Gum Disease Michigan | www.drnemeth.com | 248-357-3100 | Birmingham Bloomfield Hills Periodontist: 2009

Pigmentation Removed from Gum Tissue By Michigan Periodontist, Dr. Joseph Nemeth

Posted by Joseph R. Nemeth, DDS, MaCCS | Posted in cosmetic dentistry michigan, cosmetic gum treatment, michigan gum surgery, michigan periodontist, oakland county gum disease, southfield periodontist | Posted on 2:35 PM

Unusual gingival pigmentation occurs commonly among patients. Many patients complain of having dark brown blemishes throughout their gum tissue. Practically any level of pigmentation problem can be overcome with today’s advances in dental technology. Through a minimally invasive and relatively pain-free procedure, blemished gum tissue can be restored resulting in a more cosmetically-pleasing smile.

To learn more about this minimally invasive cosmetic gum procedure, call Dr. Joseph Nemeth and Associates at 248.357.3100 or visit us on the web at www.drnemeth.com.

Michigan Periodontist Performs Connective Tissue Grafting Procedures

Posted by Joseph R. Nemeth, DDS, MaCCS | Posted in gum disease Michigan, michigan gum disease, michigan gum surgery, Michigan Periodontist Dr. Joseph Nemeth, periodontal disease Michigan | Posted on 8:40 AM

oblems such as root decay.

Connective tissue grafting covers the area of recession with your own gum tissue. It is highly successful and provides excellent esthetic

results.

Alloderm® Grafting has the same goal as connective tissue grafting -- to treat areas of recessed gum tissue. The difference is that instead of using the patient’s own tissue for grafting, we use an alternative known as Alloderm that also provides excellent results.

If you'd like to learn more about gum grafting procedures, watch our youtube vid http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYKcV44gUSQ .

You can also visit www.drnemeth.com or call 248.357.3100

to learn more about Michigan gum disease treatment.

Tobacco Use and Gum Disease Michigan

Posted by Joseph R. Nemeth, DDS, MaCCS | Posted in gum disease Michigan, michigan gum disease, michigan periodontist, michigan smoking and gum disease, periodontist michigan, smoking and gum disease michigan | Posted on 7:54 AM

We all know the dangers of smoking and how tobacco use increases lung cancer risk and causes all types of other health concerns; but how many of us know that smoking can cause tooth loss as well?

Research has proven that people who smoke loose more teeth than nonsmokers do. In fact, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a staggering 41.2 percent of daily smokers over the age of 65 are completely toothless. That number drops to 20 percent of non-smokers over 65.

Research also shows that healing after periodontal treatment is affected by current smokers; they don't heal well after treatment, especially surgery. The good news is, these effects are reversible if the smokers kick the habit before beginning gum disease treatment Michigan.

The problem doesn't lie with cigarette smoking alone; other tobacco products are also harmful to your periodontal health. Smokeless tobacco also can cause Michigan gum recession and increase your chances of losing the bone and tissues that hold your teeth in place.

And, a study of cigar and pipe smokers published in the January 1999 issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association revealed that cigar smokers experience tooth loss and alveolar bone loss at rates equivalent to those of cigarette smokers. Pipe smokers experience tooth loss at a rate similar to cigarette smokers.

*Source: http://www.perio.org/

If you'd like to learn more about gum disease Michigan or Michigan dental implants, visit Dr. Joseph Nemeth & Associates on the web at http://www.drnemeth.com/ or call 248.357.3100.

A Recent Study Suggests That Antioxidants in Green Tea May Help Reduce Periodontal Disease

Posted by Joseph R. Nemeth, DDS, MaCCS | Posted in gum disease Michigan, gum disease wayne county, michigan gum disease, michigan periodontist, oakland county periodontist, periodontal disease Michigan | Posted on 7:51 AM

There has been much information documented recently about the importance of reducing your periodontal disease risks. A recent study suggests that drinking green tea may be the key to keeping your gums healthy. The study analyzed the periodontal health of 940 men, and found that those who regularly drank green tea had superior periodontal health than subjects that consumed less green tea. The study, published in the American Journal of Periodontology can be read in its entirety at www.perio.org, the home of the American Academy of Periodontology website. Click this link to be directed to the report.

To learn more about prevention and treatment of gum disease Michigan, visit www.drnemeth.com or call the office of Joseph R. Nemeth, DDS and Associates at 248.357.3100.

New Tooth Enamel Regeneration Products are Proving to be a Fountain of Youth for Your Smile

Posted by Joseph R. Nemeth, DDS, MaCCS | Posted in benefits of fluoride, clenching your teeth, dental enamel, grinding your teeth, gum disease Michigan, in-office fluoride applications, michigan periodontist, remineralizing enamel | Posted on 5:54 AM

Have you noticed that your smile is starting to show signs of aging? Have you ever wondered why this aging process is taking place?

Dental enamel is one of the hardest structures in the body, but it is not impervious to the effects of both environmental and mechanical stresses. Our teeth are constantly being used to help us chew more efficiently or speak more clearly. They are exposed to erosive agents in the food that we eat and drink and to the forces of malocclusion such as clenching or grinding. Add to this, the natural effects of aging.

As time goes by, that beautiful white smile of our youth has changed to a dingy yellow, more transluscent look which may start to show lines and ridges which were not e

vident years before. Along with this “demineralization” process comes sensitivity, risk of cavities, decalcification (or white spots), increased staining, and a more unsightly appearance. Unfortunately, it is this aging process that has caused us to look for a way to naturally restore the teeth to more of a youthful state.

Reversing the “aging process” or remineralizing the enamel matrix is the challenge at hand. When a tooth demineralizes, the enamel matrix begins to break down, making it less dense and more likely to absorb stains or acids from the food we eat. Finding a product that will be resilient yet compatible with the enamel matrix has prompted researchers to take a new look at the benefits of fluorides and calcium phosphate products.

Within the last few years a number of products have come into existence to address such a challenge. A combination approach using fluoride and calcium phosphate enriched polishing agents, in office fluoride applications, and a take home calcium phosphate paste for daily use has proved promising in our continuing quest to find that proverbial “fountain of youth”.

For more information about specific products recommended to stop your smile from showing signs of aging, call 248.357.3100 or visit Dr. Joseph Nemeth & Associates on the web at http://www.drnemeth.com/.

Cosmetic Crown Lengthening Candidate After Treatment

Posted by Joseph R. Nemeth, DDS, MaCCS | Posted in correct small teeth michigan, gummy smile michigan, michigan gummy smile, small teeth michigan, too much gums | Posted on 12:03 PM

Cosmetic Crown Lengthening Candidate After Treatment
Originally uploaded by Joseph R. Nemeth, DDS, MaCCS

Following cosmetic crown lengthening surgery, this patient has a much more uniform gumline and her gummy smile has been corrected. Her previously too small teeth are now appear to be the proper size. The patient was incredibly pleased with her beautiful new smile.

Cosmetic Crown Lengthening Candidate Before Treatment

Posted by Joseph R. Nemeth, DDS, MaCCS | | Posted on 11:59 AM

Cosmetic Crown Lengthening Candidate Before Treatment
Originally uploaded by Joseph R. Nemeth, DDS, MaCCS

Before Cosmetic Crown Lengthening to correct her small teeth and gummy smile. This patient didn't like the appearance of her small teeth and uneven gumline. A cosmetic crown lengthening procedure was performed during which gum tissue and bone were removed in order to make her small teeth appear larger and to even out her gumline.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Treating Gum Disease Michigan

Posted by Joseph R. Nemeth, DDS, MaCCS | Posted in bacteria and gum disease, gum disease specialist, periodontal disease Michigan, severe Michigan periodontal disease, Therapeutic Scaling and Root Planing | Posted on 2:22 PM

Many times early stage periodontal disease can be treated with nonsurgical periodontal therapy. This is generally accomplished by a procedure called Therapeutic Scaling & Root Planing.
Therapeutic Scaling & Root Planing is a meticulous treatment designed to remove toxins and bacteria from root surfaces of the teeth allowing the body’s immune system to begin the healing process. It is designed to eliminate bacteria that cause periodontal disease and to shrink periodontal pockets that harbor bacteria. Clinicians will generally use ultrasonic and hand instrumentation to remove plaque and calculus from root surfaces, irrigants to disinfect these areas, and fluoride to de-sensitize root surfaces and prevent decay.

In severe cases of periodontal disease, this therapy often precedes surgical therapy. This is done to improve overall tissue quality prior to surgery and also to help limit the areas requiring surgery.

Antibiotics may be used to help control the growth of bacteria that lead to periodontal disease. In some cases, the doctor may place a small amount of antibiotic in the periodontal pocket after therapeutic scaling and root planing. This is done to control infection and to encourage normal healing, and studies have shown that it may be effective at shrinking the size of infected periodontal pockets.

Another option for some clinicians is to offer patients treatment using the Perioscopy System, a fiberoptic technology that allows doctors and hygienists to see deep into gum tissue and around the roots of teeth without surgery. This enhanced viewing provides major support for thorough cleanings and diagnostic capabilities.

Visit http://www.drnemeth.com/ for more information about periodontal disease Michigan and non-surgical gum disease treatments. Or call 248.357.3100 t0 schedule an appointment with a gum disease specialist.

What Your Gums Can Expect When You Are Expecting

Posted by Joseph R. Nemeth, DDS, MaCCS | Posted in diagnosed with periodontal disease, link between periodontal diease and pre-term babies, link between periodontal disease and low birth weight babies, michigan periodontist, scaling and root planing | Posted on 6:53 AM

The American Academy of Periodontology
September 2007

Congratulations! You are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant! Whether or not you want it, everyone you know will be giving you advice about how to eat, sleep, exercise, and take care of your body during this exciting time. However, what some might forget is the importance of taking care of your oral health.

Good oral health is always important. However, it may be especially important for expecting mothers as recent research suggests that pregnant women with periodontal diseases may be up to seven times more likely to have a baby that’s born too early and too small. Preterm births are dangerous for both baby and mother. They are the leading cause of neonatal death and can lead to life-long health problems such as cerebral palsy, mental retardation, and difficulties with blindness and lung disease.

The likely culprit of this possible connection is a labor-inducing chemical found in oral bacteria called prostaglandin. Very high levels of prostaglandin are found in women with severe cases of periodontal disease.

In addition, other research has identified bacteria commonly found in the mouth and associated with periodontal disease in the amniotic fluid of some pregnant women. Amniotic fluid is a liquid that surrounds an unborn baby during pregnancy. Any disruptions in the amniotic fluid, such as a bacterial infection, could potentially be dangerous to both the mother and baby.

Don’t panic! Take your concerns to your dental professional. If you’re diagnosed with periodontal disease, your periodontist might recommend a common nonsurgical procedure called scaling and root planning. During this procedure, your tooth-root surfaces are cleaned to remove plaque and tartar from deep periodontal pockets and to smooth the root to remove bacterial toxins. Research suggests that scaling and root planning may reduce the risk of preterm birth in pregnant women with periodontal disease by up to 84 percent.

If you have questions regarding the link between periodontal disease and pre-term low birth weight babies, visit the American Academy of Periodontology website at http://www.perio.org/ or visit Michigan Periodontist, Dr. Joseph Nemeth on the web at http://www.drnemeth.com/. To request a copy of this AAP article, call Dr. Nemeth at 248.357.3100.

Michigan Periodontist and Staff join the Making Strides for Breast Cancer Cause

Posted by Joseph R. Nemeth, DDS, MaCCS | | Posted on 11:44 AM

The American Cancer Society: Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk - Saturday, October 10, 2009

Shared via AddThis

Click the link to join our team or make a donation. Help us reach our $2000.00 goal as we honor breast cancer survivors and raise funds and awareness to help end this disease.

Southfield Periodontist Takes a Stand Against Bad Breath

Posted by Joseph R. Nemeth, DDS, MaCCS | Posted in bad breath michigan, halitosis, michigan bad breath treatment, michigan periodontist, oral malodor, periodontal disease Michigan, southfield bad breath treatment, The Richter Center for Halitosis | Posted on 9:04 AM

Have you ever caught yourself running out to meet a new client or on your way to a hot date and wondered “do I have bad breath”? Of course most of us have had this experience at one time or another but in most of our cases; the bad breath is fleeting. Those of us who are afflicted with true oral malodor, or halitosis as it is more commonly referred to, have known how distressing this problem can be. It can affect both our social interactions and our personal life. Many of us have gone from place to place to have this checked out; and most to no avail. It seems that nothing helps this problem for any length of time; not mouth wash, not gum, and not breath mints. What, if anything can be done?

Before we discuss what can be done for bad breath, we first need to understand the etiology of halitosis. In days past, bad breath was thought to originate in the stomach or intestines. If not there; then we’d check the sinus cavities. In the majority of cases, checking out both these areas produced no evidence of infection or disease which would result in bad breath. Next area of inspection; surprise, surprise, was the oral cavity. The oral cavity is loaded with bacteria which can cause everything from tooth decay to bleeding gums. Although gum disease or gingivitis can contribute to bad breath, a secondary source of the bacteria is often found on the surface of the tongue. This bacteria is the same stuff we all are exposed to, however, depending on our genetic predisposition, the bacteria likes to stay with some of us longer. When this happens, it settles into the cracks and crevices on the tongue where they remained undisturbed until we do something out of the ordinary to get rid of them.

At the Richter Center in Southfield, Mi, we have been treating bad breath successfully for 16 years. We use a simple program that involves removing these bacteria from the surface of the tongue both in office and at home. We also recommend a non-alcohol based mouthrinse in order to kill the bacteria we are unable to scrape off. We then make sure that we eliminate the bad gum disease and any tooth decay. A combination of these two things, plus a stringent home care regime can provide a welcome relief from the scourge of halitosis and give those that suffer with it and new reason to smile.

Study Shows Flossing Reduces Periodontal Bacteria

Posted by Joseph R. Nemeth, DDS, MaCCS | Posted in benefits of flossing, dental floss benefits, gum disease Michigan, michigan gum disease, michigan gum specialist, michigan periodontist, periodontal disease, periodontist michigan | Posted on 12:36 PM

A twin study recently published in the Journal of Periodontology found that daily flossing combined with tooth and tongue brushing, significantly reduces the amount of periodontal disease-causing bacteria in the mouth

The study was carried out at New York University and included 51 sets of twins between the ages of 12 and 21. Each twin set was randomly assigned a two-week treatment regimen with one twin brushing with a manual toothbrush and toothpaste and the other brushing with a manual toothbrush and toothpaste and flossing. At the end of the two-week trial, samples were taken from each pairs of twins and compared for levels f bacteria commonly associated with periodontal disease. The result showed that those twins who did not floss had significantly more bacteria associated with periodontal disease in comparison with his/her counterpart who had flossed.

According to the study's authors, only a small number of studies have reported on the clinical effectiveness of flossing for plaque removal and the promotion of healthy gums. Commenting on the study, Dr. Kenneth Kornman, editor of the Journal of Periodontology, said: "Twins tend to share the same or similar environmental factors such as dietary habits, health, and life practices, as well as genetics. In this case the only difference was flossing and the outcome was significant."

Dr. Susan Karabin, former president of the American Academy of Periodontology, adds: "Patients tend to think that flossing can't possibly make that much difference. But this study demonstrates flossing can significantly reduce the amount of periodontal disease-causing bacteria, even after just two weeks."

Want to learn about other ways to reduce periodontal bacteria and reduce your risk factors for gum disease? Visit Michigan Gum Specialist, Dr. Joseph Nemeth & Associates on the web at http://www.drnemeth.com/ or call the office at (248) 357-3100.

Michigan Periodontist Dr. Joseph Nemeth Uses His Lasers Instead of a Scalpel to Remove Oral Growths

Posted by Joseph R. Nemeth, DDS, MaCCS | Posted in gum disease Michigan, michigan periodontist, oral growth removal michigan, oral growth removal southfield | Posted on 11:12 AM

Growths which occur within the mouth can often be successfully treated and removed with a non-invasive surgical procedure and/or laser treatment. The causes or etiology of these lesions, aberrations or oral growths Michigan are numerous.

Laser Pregnancy Tumor Removal

Before

A pregnancy tumor is a swelling of gum tissue which often looks like a reddened lump with many deep red pinpoint markings on it. The tumor is non-cancerous and usually painless; however, it can become painful if it interferes with your bite or if debris collect beneath it. Through a non-invasive surgical procedure, the pregnancy tumor is removed. Notice there is very little bleeding and no need for sutures.

After

To see more cases like this visit follow this link to our squidoo lens photo gallery or browse to our practice website at http://www.drnemeth.com/.

Questions? Call 248.357.3100 or ask the Michigan Periodontist.

Michigan Periodontal Practice Invests in Laser Technology to Give Patients Another Treatment Option

Posted by Joseph R. Nemeth, DDS, MaCCS | Posted in Laser Gum Surgery, Laser Periodontal Disease Cure, Michigan Laser Gum Specialist, southfield laser periodontal therapy, treating periodontal disease with laser | Posted on 10:07 AM

Recently Michigan Periodontal Practice, Joseph R. Nemeth, DDS & Associates recently acquired the Millennium PerioLase laser. This is the lastest generation of the Nd:YAG laser and is designed specifically to treat periosontal disease. Like LASIK surgery for the eyes, this patented and FDA-approved laser therapy allows us to treat the disease in a minimally invasive procedure, in some cases eliminating the need for conventional periodontal surgery.

In 1990, Southfield Periodontis, Dr. Joseph Nemeth became one of the first periodontists in the nation to use lasers. In fact, the first dental laser was invented by a Birmingham, Michigan company. While the early dental lasers were very limited in what they could do, dental lasers such as the state-of-the-art Millenium Periolase can now be used effectively to reach down into the pockets to help eliminate inflamed tissue and destroy bacteria.

Also like LASIK eye surgeons, who need more than one laser to treat different eye problems, Joseph R. Nemeth, DDS & Associates has many different types of lasers for many different types of treatment. Each has its own distinct wavelength, and each is paricularly suited for certain specialized procedures.

Laser surgery provides another treatment option when scaling and root planing is not enough and patients either do not want or who are not good candidates for conventional surgery. Now Dr. Nemeth can save teeth that would have had to be extracted in the past. For many patients, laser surgery may provide a realistic alternative to traditional gum surgery with comparable results.

The patient benefits of laser therapy can include less pain, recession, bleeding, and root sensitivity, as well as minimal swelling and downtime after treatment. All these benefits can be achieved in only one visit since the laser therapy usually includes scaling during the same visit. Of course, like conventional treatment, maintenance visits will be necessary following laser treatment.

An additional benefit of laser surgery is the antibacterial effect that helps to disinfect periodontal pockets. The new Millennium PerioLase laser is designed to target the bad, black-pigmented bacteria and is able to vaporize these bacteria, eliminating them on contact.

For patients who are concerned about conventional surgery for periodontal disease, the new laser treatment can be a life-changing event. Patients can save their teeth, preserve their natural smiles, and avoid some potentially life-threatening systemic effects of bacteria from untreated perodontal disease. Laser treatment gives these patients another option.

Think you may want to learn more about the laser alternative to periodontal surgery? Please call 248.357.3100 to reach Michigan Periodontists and Dental Implant Specialists Drs. Nemeth, Becker and Katranji or email us at info@drnemeth.com. See photos of laser periodontal treatment at http://www.drnemeth.com/.

Michigan Periodontist Uses Laser to Treat Tongue-Tied Patient With Lingual and Labial Frenectomy Procedures

Posted by Joseph R. Nemeth, DDS, MaCCS | Posted in laser frenectomy, laser tongue tie surgery, michigan laser gum treatment, Michigan Periodontist Dr. Joseph Nemeth, tongue tie surgery, tongue tied michigan | Posted on 12:18 PM

Michigan Periodontist, Dr. Joseph Nemeth uses lasers in his Southfield periodontal practice to treat various oral health issues. Oakland County laser treatments include periodontal therapy, frenectomy, removal of oral lesions and gummy smile treatments and much much more.

Lasers add a valuable dimension to periodontal care because of the particular advantages they offer:

Lasers have an antibacterial effect that helps disinfect periodontal pockets.
Lasers minimize bleeding and promote faster healing.
Lasers enhance patient comfort, with many patients experiencing little or no discomfort during therapy or afterward during healing.

As a pioneer in the use of lasers in periodontics, Dr. Joseph R. Nemeth & Associates has a wide array of laser technologies available for patient care. Lasers have many applications in periodontics. In some instances laser therapy can be used as the primary treatment method, and in others it is used as an adjunct to surgical periodontal procedures.

Case Study #1 - Laser Frenectomy

Before - Patient needed both a lingual (tongue tied) and labial (lip side) frenectomy.

During Procedure - These pictures show the both frenectomies immediately after using the laser. Notice how these areas, which are both very rich in blood vessels, have little to no bleeding during the procedure. Also notice that no sutures are needed. The area will heal quickly and with little pain.

After -The first photo shows how little tongue extension the patient has prior to the procedure. Notice how much more tongue extension the patient has immediately following the laser frenectomy.

Before

After

To view more cases like this or to learn more about laser procedures, visit http://www.drnemeth.com/ or call Joseph Nemeth, DDS & Associates, specialists in periodontics and dental implants, at 248.357.3100.

The Newest Key to Longevity is Good Oral Health

Posted by Joseph R. Nemeth, DDS, MaCCS | Posted in gum disease Michigan, michigan gum surgery, oakland county periodontist, oral systemic link, southfield periodontist | Posted on 10:20 AM

The Michigan periodontal practice of Joseph R. Nemeth, DDS & Associates is striving to make Michigan healthier one smile at a time. Click on the image on the left to view a short video about the link between oral health and systemic health which gives helpful tips on how to live a longer, healthier life by taking better care of your teeth and gums. This group of Southfield periodontists are working hard to educate their patients on how to live a longer, healthier life.

Michigan Periodontist Discusses the Link Between Gum Disease and Many Serious Health Concerns

Posted by Joseph R. Nemeth, DDS, MaCCS | Posted in gum disease and diabetes, Gum Disease and heart disease, gum disease and rheumatoid arthritis, gum disease and strok, gum disease Michigan, southfield periodontist, WDIV's Dr. Frank McGeorge | Posted on 2:05 PM

Southfield periodontist, Dr. Joseph Nemeth discusses the link between periodontal disease in Michigan and many other systemic health issues in a recent interview with WDIV's Dr. Frank McGeorge. In this segment, Dr. Nemeth talks about the possible link between periodontal disease in Oakland County and diabetes, low birth weight babies, rheumatoid arthritis, some cancers, dimentia, heart disease and stroke. A patient reveals her own brush with death.

Michigan periodontist Dr. Joseph Nemeth Performs Connective Tissue Grafting Procedure

Posted by Joseph R. Nemeth, DDS, MaCCS | Posted in Alloderm Grafting, michigan periodontist, Mid-Michigan Gum Disease Dentist, oakland county gum recession, recession in Oakland County | Posted on 4:54 PM

Connective tissue grafting is a procedure designed to treat areas where significant recession of gum tissue has occurred, exposing the root surfaces of the involved teeth. Recession can cause many problems, including an esthetically compromised smile and increased sensitivity and discomfort. It can also lead to problems such as root decay. Michigan periodontist Dr. Joseph Nemeth treats cases of recession in Oakland County with connective tissue grafting procedures.

Connective tissue grafting covers the area of recession with your own gum tissue. It is highly successful and provides excellent esthetic results.
Alloderm® Grafting has the same goal as connective tissue grafting -- to treat areas of recessed gum tissue. The difference is that instead of using the patient’s own tissue for grafting, we use an alternative known as Alloderm that also provides excellent results. Patients with Gum Disease in Michigan and across the United States are getting recession relief at the hands of Mid-Michigan gum disease dentist, Dr. Joseph Nemeth.

Case Study #1
Before

Case Study #1
After

For more information about gum recession surgery in Michigan, visit www.drnemeth.com or call 248.357.3100.

Osseous Surgery

Posted by Joseph R. Nemeth, DDS, MaCCS | Posted in gum disease surgical treatment, gum surgery, periodontal disease treatment | Posted on 6:21 PM

As Periodontal disease progresses, supporting tissue and bone is destroyed, forming "pockets" around the teeth. Over time, these pockets become deeper, providing a larger space for bacteria to live. These deep pockets continue to collect bacteria, resulting in further bone and tissue damage. If untreated, continued bone deterioration will occur resulting in eventual tooth loss. Pocket reduction can be successfully accomplished through a procedure known as osseous surgery. During this procedure, the pockets are eliminated or reduced by trimming away gum tissue and reshaping uneven bone. Reduced pockets and a combination of daily oral hygiene and professional maintenance care are critical in preventing the further progression of periodontal disease, and helping to maintain your healthy smile!

Six Reasons Why Adult Fluoride Treatments Are Essential

Posted by Joseph R. Nemeth, DDS, MaCCS | Posted in adult fluoride treatment, Dr. Joseph Nemeth, fluoride application southfield MI, fluoride treatment | Posted on 11:35 AM

If you think fluoride is only for kids, think again. Adults need fluoride treatments every bit as much as children, but for different reasons. One of the most devastating adult dental problems is root cavities. Once a root cavity gets started, it often means the beginning of the end of the tooth. And all adults are susceptible to root cavities because they tend to have some gum recession as they age. Many times the recession is so slight that it goes unnoticed. Patients as young as 40 years old have been known to lose teeth due to root cavities.

Root cavities can be treated, but they tend to recur again right under the filling or crown. That’s because root surfaces are 700 percent softer than the enamel portion of a tooth. Once roots are exposed through recession, they are much more vulnerable to decay.

Rather than wait for the inevitable, we take the proactive stance of giving our patients regular fluoride treatments, no matter their age. Fluoride is the best and ONLY prevention for root cavities. When applied properly after a thorough cleaning, fluoride provides an acid resistant surface on the tooth enamel as well as the exposed root surface. It also works by reversing or remineralizing early-forming cavities (white spots).

In addition to root cavity protection, fluoride treatments are very helpful in controlling tooth sensitivity (heat or cold). According to a recent study, this condition effects 25 percent of all adults at one time or another and may also be due to receding gums. Fluoride coats and insulates the teeth from heat and cold.

Besides protection against root cavities and tooth sensitivity,

fluoride treatments are also helpful for:

Overall cavity control—Fluoride helps prevent decay on both

root and enamel surfaces at any age.

Early gum disease control—Fluoride inhibits the bleeding and tender gums

caused by bacteria in plaque.

Advanced gum disease therapy—Fluoride helps to prolong the effects of treatment.

Post-surgical healing—Fluoride controls oral bacteria and helps tissue heal at the surgical site.

A Healthy Body Starts With a Healthy Smile

Posted by Joseph R. Nemeth, DDS, MaCCS | Posted in Dr. Joseph Nemeth, effects of periodontal disease, gum disease and systemic infection, gum disease risk factors | Posted on 5:27 PM

Did You Know That Gum Disease May Contribute to or Aggravate Many Other Serious Diseases?

Numerous recent studies have shown a connection between the oral bacteria found in gum disease and other medical conditions. The bacteria enter the blood stream and travel throughout the body. When the body's defenses respond, cytokines are generated, which can lead to serious health problems such as increased risk of cardiovascular disease, aggravation of diabetes, pneumonia and other respiratory diseases, stroke, and even adverse pregnancy outcomes. New study information indicates that oral inflammation can even trigger insulin resistance in diabetics.

The potential effects of gum disease are associated with a greater risk of developing certain diseases or experiencing certain events:

Stroke: 2-3 times

Chronic respiratory disease: 2-5 times

Coronary artery disease: 2 times

Adverse pregnancy outcomes: 4-7 times

Diabetes: 2-4 times
(Source: Odds ratios are from articles published in 'Proceedings of The Periodontal-Systemic Connection: A State-of-the-Science Symposium,' Ann. Perio 2001. )

Increasingly, the medical community is viewing periodontal disease as an infection that creates a chronic state of inflammation in the body. Researchers speculate that this inflammation strains the immune system, making the body more susceptible to a wide range of health problems.
Despite the growing evidence, many people are not aware of the possible connection between periodontal disease and other diseases. Because we care about you and your total health, we try to keep you aware and informed about periodontal disease and its effects.

Periodontal Disease - Prevention, Stages, & Risk Factors

Posted by Joseph R. Nemeth, DDS, MaCCS | Posted in gum disease, periodontal disease, prevention of gum disease, risk factors of gum disease, stages of periodontal disease | Posted on 6:00 AM

Prevention
The best way to prevent periodontal disease is with daily brushing and flossing as well as regular professional examinations and cleanings. Unfortunately, even with the most diligent home care, people can still develop some form of periodontal disease. Once the disease starts, professional intervention is necessary to control its progress.

Stages of Disease

Phase One - Gingivitis. During this stage, gums may bleed during brushing or appear red and/or swollen.
Phase Two - Early Periodontitis. Bleeding, puffiness and inflammation become more pronounced, and gums may begin to develop pockets of 3 to 4 millimeters in depth. X-rays may reveal a slight loss of bone.
Phase Three - Moderate Periodontitis. Pockets between teeth and gum may range from 4 to 6 millimeters in depth. X-rays reveal bone loss.
Phase Four - Advanced Periodontitis. Pockets are now in excess of 6 millimeters deep, and x-rays show severe bone loss. Teeth may become mobile or loose.

Risk Factors

Periodontal disease is an infection caused by certain species of bacteria. The presence of these bacteria does not automatically mean that someone will develop the disease. Other factors that contribute to disease development include:

Genetics - Heredity can be a risk factor in about 50% of patients with periodontal disease.
Smoking - Smoking is the #1 behavioral risk factor in periodontal disease.
Medical conditions - Diabetes is well known to increase susceptibility by impairing the immune system and decreasing production of collagen and bone.
Medications - Many medications can have harmful effects on oral health. These include certain heart and anti-seizure medications.
Stress - Emotional stress may increase risk by depressing the immune system, making it more likely for a bacterial infection to gain a foothold.
Others - Advancing age and poor nutrition can also contribute to periodontal disease. Changes in the levels of female hormones can make women more susceptible at various phases of their lives.

What is periodontics?

Posted by Joseph R. Nemeth, DDS, MaCCS | Posted in Dr. Joseph Nemeth, gum disease treatment, michigan periodontist, new advancements in periodontal treatment, periodontics | Posted on 8:02 AM

Periodontics is a specialty within the field of dentistry that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of periodontal (gum) diseases. It is a specialty that meets a widespread need. Periodontal disease strikes three out of four people and causes 70 percent of all adult tooth loss. Frequently painless, it is a disease that can often be detected only by a dentist or dental hygienist.

Periodontal disease is an infection caused by bacteria that break down the gum and bone tissue that support teeth. When bacteria are uncontrolled, the resulting destruction can lead to tooth loss. Fortunately, the disease can usually be controlled with appropriate professional treatment and follow-up care.

Over 70% of adult Americans have some form of periodontal disease, an infection of the gums caused by bacteria. Left untreated, the infection may gradually destroy the bone that supports teeth and result in tooth loss. Periodontal disease is generally painless, and most people are unaware that they have it until a dental examination reveals the condition.

Periodontal disease is mainly caused by the bacteria found in dental plaque. These bacteria produce toxins or poisons that can irritate the gums. Prolonged irritation may cause the gums to separate from the teeth, creating “pockets” of space between tooth and gum tissue where bacteria thrive. As the disease progresses, the pockets deepen. Eventually, the disease may cause a tooth’s entire support structure to become so weak that the tooth falls out or has to be removed.

Periodontal disease is the number one cause of tooth loss in adults. It cannot be cured, but it can be controlled. Professional intervention is necessary to prevent the disease from causing ongoing deterioration. New advancements have changed the outlook for patients with periodontal disease. Where tooth loss was once inevitable, today many patients are keeping their teeth for a lifetime. By seeking professional help in a timely manner and maintaining a good home care regimen, patients can achieve the best dental health possible.

Gum Disease Michigan | www.drnemeth.com | 248-357-3100 | Birmingham Bloomfield Hills Periodontist