What
is Periodontal Disease?
What
causes Periodontal Disease?
How is
Periodontal Disease treated?
Depending
on severity, treatment will be determined by Dr. Miller
after a thorough evaluation. There are surgical and non-surgical
alternatives:
Scaling
and Root Planing
Medications
Pocket
Depth Reduction
Bone
and Tissue Regeneration
Crown
Lengthening
Is Periodontal
Disease contagious?
According
to an article in the September 1997 issue of the Journal of
the American Dental Association, bacteria causing periodontal
disease may be passed though saliva. The American Academy of
Periodontology recommends that if one family member has periodontal
disease, then all family members should see a dental professional
for a periodontal disease screening.
What is
a Periodontist?
A periodontist
is a dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis and
treatment of periodontal disease, and in the placement of dental
implants. Periodontists receive extensive training, including
three additional years of education beyond dental school. Periodontists
are familiar with the latest techniques for diagnosing and treating
periodontal disease. In addition, they can perform cosmetic
periodontal procedures to help you achieve the smile you desire.
What will
happen at my first visit to Dr. Miller's
office?
During your
first visit, Dr. Miller
will review your complete medical and dental history with you.
You will then be given a complete oral and periodontal exam.
Dr. Miller
will examine your teeth and gums, checking for signs of disease.
Dr. Miller
will also measure your periodontal "pocket depths"
by using a small measuring instrument, much like a ruler. These
readings help Dr. Miller
assess the health of your gums. X-rays (radiographs) may also
be taken to check for possible bone loss.
What
are Dental Implants?
How long
do dental implants last?
Dental
implants can last a lifetime. Even though dental implants cannot
get decay like natural teeth, they require proper care and cleaning
to achieve this kind of longevity. More than nine out of ten
implants last longer than 15 years.
Am I a
good candidate for dental implants?
Dr. Miller
will do a thorough evaluation of your medical history and take
the necessary x-rays to determine if you are a good candidate
for dental implants.
