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The Importance of Early Detection
Early Detection Saves Lives
With early detection and timely treatment, deaths from oral cancer could be dramatically reduced. The five-year survival rate for those with localized disease is 76 percent compared with only 19 percent for those whose cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Early detection of oral cancer is often possible. Tissue changes in the mouth that might signal the beginnings of cancer often can be seen and felt easily. Regular dental checkups, which include an examination of the entire mouth, are essential in the early detection of both cancerous and precancerous conditions. A person may have a dangerous oral lesion and not be aware of it.
Oral Cancer occurs more often in those who use tobacco in any form including: cigarettes, chewing tobacco, pipes, and cigars; or those who consume large amounts of alcohol. But oral cancer can and does develop in people of all ages, races and lifestyle habits. Over 25% of oral cancers occur in people who do not smoke and who only drink alcohol socially.
An oral lesion may be a persistent sore of irritation, a small, flat, red or white patch, or a growth, lump, thickening, rough spot, crust or irritated area. It is often painless, and you may not be aware of it. Because many oral lesions are flat, very small, or in an area of your mouth that you cannot see, they often only can be detected during an oral examination by your dentist.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease or periodontal disease or gingivitis as it is also called is the number one cause of tooth loss today. The reason you loose teeth from gum disease is because this disease attacks the gums as well as the bone, which are the foundation in which your teeth rest. As the bone literally dissolves away from around your teeth, your teeth become loose and eventually fall out.
Anyone at any age is susceptible to gum disease. Gum disease is caused by plaque. If the plague is not removed on a daily basis it will form calculus, which is the breeding ground for the germs which cause gum disease. Bleeding gums are the first sign that there may be a problem with the gums. Puffy, tender red gums are also a sign that there is an infection present. Bleeding gums however are not always present even in severe cases of gum disease.
Routine and regular visits to your dentist are the best way of catching gum disease in its early stages before too much damage has been caused. Gum disease will not go away by itself or with improved home care. The only way of removing plaque deep under the gums is with professional cleanings. Once you have had a gum problem you will always be susceptible to recurring problems, so be sure to see your dentist on a regular basis - every three to four months, unless he or she recommends otherwise.
The Link Between Gum Disease and Health Concerns....
The oral bacteria that is found in patient's with periodontal disease can enter into the the blood stream. From here the bacteria can travel throughout the body. Inflammation sets in, but your body's immune response sometime falls short . . . These bacterial colonies can cause serious problems such as:
Stroke - a new study of fatty deposits lodged in carotid arteries of stroke sufferers shows that 70% contain bacteria - and 40% of that bacteria comes from the mouth.
Heart Disease - Studies have found the incidence of heart disease is about twice as high in people with periodontal disease. Bacteria get mixed up with blood-clotting cells called platelets, forming a clump that travels through the blood vessels. These clumps of cells and bacteria irritate vessel walls and may promote formation of heat stopping blood clots. The inflammation also produces a protein that can irritate the interior of blood vessels, creating sites where fatty deposits can form.
Infective Endocarditis - a potentially fatal disease in which the inner lining of the heart becomes inflamed.
Diabetes - Studies have shown that diabetics with gum disease were three times more likely to have heart attacks than those without gum disease.
Spontaneous pre-term births - women with gum disease are 7 to 8 times more likely to give birth prematurely to low-birth-weight babies. Researchers believe that the low-grade infection causes damaged cells to release inflammation causing substances that have been linked with pre-term births.
Lung Infections - in people with chronic lung diseases.
A weakened immune system - that can slow wound healing and diminish a person's response to hepatitis B and flu vaccines.
Summary - Signs of Periodontal disease
If you notice any of the following signs, please call and make an appointment with your dentist immediately
What is Root Planing?
Normal tooth cleanings remove plaque and calculus deposits from above the gum line. When these deposits extend below the gum line, root planing is necessary.
Root planing is performed with the same tools as normal cleanings, but the procedure is more aggressive. Often it is necessary to numb the affected area before the procedure. Once the accumulated plaque and calculus have been removed, the gums will heal, tightening around the teeth.
Depending upon the extent of disease found in the examination, root planing may be done over several office visits. In this way, your dentist can assess the progress of treatment, and alter tactics if necessary.
Simply stated, root planing may be considered as an extension of a "routine cleaning". A "routine cleaning" is intended to clean harden deposits that form above the gums. Over time, these deposits often form below the gums, on the roots. It is at this point that we recommend a more therapeutic procedure, called root planing.
WHAT DOES IT ACCOMPLISH?
During this procedure the root surfaces are literally planed. This accomplishes several things:
HOW QUICKLY WILL I HEAL?
Periodontal therapy represents a partnership between you and your periodontal team. If we each do our part, you will achieve the maximum benefit from this procedure. Your results will be affected by:
It is unrealistic to consider your therapy as a quick fix. Each person will respond differently to treatment. Future treatment recommendations will be made on the basis of your healing. For healing to be maximized it is imperative that you participate in your home care everyday.