DENTAL AESTHETICS – DR. ALI MAHDI
Dr. Ali Mahdi – General practitioner for dentistry, competence in implantology.
“In order to determine together the stages and ways of treatment, you stay together. It all starts with a first consultation!”
Many of our patients have chronic gum disease that doesn’t respond adequately to simple treatment. We can save teeth and preserve bone by eliminating gum disease in cases that a general dentist might not be equipped to handle.
With our training, experience and state-of-the-art technology, we can treat cases of moderate to severe gum disease without surgery over 90% of the time.
Periodontal examination
We begin your treatment with a thorough review of your medical and dental history. Medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and autoimmune disorders can influence the manner in which we approach your treatment, as can certain medications.
Your periodontal examination will include screening for oral cancer, an evaluation of your bite and smile, and a check for the presence of gum disease.
To determine the level of gum disease present, we use a small instrument called a periodontal probe that is placed gently between your teeth and gums to check the depth of the “pockets” (spaces) between your teeth and gums.
Pocket depth of 1-3 mm is usually considered to be healthy. Depths of 4-5 mm indicate mild periodontitis (gum disease caused by bacteria); depths of 5-6 mm suggest moderate periodontitis; and pocket depths of 7 mm or more may indicate severe periodontitis.
In addition to taking measurements of pocket depth, X-rays may be taken to check the jawbone supporting the teeth, as more severe cases of periodontal disease may lead to bone loss.
Who else should be evaluated for gum disease?
Gum disease is a silent disease; it often has no symptoms.
It can affect your health if you have:
- Hip replacement
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Diabetes
- Autoimmune disorders
- Osteoporosis
- Or if you are on an immunosuppressant or steroids
Stages of Gum Disease
1) Healthy gums
2) Redness and swelling (gingivitis)
3) Bone & tissue loss (periodontitis)
Plaque bacteria
Plaque is a sticky colorless film consisting of bacteria that continually forms on our teeth, and if not removed by brushing and flossing, can form a hard buildup of tartar. It is the main cause of cavities and periodontal disease.
Gums that are healthy are firm, pink and do not bleed easily. The gums are not receding and teeth are held firmly in place with no bone loss.
As the mildest form of gum disease, gingivitis causes the gums to become red, swollen and bleed easily. There is usually little or no discomfort at this stage. Gingivitis is caused by the accumulation of plaque bacteria on the teeth. Gingivitis is easily reversible with professional treatment and good oral home care.
If gingivitis is left untreated, it can advance to the early stage of periodontitis. In this early stage, periodontal disease begins to destroy the bone and tissue that supports the teeth.
In the moderate to severe stage, periodontal disease can lead to more bone and tissue destruction. The most advanced form of this disease includes extensive bone loss. Teeth often become loose and may have to be removed. Even in this stage, patients rarely feel discomfort.
Our goal goes beyond simply fixing your teeth and/or gums; we want to help you achieve a state of optimum overall health We coach each patient individually, offering friendly advice and demonstrating methods to achieve oral health.
We treat you as an adult, and provide you with honest information about your personal state of health and well-being, so that you can understand the underlying reasons why (if) you are ill, including genetic predisposition and unhealthy habits, such as smoking. When you begin treatment, we will encourage you to regulate practices that are contributing to poor oral health.
Non-surgical treatment for Moderate to Severe Gum Disease
By using the sophisticated method of our local applied antibiotic, we can treat 90% of our patients who have moderate to severe gum disease without surgery.
The key to periodontal health is the elimination of bacteria, both the soft, sticky kind on the teeth and the hardened deposits under the gums. These hardened deposits are swarming with millions of live bacteria.
Since the the treatment is a board spectrum antibiotics, we can remove far more than we can surgically.
Have you been told you need gum surgery?
Come see us for a free second opinion and find out if you are a candidate for the non -surgical treatment. It is easier, less costly and the results are better than traditional or laser surgery.
Call 0731 401 086 or schedule an appointment online for a Free Second Opinion.
Surgery for very severe periodontal disease
Although we can treat the vast majority of cases of gum disease effectively with the non-surgical treatment, there are cases when traditional surgery is required.
When a patient has lost bone from periodontitis or missing teeth, we may need to do a procedure known as “flap” surgery to access the area requiring treatment. A small portion of the gum is lifted back to provide access to the underlying tissue and bone.
Rebuilding lost bone from periodontitis
We employ a variety of techniques to rebuild bone and provide structural support for your teeth.
To make an appointment, call 0731 401 086 or click here to request an appointment online.