1. What is Periodontics

Periodontal disease is a serious infection that destroys the soft tissue and bone that support a patient's teeth and eventually may cause tooth loss. It can lead to more serious problems such as higher blood sugar levels (which causes diabetes) and an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Gum disease may even affect a patient's unborn child. Pregnant women with periodontitis are much more likely to give birth to premature babies than are women with healthy gums.

2. Signs and symptoms of Periodontal Disease

• Swollen, bright red or purple gums
• Gums that feel tender when touched
• Gums that pull away from your teeth (recede), making your teeth look longer than normal
• New spaces developing between your teeth
• Pus between your teeth and gums
• Persistent breath odor or a bad taste in your mouth
• Loose teeth or a change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
  

3. Causes

Periodontitis begins with plaque, an invisible, sticky film that forms on your teeth when starches and sugars in food interact with bacteria normally found in your mouth. Plaque that stays on your teeth longer than two or three days can harden under your gumline into tartar (calculus), a white substance that makes plaque more difficult to remove and that acts as a reservoir for bacteria. Unfortunately, brushing and flossing can't eliminate tartar - only a professional cleaning can remove it. The longer plaque and tartar remain on your teeth, the more damage it causes, eventually causing a loss of tissue and bone then one or more teeth. In addition to plaque, other factors that can contribute to periodontal disease include:

• Tobacco use..
• Heredity.
• Drugs.
• Diabetes.
• Hormonal changes.
• Nutritional deficiencies.

4. When to seek medical care

Healthy gums are firm and pale pink. If your gums are puffy, dusky red and bleed easily, see your dentist. The sooner you seek care, the better your chances of reversing damage and preventing more serious problems.

5. Prevention

The best way to prevent periodontal disease is a program of good dental hygiene which includes brushing your teeth after every meal and flossing at least once a day. Flossing before you brush allows you to clean away the loosened food particles and bacteria. A complete cleaning with a toothbrush and floss should take three to five minutes Other tips include

• Choose the right toothbrush..
• Brush as if your teeth depended on it.
• Floss.
• See your dentist.
• Eat a healthy diet.

6. Financial Policy

After the initial consultation, we will present the patient with a proposed treatment plan which will include our fee schedule. Payment for our services will be expected at the times set forth in that fee schedule and payments may be made via cash or all major credit cards. In some circumstances, the patient's treatment may be covered by their insurance.