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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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?

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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.