Congratulations on taking this step toward better dental health.
Dr. Perlman is a specialist in Periodontics and Implantology. His practice specializes in conservative treatment of gum disease including cosmetic procedures to aesthetically enhance your smile as well as dental implants that can replace single or multiple missing teeth.
Although no one really likes to go to the doctor or dentist, we strive to make your visits with us as comfortable and as pleasant as possible. We strongly believe that our patients' comfort is an important part of quality dental care. Our mission is to treat every patient as if they are our only patient.
Your family dentist has told you that you have periodontal disease. What now?
Your family dentist is recommending that you visit our office so that the extent of your periodontitis or gum disease can be evaluated. You probably have many questions. This website will try to answer some of them for you.
What is periodontal disease?
Commonly known as pyorrhea, periodontal disease is a progressive ailment suffered, to some extent, by nearly 90% of Americans over age 35. It is the primary reason for loss of teeth in people over 30.
Periodontal disease begins when bacteria invade the gum tissue surrounding the teeth. Once this invasion takes hold, the gums become puffy, bleed easily, and gradually lose their "grip" on the teeth they are supposed to protect.
Pockets form where the gum tissue loses its grip. These pockets allow more bacteria to lodge under the gumline below the reach of a toothbrush. Some of the bacteria produce toxins that attack the bone which supports the teeth. Without treatment, teeth become loose and may need to be removed.
Because this destruction usually occurs beneath the gumline, the gum tissue may appear normal. This explains why many people discover too late that they have the disease. Only a thorough periodontal examination can reveal if hidden disease is present.
Healthy Gums
- Gums are firm, coral pink in color and do not bleed easily.
- No gum recession is present.
- Teeth are held firmly in place with no damage to supporting bone structure.
Gingivitis
- Gums appear red and swollen.
- Bleeding may occur when gums are touched.
- Teeth are still firmly in place with no damage to supporting bone structure.
Periodontitis
- Loss of gum/tooth attachment occurs.
- Pockets form between teeth and gums.
- Tissue that binds teeth to bone is inflamed.
- Bone loss occurs.
Advanced Periodontitis
- Gums recede dramatically from teeth
- Pockets deepen severely and may hold pus.
- Teeth become extremely loose and may fall out or need to be extracted.
- Severe bone loss occurs.
What can be done?
Appropriate treatment along with follow-up care by you and your family dentist can help to prevent recurrence of the disease.
Treatment usually begins with a thorough cleaning of the tooth roots and any gum pockets. The plaque and calculus are removed and tooth roots smoothed to eliminate any crevices that can harbor plaque. This is followed by a daily home care program including careful brushing and flossing to remove plaque from under the gum margins. Sometimes, no further treatment is necessary to keep periodontal disease under control.
In some instances, the biting surfaces of the teeth may be adjusted to evenly distribute the chewing process throughout the mouth.
Other forms of treatment are necessary to help the gums reattach to the teeth for those patients who postpone seeking the care of a periodontist until the disease has progressed to an advanced state.
What happens on my first visit?
Because your resistance to the disease is affected by many factors, we begin with a medical history and a review of your dental and other health habits. (Click here if you would like to fill out your patient registration and medical history form from this website) This is followed by a thorough periodontal examination of your mouth.
Then what?
At your second appointment, the findings and a recommended treatment plan will be reviewed with you. You may find it helpful to bring your spouse or a friend with you to this appointment. Many patients find such a person’s opinion very valuable. In most cases no treatment is performed at this appointment.
Can I delay treatment to a more convenient time?
Delaying diagnosis and treatment means delaying the benefit that treatment provides. Immediate diagnosis and treatment prevents further destruction of the gum and bone tissue. Your ability to enjoy a wide variety of foods and to taste your food properly will be protected. And you can avoid suffering unnecessary pain caused by the disease.
With the treatment, a patient can eliminate the unpleasant taste in the mouth often associated with the disease as well as the embarrassment of offensive breath. Your appearance will be protected through early treatment as successive loss of teeth often encourages lines, wrinkles and a "sunken" look due to the loss of tone in the facial muscles.
A patient’s self-confidence and self-image is often renewed through an improved appearance. Early treatment is also less expensive.
Periodontal disease can be stopped. Your mouth can be restored to health. And, with the help of your family dentist, the disease need not return.
One final thought...
We are extraordinarily proud of our staff, which is comprised of caring and dedicated professionals. They communicate well with the patients and each other, ensuring that the patient's surgical and administrative needs are met as efficiently and as smoothly as possible.
Our goal is to make you feel comfortable and relaxed. We are here to listen to your questions and concerns and to help provide solutions leading to your better health. Please don't hesitate to e-mail us if you have any questions regarding your care, or call us at (904) 731-1324.