The simple answer is yes, but that question is loaded. The definition of periodontal disease is measurable attachment loss and infection does not need to be present to have attachment loss. However, 99% of the time there is infection or ... more

The FP32 Software can record the main parameters of periodontal disease, including pocket depth, bleeding, suppuration, recession, hyperplasia, furcation, plaque, mobility, missing teeth, changes in dentition, minimal/no attached gingiva, MGJ, risk ... more

Our mouths are full of bacteria. Bacteria take any sugars we eat change the sugar into a soft, sticky, tooth colored carbohydrate called plaque. Plaque accumulated on the surfaces of the teeth, in-between the teeth, and under the gum. The more ... more

If the gum disease is diagnosed at a stage when there is not much loss of periodontal tissues, the lost tissues can be grafted. Grafts can be of soft tissues or hard tissues. The former is always taken from another site in the mouth of the patient ... more

In essence, periodontitis is a bacterial infection caused by plaque buildup; there are several factors that contribute to its cause and severity. Many of these risk factors are preventable, and include tobacco use, poorly controlled diabetes, a ... more

No. We feel, however, that there may be an inheritable weakness; i.e., the tendency toward heavier plaque formation, but the individual who maintains a totally clean mouth can control virtually all periodontal disease--regardless of inheritable ... more

Yes, to a great degree. We use an instrument called a periodontal probe to measure the depth of the crevice; i.e., the space between the tooth and the gum tissue. With this instrument we can actually survey the amount of bone destruction. The probe ... more

Yes. Visualize the neck of the tooth encircled with a tight turtleneck sweater which represents the gingival (gum) tissue. The threads in the sweater could be compared to the tough elastic fibers which lace through the tissue. Healthy tissue is so ... more

If left untreated, the inflammation previously described can lead to the formation of pockets around the teeth. Within these pockets potential deep infections can occur and as pregnancy progresses, pocket depth has been shown to increase. These ... more

Although the symptoms of periodontal disease often are subtle, the condition is not entirely without warning signs. Certain symptoms may point to some form of the disease. ... more