Antibiotic treatments can be used either in combination with surgery and other therapies, or alone, to reduce or temporarily eliminate the bacteria associated with periodontal disease. However, doctors, dentists and public health officials are becoming more concerned that overuse of these antibiotics can increase the risk of bacterial resistance to these drugs. When germs become [...]
The goal of periodontal treatment is to control any infection that exists and to halt progression of the disease. Treatment options involve home care that includes healthy eating and proper brushing and flossing, non-surgical therapy that controls the growth of harmful bacteria and, in more advanced cases of disease, surgery to restore supportive tissues. Although [...]
During a periodontal exam, your gums are checked for bleeding, swelling and firmness. The teeth are checked for movement and sensitivity. Your bite is assessed. Full-mouth X-rays can help detect breakdown of bone surrounding your teeth. Periodontal probing determines how severe your disease is. A probe is like a tiny ruler that is gently inserted [...]
Periodontal disease may progress painlessly, producing few obvious signs, even in the late stages of the disease. Then one day, on a visit to your dentist, you might be told that you have chronic gum disease and that you may be at increased risk of losing your teeth. Although the symptoms of periodontal disease often [...]
A drug used to regenerate bone in patients with osteoporosis might also be a useful therapy for those who suffer from bone wounds and bone loss because of gum (periodontal) disease according to researchers at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. The study, published online and in print by the New England Journal of [...]
A Case Western Reserve University study may have found a new treatment option for people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis: periodontal therapy. People who suffer from both gum disease and rheumatoid arthritis(RA) reduced their arthritic pain, number of swollen joints and the degree of morning stiffness with non-surgical periodontal therapy, according to the study findings “It [...]