An Introduction to Periodontal Disease

Dr. Jeffrey Felzer is a private practice periodontist in Wilmington, Delaware. In this position, Dr. Jeffrey Felzer provides patients with a variety of services and information regarding the effective treatment of periodontal disease.

Also known as gum disease, periodontal disease can come in various forms. Gingivitis and periodontitis are two of the most common types of periodontal diseases a person may have to deal with. Both are considered significant oral infections that, without proper treatment, may result in tooth loss and other serious health issues.

Gingivitis is considered the lowest form of periodontal disease. Its symptoms generally are relegated to oral sensitivity and swelling of the gums. The gums also may bleed more frequently. The typical cause of gingivitis is inadequate oral care. Professional treatment is necessary to fully address gingivitis, but individuals can significantly reduce the problem by improving their oral hygiene processes.

Without the intervention of dental professional, gingivitis can develop into periodontitis. At this stage, the infection can spread plaque beyond the gum line. The increase of bacteria leads to a discomforting, corrosive inflammation of the gums. In addition to pain and tooth loss, periodontitis can weaken an individuals’ jawbones. Patients experiencing symptoms of gingivitis or periodontitis should contact a trusted dental professional at once.

Oral Conscious Sedation

If the idea of going to the dentist for a procedure brings on feelings of fear or anxiety there are options to ease the anxiety. Oral conscious sedation is as easy as taking an aspirin and you will feel relaxed and at ease. Oral conscious sedation does not "knock you out" like some other forms of anesthesia. You will remain awake during your procedure, but you will be in a heightened state of relaxation. It is also possible that you will not remember part, or all, of your procedure.

Oral conscious sedation is extremely safe and easy. It is much less expensive than other forms of sedation, and you will be able to talk and breathe on your own during the procedure. It also makes long or complex procedures seem shorter, allowing you to have all of your work done in a single visit. As an added precaution a local anesthetic will be given to the area that is being worked on to ensure that there is no pain. You will need to have someone drive you to and from the office if you use oral conscious sedation for your safety.

Don't wait any longer to have necessary dental work performed because you are nervous. Ask your dentist about oral conscious sedation to see if it is right for you.

Periodontal Disease and Heart Attack+Stroke

From the American Academy of Periodontology

Heart Disease

Several theories exist to explain the link between periodontal disease and heart disease. One theory is that oral bacteria can affect the heart when they enter the blood stream, attaching to fatty plaques in the coronary arteries (heart blood vessels) and contributing to clot formation. Coronary artery disease is characterized by a thickening of the walls of the coronary arteries due to the buildup of fatty proteins. Blood clots can obstruct normal blood flow, restricting the amount of nutrients and oxygen required for the heart to function properly. This may lead to heart attacks.

Another possibility is that the inflammation caused by periodontal disease increases plaque build up, which may contribute to swelling of the arteries.

Researchers have found that people with periodontal disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease as those without periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease can also exacerbate existing heart conditions. Patients at risk for infective endocarditis may require antibiotics prior to dental procedures. Your periodontist and cardiologist will be able to determine if your heart condition requires use of antibiotics prior to dental procedures.

Stroke

Additional studies have pointed to a relationship between periodontal disease and stroke. In one study that looked at the causal relationship of oral infection as a risk factor for stroke, people diagnosed with acute cerebrovascular ischemia were found more likely to have an oral infection when compared to those in the control group.