Cosmetic Dentistry Gum Care
Santa Rosa, San Francisco, Oakland, Vallejo - California
High-tech Gum Care
Front-page article in USA TODAY shows studies link gum disease with heart disease and other life-threatening infections. |
It is known as the "silent tooth killer" and it affects 80 percent of Americans. What is it? It is gum disease. Dr. Klim utilizes fast, effective, and comfortable techniques to eliminate bacteria and repair damaged gum tissue, often without surgery.
It is easier now than ever before to conquer and prevent gum disease. This widespread problem has been noted to be the second most prevalent illness next to that of the common cold. Recently published research has also cited a link between gum disease and heart disease.
The question is, with all that is accessible to prevent gum disease, "Why do approximately 80% of American adults have it?" The answer is that many people do not realize they have gum disease. Why? Because it doesn't hurt!
Many Americans have the ability and resources to receive preventive care but don't for various reasons, including lack of convenience, busy-ness, or possibly fear of going to the dentist. Gum disease is referred to as the "silent tooth killer" by the ADA. By the time it begins to hurt, it is usually too late to stop the damage that has already occurred. The best way to keep tabs on dental conditions is to maintain a schedule of regular teeth cleaning and exams as recommended by your dentist.
Silent... Small... Deadly. The unhealthy population of bacteria that accumulate under the gum line is where all the problems begin. |
If it is discovered that you suffer from this silent gum disease, there are new technologies that can help. Oral hygiene products, such as the Sonicare toothbrush and oral irrigators have been extremely effective for home care. At your hygiene visit, your dentist and hygienist may recommend the latest conservative gum therapy using the laser.
The laser is used to gently disinfect and evaporate inflamed tissues inside the enlarged gum pockets. When the area is cleansed, bacterial activity that causes inflammation and eventual bone loss, is interrupted, giving the tissues a chance to heal. Systematic repeated visits allow the tissues to be disease-free to the point where tissues may even re-attach to the tooth. This brings the pocket depth back to a normal to near-normal depth.
Illustration of Gum Disease in the course of progressing down the root under the gums. The ADA has referred to Periodontal Disease as the "silent tooth killer." |
Depending on the extent of periodontal disease a series of 2 - 12 sessions of laser therapy may be recommended. Each session revisits the area treated before and treats a new area until the affected areas have been touched and given time to heal. Where surgery was indicated in just the very recent past, laser therapy is offered at a fraction of the cost of surgery, with less pain, quicker recovery, and less scarring.
 |
High tech Laser: Used to evaporate unhealthy gum tissue and stimulates healthy tissue re-growth. |
While surgery may still be recommended for advanced periodontal disease and grafting purposes, intercepting the disease process in the early phases is a much more conservative, effective, and comfortable option.
Dr. Klim is pleased to serve patients in the Santa Rosa, San Francisco, Oakland, and Vallejo, California areas.
