Healthy Gums May Lead to Healthy Lungs

superadmin — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 16:37:28 +0000

Maintaining periodontal health may contribute to a healthy respiratory system, according to research published in the Journal of Periodontology. A new study suggests that periodontal disease may increase the risk for respiratory infections, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pneumonia. These infections, which are caused when bacteria from the upper throat are inhaled into the lower respiratory tract, can be severely debilitating and are one of the leading causes of death in the U.S.

The study included 200 participants between the ages of 20 and 60 with at least 20 natural teeth. Half of the participants were hospitalized patients with a respiratory disease such as pneumonia, COPD, or acute bronchitis, and the other half were healthy control subjects with no history of respiratory disease. Each participant underwent a comprehensive oral evaluation to measure periodontal health status.

The study found that patients with respiratory diseases had worse periodontal health than the control group, suggesting a relationship between respiratory disease and periodontal disease. Researchers suspect that the presence of oral pathogens associated with periodontal disease may increase a patient’s risk of developing or exacerbating respiratory disease. However, the study authors note that additional studies are needed to more conclusively understand this link.

“Pulmonary diseases can be severely disabling and debilitating,” says Donald S. Clem, DDS, President of the American Academy of Periodontology. “By working with your dentist or periodontist, you may actually be able to prevent or diminish the progression of harmful diseases such as pneumonia or COPD. This study provides yet another example of how periodontal health plays a role in keeping other systems of the body healthy.”

Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the gum tissue and other structures supporting the teeth. Previous research has associated gum disease with other chronic inflammatory diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Dr. Clem stressed the importance of routine oral care in helping to prevent periodontal disease. “Taking good care of your periodontal health involves daily tooth brushing and flossing. You should also expect to get a comprehensive periodontal evaluation every year,” he advised. A dental professional, such as a periodontist, a specialist in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of gum disease, can conduct a comprehensive exam to assess your periodontal disease status.

Study Information

Sharma, N. & Shamsuddin, H. (in press). Association between respiratory disease in hospitalized patients and periodontal disease: a cross-sectional study. Abstracts of Journal of Periodontology articles are available to the public online. Full-text of studies may be accessed by AAP members and Journal subscribers or purchased online.

5 ways to save money on dental work

superadmin — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 17:23:38 +0000

One of the reasons why people dislike going to the dentist is because it costs so much to have dental work done. It is particularly true in western countries that dental work is very expensive. You will wind up paying a lot or your hard earned money for dental work because you can’t ignore the problems that you are having with your teeth. The reason why dental work is so expensive is the result of many factors. These factors include the cost associated with the instruments that are used as well as the materials that are used during the dental procedures. In addition, dental work usually requires multiple appointments and is frequently very time consuming. Another important factor that contributes to the high costs of dental work is the cost of the expertise of the dentist. MORE

Paul Ruffin: Dental implants fill the gap

superadmin — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 17:18:57 +0000

I would dare suggest that when most people hear the term “dental implant,” they assume that the reference is to a very new and revolutionary procedure for replacing missing teeth. Whereas it is true that this amazing solution to one of life’s most persistent problems has enjoyed increasing popularity over only the past few decades as the procedure essentially has been perfected, evidence has been unearthed that suggests dental implants were used thousands of years ago. During an archaeological expedition to a Mayan burial site in Honduras in the 1930s, Dr. Wilson Popenoe and his team discovered a most unusual piece of jawbone from a woman judged to be in her 20s at time of death. Three pieces of shell carved into the shape of teeth had been inserted into sockets in the bone. MORE

Time to ‘sleep’ over your dental problems

superadmin — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 17:25:14 +0000

Do you have a phobia of visiting a dentist? Does your child scream away when you take him or her for a dental checkup. Not to worry. Medical science has come up with a new solution. Sleep dentistry or conscious sedation could be the solution that could save the face of the dentist — the scenario of a patient running with fright out of a dental clinic. Also, for the patient who will come out happy and blissfully content after the visit. A team of dentists attending a two-day conference on the recent advances in dentistry used sleep dentistry as a technique to complete their dental implant surgery. MORE

New device set to combat fear of dentist’s drill

superadmin — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 17:21:53 +0000

An innovative device that cancels out the noise of the dental drill could spell the end of people’s anxiety about trips to the dentist, according to experts at King’s College London, Brunel University and London South Bank University, which pioneered the invention. It is widely known that the sound of the dental drill is the prime cause of anxiety about dental treatment, and some patients avoid trips to the dentist because of it. This new device could help address people’s fears and encourage them to seek the oral health care treatment they need. MORE

Dr. Gott: Is ‘oil pulling’ a cure for gum disease?

superadmin — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 17:20:47 +0000

Q: I read your column about the woman with mouth ulcers. I have come across a little-known cure for diseases of the mouth: oil pulling. It works and is not bad tasting, depending on the type of oil you use. I was diagnosed with advanced periodontal disease many years ago. I was told to prepare for dentures because my teeth couldn’t be saved. I read about oil pulling and did some research. I started doing it every day, sometimes twice. In less than a year, my periodontal disease disappeared, my gums are healthy and my teeth are clean and white. My dentist said he never has seen anything like it. MORE

The effect of periodontal therapy on preterm low birth weight: a meta-analysis.

superadmin — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 17:16:19 +0000

Fogacci MF, Vettore MV, Leão AT.

Dental Clinic, Division of Graduate Periodontics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. mari_fampa@yahoo.com.br

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the randomized controlled trials that evaluated the effect of periodontal therapy on preterm birth and low birth weight (LBW).

DATA SOURCES: A systematic search was conducted of the PubMed, Bireme, LILACS, and Cochrane databases.

METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION: Only randomized controlled trials on the effect of periodontal therapy on preterm birth and LBW were included. The Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials statement was used in quality assessment and meta-analysis was carried out using random-effects methods.

TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS: The search resulted in 14 clinical studies. Ten articles met the inclusion criteria for preterm birth and four for LBW. Five meta-analyses on preterm birth were performed according to different criteria: 1) use of probing depth and attachment loss for periodontitis definition, relative risk (RR) 0.58 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.29-1.12) (four studies); 2) controlling for multiparity, RR 0.92 (95% CI 0.72-1.17) (eight studies); 3) controlling for previous preterm birth, RR 0.88 (95% CI 0.67-1.16) (seven studies); 4) controlling for genitourinary infections, RR 0.75 (95% CI 0.57-1.05) (six studies); and 5) all the previous criteria, RR 0.63 (95% CI 0.32-1.22) (three studies). Three meta-analysis on LBW were conducted according to controlling for multiparity, RR 1.03 (95% CI 0.76-1.40) (four studies); controlling for previous preterm birth, RR 0.93 (95% CI 0.65-1.30) (three studies); and use of probing depth and attachment loss for periodontitis definition, controlling for multiparity, previous preterm birth, and genitourinary infections, RR 0.52 (95% CI 0.10-2.60) (two studies). In all meta-analyses, the effect of periodontal treatment on preterm birth and LBW was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION: Results of this meta-analysis do not support the hypothesis that periodontal therapy reduces preterm birth and LBW indices.

Relationship between periodontal disease and mortality in patients treated with maintenance hemodialysis.

superadmin — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 17:10:44 +0000

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The relationship between periodontitis and outcomes in patients treated with long-term hemodialysis is controversial. Our previous work suggests that periodontitis is associated with malnutrition and inflammation. Here, we hypothesize that periodontitis is associated with mortality in hemodialysis patients.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective observational study.

SETTING & PARTICIPANTS: 253 patients undergoing hemodialysis at a single hospital-based dialysis facility.

PREDICTOR: Severity of periodontal disease (mild, moderate, or severe based on oral examination of 6 teeth).

OUTCOMES & MEASUREMENTS: All-cause and cardiovascular mortality during a 6-year follow-up after an oral health examination of index teeth.

RESULTS: During the 6-year follow-up, 102 patients died. Death occurred in 70.6%, 41.8%, and 24.0% of patients with severe, moderate, and mild/no periodontitis, respectively. Using mild/no periodontitis as the reference group and adjustment for demographic characteristics, comorbid conditions, and selected laboratory values, HRs for all-cause mortality were 1.39 (95% CI, 0.83-2.34) and 1.83 (95% CI, 1.04-3.24) for moderate and severe periodontitis, respectively. HRs for cardiovascular mortality were not statistically significant.

LIMITATIONS: Single assessment of periodontal disease severity.

CONCLUSIONS: For patients undergoing long-term hemodialysis, periodontitis is associated with increased risk of death. Clinical trials are required to determine whether treatment of periodontitis decreases mortality.

CASE REPORT SERIES: ESTHETIC ENHANCEMENT FOLLOWING ORTHODONTICS

todd — Sun, 16 May 2010 19:38:50 +0000

Achieving maxillary anterior esthetics is dependent on a multitude of factors including tooth position, clinical crown form and gingival harmony. Surgical modification is often required to improve the position of the gingival crest while providing appropriate biologic width and ideal tooth display. Many courses in esthetic dentistry suggest gingivectomy procedures for a gummy smile. However, this can be problematic in that the coronally positioned gingival crest associated with the gummy smile issometimes associated with a similarly positioned alveolar crest. Traditional methods for osseous resection have involved elevation of a mucoperiosteal flap. This report describes an alternative procedure using minimally invasive techniques for esthetic enhancement.

A 39 YOM presented with the desire for “a better smile.” An orthodontic diagnosis of class II division I malocclusion was applied. In addition a periodontal diagnosis of type 1 delayed passive eruption subgroup A was noted. With complete orthodontic therapy the desired tooth position was achieved and most critically the position of the CEJ’s were leveled. The relationship of the CEJ to the osseous crest was confirmed under local anesthesia for Teeth #6 through 11. Laser recontouring was employed to create the desired clinical crown form. The required biologic width of 3mm was accomplished via ostectomy for Teeth #7, 8, 10 and 11 using a sulcular approach
without flap elevation. Follow-up visits were performed at 2 and 6 weeks postoperatively to ensure the result. The patient reported
that only a single dose of ibuprofen was utilized for pain management during this period. We welcome your comments, questions and feedback on the surgical methods utilized in this case. If you have similar cases you would like to discuss, please feel free to contact our office.

To view this article in PDF format please click here

New Technology – New Comfort

todd — Sun, 16 May 2010 19:36:50 +0000

What is Laser Periodontal Therapy™?
Laser Periodontal Therapy™ is a laser based technique for the treatment of periodontal disease using the Millennium Dental Technologies, Inc., PerioLase® Laser. Fear of periodontal treatment vanishes when the patients find out no scalpel or sutures will be used. Patient friendly laser treatment gets patients to agree to treatment they need and continue with the follow-up care that is prescribed.

Our office is one of the first in the area to offer Laser Periodontal Therapy™ for the treatment of gingivitis and/or periodontitis. Following are commonly asked questions about this technology.

How does it work?
Tartar, associated with inflamed and bleeding gums, is removed from the root surface of the tooth using an ultrasonic scaler and small instruments. Then, a small amount of light energy from a laser is directed through a tiny fiber, which is gently placed between the gum and tooth. This light energy removes a tiny amount of diseased tissue and aids in reducing the bacteria associated with the disease. After the area is thoroughly cleaned, the body can heal the area naturally.

Does it hurt?
Although the procedure itself can be virtually painless, we may anesthetize the area for the patient’s comfort. In this way we can precisely direct the laser for treatment. Post-procedure discomfort is typically minimal and of short duration.

How long does it take?
Initial treatment is focused on the scaling and the use of small instruments to remove the tartar. Then, the laser portion of the treatment is performed and normally only takes a few minutes. Depending on the severity of the patient’s periodontal disease, treatment may be accomplished in one visit or in multiple visits. The estimated treatment time is reviewed with patients when we discuss their treatment plan.

Does this treatment cost more than traditional gum surgery?
Typically we use the same billing codes as traditional gum surgery and the laser surgery is generally no more expensive than traditional gum surgery. There are other factors which may affect the cost, such as severity of periodontal disease, and how many teeth are involved. Many dental benefit plans pay only for a portion of this treatment. Patients should discuss their payment options with their treatment coordinator as we offer financing for this treatment.

The dramatically increased comfort of our patient’s made the new system attractive to our office. We do encourage patients to take care of the need now to reduce further damage to their gums, teeth and bone.