Dental Blog
 Dr. Brian Pitfield has created this informative blog to help educate the community.
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Lung Cancer Could Be Linked to Untreated Gum Disease |
Posted on 6/21/2021 by Pine Belt Periodontics |
If you don't treat one problem, a chain reaction can result. This is especially true when it comes to treating gum disease. Gum disease does not resolve itself unless you receive professional intervention. How Lung Cancer May Related to Gum Disease When gum disease gets worse, or more advanced, the bacteria causing the disease accesses the area beneath the gums, which affects the jaw bone and other systems in the body. Therefore, the germs travel, through the bloodstream, to the heart and lungs. What the Research Says According to the American Academy of Periodontology, researchers, in several cohort studies, found people with periodontal disease also might be at an increased risk for developing lung cancer. A report, published in the Journal of Periodontology, showed that study participants were still at an increased risk, even when other risk factors, such as smoking and alcohol, were adjusted. The study involved people who smoked and drank, or who had been diagnosed with diabetes. Even with these factors present, gum disease was still a major factor. Further Study Data Further study results showed that women with gum disease were at a greater risk for developing lung cancer than men. Also, researchers concluded that certain oral bacteria may contribute to the formation of cancer cells in the lungs. Periodontal disease, in its advanced stages, can spread to other areas of the body. Therefore, the disease can be a threat, when not treated, to a person's oral health and overall well-being. Do not allow gum disease to advance to the point that it becomes unmanageable. Call us at the first sign of a problem. Addressing the issue immediately will help you realize better results. Do you need to schedule an appointment for periodontal treatment? If so, we can schedule you for a comprehensive periodontal evaluation at a time that is convenient for you. Give us a call today to arrange an appointment time....
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Preparations You May Need to Make Prior to Getting Implants |
Posted on 6/7/2021 by Pine Belt Periodontics |
To ensure implant success, you need to make sure the implant site will hold an implant and that the implant can be stabilized. If there is not enough bone to hold an implant or you currently have periodontal disease, it will need to be treated first. Obtain a Comprehensive Periodontal Evaluation If you have gum disease, you will need to get a comprehensive periodontal evaluation (CPE) first to check the severity of the disease and arrange for a course of therapy. To receive implants, you need to have enough bone to hold the posts and you must have healthy gums. If you need gum treatments or you have lost some bone, we will need to follow up by scheduling specific treatments to take care of these problems. A gum infection can weaken the immune system, so, in addition to periodontal therapy, we often will prescribe antibiotics. Also, we need to find out if you have any allergies to medication or dental materials. Preparing the Jaw If we determine that your jaw is too thin or it will not properly anchor your implants, we may have to schedule a bone graft or reshape the jaw. If we use a bone graft, we will use a grafting material that will be used to regenerate bone growth. Preparing for After-Care It is also important to consider after-care if you will be undergoing a bone graft or periodontal procedures, such as pocket reduction surgery (also known as gum flap surgery) or gum graft. Because any surgical procedure can affect gum and tooth sensitivity, it is helpful to stock up on soft foods and pain medicines. When a procedure is performed, you should lighten up on any daily tasks or responsibilities. You should also keep this in mind for when you get your implants. Do you have any questions about preparing for dental implants? If so, we can help answer them. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment for a comprehensive periodontal evaluation and consultation....
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What Are the Top Three Symptoms People Typically Notice When Early Gum Disease Is Present? |
Posted on 5/24/2021 by Pine Belt Periodontics |
Gum disease, characterized by gum tissue inflammation, is a leading cause of tooth loss in most adults. The disease is usually painless, and most people will not experience any symptoms until its advanced stages. However, the absence of the signs does not imply the absence of disease, which is why you should look out for its symptoms while still practicing good oral hygiene. This is because early detection will prevent its advancement to severe periodontal disease. The top three signs that can signal gum disease include swollen or bleeding gums, bad breath, and gum recession. Swollen or Bleeding Gums Healthy gums will not bleed when you brush your teeth. However, if you practice poor oral hygiene, you will have a plaque buildup around your teeth. The plaque will start to irritate your gums and make them swollen and sensitive; hence, more susceptible to bleeding when you either brush or floss your teeth. This is usually the first stage of gum disease, also called gingivitis. Bad Breath Bad breath is a common occurrence, and with proper brushing and flossing, you can restore your fresh breath. However, if you still have persistent bad breath after brushing or using mouth wash, it could be a sign of gum disease. This bad breath usually results from the gases emitted by harmful mouth bacteria that accumulate in the mouth. Gum Recession Usually, healthy teeth should have their gums properly attached around the tooth. If you have gum disease, your gum tissues will pull away from your teeth and expose your teeth' roots. This leaves the teeth at a higher risk of infection, decay, or even loss. If untreated, the recession will advance, and the pockets will become deeper, making it difficult to remove food debris with regular brushing. You may also have tooth sensitivity due to the exposure of your teeth' nerves. While the above signs look like normal oral occurrence, they are signs of gum disease, and you should contact us for diagnosis and treatment....
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