Dr. Jason Cataldo is a Dentist who has answered some of the common questions Bizymoms visitors have about Periodontal Disease.
Q. What is periodontal disease?
A. A Periodontist is a specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of Periodontal (Gum) Disease. Periodontal disease is the destruction of the connective tissue, and jawbone caused predominantly by microbial plaque (plaque bacteria). Periodontal means "around the tooth" and deals with the surrounding bone, connective tissue, and gingival tissue. Although it’s often referred to as "gum disease" this can be misleading, since the damage occurs primarily to the bone. Periodontal disease is the progression of gingivitis, when plaque and "tartar" accumulate beneath the gums on the roots of the teeth. The bacteria destroy bone as they move down the root, eventually leading to increased tooth mobility and eventually tooth loss. Periodontal disease is a chronic infection and is not usually painful until it becomes severe. Don’t wait for it to hurt! Have a Periodontist evaluate you.
For women, periodontal disease has extra significance. Periodontal disease can contribute to pre-term low birth weight, and in some cases the periodontal bacteria are associated with stillbirth. Hormonal changes can also result in occasional large "boils or lesions" on the gum tissue called "pregnancy tumors." While these lesions are not dangerous, they can lead to discomfort and in some cases - bone loss. Periodontal disease has also been linked to cardiovascular diseases.
If you have symptoms of Periodontal disease and anticipate becoming pregnant, see a periodontist. Dental x-rays and treatment may be necessary, but radiographic diagnosis and treatment is not recommended during the first and sometimes second trimester.
Q. Who gets periodontal disease?
A. Although most periodontal disease occurs in adults over age 25, anyone can develop the disease.
Q. How does one know if I have a gum disease?
A. Symptoms of "gum disease" – or Periodontitis, include breath and mouth odor, bleeding gums, reddened, swollen, or tender gums, development of spaces between the teeth, pus, a change in the way the teeth fit together when you bite, and increased tooth mobility.
Q. How is periodontal disease detected?
A. Periodontal disease is detected by a thorough, detailed clinical examination and appropriate periodontal radiographs (x-rays).
Q. How is periodontal disease treated?
A. Periodontal disease is treated as follows:
1.Systemic antibiotic therapy
2.Removal of the tartar and bacteria from beneath the gum tissues
3.Education and practice of oral hygiene techniques to keep the plaque out
4.Sometimes minor surgical procedures are needed to correct the damage done by moderate to severe disease, and to repair large defects in the bone or soft tissues.
5. Replacement of lost teeth by dental implants when necessary
6. Establishing an appropriate interval of professional cleanings to keep the bacteria and tartar out, and to reinforce and teach appropriate home care techniques to prevent redevelopment of disease.
All of these are important for the successful treatment of the disease and to prevent its recurrence.
Q. Why does one need to see the hygienist regularly?
A. One should see the hygienist regularly to keep oral bacterial and tartar levels low, to catch problems early – before they become big problems, and to manage and maintain a healthy mouth
Q. Will Laser Periodontal Therapy be painful?
A. Laser periodontal therapy: although there are many advertisements for Lasers in periodontal treatment, beware of what sounds too good to be true! Most laser applications are of no additional benefit for tartar removal alone.
See: American Dental Association Council on Dental Affairs http://www.ada.org/prof/resources/positions/statements/lasers_final.asp
Periodontal therapy is not painful – most treatment that has the potential to be painful is done under local anesthesia and oral sedation. Certainly some discomfort will be present in the days following treatment but this is managed with medication.
Q. How to contact Dr. Cataldo if we have further questions?
A.
Address:
3505 University Drive
Durham, NC 27707
Phone: 919.493.9900
Fax: 919.493.9901
Email: drjasoncataldo@gmail.com
Website: CarolinaPerioImplants.com
