All periodontists must complete an additional two to three years of specialized training in periodontics following dental school. However, some periodontists opt to take the board-certification examination, which is offered by the American Board of Periodontology once per year. Board certification in periodontology denotes someone who has made significant achievements beyond the mandatory educational requirements of the specialty, including demonstrating a comprehensive mastery of all phases of periodontal disease and treatment and in the placement of dental implants. Recertification is required every six years.
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My periodontist says he is “Board Certified”. What does that mean?
September 1st, 2010 by adairsvilleperioGum Disease Risk Quiz
September 1st, 2010 by adairsvilleperioAre you at risk for periodontal disease?
Find out in this quick quiz. Just click on this link and you will be asked a few questions about your dental health.
Gum Recession
August 16th, 2010 by adairsvilleperioMost adult patients have some gum recession caused by the following:
- Tooth position
- Tooth brushing
- Inadequate amount of attached gingiva (gum)
- Muscle pull on this attached gum tissue.
If not treated, this condition can lead to more recession with bone loss on the tongue or cheek/ lip surface of the tooth. Fortunately, there are periodontal soft tissue grafting procedures which can replace the narrow attached gingiva with a wide zone of gum tissue. The esthetic loss of tissue covering the tooth results in sensitive, exposed roots which are more susceptible to decay. The connective tissue graft is used to cover the roots and restore the healthy gingival tissue to its former esthetic level. Early evaluation of recession is best for successful treatment.
The corrective surgery consists of removing some gingiva or connective tissue from the palate and placing a small graft on the tooth surface. When the patient has a high frenum (muscle) attachment between lower front teeth, a soft tissue gingival graft is placed to augment the zone of gum tissue and prevent the muscle attachment from creeping back. Soft tissue grafting has both esthetic and physiological benefits and is commonly done on periodontal and orthodontics patients.
Gum Disease
August 4th, 2010 by adairsvilleperioGum Disease may be a contributing factor to other systemic inflammatory disorders such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic kidney disease and even certain forms of cancer. The chronic inflammation with periodontal (gum) disease can lead to dysfunction of the infected tissues and the result is more severe health complications.
According to Leroy B Alford DDS, MS, periodontal disease is a classic example of an inflammatory disorder. “For many years, dental professionals believed that gum disease was solely the result of a bacterial infection caused by a build-up of plaque between the teeth and under the gums. While plaque accumulation is still a factor in the development and progression of gum disease, researchers now suspect that the more severe symptoms, namely swollen, bleeding gums; recession around the gum line, and loss of the bone that holds the teeth in place, may be caused by the chronic inflammatory response to the bacterial infection, rather than the bacteria itself.”
Gum Disease sufferers are at a higher rest for other disease, making it more critical than ever to maintain periodontal health. Dr Alford recommends comprehensive daily oral care, brushing and flossing and routine visits to the dentist to avoid gum disease.
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