
Respect Your Mouth:
Floss and brush daily and you'll be rewarded with more than just a bright smile. "Your oral health has a major influence on your systemic health," says Dr. Roizen. "The same bacteria that cause gum disease in your mouth can set off an immune reaction that may lead to wrinkles, heart disease and even stroke." Several studies have linked periodontal disease to an increased risk of heart disease (some speculate that gum disease may cause chronic inflammation, which can in turn cause swelling around the arteries).
As a dentist who evaluates a patient's general health everyday, I certainly can testify to the importance of oral health and a person's overall well-being.
Get Familiar with "C":
As in c-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation (checked with a blood test) that experts think may play a role in the formation of clots that block the flow of blood to the heart. Researchers in the landmark JUPITER study of more than 17,000 women 60 and older and men 50 and older found that those who had normal cholesterol levels but slightly elevated levels of c-reactive protein reduced their risk of heart attack and stroke by taking a statin--meaning that CRP levels may be worth keeping tabs on. However, keep in mind that experts are still trying to figure out CRP's exact role, and whether or not it directly causes heart disease or is a sign that it's developing. "Men and women in this age group with normal cholesterol should ask their doctors about CRP," says Dr. Goldberg.
In dentistry, particularly treating periodontal or gum disease, we are very aware of the effects C-Reactive Protein on overall health. C-reactive Protein is marker of inflammation that is very frequently seen with patients with gum disease. I have had patients C-Reactive Protein levels reverse significantly after treating their periodontal disease.
Among the tips for healthy living these important dental considerations.
Respect Your Mouth:
Floss and brush daily and you'll be rewarded with more than just a bright smile. "Your oral health has a major influence on your systemic health," says Dr. Roizen. "The same bacteria that cause gum disease in your mouth can set off an immune reaction that may lead to wrinkles, heart disease and even stroke." Several studies have linked periodontal disease to an increased risk of heart disease (some speculate that gum disease may cause chronic inflammation, which can in turn cause swelling around the arteries).
As a dentist who evaluates a patient's general health everyday, I certainly can testify to the importance of oral health and a person's overall well-being.
Get Familiar with "C":
As in c-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation (checked with a blood test) that experts think may play a role in the formation of clots that block the flow of blood to the heart. Researchers in the landmark JUPITER study of more than 17,000 women 60 and older and men 50 and older found that those who had normal cholesterol levels but slightly elevated levels of c-reactive protein reduced their risk of heart attack and stroke by taking a statin--meaning that CRP levels may be worth keeping tabs on. However, keep in mind that experts are still trying to figure out CRP's exact role, and whether or not it directly causes heart disease or is a sign that it's developing. "Men and women in this age group with normal cholesterol should ask their doctors about CRP," says Dr. Goldberg.
In dentistry, particularly treating periodontal or gum disease, we are very aware of the effects C-Reactive Protein on overall health. C-reactive Protein is marker of inflammation that is very frequently seen with patients with gum disease. I have had patients C-Reactive Protein levels reverse significantly after treating their periodontal disease.
Sunday, May 03, 2009
Green Tea For Healthy Gums?
A study recently published in the Journal of Periodontology, uncovered yet another benefit of green tea consumption. Researchers found that routine intake of green tea may also help promote healthy teeth and gums. See the story here. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090305183128.htm
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