Gum Health

The Main Reason for Tooth Loss

Most of the time, people lose teeth as a result of gum disease. Infected gums are not always easily detected, and the disease can advance to the point of losing your teeth. Bleeding gums from brushing or flossing and loose teeth are symptoms of this condition. If this is treated in the earlier stages, gum surgery can be avoided and nonsurgical methods can be effectively used instead. Once the infection is advanced, gum surgery is usually needed.

Gum Disease Linked to Serious Health Conditions

A startling medical discovery has been revealed. Gum disease has an effect on serious health conditions such as stroke, heart disease, and diabetes. The American Dental Association projects the number of Americans with periodontal (gum) disease to be as high as 80%. Dentists are now regarding bacterial infection of the gums to be a more serious condition than simply losing teeth. It contributes to potentially life-threatening problems.

Bacteria affecting the gums also circulates throughout the bloodstream, traveling to the heart and other vital organs. The American Academy of Periodontology reports that "studies found periodontal infection may contribute to the development of heart disease, increase the risk of premature, underweight births, and pose a serious threat to people whose health is already compromised due to diabetes and respiratory diseases."

Treating Gum Disease

We recommend coming to our office at the first signs of gum disease because early detection is important. In advanced cases, surgery is most likely necessary. If the disease is caught early, there are various methods to control the infection, together with better daily dental hygiene. Both approaches are covered by the majority of dental insurance plans.

Is Missing a Tooth That Much of a Problem?

Missing teeth are generally due to gum disease or decay. Trauma to a tooth is another reason, but not the most common. No matter what the cause, even one missing tooth can cause other problems. Your other teeth will start to shift or move. This affects chewing and the absorption of nutrients from your food. Weight gain can result if softer foods are mostly eaten because of the inability to chew properly. Your face can take on a sunken look without the structure of a full set of teeth, adding years to your appearance. Also, speech may not be as clear as it normally would be.

We believe that implants are the best way to replace one or many missing teeth. They are natural looking and function just like the real teeth, so they are just like growing new teeth.

Bleeding Gums? Chronic Bad Breath? Receding Gums? We Can Help!

If you experience any of these symptoms, you may have bacterial infection of your gums. The American Dental Association has projected that an overwhelming 90% of American adults between the ages of 33 and 45 have some stage of this gum problem. There are various treatments to reverse the infection, from deep cleaning to scaling and even surgery. Recent advancements have produced Perio Protect™. It is an FDA-approved treatment that saves many patients from having to undergo surgery. Dr. Bork is very pleased to offer this treatment that has been referred to as "miraculous." It is totally painless and effective, and the treatment process is as easy as wearing whitening trays on your teeth.

The medication is most effective when it is kept below the gum line and between the teeth. Otherwise, if the flow of saliva quickly removes the medication from the site of infection, it will not be effective. These special trays keep it where it needs to be for a prolonged period of time. The result – healing will occur much more rapidly. Patients experience results in just a few days. If you are at the point of gum surgery, first check with us to find out if you are a candidate for Perio Protect!

We can help arrest your gum disease and bring your smile back to health. Give us a call today at 908-537-4248.