Periodonatal Disease and Therapy

Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums and bone that surround the teeth. The disease process is initiated by plaque bacteria that are not effectively removed through daily home care. Periodontal disease is the number one leading cause of tooth loss in adults, but tooth loss is not the only potential problem. Research suggests that there may be a link between periodontal diseases and other health concerns such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, bacterial pneumonia, and increased risk during pregnancy. Periodontal thereapy depends on the type and severity of the disease, the first step usually involves a special cleaning called scaling and root planning. This procedure removes plaque and tartar deposits on the tooth and root surfaces. Additional treatment may include the use of a laser and antibiotics for bacterial reduction and help to control infection.