It is estimated that over 80% of the adult population suffers from periodontal disease. Dr. Matiasevich’s office offers a wide range of periodontal services including deep cleanings (scale and root planning), periodontal surgery, perio protect, laser hygiene, and perio-medicine (dna and bacteriologic studies and treatment).

SCALING & ROOT PLANING

sometimes referred to as a “periodontal” or “deep” cleaning is a method of treating periodontal disease by removal of plaque and tartar from the root surfaces of the teeth. A local or topical anesthetic may be used to reduce any discomfort.

PERIO PROTECT

Perio Protect is a medial device that delivers doctor chosen medication directly to the source of your periodontal disease. Perio Protect trays are worn as an adjunct to regular brushing and flossing for minutes each day. The trays fit right over your teeth, are painless, easy and effective.

LASER HYGIENE

Laser dental hygiene is a tool used in our office to sterilize infected gum pockets. The use of the laser is painless, promotes faster healing and reduces inflammation.

PERIODONTAL SURGERY

Removal of plaque, tartar, and disease from the gums and bone as well as modifying the bony support of teeth by reshaping the attachment of the gums and bone.

PERIODONTAL MEDICINE (DNA AND BACTERIALOGICAL TESTING).

Several studies link chronic inflammation from periodontitis with the development of cardiovascular disease. By using a sample of your saliva, DNA and bacteria can be analyzed and a custom treatment plan developed that is specific to the periodontal infection present in your mouth.

PERIODONTAL DISEASE

Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums and surrounding bones. This chronic inflammation and infection of the gums and surrounding tissue and bones is the cause of 70 percent of adult tooth loss, affecting three out of four persons. Over the past decade, medical evidence has weighed in that these infections create more risk for heart disease, heart attacks, brain attacks (stroke) and diabetes. Many of our patients are currently in periodontal treatment, and together with dedicated home care and professional continuing care appointments, we can look forward to improvement and a halt to the advancement of their gum disease.

As part of your examination, we perform a risk assessment. We measure your gums to gauge the extent of disease by measuring the “pocket” depth around each tooth and whether infection is present (bleeding). X-rays detail the condition of the bone supporting your teeth. Advanced disease symptoms include red, swollen or tender gums, bleeding while brushing or flossing, gums that pull away from the teeth, loose or separating teeth, puss between the gum and tooth, persistent bad breath, change in the way your teeth fit together, or a change in the fit of a partial denture. By the time any pain appears, it is usually too late and the disease is often untreatable.

Harmful bacteria are the primary cause of gum disease and genetics (certain genes related to how the body deals with inflammation) can also play a role. Poor nutrition, smoking and spit tobacco, high stress, and immune system problems are also more prone to problems and require aggressive intervention.

Treatment will be prescribed specifically for you. We can arrest the disease by “deep cleaning” and flushing the pockets with bacteria reducing medication. In addition, there are antibiotics for specific pockets that are resistant to treatment along with laser treatment. Treatment requires the skill and special instruments of a hygienist. The number of appointments you will need is dependent on the degree of your gum disease, and how your immune system responds to treatment. A local anesthetic will be used to make your treatment more comfortable, and nitrous oxide is also available. Following this treatment, periodontal (supportive) maintenance visits at intervals customized for your situation are necessary to prevent further problems.

We are proud of our soft tissue maintenance program. We want all of our patients to benefit from optimal oral health, and have the opportunity to enjoy their teeth and have improved whole body health their entire lifetime.

HEALTHY TEETH, HEALTHY HEART

Recent studies have linked periodontal disease with overall health risks including heart attacks and strokes. Learn more about Healthy Heart Dentistry, and this quick and easy screening exam.

Related Periodontal (Gum) Disease Articles

The Link Between Heart & Gum Diseases

Inflammation has emerged as a factor that is involved in the process of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD), which commonly results in heart attacks and strokes. While the precise role inflammation plays in causing chronic CVD remains an area of intense current investigation, much more is now known. The good news is that, based on current research, we know that if we can reduce the inflammation caused by periodontal disease, we can reduce the risk for heart attacks and strokes.

Understanding Gum (Periodontal) Disease

Have your gums ever bled when you brushed or flossed? This most commonly overlooked simple sign may be the start of silent (periodontal) disease leading to tooth loss. Learn what you can do to prevent this problem and keep your teeth for life.

Diabetes & Periodontal Disease

Diabetes and periodontal disease are chronic inflammatory diseases that impact the health of millions of people. What you may not know is that diabetes and periodontal disease can adversely affect each other.

Warning Signs of Periodontal (Gum) Disease

This article provides the warning signs of periodontal (gum) disease. Don’t wait until it’s too late.

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