CAN I REALLY KEEP MY TEETH FOR A LIFETIME?

CAN I REALLY KEEP MY TEETH FOR A LIFETIME?
(Part I - Periodontal Disease)
c 2006 Edilia Glenski, DMD
2311 Alternate Hwy 19 N., #3
Palm Harbor, FL 34683

WHAT IS PERIODONTAL DISEASE?
Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection of the gums and the bones that surround and support the teeth. This disease can often cause the gums to shrink away from the teeth, the bone around the teeth to dissolve away and the teeth to become loose.

Most people may not even be aware of the fact that they have periodontal disease. It can often be painless and go un-noticed. What most people don't realize is that periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.

HOW CAN YOU COMBAT PERIODONTAL DISEASE?
It used to be that the public, as well as the dental profession, thought that once a person got periodontal disease, they were bound to lose their teeth sooner or later. It was felt that the best that could be done was to slow down the disease so that the teeth would be lost later rather than sooner.

Recent research has shown however, that when periodontal disease is discovered and treated in the early stages, it can be stopped and some of the lost bone may grow back. This is very exciting news.

The way that dentists discover that a person has periodontal disease is very simple. X-rays, used together with a technique where the dentist or hygienist very gently measures around every tooth to see how much bone has been lost, if any, will tell the dentist if the disease is present and how severe it is.

The treatment consists of a technique known as Scaling and Root Planing where the dentist or hygienist goes beneath the gums with certain specialized instruments to gently cleanse the infected areas thus removing irritating deposits and bacteria. This phase can take anywhere from one to five appointments depending on the condition of the patient.

THE KEY TO SUCCESSFULLY KEEPING YOUR TEETH FOR A LIFETIME:
The key to success is then using proper home care and coming back to the dental office for follow-up care every 3 months (6 month check ups only apply to disease free mouths!).

At the time of the first 3 month check the doctor will measure around the teeth again to see how well the gums and bones are progressing.

In my practice I have had remarkable results with this technique.

In summary: 1) Have your gums and bones checked professionally for any signs of disease. 2) Get appropriate treatment from your dentist. 3) Brush and floss your teeth as recommended by your dentist. 4) Get continuing treatment every 3 months.

Edilia Glenski, DMD is owner of Definitive Dental Care. She has been practicing general and cosmetic dentistry since 1980 and is one of only eight dentists in the state of Florida Accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Dr. Glenski is also a Professor of Anatomy and Physiology at St. Petersburg College. Definitive Dental Care is located at 2311 Alternate 19 North, #3, Palm Harbor, FL 34683. She can be contacted by phone at (727) 772-8001.