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Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey 07677
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Peri-implantitis is analogous to periodontitis and shares many similarities in etiology and pathogenesis but has some distinct differences.4 It is estimated that peri-implantitis affects 28%-56% of all implant patients and 12%-43% of all implants.5 This disease entity is distinct from mucositis, which is also defined as plaque-induced inflammation only without associated bone loss. Peri-implant mucositis
Article is on Page Four of this PDF. Dr. Linden’s response, in a letter to the editors of the publication: The article on Periodontal Disease was quite informative and clearly written. While I am in agreement with various treatments included in the health letter, I would like to bring your attention to important information that was
Q: 6 months ago one of my side canines became darker than the rest of my teeth. I consulted a private root canal specialist. A number of tests/x rays confirmed that the tooth is vital and alive. I’m thinking about getting braces and wondered if this situation would affect my treatment? The tooth has never
Q: I got a root canal 2 months ago. I had a crown on the tooth so the dentist went through the crown. A week after the RC, I had discomfort when I chewed food or touched one side of the tooth. It went away until 2 weeks ago when the pain came back. Now
Q: My permanent, 6-unit bridge does not fit and has come off 2 times. After almost a year of treatment, the doctor doesn’t know what to do. He told me he’ll make a bridge a 3rd time and send it to the lab. Last week he told me I need an implant. If I say
Q: What else could I do to get a better smile? Veneers or luminescent after laser? A: It might be possible to have cosmetic laser gum surgery to attain a better appearance when you smile. The important thing is to have the appropriate laser used (with the correct wavelength) so there won’t be any damage
Q: Would you suggest gum-reducing surgery, and then crowns/veneers? I have some bonding now that is chipped and discoloring. Is a gum lift/grafting a smart choice before veneers/crowns? A: Usually, the best way to do a case like you are describing is to have a well-qualified cosmetic dentist or prosthodontist work in conjunction with an
Q: I had a crowned tooth break off. The tooth had a root canal done on it so it doesn’t hurt. Can I get it sealed? A: You should be seen by an experienced laser periodontist to determine if there is enough tooth structure to place another crown safely. Sometimes a crown lengthening procedure might
Q: I don’t like my gummy smile. It’s not major. By that I mean you can’t see my gums when I talk, but you can see them when I smile. Is gum lift the better option? Could you give me an approximation of the cost? Thank you! A: It is difficult to quote fees on
Dr. Eric Linden: An Innovator and Teacher of Laser Dentistry Dr. Eric Linden, a Clinical Professor of Periodontics and Oral Medicine at Columbia University School of Dental Medicine and Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center(more) in New York, has become a specialist and teacher among Periodontists and other dental professionals in the use of lasers to treat
Dr. Eric Linden Urges New York/New Jersey Residents to Take Action against Highly Prevalent, Yet Seriously Overlooked Disease New York, 4/29/2014 – With one in every two adults age 30 and older suffering from periodontal disease (commonly referred to as gum disease), the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) and its 8,300 members are calling
Q: I read about failures on upper molars and about issues not doing an implant. There is a lower molar (this top molar is the last one on top on the left) under this one. I’m a 64 year old female with osteoporosis, so not sure about bone loss. I just don’t know what to
Q: I have gum disease, is there a treatment for this? A: Yes. There are options for treating gum disease. Your first step would be a proper diagnosis, which would include a full set of digital x-rays. Then your periodontist would outline a treatment plan. Be sure that he or she has the option of
Q: How can I treat gum disease? A: I recommend a consultation with an experienced Periodontist who uses an FDA approved laser & a protocol proven to promote bone regeneration. If you have bone loss, I would suggest avoiding “traditional” surgery if possible. Unlike laser periodontics, it involves cutting, stitching, & pain. There are lasers
Q: Can a soft tissue laser be used to vaporize the top gum tissue, in order to reduce sulcus depths, as part of periodontal treatment? A: There are a number of dental lasers with specific wavelengths that affect the gums and bone around the teeth in different ways, according to the need. An ND/YAG using
Q: How effective is laser dentistry and is it safe? A: Yes. It is both effective and safe. Lasers come in different wavelengths. Choosing the appropriate laser for your situation is critical. We still use local anesthesia in Laser Periodontics to EFFECTIVELY treat deep pockets, stabilize periodontal disease, & promote bone regeneration. The healing is
Q: Is gingivitis contagious? Can I catch it from another person? A: Not every person is contagious, but the percentage for transmission is high. Several documented studies have proven this through microscopic analysis of the bacteria in partners with severe soft tissue gum inflammation. The similarity of the bacteria confirms that one partner had transmitted
Q: I got a lump on my gums from an injury I sustained five days ago. How long will it be before it goes down? How do I make it go down faster? A: What kind of injury did you have? Did you have an x ray taken and an exam by a dentist? It
Q: I got a lump on my gums from a injury I encountered that happened 5 days ago how long will it be before it goes down? How do i make it go down faster? A: What kind of injury did you have? Did you have an x-ray taken and an exam by a dentist?
Is this the 4th implant in the same area? Where is this implant located..mandible or maxilla? Bone grafted? Is this implant restored? Are you a smoker or diabetic? I need much more information to answer your question.
The following back and forth took place between Dr. Linden and a woman who was not his patient, but who had posted a question regarding dry mouth following LANAP treatment. Dear Dr. Linden, I am 53 years old and have had gum disease since I was a child. My dentist just recently “learned” how to
Q: I’m trying to debate on whether I should do LANAP (Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure) to save my patient’s teeth, or just extract them and do GBR (Guided Bone Regeneration) for an implant-supported fixed partial denture. My patient is a 25 year old rock musician with a 13 pack-year history of smoking and several
Q: I had four very impacted wisdom teeth removed four days ago. I have been in a lot of pain, taking Vicodin every 4 hours and Naproxen in between Vicodin doses. My cheeks swelled so big that it’s affecting my eye sight. I have not been able to open my mouth hardly at all. Every
Q: I had three teeth removed from my bottom right jaw (wisdom and the two molars in front of it.) I can’t feel the next tooth in line at all and have very little feeling in the one after that. All the rest of my teeth feel fine. Why is it that I can’t feel
Q: When I brush it bleeds and feels loose. I don’t know what to do. I’m only 15. This should not be happening. A: I would suggest a consultation with a Laser Trained (LANAP) Periodontist. Is there a family history?
Q: What should I do? Is it possible this is permanent? A: The use of an ND/YAG laser has been shown in some cases to reverse the effects of long term parathesia (numbness). It can take several months of treatment to work. This has been replicated not only in our laser periodontal office but several
Q: I have a porcelain over metal ‘crown’. The gum itself was shaped with the drill to a ‘T’ and the crown was glued over. I did have a root-canal immediately after the vertically broken tooth was removed. This was over a month ago and I still feel sensitivity if I bite or brush, on
It depends on the tooth and the condition of the gums, bone, and the tooth structure. I would seek the opinion of a specialist such as a Periodontist and a good restorative dentist to make that decision. Best of luck
Q: I have an abscess in a back molar. The dentist did an x-ray and it needs a root canal. He sent the x-ray to an endodontist. The dentist called me back and said he showed the x-rays to other dentists. They recommend pulling the tooth because the two roots split. I have lost so
Q: I have a 3-tooth bridge using one central incisor and one lateral incisor as anchors. I have one front upper tooth. I am having the other central incisor pulled, and have to have new bridge made. I was told no dentist will use both lateral incisors as anchor teeth, they will have to use
Q: I had a root canal done 14 years ago on my front tooth (#9) and now the crown is loose and the tooth has an infection and a small abscess. My dentist says I need another root canal. How is that possible if the root has already been removed? My second question is, why
Q: The problem is that the molar next to my bad tooth is fractured and there seems to be infection in the root of that tooth as well, which would mean I would have no lower right back teeth to chew with. I’ve had 4 teeth extracted to make room before they could put braces
Q: Two days ago, I had teeth 10 & 11 extracted. My dentist gave me bone grafts (Allograft) to preserve the ridge for implants. He also placed a membrane, which he said would help prevent dry socket. (I smoke & had dry socket twice.) Yesterday I had almost no pain, but today I’m in moderate-severe
Q: If you have a tooth that had to be pulled and you have an implant on that tooth, why can’t they put a 2-3 tooth bridge if another tooth is missing but you have a solid tooth beside the other missing tooth? One tooth would be the implant, with one or two teeth missing
Q: I have insurance that would cover a tooth extraction. However, I am considering getting a dental implant shortly thereafter from a specialist who is not covered by my insurance. Is it okay to save a few hundred dollars to get the tooth extracted by my current dentist, possibly wait a few months, and then
Q: What are my options? I want to go with an implant ASAP on molar #30. Should I wait for molar #31 to give me pain before having it removed? I’m hoping to get at least another year or two out of molar #31 before the implant. Thank you so much. Your work is highly
Q: Socket tactically indicates more mass, peripheral towards the check + up towards joint. This intentional for the success of implant? Will it consolidate and revert to natural size or is the graft one-to-one? Inflamed from the trauma? What are goal? The graft is never custom to be symmetrical, return to same outline as before
Q: I have heard of stem cell treatment for bone loss. What are your thoughts on this? I would like to look for implant retained denture, but I want a fuller profile as my mouth looks very drawn as it’s unsupported due to the lack of bone. How do I know the best outcome for
Q: I just had a tooth extracted, and an implant put in yesterday. During the procedure he told me one of the tool tips broke and is lodged right next to the implant. I can see it in the x-ray. He told me he tried to take it out but is afraid of getting close
There have been reported cases with some practitioners of problems with this surface. To my knowledge, there is no scientific evidence of the problems, or recalls of any kind. We can treat Peri-Implantitis with a Laser FDA cleared protocol.
Dental implants are generally more expensive than partial dentures. However, in many cases a partial denture is not tolerated well by patients. You should see a reputable Periodontist and get a detailed opinion of your situation.
Q: How should a patient “comparison shop” respectfully, if negotiating, due to finances. Will it reduce the quality material(s) choice(s) of the professional due to low mark-up at a lower total fee? What materials to avoid, that do not last as long? A: Most of the reputable dental implant companies manufacture quality materials. There are
Try Care Credit or Springstone.
Q: I have 2 implants in the lower left that are 1.5 years old. Both implants show significant bone loss and one implant is infected (pus/blood/3 weeks). One periodontist wants to do a bone graft, but I’ve read that this is bound to fail in an infected area (or the area should heal first). Another
Q: I had root canal long ago in a tooth. Just had an implant done next to that tooth. The root canal-ed tooth has a cavity. Could I feel pain from this tooth though there is no root, or is the pain caused by the recent implant? A: Normally, we would need an x ray
Patients who require a bone graft are always given the option of synthetic, auto graft, or freeze dried cadaver bone. In many cases now with the FDA cleared laser protocol, we avoid bone grafting entirely.
Q: In March 2013 I had a large filling replaced with a crown. By September 2013 I have had a root canal in the same tooth, additional filling added to the back of the tooth to try to prevent a food trap, yet the tooth still throbs. Additionally, I’m having trouble swallowing. My dentist has
Did this cracked tooth have a root canal? Did the dentist mention if the nerve/pulp of the tooth was close? Did you traumatize the tooth by falling or hitting something against your face? Does your bite feel normal? Did you have a new x-ray taken? Has your bite been checked again to make sure the
You should seek the opinion of a Laser Periodontist. They are the experts in fixing gum recession.
What you are describing could be anything from an abscess, infection, trauma, or some kind of pathology. You should seek the services of a specialist for an exam and x-rays of the area to make a diagnosis.
Depending on the clinical picture, gums can “peel” or slough off due to gum disease, trauma, viral, bacteria or other miscellaneous causes. You would need to see a Laser Periodontist for a complete evaluation. The ND/YAG laser can sometimes help in a big way in these situations.
Yes, herpes sores can bleed depending on the stage of the vesicles. Herpes is also very contagious, especially at this stage. Please see your Periodontist for an evaluation if these are oral or facial lesions. We can treat the herpes lesion with the ND/YAG laser at different stages.
Did you experience trauma to your face? Did you bite your lip? Do you see any color changes in your lip? Do you have a oral habit like chewing tobacco or gum or something else?
Q: What is the cost and recovery time? Prefer minimally invasive but permanent. Do not want to get into breaking bones. Thanks. A: The options include: Laser Gum Surgery Possible osseous surgery The determining factors are your x rays and your bone levels relative to the teeth. We need to establish a healthy “biological width”
Q: I had a tooth extracted due to abscess, and bone graft. I have had worsening pain since Monday. I’ve only experienced slight relief when the sealant came out of the gum on Thursday (in 2, 1cm sized chunks. Is that normal?).Yesterday, the doctor said everything looks great and the x-ray looked good. Because I
Q: I have a slightly deficient upper jaw and am told I am a candidate for surgery to bring the upper jaw forward. However, I also want three bicuspid teeth that were extracted as a teenager replaced. I have been advised against this but I feel that only by having 32 teeth will I achieve
Q: I’m going to get six dental implants with a 4-hour anesthetic. Is that safe, or would it be best to have three done at a time with a 2-hr sedation? A: We generally do not sedate patients for dental implants. However, I would check with your Periodontist and check what type of medications you
Q: I had a consultation with a periodontist and I will be extracting the infected tooth soon. I have not been prescribed anything for the infection and he has not mentioned anything about the bone graft being done at a later date. I’m curious how other professionals proceed in this type of situation. I had
Q: I will have two teeth extracted soon. One has an infection and it will need bone grafting. How long can I wait to get implants? Do I get both implants at the same time or can I wait? How long? One is a front tooth. A: Here at Columbia University School of Dental Medicine
Q: I had a crown a root canal and crown placed on #14. I have had complications due to an abscess caused by an unsuccessful root canal. I was told by two dentists that I would need an apexectomy and a new crown which will cost over $2000. Apparently, there is no guarantee it will
Q: I have quite a few teeth broken down to the gum line and I know they have to come out. I know that they all have to be extracted. After extraction what do I need to do? A: As a Periodontist, we evaluate all teeth to see if they are worth saving. We evaluate
Q: I recently cracked my 1st molar on the bottom and that now needs to be extracted (previous root canal). There is no infection-it was an accident. I’m going to get implants to replace it and the second molar I’m already missing. How traumatic will this be? And how difficult will the recovery be? My
Many lasers are available in the dental arena including ND/YAG, Erbium, CO2, and diodes. Each laser has a purpose and “niche” in dental treatment. “Evidence based” studies that have been done and are in progress to save teeth and implants from gum disease. The primary protocol in use today is LANAP. (Laser Assisted New Attachment
Q: Does LANAP require a course of antibiotics? A: We use antibiotics for 7-14 days depending on the patient and sequence of treatment per protocol.
Q: I’ve just been told I have gum disease. Should I be concerned? A: If you have been told you have gum disease, then you should seek a LANAP (Laser) trained Periodontist for a complete diagnosis and treatment plan. If you need treatment and you qualify, then this would be the least invasive way to
Q: What are the symptoms of gum disease in otherwise healthy nonsmokers? A: The symptoms can include bleeding, recession, sensitivity, loose teeth, drifting of teeth, bite changes, grinding habits, bad taste, and bad breathe. It is also possible to be asymptomatic, that is no symptoms at all. Gum disease can be silent like blood pressure.
Q: Can laser teeth whitening do any damage at all to my teeth or gums? I’d really like to have whiter teeth, and am trying to weigh the pros and cons of different methods. One thing I’d like to know is if there’s any possibility of permanent damage being done. A: If you are considering
Q: Does laser teeth whitening damage teeth or gums? A: This should not be an issue for you to have your teeth whitened with a laser. You might want to know which laser the doctor will be using because not all lasers are the same. The wavelength is critical as is the amount of laser
Q: What mouthwash is best for halitosis? I know it doesn’t cure it, but I’m getting treatment for bad gum disease and need a way to control the halitosis until my mouth is healthy again. I’m looking for a mouthwash that will last more than an hour. A: There are a number of over the
Q: How should I decide which expert to see for gum disease? A: Go right to the expert in treating gum disease – a Periodontist (preferably a periodontist trained in LANAP – an innovative and less invasive treatment utilizing the laser). You will then be referred to a restorative dentist as needed.
Q: What are some treatments for swollen gums? A: Utilizing an FDA-cleared procedure called LANAP is a very innovative and less invasive way to treat swollen gums. (We are assuming you have some form of gum disease that requires professional attention by a Laser trained Periodontist.)
Q: What is the laser procedure for a gingivectomy? A: It is very important to use the correct laser and appropriate settings to prevent damage to the teeth and bone. We teach and use different lasers at Columbia University School of Dental Medicine and Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center. Dental lasers are all different and you
Q: What causes your gums to turn white? A: You could have some viral or bacterial lesions in your mouth. A Laser trained Periodontist should exam you and determine what the white areas are. This could also be caused by medications and tobacco.
Q: What to do when you have an itchy palate (roof of mouth)? A: You could have a food allergy or sensitivity to certain foods such as citrus or certain spices. You should also check the toothpaste and mouth rinses you might be using. Do you smoke? I would also advise having a Periodontist or
Q: Can laser surgery on my gums get rid of a black dot in my upper gum? My dentist said that is was a “mole”, but I really want an answer from an expert. A: The first thing to get is an accurate diagnosis of what the black dot is. Assuming that it is a
Q: Do only people who don’t brush and floss get the symptoms of gum disease? A: Gum disease can be present in many different clinical situations. There are genetic factors in addition to local factors such as the bite and iatrogenic dentistry that can also contribute to the disease. Seeing a LANAP trained Periodontist is
Q: I am 25 years young and my mouth is showing signs of gum disease. Aren’t I too young? A: You should be examined by a qualified LANAP periodontist. The doctor will determine if a laser approach would be beneficial for your health. However, you might be able to control the disease if it’s early
Q: Is it safe to take periostat for gum disease? A: We generally do not prescribe any long term antibiotics. Generally, we prefer to use laser treatment to kill off the “bad bacteria” that cause gum disease.
Q: How to get rid of gum disease? A: Find a qualified, experienced laser periodontist for an evaluation. If you qualify for LANAP, then it would be an easier and more effective way to get the gum disease under control.
Q: How does one deal with periodontic disease and bone loss? A: We utilize laser treatment to treat periodontal disease whenever possible. It is less invasive and doesn’t require flaps. We have been performing the FDA-cleared LANAP protocol for over 7 years with great success. All of this can be determined after a thorough consultation
Q: What could be the least invasive way a dentist could take care of my gum (periodontic) abscess? I know that antibiotics are not a cure at all. A: We utilize an ND/YAG laser to treat periodontal disease, including abscesses. We get rapid healing, bone regeneration, and minimal discomfort experienced by the patient.
Q: Does good oral hygiene really have something to do with heart disease? A: If you can maintain excellent oral hygiene, then your chances of developing periodontal or gum disease is reduced. If that happens, there is less of a chance that the “bad” bacteria will do any damage to your heart and blood vessels.
Q: How is a periodontic abscess typically treated? A: We use a ND/YAG laser for most of our periodontal treatment, including treating abscesses and periodontal swellings. No flaps or stitches, rapid healing, and an excellent tissue response.
Q: Is it possible to totally cure gum disease? A: We can stabilize gum disease, regenerate bone, and get the gum tissues healthy again. I feel we can maintain and keep the disease in check. Totally cure the disease? I know we have maintained patients in our Laser Periodontal practice close to 29 years. I
Q: I’m still bleeding from stitches. How do I stop the bleeding? A: What kind of surgery did you have? You must call your surgeon ASAP.
Q: Is good oral hygiene the best way to treat gum disease? A: Oral hygiene is critically important to prevent gum disease. However, sometimes you need professional help to help regenerate bone that has been lost and to get the periodontal tissues in better condition. The use of the LANAP protocol is a possible option
Q: Do you usually need surgery for gum disease? A: There are different degrees of gum disease. The goal is to stop the disease process, regain gum health, and retain teeth. Gum disease is an infection process. Its damage is mainly in the jawbone supporting the teeth. The damage is generally irreversible. Some stages of
Q: I have a gummy smile I would like to fix, but I also have really small teeth. So I’m not sure which would be the easiest or cheapest route to make me look better: gum reduction surgery, or something like veneers. A: I would suggest a consultation with a laser-trained periodontist who can provide
Q: When do your teeth and gums begin to heal after a gingivectomy/laser gum removal? A: To most effectively treat gum disease, the ND/YAG laser is the treatment of choice. In our practice and teaching at Columbia University School of Dental Medicine and Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center(more), we utilize different types of lasers. Diodes are
Q: I was diagnosed with severe gum disease. Will my teeth most likely fall out? Even if I get laser treatment done and scalping? If so, when? A: If you have severe gum disease, the likelihood of keeping your remaining teeth without extreme care and hygiene and combined complex treatment specialists is questionable. Realistically, you
Q: How does laser therapy help with dental problems? A: If a patient has gum disease, then they might be a candidate for laser gum surgery, also known as LANAP. This laser therapy has regenerative qualities to enhance bone regeneration and stabilize the disease process with quick healing and is a less invasive approach to
Q: What could cause your gum to bleed? A: You could have gingivitis or gum disease with bone loss. On very rare occasions, a systemic disease or hormonal changes. Of course, poor oral hygiene and lack of professional cleanings can also cause this condition.
Q: Is it typical for a periodontist to do dental cleaning or is it normal for a regular dentist to do this? A: Depending on the practice and your situation, either the Periodontist or the regular dentist can do the maintenance cleanings. More often than not, they alternate every 3 months.
Q: From whom should I seek help about jaw bone erosion: a regular dentist or a periodontist? A: I would suggest seeing a Periodontist if you are referring to bone loss around your teeth or edentulous ridges where you are missing teeth. Once a diagnosis is made, then the Periodontist can refer you to a
Q: My hard palate cracked during the dental extraction and is now a functional issue. Which doctor is best suited to fix it: an ENT, an Oral surgeon, or a neurosurgeon? A: You need to see a well-trained oral surgeon. If you need a further referral to an ENT, they will guide you.
Q: How many people see a periodontist for cleaning? A: Most of our patients who have completed active treatment will be seen on the average every three months to maintain their periodontal health.
Q: What is the training of a periodontist? A: The usual sequence to become a Periodontist: college, four years of dental school, four years of periodontal residency, then three years private practice or teaching. Continuing Education never ends.
Q: What’s it like to be a periodontist? A: It has been a very exciting time for our practice, since an FDA cleared Laser Protocol was instituted over seven years ago. The patient experience is positive and with little or no discomfort. In a majority of cases, we are able to avoid traditional surgery. We
Q: What are the procedures for scaling and planing on root periodontics? A: Because of the Laser Protocol available, we have virtually eliminated the scaling and root planing procedure and incorporated it in a FDA cleared laser protocol known as LANAP.
Q: What are recent accomplishments in periodontics? A: We perform Laser Periodontal therapy, which has replaced more than 80% of our traditional surgeries. This is a major accomplishment.
Q: What’s the difference between a periodontist and a regular dentist? A: When a patient needs expert advice regarding gum disease, bone loss, dental implants and complicated treatment planning, then a Periodontist would be a good choice for a specialty doctor. If the Periodontist needs the services of a restorative dentist, then a referral can
Q: Is it possible for dentists to detect periodontitis from initial exam and x-rays? A: A clinical exam and a current set of quality digital x-rays of all your teeth would be enough to diagnose periodontal disease.
Q: Is there a way to treat super sensitive gums? A: You need to be seen by a qualified laser periodontist. There is usually a reason for “sensitive gums”. Do they bleed? Are they receded? Are your teeth mobile? Do you have bone loss? As you can see, a consultation is necessary to give you
Q: Could my dental implants be causing my low grade fever and migratory body aches? They were put in in 2008. One of the crowns recently failed twice, so the oral surgeon replaced it and laser etched my gums. A: Do you have peri-implantitis? Are the implants failing? How do your x-rays look? What is
Q: What are some effects chewing gum has on the face? A: Generally speaking, chewing gum is good for your muscles of mastication (chewing muscles). Sugarless is obviously preferred. Your muscles get a work out and can actually tighten up your facial profile.
Q: Should I be worried that my 6 year old has dark blue gums and moves his head in jerky movements? A: I would seek the opinion of a medical doctor and a qualified laser periodontist as soon as possible. How long has this been going on?
Q: I was on an airplane and had excruciating pain in my left side of my head as well as my jaw. After a few minutes I felt a small ball under my tongue. A: Sounds like you could possibly have an infection in your mouth. I would suggest a consultation with a dentist. In
Q: Small red spots on roof of mouth? A: Red spots can be a number of different things. Do you have pain? Have you ever had any viral lesions in your mouth or lips before? Did you eat something odd? I would suggest a visit to your dentist for an evaluation to see what is
Q: Is there a best toothbrush for gum disease? A: There are soft tooth brushes in the market place that are very good. If you Google “toothbrushes”, you can read the reviews. Just remember soft, and to use one that is easy to handle. This is a very individual choice.
Q: I have a sharp throbbing pain on my left temple and it comes very randomly. I’m not sure where it comes from, but I also have a bad toothache. A: There may be a correlation between the two. First, get checked out by an experienced dentist. Then, if you don’t get resolution of your
Q: Sometimes when I eat or drink the roof of my mouth hurts. Does that mean gum disease? A: If you have discomfort on the roof of your mouth, you should be seen by a qualified dentist or specialist for consultation. It doesn’t necessarily mean you have gum disease, but it might be indicative of
Q: Does gum disease affect your whole mouth? I’m not sure if it is a spider bite or gum disease? A: Gum disease can affect the entire mouth. A spider bite is a completely different issue that is not likely to be related to gum disease. Did you have a spider bite that you know
Q: Is gum swelling linked to other diseases of the body? A: Numerous diseases can affect the gums, and vice versa. I would suggest a consultation with a Periodontist to see if you have gum disease and whether a consult with your physician is indicated.
Q: What disease could I have with swollen gums? A: Swollen gums usually mean gum disease. Sometimes systemic diseases or hormones can affect the gums. You should be evaluated by a periodontist and perhaps your physician if necessary.
Q: How can I prevent gum disease if I smoke? I’ve heard that smokers get gum disease more than other people. I can’t seem to quit smoking, so I’d like to know how to prevent gum disease. Should I brush more often? Is there a mouthwash that will help? A: You are correct about smokers
Q: If my gums are bleeding, does that mean I have gum disease? A: Bleeding gums are not normal. You could have gingivitis or periodontitis (bone loss). I suggest a visit to the dentist or Periodontist.
Q: How common is gum disease or mouth cancer from smokeless tobacco? A: Mouth cancer and gum disease are associated with smokeless tobacco. There are numerous studies that show this risk. My suggestion: QUIT!
Q: Can gum disease be associated with a toothache? A: A toothache can be associated with an infected gum. I would suggest a consultation with a qualified dentist or specialist to determine the cause of the pain.
Q: I have severe tooth decay from GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease) and several chronic illnesses. Should I get all my teeth pulled? I have diabetes, hypertension, GERD, and have had five back surgeries. I developed gum disease, presumably because of my diabetes and not being able to get treatment. A: I would suggest consultations with
Q: Is there a connection between heart disease and gum disease? My dentist is treating me for gum disease, and mentioned that there may be a link between heart disease and gum disease. Is this true? Do I have to worry about heart disease now as well as about losing my teeth? A: Yes, it’s
Q: Can thyroid disease cause pale gums and gum disease? A: Certain thyroid conditions can affect the gum tissues because of the changes in hormones levels. Color changes are sometimes seen, as is more aggressive bone loss. These are rare cases and seeing your endocrinologist and Periodontist on a regular basis is suggested.
Q: Is gum disease the same as periodontal disease? A: Yes. Technically speaking, periodontal disease includes gum disease. You can have gingivitis but have no bone loss. However, the term “gum disease” implies both the gums and bone are diseased.
Q: My boyfriend has gingivitis and I discovered he has used my toothbrush. Can I get gingivitis or any other gum disease? Also, other than good oral hygiene, what can he do for his gum issues? Thank you. A: You can spread bacteria from one person to another. This has been shown in studies. In
Q: Where can I find a really cheap dentist and oral surgeon? I’m on Social Security and Medicare/Medicaid and neither will cover dental or vision. I get $839 a month. I have severe gum disease and no teeth left. A: What you are looking for is not a cheap dentist and oral surgeon, but a
Q: What is relationship of gum and heart disease? A: There is a strong association between gum disease and heart disease. Many studies done in the US and in Europe have shown this consistently. If you have untreated or unstable gum disease, then you should get it under control to lessen the chances of having
Q: What happens if retainers aren’t worn after mouth braces have been removed? A: The teeth might move. It is advisable to wear your retainer and if you lost it, please have another appliance made a.s.a.p.
Q: How can gum disease give you heart disease? A: Several studies have shown a strong association between untreated/unstable gum disease and cardiovascular disease. The bacteria present around the clogged arteries are similar to those found in gum disease.
Q: What causes gum pain in someone with no disease? A: I would suggest you see a dentist or periodontist for an evaluation to give you an accurate diagnosis for your gum pain.
Q: Can you get cancer or gum disease from the bagged chewing tobacco even though there aren’t any additives inside? A: Yes!
Q: Can I still have periodontal disease if the gums look pink and normal? A: Yes, it is possible you could have bone loss and not have bleeding gums. An experienced laser trained periodontist can give you an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. The doctor will need a recent set of quality digital images to
Q: How do you get rid of gum disease, gingivitis? A: I would suggest a consult with a periodontist to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan best suited for you.
Q: What are the causes of gum disease in the elderly? A: The same criteria would apply to you as with someone half your age. We would still review your medical history; check your medications, illnesses, habits, genetics etc. Treatment can vary and might include laser therapy, which is very effective and relatively conservative.
Q: How do I find a periodontist that offers LANAP-Periolase treatment for gum disease in the Philippines/Asia? A: Contact Millennium Dental Technologies in Cerritos, California. They should be able to help you. Good Luck!
Q: Can biting your nails cause gum disease and diabetes? A: Biting your nails can sometimes cause gum recession or clefting. I am not aware of any studies correlating diabetes with nail biting.
Q: After gum disease and a denture, can you have two teeth replaced as implants? A: If you want an overdenture, then it might be possible to put in two implants to support the denture. We often prefer four implants for greater stability.
Q: If you have gum disease while pregnant, will you deliver a healthy baby? A: Studies have suggested that untreated periodontal (gum) disease elevates the risk of having a pre-term baby. This is why we try to treat all our female patients before pregnancy. Please seek the help of a laser trained periodontist if you
Q: Is there any way I can get rid of gum disease without a root canal or buying products? A: A root canal is different than gum disease treatments. Think of the inside of the tooth as lead in a pencil. The lead has to be removed because of infection in the nerve of the
Q: What can I do to numb the tooth pain from gum disease and sinus pressure? A: Are you under the care of a Periodontist? You shouldn’t be experiencing pain if you are under the care of a qualified specialist.
Q: Which gum disease leaves spots on the gums? A: Spots on the gums can be from many things, including viruses, bacteria, infection, mucosal lesions, gum disease, systemic disease, malnutrition, stress, etc. As you can see, a consultation with an experienced laser trained periodontist would be smart move to get an accurate diagnosis.
Q: What disease causes the following symptoms: bleeding gums, loose teeth and swollen joints? A: Bleeding gums and loose teeth are signs of gum disease. Swollen joints can be something systemic which might have nothing to do with the gum disease symptoms. I would suggest a consultation with your medical doctor and a Periodontist.
Q: Should I see a dentist? What can I do to get the swelling to go down? My gums hurt and are swollen. My gums are eroding around my teeth and they bleed. A: I strongly suggest you see a dentist or Periodontist (specialist in treating gum disease) as soon as possible. They will be
Q: When I eat anything my gums bleed. It doesn’t matter what I eat. I can’t get them to stop. I don’t chew tobacco but I do smoke and I know I need to brush more often. Do I need to go to the dentist or what can I do at home to fix
Q: I am in the process of having an implant put in. The titanium screw was placed (minus abutment) with bone and gum grafting done at the same time. How long will it be before I can put my suck down (temporary denture) back in? The gum area is still swollen and I’m afraid it
Q: Yesterday, I went for my first periodontal planing and scaling (3 and 1/2 months after LANAP) session. I was shocked to hear from the periodontist that my back right molar still had a deep pocket depth on the buccal side. It was a 7-8 mm just before LANAP. Anyway, the hygienist said that a
Q: I had crown lengthening yesterday about noon time. I was told to eat soft foods and not drink hot things. What are considered soft foods and for how long should I do this? A: Did you have a Periodontist perform this procedure? They should have discussed your post op care and your diet with
Q: I’ll be going to the dentist in a few weeks after a long hiatus and I’m preparing myself mentally as to what he will say. I’ve been doing my own research on calculus/tartar. I know by now that I will be looking forward to root planing and ultrasonic scaling on at least 4 teeth
Q: I noticed a white spot on my gum, below my lower canine tooth. I was at the dentist two weeks ago and had an OC exam and nothing was said about it. I noticed this two days ago. Don’t know if it has always been there or if it is part of the normal
Q: I have full upper dentures and just had my four front teeth pulled and replaced with a partial plate. I have two natural teeth on one side and one on the other, plus an implant. I complained to the dentist who did the work about pain in the large tooth next to the implant.
Q: I am considering crown lengthening on two of my front teeth. It would be for esthetic reasons, to even out the gum line with the other side where the gums receded post-bone implant surgery. Even though I think this could potentially help the esthetics, I’m afraid I might make it worse if the gums
Q: I’m missing my two superior lateral teeth. Should I get a dental bridge or something else? What do you suggest? A: You really need to be seen for x-rays and a full evaluation to really give you a fair diagnosis. However, the options usually are implants, bridges, or removable partial dentures.
Q: I had a root canal done and it seems the artificial tooth isn’t fitting properly to my gum. Would it be detrimental to my gum? I know it’s not fitted correctly or the artificial tooth isn’t shaped correctly because whenever I chew on something, my gum starts to ache. After taking couple of aspirin,
Q: The last four days my gums between the top front two teeth have been swollen and sore. I brush and floss daily. What could it be? It is also swollen behind the teeth but very isolated within the 1/2 inch area. A: I would suggest you see a Periodontist to evaluate the area. Do
Q: I already had a root canal done. Several months later, I had an x-ray done and there was a small gap between my permanent crown and my gum. And whenever I finish eating, I must floss to get the food out between the space, or it feels very uncomfortable. If I leave it alone,
Q: Is bleeding between the teeth always a dental problem? I have been bleeding from between my teeth and also from my mouth sometimes when I spit, and it seems to happen a lot when I am feeling stressed out, when I am angry about something, or when I have kept my mouth closed for
Q: My gums have receded a little after extraction followed by gum grafting (eye tooth). Is this normal? Now I have spacing between the temporary tooth and gums. A: It is not uncommon after extractions to have the gum shrink. We routinely bone graft, laser, and soft tissue augment to avoid this result. You can
Q: Is it possible to get tooth cancer or gum cancer? All of my teeth are affected. They feel like nails. My gums burn when I eat. I have been to many dentists. The problem is getting worse. I do not want to eat. Is there medication or something that can be done? Thanks. A:
Q: I just had a deep cleaning procedure done yesterday. Bloody tissue started coming out though my gums, between my teeth. This happened about eight hours after the procedure. It mostly came out through my front left teeth. When I woke up this morning, I found a fairly large bloody tissue lodged between my bottom
Q: I have a bubble on my top gums above my front teeth. A: It sounds like you have an abscess or infection. You should call your dentist and be seen as soon as possible.
Q: I had periodontal surgery a few weeks ago because of receding and bleeding gums (that I had complained about for the last year and a half and eventually self-referred to the gum specialist). They stitched me back up after surgery and even after healing I have some major concerns and am wondering what is
Q: Periodontal disease has loosened three of my lower front teeth. My dentist wants to do gum surgery in an effort to save them. I had laser surgery two years ago. My concern is that the surgery may fail and I will still have to do implants. I am afraid that there may not be
Q: I got gum disease from smoking. Pockets are 5mm. I was warned it would happen. I need to get my teeth cleaned three times a year because of excessive tarter. I received one scaling and deep cleaning, but that did not remove the tarter. They said they couldn’t clean my teeth. How can I
Q: I have an abfraction. Could that cause me to lose my tooth, or is tooth loss always caused by receding gums? I can feel a groove in my first upper molar on the left side of my mouth. It sometimes bothers me when I breathe in cold air, but eating sweet food doesn’t bother
Q: I am looking at partial or full dentures shortly, and am making decisions about that. I’m missing upper and lower molars on the left side. Before the recent extractions, I was having what seemed to be swelling of the gums, mostly upper, sometimes lower. It varied in severity but never completely went away. I
Q: I had LANAP treatment about six months ago. For the past several months I’ve had phlegm in my mouth which causes me to keep rubbing my teeth and the roof of my mouth until sore. Could this slime be caused by something I eat or a combination of what I eat/drink, the kind of
Q: I just got braces Monday October 1, 2012 and they are hurting. What can I do to take the pain away? I have never had braces. My gums are very sensitive. They are swollen too. So please help. A: I would suggest that you take anti inflammatories such as Advil or Motrin if you
Q: My gum is hurting and swollen and is coming between two teeth. I just had a filling placed in the bottom back. This is on the bottom front. What’s wrong? A: I would call your dentist for an immediate follow up. It could be a number of things. The dentist should see the problem.
Q: My son has three frenulums on his upper gum. One in the middle attached between his front teeth, and one on each side of his upper gums. When he was four months old, the frenulum under his tongue was clipped, but I never noticed these other ones before. Are they normal? A: Frenums are
Q: My new dentist tells me I need work under my gums and is trying to convince me to have laser (LANAP) treatment. Is this treatment worth the cost of close to $5000? A: I am a Periodontist who does LANAP all the time. If you have an accurate diagnosis and are a candidate for
Q: My husband’s gums are white and also his breath smells. He brushes and gargles. What can be the cause. A: Clearly your husband has gum disease. We don’t know the extent until he has a consultation with a Periodontist. This could be a case of poor oral hygiene to potentially advanced gum disease. The
Q: I don’t smoke or do any other rubbish, I brush my teeth regularly (2 times a day), but for some reason they are turning white. Is it an infection or lack of vitamins? A: I would call your periodontist and have a thorough exam and review of your medical and dental history. Do you
Q: I had a tooth extraction and bone graft yesterday and have been very careful not to disturb the area or rinse, etc. The tooth was an infected molar very close to the sinus. The dentist used ground cadaver bone and covered it with a membrane. This morning all seemed fine, but now there is
Q: I had an apicoectomy above tooth no.7. Then 6 months later, I had new crowns placed on teeth 7, 8, 9, and 10. Immediately afterwards, my gums flared up, especially above tooth no. 7. The gum there is very puffy and bleeds very easily. Another general dentist told me the new crown was placed
Q: My 14-year-old daughter’s gums have been badly and painfully swollen for about two days. This developed after she had some dental work done. A: I would suggest a follow up appointment with your treating dentist. What kind of work was done? Did your daughter have a cleaning? Does she have any allergies? Did they
Q: I need to have all my teeth pulled. When you have periodontal disease, can your teeth be pulled more easily than if your gums were healthy? A: In general it is easier to extract periodontally involved teeth. An oral surgeon or periodontist will make the procedure go more quickly and easily for you. Good
Q: I have gum disease I have cleanings every three months except missed one cleaning. X-rays showed possible [bad] bacteria under the gum. The dentist suggested extraction of a rear molar with a large filling. I have a 6mm gap in the gum line near that tooth. Are there any alternative treatments that are cost
Q: My gums are sore. I have a burning pain throughout my mouth. I’ve heard that old fillings may have some kind toxin in them. Could this be the problem? If so, what should be done? A: All fillings should be evaluated periodically for marginal integrity, decay, potential open margins, leakage, and biologically correct fit
Q: How likely it that my gum recession problem can be solved other than with a free gingival graft from my palate? I do not look forward to having 2 wounds–one on the palate and the other at the grafting site. My lower front teeth and my two “eye” teeth have the problem. Can cadaver
Q: I have been under severe stress for the past 6 months caring for my husband, who has a terminal brain cancer. My gums started to itch in one spot, and then the next day all the gums were swollen. I have hypothyroidism and Fibromyalgia, Celiac Disease, and menopause is starting. An oral surgeon sent
Q: I am 24 years old and until recently had not been to a dentist since my pre-kindergarten screening. I am thankful to report, despite 5 years of chewing tobacco (I did quit for good 2 1/2 years ago), that the dentist reported no cavities and a “great set of teeth”. He did tell me
Q: My gums are swollen, tender, and are causing me a great deal of pain. Is there anything I can do to reduce the pain until Monday? There is a red and white bump on the lower-left side of my gums facing my cheek. A: Is it possible to get in to a dentist or
Q: I have a small white painful bump on my gums, about the size of a grain of rice. What is it? A: You need to get to the dentist as soon as possible. You have to be seen and examined to get an accurate diagnosis.
Q: My gum was bleeding from chewing tobacco. Is that a sign of cancer or disease? The bleeding was where my gum was always very thin because of a tooth that juts out. A: Even though chewing tobacco is a dangerous habit, it could be possible that the gum is receding and has disease. I
Q: Can I have a deep cleaning and regenerative surgery at the same time? A: What specific treatment plan were you given? What case type are you? Please provide the type of regenerative procedure suggested. Conventional? Laser? It is very difficult to answer your question without this information.
Q: Why do I have something that feels like fuzz around my teeth and gums? I do have dry mouth. I use Biotene, and brush regularly, which makes it worse sometimes. Very frustrating. A: I would suggest a visit to your dentist for an evaluation. Do you take any medications? Do you use any mouthwashes? Eat
Q: I am a 72 year old male. I have several gum pockets at 5mm and others 4+. My dentist suggests deep root planing and cleaning. I’m OK with this. I had deep cleaning about 5 and 2 years ago, with maintenance cleanings 2-3 times a year. I’m bad about flossing. Three additional treatments have been recommended
Q: What’s wrong with my gum? My gum is sore under one molar on the right side towards the back of my mouth. Only when I touch it though. When I’m not touching it, it’s fine. It also hurts when I touch my cheek where that tooth is. Any idea what it is? A: Is
Q: My gums are extremely painful, red, and swollen! What should I do? A: I would set up a consultation appointment with your dentist or periodontist and get a diagnosis. Try to get in as soon as possible for treatment.
Q: I have been newly diagnosed with periodontal disease. My pockets range from 2 to 4. I am currently in orthodontics; my orthodontist is now very conservative with moving my teeth. I have a severe overjet that causes daily headaches. I need my teeth aligned, is there reason to halt orthodontics… to limit moving teeth?
Q: My dentist told me that I have a deep pocket between two molars. He prescribed antibiotics and Peridex 3 times a day, and to keep the pocket clean by flossing regularly throughout the day. Can a deep pocket can be reversed, and with what forms of treatment? A: Generally, we treat deep pockets with
Q: My gum above my bridge has been leaking pus. What are possibilities? The bridge was put in place two years ago. I developed a bitter taste just before I noticed pus. I still have it. A: You have an infection in that area. Your next step should be to visit your periodontist or general
Q: What does it mean when a person’s gums are black? I see some people with black gums and some with pink gums over their teeth. What does the black indicate? A: There are variations of pigmentation among different ethnicities and even within families. If you are at all concerned, please call a Periodontist and have
Q: My gums are swollen. What should I do? A: It sounds like you have a gum abscess. You need to call a Periodontist as soon as possible. In the meantime, use warm salt rinses. Don’t delay. Infections can spread and could potentially cause major problems. Good luck.
Q: What would cause sore and bleeding gums, continuous bad breath, teeth becoming loose? I need advice on what to do. Please help. A: You need to see a Periodontist as soon as possible for a complete evaluation. I would look for a laser trained Periodontist in your area. You have all the symptoms of gum disease.
Q: If I get gum disease, is it possible for my gums to recover back to their healthy state? A: Gum disease can be treated, and depending on the stage of the disease, can be reversed back to health. However, if the damage is very extensive, then sometimes extractions are necessary. Most people who get help early
Q: I have swollen gums. Sometimes they bleed and can be very sore. I’ve never been told I have it, but I’m assuming it’s gingivitis. Are the swollen gums a symptom? A: Based on all the information you have provided here, I would set up a consultation visit with a laser trained periodontist. After a
Q: How long does it take to recover from dental surgery? Am I going to need to rest/take time off for work? What can I do to feel better faster? A: If you have laser gum surgery, then the recovery is the fastest of any procedure we do in our Periodontal practice. The healing is
Q: After having a lower molar removed, the oral surgeon did a bone graft as I was considering an implant. This was two years ago. That area has felt uncomfortable recently and the oral surgeon went in and cleared out the area. He indicated that the graft did not work. He said it was still
Q: How long should it take my mouth to heal from an intensive deep teeth cleaning? I had a deep cleaning on the right side of my mouth this past Thursday. The first round of shots did not fully work so I ended up needing more than “normal”. Also, as she worked the plaque from
Q: I have run out of money and need treatment. My teeth are falling out and my gums throb. What can I do? Many thanks. A: I am sorry to hear that you having difficulty. Do you live near a major metropolitan area with a dental school? Although it could take a lot longer to
Q: I was told that having deep cleaning done with a laser will help regenerate soft tissue or bone growth. Is this true? A: I am not sure what you understand “deep cleaning with a laser” to mean. If you are referring to LANAP, approved by the FDA if performed by a qualified Periodontist, the
Q: I am a female, age 63. I traveled this week, drank lots of coffee and orange juice each morning, slept less than normal. The inside of my mouth, cheeks and gums are raw and sore. It’s hard to eat. Can you suggest a remedy to alleviate the pain? A: It sounds like you are
Q: Yesterday I had two quadrants (osseous surgery) done using the LANAP procedure. How long should I wait before having the other side done? A: In our office, we generally do full mouth LANAP cases in one visit. A small number of our patients have half mouth done no more than 7-10 days apart. Did
Q: I have a red bump under a partial on my gums. It does not hurt, but is a little sore when I put my partial in. A: It is difficult to diagnose without examining you. I would strongly suggest a visit to a Periodontist who will examine the lesion. This could simply be a
Q: What home remedies for swollen gums and sore teeth are there? My gums became inflamed overnight, (I had drunk a sugary pop the day before), and they’ve been this way for a week now. The sorest area moves to different parts of my mouth, and my jaw has become very sore. Any help would
Q: What is the difference between periodontal and gum disease? Or do they both refer to the same thing? A: Both terms mean the same thing.
A: What can a person do to treat gum disease at home? Does gum disease have to be treated professionally? Q: I highly recommend a consultation with a Laser Periodontist to determine what stage of gum disease you have. Treatments vary depending on the severity of the disease. Homecare, including flossing and brushing, are important. However,
Q: I have had upper dentures for years. Would I still be able to get implants even though my gums have receded? A: Most people can have dental implants after wearing a denture. However, you would need special x-rays and scans to determine in which areas the implants can safely be placed. In addition, a
Q: I’ve already been told I’m a good candidate for gum grafting due to the recession I’m experiencing. However, on a recent trip to the general dentist for a standard filling, he seems to have nicked the gum tissue in between two teeth – the papilla I’ve learn it’s called – and now my tongue
Q: I survived a brain aneurism, but afterwards my gums hurt badly. I was told that I had periodontal disease and needed my teeth pulled. This was done in 2010. I also have Bell’s palsy. I am in severe pain to this day and I have sharp pain running from my gums to a shunt
Q: When can I remove gum graft surgical cement? It feels strongly stuck to my gum and it has been a week now. I can’t remove it by forcing it with my tongue. My teeth and gum feels good, like they are healing well, but I am not sure what to do about this cement.
Q: I have been smoking for about five years now on and off. About four days ago, I started using smokeless tobacco (the cans of tobacco where you take a pinch and put in under your lower lip). If I quit, will my mouth be able to recover from any possible damage that was caused
Q: Is plasma cell gingivitis curable? I have gingivitis; my gums bleed and swell in spite of brushing twice daily. Dentists are of the opinion that I have plasma cell gingivitis and need an operation, which I am not keen on. Please suggest an alternative. A: It is difficult to diagnose your condition without examining you,
Q: I burned my gums along the inside of my upper teeth and I keep scraping it with my toothbrush. What can I do so it will heal? A: I would suggest using “magic mouthwash”, which consists of a combination of Milk of magnesia and Liquid Benadryl 1:1 elixir (equal amounts). Rinse several times a
Q: I had a molar tooth extraction and bone grafting several days ago. I had the swelling and pain, used ice packs and then heat as advised, taking antibiotics, and have a mouth rinse as well. My cheek looks like it is attached to my gum by the tooth. I have stitches and this lump
Q: When is it too late to do the procedure? A: Which procedure are you referring to? If you mean laser surgery or any other gum treatment, then you need to have a periodontal exam and a full set of quality digital x-rays for a diagnosis and treatment plan. Then we can determine what teeth
Q: Do I need to have deep cleaning before laser surgery? A: If you are having LANAP, then you don’t have to go through any scaling before the laser surgery. If it is not LANAP, then you should consider getting a second opinion from a qualified laser periodontist that offers the FDA cleared protocol known
Q: I just had LANAP done four days ago and had my four front lower teeth extracted due to bone loss. I noticed a yucky white coating on my top teeth that makes the teeth look dirty. Is this normal healing? I think it looks gross and the rinse I was given does nothing to
Q: What type of treatment is necessary when someone has gingivitis? Is surgery necessary? A: Gingivitis is soft tissue inflammation. This is usually reversible with a thorough professional cleaning and excellent oral hygiene. However, before any gum treatment, including a cleaning, is started, a quality set of digital x rays should be completed with a
Q: I’m having a tooth pulled and my dentist wants to do a bone graft. Is this needed? Can it be done at a later date? A: We routinely graft bone at the time of our extractions. In addition, we use a special protocol with an ND/YAG laser called “Laser Site Preservation”. The healing is
Q: What are the symptoms or signs of gum disease? I have a bump on the right side of my gums on my lower jaw. I have had it for a few years and it has gotten bigger over time. Very rarely it will cause immense pain (aching and throbbing) and form into a headache.
Q: What are milky white sores inside the mouth? The sores are painful and don’t look like canker sores or aphthous ulcers. They are swollen, larger, and there is a milky white ‘line’ alongside of the tongue. These sores remind me of strep throat. I have osteomyelitis on other side of mouth. I’m being treated
Q: When I visited my first dentist for a regular cleaning, she advised me to do a deep cleaning and declined to do a regular cleaning. I then visited a second dentist and he said he could do a regular cleaning for me at once. I told him that my previous dentist had suggested doing
Q: What are symptoms or signs of gum disease? I have a bump on the right side of my gums on my lower jaw. I have had it for a few years and it has gotten bigger over time. Very rarely it will cause immense pain (aching and throbbing) and form into a headache. It’s
Q: At what point can gum disease be reversed? What are the signs of improvement? I recently went to the dentist and the technician informed me I had a gum depth of 5 in three or four places and that it was irreversible gum disease. They made it sound like my teeth were falling out
Q: Is it possible for an eleven year old girl to have gum disease? A: It is possible for an 11 year old to have gum disease. The dentition is mixed with permanent and deciduous teeth. There are conditions that affect younger teenagers that range from gingivitis (gum inflammation) to a condition that used to
Q: I had all my gums grafted 6 weeks ago and just started have a bad taste in my mouth. I had 6 weeks of antibiotics. A: You had all your gums grafted 6 weeks ago? Did you have bone grafts? Soft tissue grafts? Why were you on 6 weeks of antibiotics? Did you have
Q: I had the LANAP procedure done in November and am completely happy with the results. My doctor did some grinding to correct the way my teeth “fit” together, not just the bite, but the width of the six front upper teeth. I have been wearing the retainer as instructed and was told that I
Q: I know one needs to wait 6 months after LANAP laser surgery before probing, but how long do patients have to wait after LANAP before they can get routine cleanings done on their teeth? Thank you! A: We wait 12 months to probe. We are always cleaning our patients supra-gingivally (above the gum line)
Q: How do you handle severely fearful or phobic patients? Is it possible for the first visit to be just to meet the Dr. and discuss the issue up front rather than having an examination? A: Yes. We can discuss your situation if you like and perform the examination another day or even that day
Q: Gum Attachment: Healing of the gum may occur within a few days. Does this mean that there also will be complete attachment of the gum to the tooth root in this period of time? In addition, where there was a 7mm pocket depth, when would ligament formation be expected to be completed, in most
Q: LANAP: The regeneration and healing time, of course, differ among patients. In your experience, what is the time range for complete healing around tooth/teeth? A: From the patient’s perspective, the healing from laser periodontal surgery is rapid, virtually painless, and takes only a few days. From a bone regenerative perspective, bone growth continues for
Q: I am having a bridge replaced and having LANAP done. Should I have the bridge replaced before or after LANAP? Thank you so much! A: I would suggest you consult your Periodontist regarding the bridge situation. This should have been discussed at your consultation visit. However, most of the time we have the teeth
Q: I was told I need conventional gum surgery for 6mm pockets. I had double hip replacements a year ago and am concerned about the potential effects of the gum surgery. Amoxicillin will be prescribed for before and after, but he won’t use the laser, as he said the disease is down to the bone.
Q: How much does LANAP surgery cost and is that the best solution for gum disease? A: The best solution for the treatment of gum disease is based on an accurate diagnosis, comprehensive examination, and review of a quality set of digital x-rays. The course of treatment can only be determined by examining the patient.
Q: I have a gum fistula which I’m told results from a root canal inflammation. This fistula goes flat and fills up periodically. I have no pain whatsoever on the tooth or gum. Can I just live with this? I’ve heard different treatments and both do not appeal to me – one, have the tooth
Q: I recently had a full series of x-rays that showed high bone loss. I do not have recession or bleeding gums and the doctor said there was no tartar buildup under my gums either. Is there medication that can fight these bacteria that are attacking my bone? If my mouth is clean and gums
Q: I have been advised for years that I have bone loss in my jaw. I have a clenching/grinding problem at night that I suspect is contributing to the problem. I had orthodontics 3 years ago to correct my bite as the theory was that my bone loss could be a result of my bite being
Q: My dentist wanted me to be evaluated by a periodontist for possible bone loss. I went for an evaluation and he said I had bone loss and recommended osseous surgery 4+ per quad. I have no pain, no bleeding while brushing, but chronic bad breath. I thought periodontal scaling and root planing would be
Q: Can I fly two days after bone augmentation and sinus lift treatment? A: When we do sinus augmentation and bone grafting in our office we use the osteotome technique, which is much less invasive and puts very few restrictions on the patient’s post-operative activities. However, If you have had a “traditional” “window technique” for
Q: I am a 42 year old man with gum recession and bad breath (the latter for 20+ years). I have a 6 unit Cercon bridge, on the right upper portion. I recently met a periodontist who said I have some bone recession near the bridge and suggested deep cleaning (not very urgent as there
Q: Is it normal to still be bleeding a little bit a week after I had LANAP done when I brush/floss (carefully)? A: You shouldn’t be flossing one week after LANAP surgery. The bleeding issue needs to be evaluated with the treating Periodontist as soon as possible.
Q: I have bleeding from my gums, especially in the mornings when I get up, and sometime during the day. Can you help and advise me? Thank you. A: You really should have a thorough periodontal exam and full mouth digital x-ray review with a qualified laser periodontist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
Q: My daughter has a lot of gum that shows when she smiles. I was told that she can have her gums cut around her teeth. Can this be done with your laser tech? A: Yes, it is possible to perform this cosmetic gum surgery with the laser. It is also known as “soft tissue crown
Q: Can a periodontal pocket be caused by trauma or something other than a disease process? A: Yes…a good question…..a periodontal pocket can be caused by the inflammatory process (disease process) and also from trauma. This means your bite, the way your teeth meet and touch, or any trauma might cause a periodontal pocket. Other
Q: What gum is best to chew if you have dental implants? A: If the implants are finished and restored with properly fitted permanent crowns, then chewing gum of any kind should be fine. We usually recommend sugarless gum.
Q: I have a 7mm pocket with bone loss. I am getting surgery in #30 tooth. What is the recovery time? Do I have to change my diet? A: What kind of surgery? Laser surgery? The recovery is quicker and virtually painless if you have the FDA-cleared LANAP procedure. You would need to get an
Hi I live in Naples, I am looking for a better deal and estimate for the following: FULL MOUTH (LL:LR:UL:UR) – D4260 Extraction-surgery – D7210 (Tooth 1; 16; 32 ) Thanks Hello. How are you? Are you from Naples, Florida or Naples, Italy? I would be happy to answer your question, but I need a
Q: I had gum grafting done Wednesday and today some of my packing on the teeth are loose should I be scared? Thanks. A: Generally this is not a problem. However, I would check with your periodontist in the morning and see if they want to re pack the area or leave it alone.
Q: I recently had a tooth removed. I have gum recession where the tooth was removed. Can a periodontist build that back up so I can get an implant? A: Typically, when we extract teeth we do an immediate bone graft and laser procedure (socket preservation) around the extraction socket. If a patient has not
Q: My husband is going through the lengthy process of getting two implants which as you know is quite costly. We are getting lots of denials from the insurance company, but pursuing. Do you know what the rationale would be for our dentist to have done four gum treatments on the same day for two
Q: Would you recommend a full mouth debridement before LANAP? A: No, we do not recommend a full mouth debridement before LANAP.
Q: I am 56 years old and have pain in my last left upper molar. My dentist says a root canal will not help. Instead he said LANAP surgery might help. I have deep pockets in my mouth. Why are they saying that root canal will not help and LANAP will? A: Did you dentist
Q: Is deep cleaning safe for kids with gingivitis from orthodontic braces? Starting what age is it safe to do? What is an alternative treatment? Thank you. A: How old is the child? If there is gingivitis, frequent cleanings are highly desirable to keep the inflammation down to a minimum. We try to avoid the
Q: I just had a second bone graft surgery done 10 days ago. The stitches in my mouth taste really gross and there’s a smell that’s nasty too. My mom said it’s from the blood or because they’re getting ready to come out, since doctor said they’ll be starting to fall out. But I don’t
Q: I had a bone graft performed on tooth #18 back in April 2011. An implant was performed in January of this year. Within 3 weeks, the implant loosened and came out. It was replaced in March with a larger diameter implant (same length). Is this common? What would cause this? This was done by
Q: I’ve had a bone graft to accommodate an implant. All the work completed in approximately two years. Shortly after this I had sore spots on my gums and am told by my hygienist that I have chronic Lichen Planus. Can this be the result of the bone graft surgery? A: Lichen Planus can be
Q: I had bone graft surgery on my upper and lower gums in Sept of 2011. Everything has healed well it appears, except from time to time I get a weird cold sensation on one part of my gum. It happens when I am not eating or drinking. Any thoughts? A: I am not sure
Q: I just came back from the dentist and was told I have advanced periodontal disease. The doctor I went to wants me to have one tooth pulled w/bone grafting. She then wants to do root/scale cleaning and then gum surgery to further clean I guess. I truly hate the dentist, hence the reason I’m
Q: Is there a clinic in Australia, Malaysia or Indonesia that can do the LANAP procedure? A: Unfortunately, it is not offered in the countries you have listed. However, as you may have noticed (if you read through our web site), we have had patients fly in for their treatment from all over the world
A: What is the price range of this procedure? Q: The case fee varies from patient to patient. There are so many factors that we have to evaluate, too numerous to list here. We need to do a comprehensive examination and evaluation of a recent set of quality digital films to give an accurate diagnosis
Q: I’m getting laser gum removal tomorrow and two days after that I want to go out with my boyfriend. Will I be able to French kiss (without pain)? A: I would suggest you speak to your periodontist and see what they recommend. Each case is different.
Q: I’m having a scaling and the DDS says I need six laser treatments. Is this necessary? A: It may or may not be necessary. It’s hard to say without a proper examination. I would recommend that you get a second opinion, preferably from a periodontist trained and approved in the use of LANAP (the FDA-approved
Q: Is it normal to have LANAP done before trying planing and scaling? Can dentists do scaling/planing or only periodontists? A: The best qualified professional to do any periodontal therapy is a Periodontist. The LANAP protocol includes scaling and root planing. In our laser periodontal practice, if a patient has a diagnosed periodontal condition, we
Q: I just had osseous surgery for gum disease. Do I need to have scale planing too? A: If someone has osseous surgery, they should not need scaling and root planing in the same location.
Q: How does a mouth tray help in dealing with periodontal disease? A: If you mean a mouth guard, that’s a piece of plastic that fits over the teeth which prevents you from grinding and clenching them. Grinding and clenching results in what is called occlusal trauma. If you have preexisting gum disease, it makes
Q: Do you recommend the use of a perio tray for gum disease? A: We don’t use that as a routine procedure in our office because the therapeutic model that we follow makes it unnecessary. We use laser treatment and certain rinses. We’re not big on the perio tray.
Q: Is there a periodontal treatment for severe dry mouth? A: Usually, dry mouth is a side-effect of medications. There are medications to enhance salivary flow. In some rare cases a disease causes this condition. It can be diagnosed through a blood test. We do see an increase in periodontal disease in these patients.
Q: Is there a link between periodontal (gum) disease and heart disease? A: The link between periodontal disease and heart problems is well-established. Please see the Heart Disease and Stroke page of our site and the Periodontal Disease and Your Heart section of our blog.
Q: Is there a connection between joint disease and gum disease? A: Ongoing studies are looking at the associations or potential associations between gum disease and joint and bone problems such as arthritis and osteoporosis. It’s not clear at this point whether there’s a direct association, but studies are ongoing.
Q: I see that there are connections between heart attacks, cardiovascular disease, premature births and numerous other medical conditions with “unstable” periodontal disease. Does this laser surgery help? How about preventing infections if someone has an operation? A: Yes. The FDA approved Laser protocol we follow targets only the diseased tissue and specific bacteria that
Q: I have been told (by an oral surgeon) that I have erosive oral lichen planus and that short of systemic steroids, there is not much that can be done, as this is a chronic condition. Do you have experience with this type of autoimmune disease and do you treat it? A: When we diagnose
Q: Can periodontal disease make you sick? A: That’s a big question these days, because a number of studies in the last couple of years have indicated strong associations between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease, heart attacks, and liver cancer. Now studies are looking into brain and kidney issues. The bacteria in the mouth that
Q: How soon after Laser periodontal surgery can I go back to work and family responsibilities? A: Laser surgery enables people to get on with their lives with minimal disruption. You might leave the office a bit “numb” but this wears off after a short period of time and you should feel little or no
Q: Will this treatment hurt? A: No. You will not feel anything. We use local anesthesia and will be extremely gentle. Patient comfort is our primary consideration.
Q: How long does Laser gum surgery take to perform? A: In many cases, we can do the treatment in one long session (2-3 hours). Sometimes, it can be split up into two sessions, usually one week apart.
Q: What percentage of Periodontists now use the laser, as opposed to more antiquated methods? A: A majority of Periodontists still use traditional surgery for pocket reduction or gum disease, but laser use is growing rapidly.
Q: What is a dental laser? A: A dental laser should be a laser that’s FDA-approved for dental use. There are different types of lasers. Some can take your tonsils out. But very few lasers are FDA-approved for treating gum disease, and the number one protocol to do that is LANAP. I often combine LANAP
Q: What are the side effects or after effects of gum surgery? A: It depends on which gum surgery. If it’s traditional surgery, you might have stitches and periodontal packing and might need to take it easy that day. If it’s laser surgery, I often have patients from out of town who hop on a
Q: Please HELP! I am 35!!!! I just went to the dentist yesterday after not going for about 6 yrs. No cavities. Good, but not so good. Dentist said I have gum disease. Severe at the bottom, where she said that my bottom teeth are loose. I hadn’t noticed. She sent me to a periodontist.
Q: My current dentist has me on a 3 month cleaning schedule. My gums are receding. One tooth, he says, is “hanging by a thread”. How long is he going to wait before treating me for gum disease? I don’t want to lose my teeth. I have a fear of dentists. A: It sounds like
Q: I had LANAP two weeks ago on one side. The procedure went well until the end when the Dr. said he was doing the cleaning. I felt bad nerve pain with only the teeth that had fillings. Next was the drilling to adjust the bite. The pain was so, so bad. When people get
Q: Is periodontal surgery safe for children? A: Absolutely, if they need it. We do laser procedures on kids before braces. We also do what we call frenectomies (removal of excess gums attachments) and some gum removal if the teeth need to be exposed.
Q: Is it ever possible to treat and heal gum pockets as serious as #6 without surgery? Thanks. A: If you are referring to a 6 mm pocket then the answer is yes. We can treat pockets of varying degrees depending on the clinical presentation and radiographs. We always recommend a complete oral exam and
Q: I’m not a smoker. I do not drink coffee and have less than five cups of tea per month, yet my teeth stain at a rapid pace a month after professional cleaning. My dentist does not know why this happens. Have you seen this condition with any of your patients? Can you advise on
Q: If you have a bridge can you still have this treatment? And how to get rid of that smell it has? A: The “smell” you describe can be originating from bacteria buildup in the gums or leakage from the bridge. We routinely do periodontal treatment around bridges safely and effectively to treat gum disease.
Q: I have an abscess at the bottom of a molar where I had a previous root canal done. Can LANAP be used to kill the bacteria in the abscess to prevent a tooth from extraction? A: What kind of abscess are we referring to? Endodontic or periodontal? Or both? Generally speaking, if this abscess
Q: Which criteria should be followed for to decide whether a tooth should go for endodontic treatment, in which only bone loss is present? A: The criteria for performing a root canal are clearly stated by the American Academy of Endodontists. Generally speaking, if a tooth has decay into the nerve or is necrotic (dead)
Q: What does it mean when gums are trying to separate from teeth and how can it be fixed? A: This is indicative of gum disease. You should seek an opinion from a Periodontist that has the additional laser training in the FDA cleared laser protocol. After you have a thorough exam with a quality
Q: I woke up about a week ago with a toothache and now my gums are slightly swollen with little pockets between some of them. I haven’t eaten anything since last week because I’m afraid to get something in between my teeth and make this worse. I have no dental insurance and currently am out
Q: I was just told that I have moderate to advance periodontal disease. I started deep cleaning and scaling. I am being referred to a periodontal specialist by my dentist. I want to know if laser surgery would be a better option instead, to get rid of bad breath, replace any bone loss, save my teeth,
Q: During consult for LANAP, I was told it was part of the normal procedure to grind molars to adjust for occlusion. Is this true? I have gold crowns on my molars and do not wish to have them replaced due to grinding. A: It is part of the FDA-cleared protocol in the LANAP procedure
Q: I noticed a slight receding of some of my gums. I went for a check-up and the dentist said it is due to wrong brushing. She told me to floss and brush the proper way. Two of my lower teeth need a bonding material to fill the gap; others that are a little receded
Q: I need periodontal treatment badly and live in NYC. I have had two uncomfortable, nerve racking experiences in the past, and DO NOT want to be awake for future procedures. Is sedation an option for me at your Manhattan office? Thank you. A: We can give you oral sedation (by mouth) which would make
Q: I have recently been diagnosed with severe periodontal disease. I would like to know if removal of your teeth is the only solution. Are there any other methods out there that can help? A: Removal of teeth is a last resort, but in most cases, even severe periodontal disease can be arrested with professional
Q: I have periodontitis. My dentist found two teeth with cavities. He wants to extract the two teeth and eventually all of my teeth. I would like to keep my teeth as long as I can and raise the bar on care (cleaning twice a year instead of once a year and better care at
Q: I have been having issues with my gums. Please help me. I don’t want to lose my teeth. A: As much as I would like to help with a written answer, that cannot be a substitute for professional periodontal examination and treatment. The sooner you have that done, the better will be your chances
Q: I have been diagnosed with periodontal disease. My dentist hasn’t explained to me the severity of my disease. All he said was that I need to have 9 teeth removed. I need a second opinion. I would like to know whether there is another alternative and whether maybe some of my teeth can be
Q: I have been diagnosed with gum disease and need to have surgery a.s.a.p. on all 4 quadrants. I am terrified of going through this procedure and saw your website and if I can do anything to avoid being cut open (my upper left side needs to be done from behind my teeth so the
I have a crown on a molar that was put on 20 years ago. It was a tooth with a very large filling and when the dentist was drilling out the filling it came apart and the smell was terrible! Obviously some awful bacteria living below the filling. He had to take so much of
Q: I have a couple of deep pockets (7-9mm) and I had the laser treatment which didn’t work at all. In fact, six months later they had gotten a little worse. My dentist suggested the surgery in which the gum is cut back and deep cleaned. I can’t afford this and was wondering if there
Q: I had three teeth removed because of bad taste. I still have the bad taste. Help. A: I would advise going back to the dentist who extracted the teeth to make sure there isn’t any infection.
Q: I had an apico performed on #10 about a year ago. I am unhappy with the incision that was left. Can this incision be modified to be smoother with the aid of a laser? Also do lasers do deep cleaning of the teeth? A: It is possible that using the ND/YAG laser at the
Q: I currently take Enbrel and methotrexate for RA which is well controlled. I have permanent upper and lower retainers after having braces at age 36. Now, I am 51 and about 3 months ago I developed pain in the bone area under the teeth, especially affecting the teeth with the retainers. In the morning
Q: I am told I have Periodontal disease, but I do not nor have I ever had any of the symptoms I’ve read about. I am very interested in laser surgery if needed. My question is: Why don’t I have any symptoms? A: Sometimes patients do not realize they have periodontal disease because they might
Q: I am on blood thinners. Do I have to get off these medications before the laser surgery? A: One of the advantages of laser surgery is that patients don’t have to stop their medications as with conventional gum surgery. This eliminates the risk to you of discontinuing the medications.
Q: I am missing two teeth lower teeth and am considering replacing a bridge with implants. I have been told that I will need to have bone harvested from the back of my mouth and inserted into my jaw to prepare it for implants. I will be under general anesthesia but am very nervous about
Q: I am fifteen years old going on sixteen, and during a recent checkup at my dentist they mentioned I have periodontal disease. I really don’t know anything else of it, and the more I research it the more afraid I become. So far they have only talked about sealants and composites and cavities. I’ve
Q: I am 65 years old, and on medication for panic attacks and high blood pressure. I also have a heart murmur. I am suffering with gum disease and loose teeth. I also am a bleeder who has hemorrhaged on having prior dental work. I need help that would not be surgically invasive, due to
Q: I am 52 and recently had gum surgery on all the upper and lower teeth of the right side of my mouth. My periodontist explained that I have bone loss but did not mention anything about how deep my pockets are. I have these gaps now between my teeth that catch so much food,
Q: I am 44 years old and have advanced gum disease and now one of my lower front teeth is loose. Is it possible to save a loose tooth or must I have it extracted as I have been told? A: Yes, it is possible to save a loose tooth. However, this can only be
Q: I am 43 yrs. old and was told I have periodontal gum disease. I was told that I would have to have all my back teeth pulled and get dentures. I was told that I lost a lot of bone. I am not ready to give up my back teeth. What can I do?
Q: How long do you have to wait after getting a receding gum surgery to get braces? A: Depending on the goals of the surgical procedure, the wait time can vary from 4 weeks to 3 months. If a secondary procedure needs to be done, then the wait can be longer.
Q: I am 25 and have found out I have juvenile periodontitis. I’m presently in Montreal Canada and you seem to be the nearest dentist to me who does the LANAP procedure. I’d like to get some more information on LANAP and also would like to know what a consultation entails before I make the
Q: How would a periodontist determine whether I might be a candidate for laser gum surgery? A: By conducting a thorough clinical exam and reviewing a quality full mouth series of low exposure digital x-rays.
Q: How to stop bleeding gums? A: It’s also called gingivitis. If x-rays and a clinical exam confirm that the cause is soft tissue only, it can be reversed with good home care – flossing, brushing, and a good professional cleaning. If the cause is periodontitis – bone loss underneath the gum tissue – that
Q: How effective is ARESTIN® in treating gum disease? A: ARESTIN® is a powder like antibiotic that we used to place underneath the gum tissue. For many years our office used almost every injectable antibiotic product that seemed reputable and available, but we had to repeat their use every two or three months. We don’t
Q: Generally speaking, is there a pocket depth beyond which LANAP would not be of clinical value? For instance, if I had an 11 mm pocket, would LANAP be able to reduce it? Also, does your office provide any form of sedation for the anxious patient, or would one have to get that from their
Q: First, a big “thank you” for hosting a forum like this to answer all our questions . . . Can LANAP be done on a “site specific” basis, vs. doing it in “quadrants” or “full mouth”? And, are the results permanent? That is, if one maintains a proper home cleaning regimen, will the bacteria
Q: During my recent cleaning my teeth were probed by the hygienist and apparently there were 7mm pockets towards the back of the two molars adjacent to where my wisdom teeth are partially erupted. These are the only pockets I have and would have had my wisdom’s removed earlier if I knew there was such
Q: Dear Dr. Linden, First of all I want to thank you for taking the time to answer so many people’s questions! I have found your site to be very informative. I am 32 years old and at my most recent cleaning visit the hygienist informed me that I have several 4mm pockets and one
Q: Can you cure a periodontal fistula? A: A fistula is a hole in the gum with an infection (pus) in it. Sometimes we gently place a “gutta percha” point in the fistula – a rubbery material that’s used for root canal filling. It’s radio-opaque, so you can see it on an x-ray. This enables
Q: Can LANAP surgery remove calculus? A: The LANAP protocol includes the removal of calculus. The laser itself does not remove calculus. Calculus is removed with ultrasonic and various instruments.
Q: Can I have laser dental surgery during pregnancy? A: Ideally, elective work should be done before the patient becomes pregnant if possible. Otherwise, we wait until after the pregnancy. But if there is an infection in the mouth, we have to take care of it, no matter what, with clearance from the patient’s physician.
Q: At 84 years old and with periodontal disease for the last God knows how long now, spent $4,000 in the eighties to resolve it, but it came back. Now I’m afraid I might have to leave my right arm at the D. M. D. M. S. D. And at this point of my life,
Q: Will I have gum recession after the laser surgery? A: Laser surgery does not cause any recession of the gums around the natural teeth or crowned teeth.
Q: Is it OK to go swimming after periodontal surgery? A: I wouldn’t recommend it. If I use the laser, I would prefer that you wait a couple of hours before being under water, or getting water in your mouth.
Q: I recently had LANAP procedure. Now they want me to get a fitted teeth guard or tray. I am 70 years old and have never had a problem with grinding my teeth. Do I really have to have the guard? I have trouble sleeping now and this will probably be flung across the bedroom
Q: I realize that everyone heals at a different rate, and can have markedly different outcomes, from a given procedure — all dependent on things like genetics, current state of overall heath, etc. But I am very curious about the pace, and extent, of post-operative results — be it Localized Laser Periodontal Surgery, or LANAP.
Q: I had laser surgery July 27th for a 9 mm gum pocket (with abscess). I went for periodontal maintenance cleaning yesterday- Oct. 13th. The hygienist found drainage at the site. I was told to gently swab the area with antibiotic rinse several times a day. Is this drainage unusual after this period of time?
Q: How long do I have to rest after periodontal surgery? What is the recovery time? A: I just had a patient who had full mouth laser periodontal surgery who went to play golf right afterwards. Most patients go back to their normal routine in a few hours after the laser procedure.
Q: Hi. I had LANAP done about 2 years ago. I have followed up with regular maintenance appointments every 3-4 months since then. They use a laser in the cleaning sessions. My question: Do I have to continue going to the same dentist for my cleanings? Would a dentist that does laser cleanings suffice? Or
Q: Dr. Linden, I had LANAP treatment and misunderstood the instructions. I brushed and flossed two days after treatment removing all of the clotting around my teeth. Will this diminish the effectiveness of the treatment? Also, is it possible to have the LANAP treatment a second time? Thanks, L. R. A: It is possible that
Q: Does periodontal surgery affect your equilibrium? A: I have never seen either traditional periodontal surgery or laser effect equilibrium. Perhaps that might come up with a patient who’s had some local anesthesia, who has low blood sugar and might tend to get dizzy after having any procedure done, or it might be caused from
Q: Do I have to follow a special regimen after the laser surgery is completed? A: Dr. Linden will review with you at the consultation appointment the suggested regimen of cleaning, follow-up and necessary home care.
Q: After periodontal surgery my mouth had a terrible odor from the band they put around the gum. A: You’re referring to the packing or “perio-pack” that is used after traditional surgery. That does develop a stench after about a week (usually bacteria buildup under the packing causes this smell). Because we use the laser,
Q: How painful is pocket depth reduction? A: Traditional pocket depth reduction surgery is more invasive than the laser approach, which is much more patient-friendly. Traditional pocket reduction surgery, which we performed most commonly for 20 years, is more aggressive and can be much more discomforting to the patient.
Q: Does periodontal cleaning involve cutting the gums? A: No. Periodontal cleaning is not surgery or laser surgery. It is merely using some sort of hand or ultrasonic instrument to clean the teeth.
I am about to go in for osseous surgery for severe perio disease, but everything I can pull up about this treatment, will not guarantee the removal of the disease, only to say that of course, maintenance is the key. But my question is, I am 50 and the possibility of more surgeries in the
Q: Can dry mouth result from osseous surgery or from aggravated TMJ problems due to osseous surgery? A: There have been no documented cases that I am aware of in the periodontal literature of dry mouth from osseous surgery. The same is true of TMJ. However, dry mouth can occur if a patient has certain
Q: I live in Philadelphia, PA. Do you have any location near or in South NJ. And I need the cost information of the treament please. A: We see patients from New England down the coast to Florida. Our office is located in Northern New Jersey close to all major highways. If you live in
Q: How far are you located from NYC? A: We have an office in midtown Manhattan, in Lincoln Towers, at 170 West End Ave. Click here for details. Our New Jersey office is about half an hour away, depending on where in the city you’re coming from.
Q: Hallo, is there possibility for LANAP treatment in Europe? I am Slovakian. Thank U. A: I don’t think it is available in Europe at this time.
Q: Do you ever provide emergency services on the weekend? A: I would if necessary, but in Periodontics, emergency care is rarely needed if the disease is controlled correctly.
Q: Is tetracycline gel a good treatment for gum disease and what are the side effects? A: Tetracycline is an adjunctive medication useful with definitive periodontal treatment. This is an antibiotic that is specific for killing off bacteria that cause periodontal disease. However, it doesn’t kill all of them. Warnings: Long term use could create
Q: Is there a particular brand or kind of toothpaste that you recommend for people who have or are prone to having periodontal disease? A: There’s a wide variety. I don’t advocate a particular brand. I like the natural products, because they contain fewer preservatives and also contain fewer artificial sweeteners and chemicals.
Q: Is there a medicine, whether prescription or over-the-counter, which effectively treats gum disease? A: There’s no magic bullet. We rarely use low-dose antibiotics which can be taken long-term, such as Doxycycline. However, I am not a big advocate of long-term antibiotic usage. A short-term regimen is indicated for some patients. Laser treatment has replaced
Q: How can I treat periodontal disease at home? A: Good home care, a balanced diet, professional check-ups. Also, try to reduce stress. Periodontal health is compromised when people are under a lot of stress.
Q: Do you recommend any sort of natural or alternative treatment for gum disease, such as homeopathy? A: If a patient is using something I don’t know about, I always ask them to bring it in and show me the ingredients. As long as it doesn’t do anything detrimental, I don’t have a problem with
Q: Can vitamins or minerals help prevent or reverse gum disease? A: About 15 years ago I had a patient who had severe periodontal disease and needed a lot of treatment. She declined treatment and instead started on a regimen of about 25 vitamin supplements recommended by her dentist. A year later she lost eight
Q: Can peroxide help fight gum disease? A: There was a professor name Dr. Keyes, a microbiologist in the late sixties, early seventies, who came up with a mixture of sodium peroxide and baking soda that patients brushed on their gums. In the lab, it kills bacteria. But then researchers found that peroxide causes cancerous
Q: Are there oral rinses for gum disease that do not stain the teeth? A: Chlorhexadine antibacterial rinse is very effective for gum disease. It does stain some people’s teeth, but not all. Smokers and heavy coffee and tea drinkers have a greater tendency to stain. It is available by prescription only. We have some
Q: Are there any home remedies to get rid of periodontal disease? A: If there were, I’d be out of business. Other than mechanical removal, there are a variety of natural, organic, anti-plaque agents on the market. I don’t advocate anything in particular, but I do avoid alcohol-containing mouthwashes like Listerine. If someone wants to
Q: In spite of my twice-a-day perio gel trays, an exemplary home regimen of brushing and flossing, my hygienist tells me my gums are in great shape when I visit her every 3-4 months for teeth cleaning. BUT I STILL HAVE A FOUL ODOR. The pockets have decreased in size considerably, but the smell won’t
Q: I had laser gum surgery 9 days ago to remove some gum tissue that was growing over my implant posts (while we are waiting for the lab to re-do a mistake on my permanent crowns for implants). I have a horrible taste in my mouth and have really bad breath since the laser. My
Q: Do you have a cure for chronic halitosis? A: Halitosis (bad breath) can be caused by a number of factors, most often by “gum” or periodontal disease. There are also a number of medical conditions that on rare occasions can cause halitosis. If we determine that gum disease is the cause of a patient’s
Q: What causes gum recession? A: Some habits can cause gum recession, such as excessive brushing with a hard toothbrush. Genetics can also cause it, and gum disease itself can cause the gums to recede.
Q: When a gingival graft is done and stitches dissolve does that mean that it is healing? A: If they are dissolvable stitches, they will dissolve whether it’s healing or not. The success of a gingival graft doesn’t necessarily hinge upon the sutures dissolving.
Q: What is the success rate for gum grafting? A: It’s in the 90%’s. With very severe gum defects, the percentages come down a little bit. In each case, we conduct a clinical examination and photograph the gums to see where we’re starting. Based upon the result we think is achievable, we can predict an
Q: What can be done about receding gum line grafts? A: If the graft is receding, you have to have that looked at and perhaps retreated, or maybe the tooth or the area treated weren’t very good candidates for a gum graft to begin with. If the person is a diabetic and doesn’t heal well,
Q: My periodontist in Delaware is recommending conventional skin grafting to correct an area of receding gum. Needless to say I am wary of the procedure and curious to know more about laser surgery as an alternative. Would you say the cost for laser surgery is considerably higher or about the same? Is anyone in
Q: Is a gingival graft painful? A: It can be, but with laser, we can laser the donor site to eliminate a lot of post-operative discomfort.
Q: I have to go for gum grafting. I was thinking about AlloDerm. My periodontist told me he uses Muco-graft. What is the difference? Which is better? A: I think your Periodontist would be the best person to ask about this. This information should have been part of your consultation appointment. It is important that
Q: I have had 3 gum grafting surgeries (3 different areas) and now my periodontist is recommending an additional surgery for one of the areas. I am hesitant because the previous one obviously did not do well. Should another type of gum surgery be performed? A: Sometimes a secondary procedure is necessary to achieve the best
Q: How long does it take a gingival graft to heal? A: Everybody is different. A diabetic or a smoker will heal much more slowly. Some people have a genetic predisposition to heal extremely quickly. Typically, grafts can take several weeks to fully heal. Not that you’re feeling pain all that time, but it can
Q: I had LANAP last June. It was ok. Now I’ve been told that I need a gum graft. One of my front lower teeth is loose. Can it be still saved? The reason I did all this was to save my teeth. Please tell me, does LANAP help the gums to reattach to the
Q: Can receding gums grow back, or is gum loss irreversible? A: Generally irreversible without professional treatment. This might include gingival grafting or “lateral pedical grafting” which is moving tissue around to protect teeth, like moving a curtain around to cover windows. We now usually use the laser in conjunction with all these procedures to
Q: Can in office teeth bleaching cause guns to burn off requiring a gum graft? I lost gum on white, burned area above my tooth caused by the bleaching. A: Yes, I’m afraid bleaching can have this effect. Needless to say, we don’t practice it in our office, but we can perform gum grafts if
Q: Are there any alternatives to gum grafting? A: In certain instances, the laser might be able to enhance gingival (gum) augmentation, but sometimes a gingival graft might also be necessary. Using donor gingival tissue such as AlloDerm® prevents having to take tissue from the roof of the mouth. Such donor tissue isn’t rejected, so
Q: Is periodontal disease contagious? A: Yes. Studies have indicated that it is transmissible between partners and companions, through kissing and intimate contact.
Q: In what age group is periodontal disease most prevalent? A: After the age of 25-30 it starts to go up exponentially, but we have seen cases of what we call juvenile periodontitis, which is a genetic form of gum disease that shows up in the late teens.
Q: If my gum disease is advanced, will I lose my teeth? A: You may, if you are not treated. We treat gum disease all the time – early, moderate, and advanced – and we save the majority of teeth. You’re not doomed, but if you don’t seek treatment you will end up with dentures
Q: I am 63 years young and had to have all of my teeth pulled in 2009 due to gum disease which caused my teeth to separate from the bone. The teeth were held in place by the gums. I had them removed and in May of this year, after a CAT scan, was told
Q: How long does it take for a periodontal infection to show up on a dental x-ray? A: That’s a hard question to answer. Some bone defects could show up clearly on an x-ray. Others not. But if it were an acute abscess – an emergency – it would usually show up.
Q: Can I tell if I have gum disease, or do I need a professional examination? A: The main things that people may notice themselves include bleeding gums, a bad taste in the mouth, bad breath; teeth that feel loose or have moved, and gum discomfort. If you have one or more of these symptoms,
Q: Can gum disease be controlled? A: Absolutely. Between professional periodontal care and good home care, it can be controlled.
Q: What is the cost of periodontal osseous surgery? A: Periodontal osseous surgery is a form of traditional surgery. It’s difficult to answer that because each case is evaluated on an individual basis, based on the severity of disease, medical history, and the whole collection of clinical and radiographic data. Please call the office to
Q: What is the cost for laser gum treatment? A: The cost for laser gum surgery can vary for each patient. After a thorough clinical exam, medical history, and review of a quality (digital) full mouth series of x rays, a final cost estimate can be discussed with the individual patient. Generally speaking, the costs
Q: I understand that it is hard to determine price without seeing a patient, but if you were to compare laser to conventional surgery as an average, is it higher in cost or lower in cost, and by what percent? A: LANAP is not more expensive than conventional surgery. The two cost about the same,
Q: How much does this treatment cost for whole mouth? A: It’s difficult to offer a specific answer to such a general question. The cost of laser treatment could vary greatly depending on an individual’s condition and medical history. Please call our office, and if you choose to have a personal examination, with x-rays, etc.,
Q: How much does pocket reduction for the gums cost? A: We need to do a complete clinical examination with a full set of quality digital x-rays to make a diagnosis and treatment plan. It is only then we can give an estimate of costs. Each case and patient is different and the requirements vary
Q: How much does gum reduction surgery cost? A: Gum reduction surgery is a very general term which could represent a number of different procedures. We would need to examine the patient, collecting their clinical and radiographic data, to determine what procedure is appropriate. Then we could provide a cost estimate. All of the procedures
Q: Hello Dr. Linden: I saw my dentist earlier today and he suggested I needed LANAP to fix my gums/bones. He estimated of $8500 on the paper and tried real hard for me to agree to do the procedure. I am wondering, is this a normal cost for this procedure? A: Did you speak with
Q: Does insurance cover laser gum surgery? A: We do not participate with any insurance plans, but typical dental insurance that covers “gum surgery” should cover you for laser surgery as well. Please check with your dental insurance carrier. We will also help you with the insurance “red tape” when you finish your consultation appointment.
Q: Do you offer some type of payment plan for LANAP? I would like to save the few teeth I have left, mostly the front ones. I lost a lot of bone. Four of my teeth are loose. My dentist wanted to pull them, but recommended that I see a periodontist. Please help. A: We
Q: Do you offer a free initial consultation? A: We do not. However, senior citizens get a courtesy discount, based on the individual case and situation.
Q: Do dental insurance policies cover your services? A: Most dental insurance plans cover periodontal therapy. We are an out-of-network provider. However, we will fill out all necessary forms and submit them to your insurance company for reimbursement directly to you. Please check your policy for further details. We would be happy to help you
Q: Can a patient make payments for the periodontal services such as laser surgery, implants or conventional surgery? A: Yes. We offer financing through the American Dental Association’s approved financing programs. Please call our office for details.
Q: Is there anything a tobacco user can do, other than quitting smoking, to prevent gum disease? A: Quit, quit, quit! We recognize human nature, but nothing can replace quitting smoking. If you can’t quit, cutting back is helpful. Numerous studies have shown a direct correlation between tobacco use and periodontal disease. Clinically, we see
Q: Are some people genetically predisposed for gum disease? A: Yes, and we have actually seen patterns in entire families. We can’t necessarily test for this and predict it, but we have seen it clinically.
Q: Are HIV patients especially susceptible to periodontal disease? A: Absolutely. Very severe. Their resistance is compromised, so their ability to fight off the bacteria in the mouth is greatly reduced and they suffer the consequences of that.
Q: What is the treatment for gum disease? I recently found out that my friend has gum disease. Is kissing her open mouth dangerous as far as the gum disease? What is the eventual outcome? A: Dental studies prove that the bacteria that cause gum disease are contagious and transferable. Your friend should be evaluated
Q: What is the effect of periodontitis on the lungs? A: Recent studies have indicated that there might be some connection between lung disease and periodontitis, because both involve some of the same bacteria. Laser treatment can eliminate these potential bacteria from the oral cavity, which have the potential to spread to the lungs and
Q: What are the side effects of periodontal disease? A: It can cause you to lose your teeth and suffer other illnesses, the bacteria accumulating in your mouth is uncomfortable and causes bad breath and a bad taste, you can transmit it to your partner or companion, you can’t chew your food correctly, which can
Q: My teeth are loose because of gum disease. If my gum disease is cured, will they become “tight” again? A: We would have to study models of the mouth and the bite. It may be possible to stabilize them through the appropriate periodontal treatment, in conjunction with occlusal therapy (analyzing and stabilizing the bite).
Q: Can you kiss someone with periodontitis? A: You can, and I’m sure it happens all the time, but you risk giving it to your partner, so you might want to have it treated before you do that.
Q: Can advanced periodontitis damage the alveolar process? A: Yes. In this case, “alveolar process” refers either to the “tooth socket” or bone that holds the roots of teeth, or to the alveolar ridge, the jaw structure that contains the dental alveoli. Periodontitis is destruction of both of these supporting structures of the teeth.
Q: Are you available to give lectures on laser periodontal surgery? A: Yes, as one of the first Periodontists on the east coast of the US doing this FDA approved technique, I am often invited to present Laser gum surgery to dentists, doctors, and health care workers. Check our web site under “Lectures“.
Q: Are all periodontists qualified to perform laser gum surgery? A: No. Periodontists have to undergo special training which takes up to a year. This involves attending FDA-approved laser accreditation courses in which you learn the FDA-cleared protocols for laser therapy.
Q: What can you eat with temporary implant teeth? A: It depends on the case and the individual situation. You can eat most things. You just want to be careful with very sticky foods such as gum, or hard things, so as not to break them.
Q: I would like to know what the warranty on dental implants is and what has been the success rate on them. I would also like to know what has been the success and side effects of having the laser treatment done. A: Laser Periodontal Surgery is a safe therapeutic modality and very successful in
Q: Does the quality of crowns and implants vary? A: Yes. A few Periodontists and general dentists have tried to save a few hundred dollars by using implants from China and other questionable sources that were contaminated with lead and other impurities that are not biologically acceptable and safe. But most use high-quality FDA-approved products.
Q: Does the dental implant come through the gum after surgery? A: You can see the tip of the implant after gum surgery in some cases, but once you put a tooth on it, you won’t see it.
Q: Do you do replacement of a lost low front tooth, and if so what’s the procedure? Also, do you do the procedure in your Manhattan office? My front lower tooth fell out after being loose for some time. A: Yes, we do replacement of teeth. Some patients are eligible for dental implants. We place
Q: I had a crown lengthening procedure done seven months ago, but my front teeth still hurt. Is that normal? A: It’s not uncommon to have some root sensitivity. But it has to be determined whether it’s root sensitivity or the nerve of the tooth is aggravated, etc. A number of factors could contribute to
Q: What is the advantage of laser surgery over “conventional” gum surgery? Are the results better than conventional surgery? A: With laser surgery, there is no cutting or stitching of the gums, and therefore, minimal post-operative discomfort. In our office, we are finding the results have been superior to the conventional therapy.
Q: Do some periodontal problems still require conventional gum surgery? A: Yes. We still use conventional procedures in some circumstances, but even during these procedures, we utilize the laser as much as possible. This reduces post-operative discomfort for our patients.
Q: My orthodontist referred me to a periodontist. I had gum issues before. Can I get laser surgery or treatment even though I have braces? A: Yes it is possible to have laser treatment with braces. We would recommend a thorough clinical exam and radiographs to confirm this mode of treatment. Having periodontal issues during
Q: My name is Toni-Ann and I’m 16. I have juvenile periodontitis but I need braces. Can I still receive the braces even though I have periodontitis? A: I highly recommend a qualified laser periodontist (specialist) to evaluate your condition before starting your orthodontic case. We have treated a large number of “Juvenile Periodontitis” cases
Q: My daughter has braces and for the past 6 months her gums have been swollen. The specialist told me that he has to cut her gums. Does this happen often with braces? Will it happen again? Is cutting and sealing her gums the only remedy? A: It is not uncommon to have “swollen” gums
Q: I had LANAP done in the entire mouth. I need to know when I can start braces. I have an overbite. LANAP was done 4 days ago on my left side. The right side was 3 weeks ago. What kind of braces do you recommend? I’m 48 years old, in good health, but I
Q: Can I wear braces after LANAP? A: Yes. We do LANAP around braces; we just have the wires taken out in certain cases. We leave the brackets on but we work around them. Braces can also be initiated after LANAP treatment once clearance is given by the Periodontist.
Q: Can I receive gum laser surgery without the removal of metal braces? A: Yes, it is possible to perform laser gum surgery with metal braces if we are presented with that clinical situation. However, it might be helpful if the wires were removed. We have done laser surgery successfully on our orthodontic cases with
Q: Is there gum surgery for bone loss? A: There is, traditional bone surgery is seldom used, but we choose the laser whenever possible. It’s less invasive and gets the same result, if not better. No cutting or sutures.
Q: I recently swallowed over 90% of a molar, and didn’t realize it until I brushed my teeth a couple of hours later. I’m assuming that I swallowed it while eating. It wasn’t loose, nor had I had any problems with it previously. I was just told that I had osteopenia, and am wondering if
Q: How do you treat bone loss due to gum disease? A: The laser protocol enables us to regenerate bone lost due to gum disease. Traditional surgery will also give us bone regeneration in cases where the laser isn’t appropriate.
Q: Dear Dr. Linden, I had a bone graft and three implants placed on my right lower Jaw in 2007. Soon afterwards I started losing bone around them and had to have another bone graft. I continued to have bone loss and have now 6-7 mm pockets. The gum around one of the implants is
Q: Dear Dr. Linden ~ I had laser surgery to reduce pocket depth on several teeth a couple years ago and I have since been on a 3-month cleaning schedule. I’m told that I am doing well with respect to my periodontal disease, but I was left with a smile that I am unhappy with.
Q: After having laser gum surgery to correct deep pockets due to bone loss, how long will it be before results are seen? Will bone actually regrow and strengthen the tooth and will the gums grow, because at this point they are receding in that area. Thanks. A: It would probably be best to consult
Morning breath is a great motivator to get us to brush in the morning – bacteria has built up during the night on our teeth, gums, and tongue…and if you are a mouth breather, then the bad breath is worse. One tip is to actually time how long you are brushing. Dental studies have shown
The holidays are upon us! And we all consume more food and drinks at this time of year. Here are a few feasting facts you can use for holiday mealtimes, to help keep your oral and overall health in check while you celebrate: Sweets contain sugar, which can cause tooth decay, gingivitis, and bad breath
For many people the thought of going to the dentist is anxiety provoking. Here are six tips that can help squelch your fear of the dentist: Meet the dentist or periodontist first for a consultation, to discuss your needs and the way the treatment will be performed. This way you can feel comfortable, confident, and
There could be several reasons why one might get cracks on either corner of one’s mouth. Often this is caused by excessive saliva (most commonly seen in patients with dentures), sagging facial muscles, or habits such as habitual licking of the lips. Other possible causes might be: Fungal infection or Thrush. This can be caused
Is chewing gum bad for you? It’s a question I hear frequently and just one example of the many myths that abound regarding oral health. Let’s review some of the more common myths — starting with that chewing gum question: Chewing gum is bad for you. Although it can be (if it contains sugar, which
When most of us think of fluoride, we think of the fluoride that is present in our toothpaste or in our drinking water, although not all states fluoridate their water. In the communities around the US where the water is not fluoridated, fluoride supplementation is common. There has been a debate raging in the dental
Patients often ask me if there are any connections between what happens in the mouth and the rest of the body. Many do not realize that bleeding gums, mouth infections, bad breath, plaque build-up, not brushing and flossing adequately, color changes in oral tissues, and irregular dental visits can all strongly affect your overall health.
Did you know that if you look in the mirror and really examine and look closely at your teeth, cheek, gums, and lips you can tell a lot about your oral health? Below are some common clues and what they might mean: Bleeding or red swollen gums is a classic sign of gum disease or
Nutrition plays a major role in the status of periodontal health.
Since periodontitis is a persistent bacterial infection causing chronic inflammation in periodontal tissues, it is suggested that it may travel through the bloodstream and increase the risk of acute cardiac syndrome.
Routine intake of dairy products can help reduce gum disease.
Study suggests that preventing periodontal diseases can positively impact healthcare expenses.
AAP members were surveyed on the most ineffective ways their patients have dealt bad breath and the best solutions for this problem.
Start off the New Year by incorporating a daily routine of brushing and flossing.
Keeping your teeth and gums healthy allows you to add years to your life.
To ensure healthy teeth as an adult, good oral health habits should be established as a child.
Dental Exams Might Be One Way To Identify Health Risks.
Oral health is often a good indicator of what is happening in the rest of the body.
Effect of Vitamin D and Calcium on Periodontitis
Crocodiles, poisonous snakes and the scorching sun are not the only things the Survivors have to fear.
Connective tissue disorders may increase susceptibility to periodontal tissue breakdown.
New research confirms findings that periodontal disease may increase a person’s risk for the respiratory disorder Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
Diabetics are more likely to develop infections like periodontal disease.
Smoking may be responsible for more than half of the cases of periodontal disease among adults in this country.
Patients who are at risk for losing teeth to periodontal disease show improved prognosis for keeping their teeth following periodontal surgery.
Half of the variance in periodontal disease in the population can be attributed to genetic differences.
Study found new adhesive derived from snake venom effective for closing surgical incisions
Study found people who smoke damaged the long-term stability of the procedures.
Smokers with dental implants saw implants fail at higher rate than nonsmokers.
Study identifies lifestyle factors that have the biggest impact on periodontal health.
Smokers will want to quit before oral surgery in preparation for a prompt recovery.
Not only are smokers more likely to develop periodontal disease and have more severe cases of the disease than nonsmokers are, they are also more susceptible to treatment failure.
Secondhand smoke may be associated with bone loss in subjects with periodontitis.
Connective tissue disorders may increase susceptibility to periodontal tissue breakdown.
Researchers from Case Western Reserve University have found a significant association between obesity and prevalence of periodontal disease
Researchers found depressed patients have twice the odds of sub-optimal outcomes from periodontal treatment compared to patients without depression.
Periodontal researchers found that photodynamic therapy (PDT) is advantageous for suppressing anaerobic bacteria that lead to periodontal diseases.
Journal of Periodontology supplement results from collaboration between AAP and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Are you making special plans for you and your loved one or hoping to find someone to whisper sweet nothings to on Valentine’s Day?
Five-year follow-up study observed marginal bone remodeling occurs between implant placement and prosthesis placement.
Alternative to antibiotics may be more effective and less harmful.
Reduces the elevated collagenase activity in the gingival crevicular fluid of patients with adult periodontitis.
Periodontists have found a variety of ways to improve the oral health of those in need.
Tobacco use may be one of the most significant risk factors in the development and progression of periodontal disease.
Undetected protein S deficiency causes thrombotic disorders that obstruct blood flow thereby causing strokes and/or heart attacks.
Rheumatoid arthritis sufferers also had more missing teeth.
Establishing trust with patients goes a long way in alleviating fear.
Periodontal and orthodontic treatment proved to be a success.
The bacteria P. gingivalis increases in prevalence with age in those with Down syndrome.
A diet low in important nutrients can make it harder for the body’s immune system to fight off infection.
Study suggests that estrogen supplementation in women within five years of menopause may slow the progression of periodontal disease.
Researchers found that gingival bleeding and halitosis were greatly reduced after a two-week oral hygiene program of dental flossing and tooth brushing.
Literature review looks at the role melatonin could play in the oral cavity.
People who consume less than the recommended dietary allowance(RDA)for vitamin C have slightly higher rates of periodontal disease.
AAP commissioned literature review released today.
Prescribing antibiotics as a first line of defense against periodontal disease.
Implant-placed overdentures lock the denture in place, providing people with the peace of mind that their dentures will not slip when they speak or eat in public.
Austrian researchers found that learning about a patient’s stress coping strategies could help physicians with proper diagnosis and treatment of some medical conditions.
Periodontal disease (gum disease) may be a far more serious threat to your health than previously realized.
A recent study found that people who get enough calcium have significantly lower rates of periodontal (gum) disease, a leading cause of tooth loss.
Steps to protect your toothbrush from bacteria.
A recent study suggests that antioxidants in green tea may help reduce periodontal disease.
The IL-1 genotype is not common in people of Chinese heritage.
Restore the damage caused by advanced periodontal disease.
Twin study published in the Journal of Periodontology demonstrates that flossing can decrease the occurrence of gum disease-causing bacteria.
High levels of financial stress and poor coping abilities increase twofold the likelihood of developing periodontal (gum) disease.
Periodontal (gum) disease may be passed from parents to children and between a couple.
A recent study pointed to dental care as the most prevalent unmet health need among American children.
Periodontists specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of tissues surrounding the teeth and in the placement of dental implants.
Being fooled about the care of your teeth and gums could negatively affect your teeth in the years to come.
Holiday stressors such as gift giving, job losses and a flailing economy could make your pockets deeper than you thought this holiday season.
Literature review commissioned by the American Academy of Periodontology published in April 2006 Journal of Periodontology.
Cigar or pipe smokers were three times more likely as non-smokers to have gum disease.
A low-calcium diet can harm the supporting structures around teeth and gums, especially for nursing mothers.
Tobacco smoking, including water pipe smoking, is a risk factor for periodontal disease.
Some people are beginning to spend a little more time with their toothbrush and floss.
American Academy of Periodontology releases online tool to help patients determine risk for periodontal diseases.
A key goal of the report is to educate the public on the relationship between oral health and general well being.
A study in the Journal of Periodontology found that if a blood test detected certain “red flags,” the person also had serious symptoms of periodontal diseases.
Gingival inflammation was lower during menstruation.
Risk indicators – age, male gender, smoking, lack of professional maintenance, inadequate oral hygiene, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis and anterior tooth type.
Obesity is a significant predictor for periodontal disease, independent of age, gender, race, ethnicity, and smoking.
Postmenopausal women may significantly reduce tooth loss by controlling their periodontal disease.
Poor oral hygiene may pose a bigger threat to Austin Powers.
Many of today’s grandparents use electric toothbrushes and go to bed with their dental bleaching trays.
Periodontists offer a variety of cosmetic periodontal procedures for brides insecure about smiling in front of the camera.
Dental implants are permanent tooth replacements that look and feel so much like natural teeth, patients usually forget they’re not.
Unsatisfactory home care seems to persist despite patient training.
People from all age groups are opting for implants.
A case report found that piercing the tongue, lip or cheek could cause localized gingival recession.
Nearly 39 percent of periodontists believe it is best to floss before brushing your teeth.
Cosmetic periodontal procedures can dramatically improve a smile’s appearance.
A new study found that extended wear of tongue jewelry (barbell-type) could increase your chance of gum recession and tooth chipping.
Oral health tips to ensure consumers stick with their oral hygiene regimen while on vacation.
Recent case studies found that placing implants immediately after tooth extraction resulted in a high percentage of clinical success.
Minocycline may make gum tissue appear blackish-blue in color.
If a patient already has a bacterial infection in the body or mouth, the surgical procedure may have to be postponed.
Appearing on a recent episode of reality TV, periodontist and member of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), Jeff Ganeles, DMD, showed how immediate loading dental implants transformed a patient’s smile in just a few visits. This event gave Americans a look at the future of implant dentistry, making the thought of dentures primitive and traditional dental implants routine technology.
Many Americans are spending their tax refunds on periodontal plastic surgery.
Study Published in the Journal of Periodontology Suggests Gum Disease Affects How People Smile
Research is racing to help healthcare professionals further understand how periodontal diseases are linked to cardiovascular disease. A study published in a recent issue of the Journal of Periodontology explains another reason why people with periodontal diseases are at a significant risk for coronary artery disease (CAD).
Researchers have found evidence that the amount of bacteria in subgingival plaques, the deep plaques in periodontal pockets and around the teeth, may contribute to an individual’s risk of a heart attack, according to two studies appearing in the Journal of Periodontology. These studies further researchers’ understanding that periodontal bacteria may increase the risk for heart disease.
The presence of specific bacteria and combinations of bacteria in periodontal pockets might be an explanation for the relationship between periodontal disease and acute coronary syndrome (ACS), according to a new study published in the Journal of Periodontology.
Researchers found an increased risk of coronary heart disease for people below the age of 60 who have more than four millimeters of alveolar bone loss (the bone that holds the teeth in the mouth) from periodontal disease, according to a new study that is printed in the Journal of Periodontology.
People missing some or all of their teeth or who have significant loss of bone and tissue surrounding their teeth may be at an increased risk for having a stroke, according to a new study that appeared in the October issue of the Journal of Periodontology (JOP).
Research presented in a recent paper by Tonetti et al published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) suggests that intensive periodontal treatment may reverse atherosclerosis by improving elasticity of the arteries, or endothelial function. Findings from previous studies have suggested a link between periodontal disease and atherosclerosis and proposed that periodontal treatment may reduce cardiovascular risk. This study is important because it furthers the understanding of the potential relationship between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease.
Each year, cardiovascular disease kills more Americans than cancer. And while most people are aware that lifestyle choices such as eating right, getting enough exercise and quitting smoking can help prevent cardiovascular disease, they may not know that by just brushing and flossing their teeth each day, they might also be avoiding this potentially lethal condition.
Cardiovascular disease, the leading killer of men and women in the United States, is a major public health issue contributing to 2,400 deaths each day. Periodontal disease, a chronic inflammatory disease that destroys bone and gum tissues that support the teeth affects nearly 75 percent of Americans and is the major cause of adult tooth loss. And while the prevalence rates of these disease states seems grim, research suggests that managing one disease may reduce the risk for the other.
The patient of a periodontist in private practice in New Orleans, LA, developed osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ), a condition that can cause severe, often irreversible and debilitating damage to the jaw, following periodontal surgical therapy. Two years prior to surgery, the patient had started receiving IV bisphosphonate therapy, or bone-sparing drugs commonly used in the treatment of osteoporosis and metastatic bone cancer to help decrease associated pain and fractures, following treatment for breast carcinoma. When the patient presented to the periodontist, no reports of ONJ had been reported in the literature. This case report is published in the April issue of the Journal of Periodontology (JOP).
Caregivers of people under psychological or physical stress, as well as those with the conditions themselves, should not overlook their oral health, according to a new study printed in the Journal of Periodontology.
Prolonged use of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) is closely associated with significant levels of gingival enlargement, according to a new study published in the Journal of Periodontology.
Salivary melatonin may play an important role in maintaining periodontal health, according to a new study published in the Journal of Periodontology. This is one of the first attempts to examine the influence of salivary melatonin upon periodontal disease, an inflammation that destroys the tissues and bone that support the teeth.
Researchers report an interrelationship between periodontal and systemic inflammation in solid-organ-transplant recipients.
Periodontal diseases are a threat to women of all ages due to hormonal fluctuations that occur at various stages of their lives.
A literature review published in the August issue of the Journal of Periodontology (JOP) saw a strong relationship between stress and periodontal diseases; 57% of the studies included in the review showed a positive relationship between periodontal diseases and psychological factors such as stress, distress, anxiety, depression and loneliness.
Most people already know that maintaining oral health is a vital component of achieving overall health, but a recent study reveals why it is especially crucial that men pay close attention to their teeth and gums.
Over 1.3 million Americans suffer from rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic, inflammatory disease of the joints. RA is a disabling condition, and can lead to long-term joint damage resulting in persistent pain and loss of function in affected areas. A recent study published in the June issue of the Journal of Periodontology, the official publication of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), uncovered yet another potential side effect of RA. Researchers in Berlin, Germany discovered that patients with RA have a higher incidence of periodontal disease compared to healthy controls.
According to the National Kidney Foundation, one out of nine Americans suffers from chronic kidney disease (CKD), and millions more are at risk. A debilitating disease, CKD can affect blood pressure and bone health, and can eventually lead to heart disease or kidney failure. A recent study published in the Journal of Periodontology (JOP), the official publication of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), suggests that edentulous, or toothless, adults may be more likely to have CKD than dentate adults. In the study, conducted at Case Western Reserve University, endentulism was found to be significantly associated with CKD, indicating that oral care may play a role in reducing the prevalence of chronic kidney disease in the U.S. population.
Faced with plummeting investments and an unsteady job market, many Americans are feeling the effects of the recent economic crisis. In fact, a recent study by the American Psychological Association found that over 80 percent of Americans rank money and the economy as significant causes of stress. And while chronic stress can lead to a host of health problems, including a weakened immune system and increased blood pressure, it can also take its toll on periodontal health. If left untreated, periodontal disease may result in even more serious, and potentially expensive, overall health complications.
Pregnant diabetics have more gingival inflammation and deeper pockets between their teeth and gums, which are symptoms of periodontal disease, than non-diabetic pregnant women, according to a new study in the Journal of Periodontology. These findings are significant because periodontal disease is a bacterial infection that may make diabetes more difficult to control. Previous studies have shown that periodontal disease may increase women’s risk of delivering a preterm, low birth weight baby.
Increase your intake of folic acid …Discontinue using birth control…And, visit your periodontist before becoming pregnant? Yes. Women contemplating motherhood may want to visit their periodontist or dental professional for a periodontal evaluation before becoming pregnant.
A non-surgical dental procedure may reduce the risk of preterm birth in pregnant women with periodontal disease, according to new study findings. Nearly 12 percent of babies in this country are born preterm (before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy), which increases their risk of death and lasting disabilities, such as mental retardation, cerebral palsy, lung and gastrointestinal problems, and vision and hearing loss.
Researchers found that women undergoing ovulation induction for infertility treatment for more than three menstrual cycles experience higher gingival inflammation, bleeding and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF). This study appeared in the recent issue of the Journal of Periodontology
Periodontal inflammation plays a possible role in the development of preeclampsia, a potentially deadly condition that affects approximately 5 percent of U. S. pregnancies, according to a study in the Journal of Periodontology.
Researchers from New York University found that certain bacteria from the mouth may be related to preterm delivery and low birthweight according to a study in the Journal of Periodontology (JOP).
Pregnant women will want to include a periodontal evaluation as part of their prenatal care. That’s because researchers found that periodontal treatment significantly reduced the risk of having a preterm birth or a low birthweight infant, according to a study published in the Journal of Periodontology.
Results of a new study support the hypothesis that chronic periodontal infection increases the risk of developing preeclampsia in pregnant women. This study printed in February’s issue of the Journal of Periodontology.
Researchers found that pregnant women with periodontitis had 65 percent higher C-reactive protein (CRP) levels compared to periodontally healthy women. This study appears in the May issue of the Journal of Periodontology (JOP).
Research presented in a recent paper by Michalowicz et al published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) suggests that treatment of periodontitis in pregnant women improves periodontal health and is safe but does not significantly alter rates of preterm birth, low birth weight, or fetal growth restriction. This outcome is at variance with findings of other studies, which have suggested that periodontal treatment positively affects birth outcomes.
Two new studies in the Journal of Periodontology explore the possible link between periodontal bacteria and coronary artery disease as well as periodontal bacteria and preeclampsia. These studies found that periodontal bacteria, which is often invisible to the naked eye, may account for big effects on general health conditions.
There is good news today for pregnant women: a study in this month’s issue of the Journal of Periodontology (JOP) showed that periodontal therapy may significantly reduce the risk of delivering a preterm low birth weight baby for women with periodontal disease.
A study appearing in the July issue of the Journal of Periodontology identified bacteria commonly found in the mouth and associated with periodontal diseases in the amniotic fluid of some pregnant women.
Two new studies in the November issue of the Journal of Periodontology (JOP) emphasize the importance of expectant mothers taking extra care of their oral health.
Research recently presented at the annual meeting of the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine found that routine periodontal treatment in pregnant women did not reduce the risk of preterm deliveries. Some previous studies in this area have suggested that periodontal therapy during pregnancy can lessen the chance of adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Diabetes has long been known to increase the risk of severe periodontal disease. A study released today in the November issue of the Journal of Periodontology found that poorly controlled type 2 diabetic patients are more likely to develop periodontal disease than well-controlled diabetics are. In addition, the study further explains why diabetics are more susceptible to severe periodontal disease.
Results of a new study support the hypothesis that periodontal therapy may improve metabolic control (lower HbA1c) in diabetic patients. This study appears in April’s issue of the Journal of Periodontology.
When patients with Type 2 diabetes and periodontal disease receive periodontal therapy, they often experience a reduction in their levels of oxidative stress, a condition in which antioxidant levels are lower than normal. Patients’ stress levels after periodontal therapy were similar to those of nondiabetic patients, according to a new study that appeared in the November issue of the Journal of Periodontology (JOP).
Periodontal diseases may contribute to the progression to prediabetes, according to a new study that appears in the March issue of the Journal of Periodontology.
New clinical guidelines released by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) emphasize the importance of periodontal health for people with diabetes. Diabetes affects approximately 285 million people worldwide, and this number is only expected to increase. The IDF is an organization of 200 national diabetes associations from 160 countries.
The American Academy of Periodontology is concerned about new research linking gum diseases to a heart attack or stroke.
A study released today in the Journal of Periodontology suggests that frequent dental visits following initial periodontal treatment may significantly reduce gingival overgrowth in patients taking nifedipine, a commonly prescribed medication for high blood pressure. Gingival overgrowth is a condition in which the gums become swollen and “grow over” the teeth.
The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) is concerned about accumulating research that links periodontal disease to patients’ overall health.
Elevated levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) explain one reason why periodontal disease could be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, according to a new study in the Journal of Periodontology.
A newly published study in the Journal of Periodontology confirms recent findings that people with periodontal disease are at a greater risk of systemic diseases such as cardiovascular disease.
People with deep periodontal pockets had an increased risk for electrocardiographic abnormalities (ECG) according to a recent study printed in this month’s issue of the Journal of Periodontology
“Three out of four Americans suffer from some form of gum disease – from mild cases of gingivitis, to the more severe form known as periodontitis. However, despite this prevalence, approximately only three percent seek treatment for their gum disease. With increasingly more research indicating that gum disease may be linked to several other diseases, including diabetes, heart disease and certain forms of cancer, maintaining healthy teeth and gums has become more important than ever.”