Progressive-Dentistry, LLC

And you WILL have your teeth cleaned – by an exert dental hygienist who will know more about the actual condition of your teeth and gums than any hygienist has ever known before. Since nine out of ten people eventually develop “gum disease,” we do everything we can to make sure you won’t become one of these statistics.

It’s our policy to recommend a complete periodontal charting for every adult patient before we do an actual “cleaning” . The reason for this is quite simple...Without this important data, we might not discover a serious, but well-hidden infection which might eventually cost you your teeth.

Until we verify that your tooth-supporting structures are indeed healthy, we’d only be guessing that a routine cleaning is really what you need. You see, periodontal disease (once called “pyorrhea”) is an inflammatory disease that can silently destroy the gums, ligaments, and bone surrounding and supporting your teeth. You are twice as likely to lose your teeth from periodontal disease than dental decay. Yet, in its earliest stages, periodontal disease is extremely difficult for even a well-trained professional to find. Often, there are no symptoms at all.

Because the instruments used in routine cleanings are fairly broad and curved, a narrow “pocket” of infection forming between the tooth and gum often goes undetected. If this pocket is not treated properly, it is likely to worsen. The tooth may be in serious jeopardy before the disease is discovered.

By this time, a patient may have only two choices left – lose the tooth, or accept the costly and complicated procedures which may now be necessary to save it. Either way, the patient loses, being forced into making a difficult decision which might have easily been avoided.

WE DON’T TAKE CHANCES WITH OUR CLIENTS. YOUR PERIODONTAL EVALUATION WILL TAKE JUST A FEW MINUTES. WE THINK YOU’LL AGREE, IT’S A LITTLE BIT OF TIME EXTREMELY WELL SPENT...

One of our early detection diagnostic steps is to check the space or pocket where your tooth meets the gum. In your case our periodontal screening & recording system (PSR) has found at least one warning area.

Our office is recommending that you have a thorough evaluation to determine the extent of this problem. Some of the preliminary information we need may include the following:

After the appropriate information is obtained we can see what are the areas of concern. If detected in its early stages our conservative periodontal therapy will prevent the disease from advancing However if left to later stages of periodontitis referral to a periodontist may be necessary. Conservative periodontal treatment is broken into different categories of therapy that are explained below:

Once we have a thorough diagnosis we can recommend appropriate therapy. Remember early intervention is the best investment in your oral health.

Periodontitis (once known as “pyorrhea”) is the term used to describe a serious bacterial infection which destroys the gums, ligaments, and jawbone that surrounds and supports the teeth. New techniques now allow many of these infections to be detected and treated before severe damage occurs.

Your present periodontal condition is classified as “Early Periodontitis.” This means you have a periodontal infection. Your gums show signs of pocket formation – a separation of the gum from its normal attachment site on the root of the tooth. Some of the underlying bone has already been destroyed.

Progression of gingival inflammation into deeper periodontal structures and alveolar bone crest, with slight bone loss. Usual periodontal probing depths is 3-4mm with slight loss of connective tissue attachment and slight loss of alveolar bone. The patient in this category has more than 2 sites of 3-5mm probing per quadrant. They have generalized inflammation or necrotic looking gingiva. The patient requires 2-4 visits of treatment depending on how their clinical condition or slide improves.

The enemy is plaque- the bacterial colonies which accumulate at or below the gumline, where they form soft “plaque” or hardened “calculus” (tartar) deposits on the teeth. These deposits must be removed very thoroughly, or the poisons released by the disease-associated bacteria living in and around these deposits will continue to destroy your gums and bone. Amazingly, this destruction often happens without pain or any symptoms at all.

Until recently, it was thought that most periodontal diseases could, at best, only be “ controlled.” Fortunately, modern techniques now make it possible to identify and eliminate the specific bacterial infections which cause most types of periodontal disease. For this reason, instead of only controlling this condition, a significant number of these diseases can now be cured.

With prompt professional attention and diligent homecare practices, chances are excellent that your
periodontal condition can be stabilized, preventing further damage. It is important to remember, however...human healing is impossible to guarantee. If you catch pneumonia, for example, and medical treatment cures that infection... there is still no guarantee you will never”catch” pneumonia again. Likewise, successfully treating your periodontal infection does not guarantee you will never “catch” another periodontal infection.

Your periodontal future depends upon a long-term cooperative effort between yourself and your dental healthcare professionals. We can help you get rid of your current periodontal infection. We can teach you how to care for yourself so future periodontal infections are much less likely to occur. But we cannot cure, or even “control” your periodontal disease without your help.

Quite honestly, unless you are willing to appear for periodic professional care following active therapy, unless you are willing to continue your efforts as a dedicated CO-THERAPIST at home, your periodontal disease is likely to return. If we work together, however, monitoring closely for any signs of recurrent infection, your chances for a bright periodontal future are excellent. Attending frequent post-graduate seminars reflects our ongoing commitment to providing the finest dental services available. We look forward to working with you if you decide to join us in a cooperative effort to successfully manage your periodontal disease. That’s a great smile you have...Let’s keep it that way!

Your present periodontal condition is classified as “Moderate Periodontitis.” This means you have a periodontal infection. Your gums show signs of pocket formation – a separation of the gum from its normal attachment site on the root of the tooth. Some of the underlying bone has already been destroyed.

Moderate Periodontitis is a more advanced stage of Periodontal Disease with increased destruction of the periodontal structures with noticeable loss of bone support possibly accompanied by an increase in tooth mobility. Probing depth usually ranges from 5-7mm. Slight furcation involvement may be present in multirooted teeth.

Your present periodontal condition is classified as “Advanced Periodontitis.” This means you have a periodontal infection. Your gums show signs of pocket formation – a separation of the gum from its normal attachment site on the root of the tooth. Some of the underlying bone has already been destroyed.

Advanced Periodontitis is a further progression of periodontal disease with major loss of alveolar bone support usually accompanied by increased tooth mobility. Probing depths in excess of 7+mm. Advanced furcation involvement in multirooted teeth is likely.

Periodontitis (once known as “pyorrhea”) is the term used to describe a serious baterial infection which destroys the gums, ligaments, and jawbone surrounding and supporting the teeth. The most common type of periodontitis usually progresses slowly and is relatively easy to diagnose and treat.

Refractory / Progressive Periodontitis, however, may appear suddenly, advance quickly, and cause severe damage before it is discovered. Refractory/Progressive Periodontitis can pose special challenges for diagnosis and treatment, challenges which may require the attention of a periodontist, a dentist who specializes in treating diseases of this type.

Fortunately, new methods of laboratory testing (including bacterial culturing) now make it possible to accurately diagnose and treat many cases of Refractory/Progressive Periodontitis before severe damage occurs.

Because your current periodontal condition may be classified in this less common Refractory/
Progressive category, we feel it’s very important to refer you to a periodontist for a more definitive diagnosis at this time.

Periodontitis (once known as “pyorrhea”) is the term used to describe a serious bacterial infection which destroys the gums, ligaments, and jawbone surrounding and supporting the teeth. Unlike the more common forms of periodontitis which usually affect adults, several types of Juvenile Periodontitis
target children.

Unfortunately, Juvenile Periodontitis is often very aggressive. Bone loss can be rapid and severe. One form of this disease, Prepubertal Periodontitis, strikes children ages 4 or younger. Another type, Localized Juvenile Periodontitis (LJP), typically strikes youngsters near the onset of puberty, ages 10-14. With LJP, bone damage generally occurs around the 6-year molars and permanent front teeth.

Researchers now believe most forms of Juvenile Periodontitis are caused by a specific bacterial infection. Susceptibility to this infection may be linked to an obscure immune system deficiency which can be inherited. This could explain why, although the incidence of Juvenile Periodontitis is relatively rare. When it does occur, it is quite common for more than one child from the same family to be affected. Female children are three times as likely to develop this disease.

Fortunately, new methods of laboratory testing (including bacterial culturing) now make it possible to accurately diagnose and treat many cases of Juvenile Periodontitis before severe damage occurs.

Juvenile Periodontitis poses special challenges for diagnosis and treatment. Because your child’s current periodontal condition may be classified as Juvenile Periodontitis, we feel it is extremely important to refer them to a periodontal specialist (periodontist) for further evaluation at this time.

We’ll gladly make arrangements for your consultation visit with the periodontist if you’d like us to do so. Once the consultation appointment has been scheduled, we will contact the specialist to discuss the details of your child’s condition. All current records, x-rays, etc. will be forwarded to the specialist upon request.

We hope you’ll accept our suggestion to see the periodontist. Listen to the examination findings and treatment recommendations. Ask questions until you’re satisfied with the answers. If there's any way we can assist with your decision-making process, please give us a call!

Sealants are helping to create a generation of youngsters that are nearly cavity-free. Statistics show that one out of every three children between the ages of 5 and 17 has never had a cavity. Dental professionals attribute water fluoridation and use of sealants with helping to bring about this rapid decline in cavities.

The use of sealants does not eliminate the need for regular attention to dental care. Dentists recommend regular brushing and flossing, attention to the amount of sugary foods consumed, and to the frequency with which they are eaten. The teeth are subjected to an acid attack every time that sugary foods are eaten, causing an erosive action that can break down healthy enamel.

The plastic-like coating, called pit and fissure sealant, is applied to the chewing surface of the back teeth and to indentations and nicks in the teeth's surfaces. It is used by dentists as a preventive measure to ward off decay that tends to settle into hidden crevices in the teeth.

The preventive plastics also are used to seal "fissures," or joint lines in a tooth's enamel created while the tooth is being formed. A perfect fissure should be tightly sealed, but often several spots along the length of the fissure will open directly into the tooth.

Food and bacteria collect there. This eventually weakens the tooth and causes decay. Sealants help during the formative stages so they can withstand the effect of sugar and stress later on.

To apply the sealant, the dentist first cleans the tops and sides of selected teeth. The tooth enamel is then treated with an acid solution that etches the surface of the tooth, causing it to be temporarily porous and somewhat rough.

The liquid sealant, clear or milky white in color, is applied and allowed to harden. Within a few days, the excess plastic wears off, leaving the sealant only in the pits and fissures. The plastic covering is only temporary, and must be checked periodically for flaws.

• Mix the periodontal toothpaste to the consistency of regular toothpaste:
1 tablespoon baking soda
1/2 capful of 3% hydrogen peroxide.

• If the taste of the paste is not agreeable to you, then add mouth rinse or toothpaste to this mixture. This mixture should be mixed fresh each time so that it will be effective.

• Trace where the gum meets the tooth with either the perio aid (tooth-pic holder), or the rubber tip. This delivers the paste under the gumline wre the bacteria live.

 To avoid any irritation do this in sections; preferably by the quadrant, and then
brush as directed using a soft toothbrush. Rinse your mouth and proceed to the next section.

 Do this process once daily, preferably at night, while brushing with a tooth paste of your choice in the morning.

What is Therasol?
·Therasol is a second generation anti-microbial rinse. It is designed to chemical stick to the cells which line the tooth socket as well as bacteria present within inflammation. Therasol can remain active for up to six hours, compared to some over the counter rinses that last only fifteen minutes.

How is it used?
There are several ways to apply the rinse:
-Rinsing for 30 seconds can help affected areas above the gum line
-Brushing can help focus it toward specific sites
-Under the gum application (greater than 4mm) needs a Waterpik with side port cannals.

Important Things to Remember
-Do Not Dilute
-Use one hour before or after tooth brushing. The active ingredient in therasol can be inactivated when used in combination with preservatives found in commercial toothpastes and mouthrinses.
-There are no side effects when using this product. However, if any problem arises, please do not hesitate to contact our office.

General Instructions

· Use a soft bristled brush together with a toothpaste recommended by our office, or one approved by the American Dental Association.

· Position the flat part of the bristle at a 45 degree angle toward the gumline.

· Gently jiggle the brush back & forth, agitating the plaque, & then turn the brush away from the gumline to brush the plaque away from the tooth.

· Brush the biting surfaces of the teeth, even brush the top surface of the tongue to keep your breath fresh.

· Remember to brush the outside as well as inside surfaces.

· The American Dental Association recommends brushing at least twice a day.

What to do for sensitive teeth - Special attention to how you brush your teeth may be needed if your teeth are sensitive to temperature or sweets, and if you have been told

you have areas of recession. When brushing place the flat surface at a 45 degree angle & gently roll the brush away from the gumline. Avoid using a back & forth motion that can aggravate vulnerable areas on the root of the tooth.

Suggestions:

· To gain access to back teeth close your mouth fully & clean with your cheeks relaxed. Using a small headed brush is also helpful.

· To create further space while cleaning hard to reach back teeth, shift your lower jaw towards the side you are brushing.

· If any questions or problems arise while brushing contact our office to schedule an appointment so we may rule out any serious problems.

· Use a waxed or unwaxed type of floss that allows you to clean around & in between each tooth.

· Take a piece around 18 inches. Using your index fingers & thumbs, wrap most of the floss around one finger so when you get to a new area in your mouth you can use a clean piece of floss.

· Position your fingers with only an inch or so between your 2 hands, & gently sea-saw in between the teeth. Wrap the floss around the neck of each tooth, & scrap the side removing the plaque.

* To avoid breaking the floss between tight contact areas, pull the floss through the side.

* Bleeding can occur if flossing is done infrequently, but don’t be alarmed! Start a regiment by flossing once a day can clear this problem. However, if bleeding persists contact our office for an appointment so we may rule out any serious problems.