 A
less aggressive alternative therapy for patients not exhibiting
the signs and symptoms of severe periodontal disease is non-surgical
periodontal treatment. If you have a mild or moderate infection
under your gum tissues, we may advise a more definitive course
of treatment known as scaling and root planning. A routine
hygiene visit or cleaning appointment will not treat this problem.
The recommended treatment will help to prevent loss of bone and
gum tissues and the supporting structures of the teeth. A periodontal
evaluation including charting will define the places where this
infection exists.
Scaling and Root Planning is the most common and conservative form of treatment for periodontal (gum) disease. Scaling is the removal of calculus (commonly called tartar) and plaque that attached to the tooth surfaces. The process especially targets the area below the gumline, along the root. Plaque is a sticky substance, full of bacteria, that forms on teeth. When plaque hardens over time it becomes calculus. Plaque is more likely to stick to rough surfaces. For this reason, the root surface is made smooth in a process called root planning. Root planning removes any remaining calculus and smoothes irregular areas of the root surface.
Heart Disease
Several theories exist to explain the link between periodontal
disease and heart disease. One theory is that oral bacteria
can affect the heart when they enter the blood stream, attaching
to fatty plaques in the coronary arteries (heart blood vessels)
and contributing to clot formation. Coronary artery disease
is characterized by a thickening of the walls of the coronary
arteries due to the buildup of fatty proteins. Blood clots can
obstruct normal blood flow, restricting the amount of nutrients
and oxygen required for the heart to function properly. This
may lead to heart attacks.
 Another possibility
is that the inflammation caused by periodontal disease increases
plaque build up, which may contribute to swelling of the arteries.
Researchers have found that people with periodontal
disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from coronary
artery disease as those without periodontal disease.
Periodontal disease can also exacerbate existing heart
conditions. Patients at risk for infective endocarditis
may require antibiotics prior to dental procedures. Your
dentist at Bridgeview Dental and cardiologist will be
able to determine if your heart condition requires use
of antibiotics prior to dental procedures.
Stroke
Additional studies have pointed to a relationship between
periodontal disease and stroke. In one study that looked at
the causal relationship of oral infection as a risk factor for
stroke, people diagnosed with acute cerebrovascular ischemia
were found more likely to have an oral infection when compared
to those in the control group.
|
