Dentistry is the known evaluation, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases, disorders and conditions of the soft and hard tissues of the jaw (mandible), the oral cavity, maxillofacial area and the adjacent.
An Interview with Dr. Kyle Eberhardt on Periodontal Disease
Dr. Kyle Eberhardt is a dentist and has answered some of the common questions Bizymoms visitors have about Periodontal Disease.
Q. What is periodontal disease?
A. Periodontal Disease is an infection of the gums in which bacteria that are a part of plaque and tartar cause a chronic inflammation that makes the gums bleed and hurt. If left un-diagnosed and untreated, periodontitis can lead to the destruction of the bone that supports the teeth and consequentially tooth loss.
Q. Who gets periodontal disease?
A. Anyone can get periodontal disease if they do not take proper care of their teeth at home along with constant professional cleanings and exams. The two main risk factors for gum disease are smoking and diabetes.
Q. How does one know if I have a gum disease?
A. One way to tell if you have gum disease in the mildest form (called gingivitis) is if your gums bleed when you brush and floss. In severe periodontal disease one may notice loose teeth, swollen bleeding gums, and very bad breath.
Q. How is periodontal disease detected?
A. Periodontal disease is detected by your dentist and dental hygienist through a series of x-rays as well as measuring how well your gums are sealed to your teeth, also referred to as measuring pocket depths around each tooth.
Periodontal disease can affect the whole mouth, or just a specific area.
Q. How is periodontal disease treated?
A. Treatment of gum disease depends on its severity. Mild to moderate cases can normally be treated with a deep cleaning called scaling and root planing, where the patient is given anesthetic and the affected areas are thoroughly cleaned below the gum line. The patient is normally then placed on a three month regular cleaning schedule to ensure the bacteria does not build back up to a critical level that will again cause damage. In severe cases, the patient may be referred to a periodontist for gum surgery.
Q. Why does one need to see the hygienist regularly?
A. Regular cleanings by a dental hygienist and exam by the dentist are important because they have the tools to clean the tartar and plaque that build up no matter how well you take care of your teeth at home. They have the training and knowledge to diagnose and treat gum disease and work with you to develop a home care routine that can minimize your risk for developing gum disease and dental decay.
Q. Will Laser Periodontal Therapy be painful?
A. Lasers are now being used now for some types of treatment related to periodontal disease. They are very effective when indicated, and are not at all painful for the patient. While lasers as a treatment modality are relatively new, their effectiveness and usefulness continue to improve as research is always progressing.
Q. How to contact Dr. Eberhardt if we have further questions?
A.
Address:
1655 West Market Street
Suite #540
Akron, Ohio 44313
Phone: 330-836-5585
Fax: 330-836-8003
Email: dre@eberhardtdentistry.com
Website: http://www.eberhardtdentistry.com/
