Michigan periodontist Dr. Joseph Nemeth Performs Connective Tissue Grafting Procedure
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.
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For more information about gum recession surgery in Michigan, visit www.drnemeth.com or call 248.357.3100.
Osseous Surgery
Six Reasons Why Adult Fluoride Treatments Are Essential
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.
Overall cavity control—Fluoride helps prevent decay on both
A Healthy Body Starts With a Healthy Smile
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.
- 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
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.
- 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.
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?
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.