More than 75 % of U.S. adults over 35 have some form of gum disease
(or periodontal disease). Most who have the beginning stage of this
disease don't even know it.
The most severe version of gum disease is known as periodontitis.
A less severe version is known as gingivitis. In many cases gingivitis
is a precursor to periodontitis so all forms of gum disease should
be seen as serious and not neglected. This disease is serious enough
to be called the "silent epidemic" by former Surgeon General,
David Satcher. It is also known as the "busy person's disease"
because people with very busy schedules often neglect their oral
hygiene. It can be scary to hear that you have gum disease. Many
people become embarrassed when they are told they have gum disease
because they feel they have not paid enough attention to their oral
hygiene; however, studies show that many adults lose ground even
when they brush and floss regularly. A well-known phrase for growing
older is growing "long in the tooth." This phrase obviously
indicates that it becomes increasingly more difficult to keep good
oral hygiene for an entire lifetime.
When the symptoms become severe, with gums bleeding and teeth becoming
loose, we tend to start paying attention. Unfortunately this level
of belated intervention is now at the crisis level and can cause
serious bone, tissue, and tooth loss.
The following list represents a few of the concerns people have
regarding a periodontal exam or treatment:
Fear of surgery
Fear of loss of teeth
Embarrassment and concern about their bleeding gums
Sensitive/sore teeth
Fearful that cleanings will be painful
Long appointments
Expensive treatments.
Convenient Comfortable Treatment
In our office the doctor provides various types of intervention
treatments for all stages of the disease. Extremely minor symptoms
are typically treated non-surgically with some patient education,
a professional quality cleaning, and careful attention to follow-up
visits.
For patients with moderate gingivitis through severe periodontitis,
this office offers the convenient, comfortable Perio Protect™ treatment, which is
a method that uses an FDA-cleared medical device that enables dentists
in most cases to provide effective treatment with:
No Painful Scraping
No Expensive Surgery
No Lengthy Appointments
No Shots
No Pain.
The Perio Protect™ system, which is very easy to use, has
been proven in clinical studies to kill harmful bacteria within
72 hours.
Within days of using the medication, inflammation and swelling
is reduced and bleeding gum tissue decreases dramatically. Bad breath,
for many patients, is eliminated.
How it Works
You will be fitted for custom made mouth-pieces (Perio Trays™),
which are similar to athletic mouthguards. They are very thin, soft,
and comfortable.
The trays are made by an FDA-registered laboratory to the exact dimensions
of your teeth. You will then take them home and add the doctor prescribed
medications (which are usually in a gel form - similar in consistency
to toothpaste) and wear them according to the doctor's instruction
(for only a few minutes at a time). This gel seeps above and below
the gum line, modifying the biofilm (the calculus and tartar) which
makes your brushing and flossing that much more effective. The hard
calculus and tartar are turned into a soft chalky material that is
easily removed by regular brushing and flossing. The gel also kills
the bacteria, which allows your gums to heal.
You will be instructed on the frequency of usage based on your diagnosis.
A great advantage of this method is that the entire treatment is done
in the comfort of your own home. The medications used in this unique
treatment also whiten your teeth and freshen your breath.
At each subsequent dental visit, our hygienist will gently remove
any remaining softened deposits and evaluate the progress of your
healing. Your dental visits will be quick, easy, and painless.
Imagine.... a new way of eliminating most gingival and connective
tissue disease problems without pain or excessive expense. To see
video testimonials from patients who have been through the system
click here: http://www.perioprotect.com/testimonials.asp
