Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums that is usually painless. It can go unnoticed, which makes regular dental checkups very important. Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, can cause serious deterioration in healthy gums, leading to loss of bone mass and the structure that holds teeth in place. Many adults lose teeth not because of decay but due to periodontal disease.
Periodontal disease can also cause halitosis (bad breath), which can be a severe impediment in business and social interactions. Moreover, many people don’t realize that periodontal disease may be associated with premature births and birth defects as well as an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory disease.
Drs. Krochak and Perlman and their staff are committed to your complete dental health. Every patient is assessed for periodontal health at the outset of treatment, including a full assessment of the bone around the teeth, the presence of any gum pockets, and your risk factors for periodontal disease.
Based on the findings of the periodontal assessment, you will be scheduled for regular professional cleanings and evaluation. The actual time period between cleaning/assessment visits is determined by the health of your gums and bone. If you are striving to achieve and maintain good dental health, the interval may be shorter. Conversely, if you have a long history of good dental health, the interval between visits would be longer.
Bad breath, or halitosis, is often a sign of periodontal disease, although it may be caused by other factors. Whether your bad breath is the result of periodontal disease or other causes, Dr. Krochak and Dr. Perlman can help you eliminate or minimize it with regular dental hygiene visits or other treatments, depending on the source of the problem.
The doctors take a conservative, non-surgical approach to periodontal disease. If you have gingivitis or periodontitis, they will first try to treat it with a deep cleaning—root planing and scaling, with local anesthesia—and antimicrobial therapy. Only in extraordinary cases do they resort to localized surgery, deep pocket reduction, and bone grafting to encourage the regrowth of bone in the jaw. As always, Drs. Krochak and Perlman use the latest techniques and equipment to ensure your comfort during these important procedures.
The best defense against periodontal disease and halitosis is to maintain a consistent oral care routine at home and to visit us for routine examinations as recommended by your dentist. If you haven’t seen us in a while or suspect that you may have signs of gum disease, please contact us right away to schedule an appointment.
