Diagnosis and treatment
In diagnosing the problem and planning treatment, it is important to know
what kind of microorganisms are present. Treatment is directed toward
eliminating or controlling this pathogenic overgrowth. When the "bad guys"
are gone, the immune system doesn't have to "fight" anymore. In turning off its
fight mechanism, it can then switch to a healing response and rebuild healthy
tissue.
Treatment will involve a combination of in-office techniques and at-home
techniques. These procedures are adapted from protocols developed by the
Periodontal Committee of the International Academy of Oral Medicine and
Toxicology (IAOMT). In the office, usually over a series of a few visits, the
periodontal pockets (the space under the gum line where the harmful bacteria
and their toxins are hiding) are meticulously flushed and irrigated with
antimicrobial solutions. This flushes out and detoxifies the areas. Any buildup
of "tartar" ("calculus"), creating rough surfaces is carefully removed. Samples of
bacterial plaque are taken periodically and evaluated under a powerful
phase-contrast microscope to monitor what types of organisms are present,
how many, and in what type of organization.
At home, most patients will also be using a home "irrigator" to keep areas
effectively clean and detoxified and prevent re-infection. We will usually
advise some help in boosting the immune system's healing response. This may
involve some daily supplements specifically designed for this purpose. It
sometimes involves referral to other health practitioners whose expertise
complements our treatment.
Goal of treatment
The goal is elimination of infection and stimulation of a healing response.
Reduction of periodontal pocket depth will often follow, but this traditional
measure of periodontal health isn't as significant as we have previously
thought. Any previous tenderness or bleeding should be eliminated. A major
goal is also to eliminate the need for traditional periodontal surgery. By
preventing re-infection, we expect long term healing to continue. Evaluation of
the teeth, dental restorations, the occlusion (bite relationship), nutrition and
lifestyle factors are all important. For example, smokers will almost always
have a compromised long-term prognosis. Periodic evaluation and monitoring
are vital. We don't want people to be stuck on a merry-go-round of having to
come in every three months to get their teeth "cleaned." But regular monitoring
for re-infection is very important, both during the initial treatment phase, and
periodically thereafter, for long-term success. Remember that by eliminating
this chronic infection you are not only enjoying a healthier mouth, but also
eliminating a possible risk factor for several other chronic health problems.
We'd like to help you keep your teeth and mouth healthy for your lifetime, and
to do it in a way that is most effective, least invasive, most biocompatible and
most comfortable. That is the aim of Biocompatible Periodontal Therapy.
Scientific references for Biocompatible Periodontal Therapy are available on
request. If interested, please email our office.
In diagnosing the problem and planning treatment, it is important to know
what kind of microorganisms are present. Treatment is directed toward
eliminating or controlling this pathogenic overgrowth. When the "bad guys"
are gone, the immune system doesn't have to "fight" anymore. In turning off its
fight mechanism, it can then switch to a healing response and rebuild healthy
tissue.
Treatment will involve a combination of in-office techniques and at-home
techniques. These procedures are adapted from protocols developed by the
Periodontal Committee of the International Academy of Oral Medicine and
Toxicology (IAOMT). In the office, usually over a series of a few visits, the
periodontal pockets (the space under the gum line where the harmful bacteria
and their toxins are hiding) are meticulously flushed and irrigated with
antimicrobial solutions. This flushes out and detoxifies the areas. Any buildup
of "tartar" ("calculus"), creating rough surfaces is carefully removed. Samples of
bacterial plaque are taken periodically and evaluated under a powerful
phase-contrast microscope to monitor what types of organisms are present,
how many, and in what type of organization.
At home, most patients will also be using a home "irrigator" to keep areas
effectively clean and detoxified and prevent re-infection. We will usually
advise some help in boosting the immune system's healing response. This may
involve some daily supplements specifically designed for this purpose. It
sometimes involves referral to other health practitioners whose expertise
complements our treatment.
Goal of treatment
The goal is elimination of infection and stimulation of a healing response.
Reduction of periodontal pocket depth will often follow, but this traditional
measure of periodontal health isn't as significant as we have previously
thought. Any previous tenderness or bleeding should be eliminated. A major
goal is also to eliminate the need for traditional periodontal surgery. By
preventing re-infection, we expect long term healing to continue. Evaluation of
the teeth, dental restorations, the occlusion (bite relationship), nutrition and
lifestyle factors are all important. For example, smokers will almost always
have a compromised long-term prognosis. Periodic evaluation and monitoring
are vital. We don't want people to be stuck on a merry-go-round of having to
come in every three months to get their teeth "cleaned." But regular monitoring
for re-infection is very important, both during the initial treatment phase, and
periodically thereafter, for long-term success. Remember that by eliminating
this chronic infection you are not only enjoying a healthier mouth, but also
eliminating a possible risk factor for several other chronic health problems.
We'd like to help you keep your teeth and mouth healthy for your lifetime, and
to do it in a way that is most effective, least invasive, most biocompatible and
most comfortable. That is the aim of Biocompatible Periodontal Therapy.
Scientific references for Biocompatible Periodontal Therapy are available on
request. If interested, please email our office.
Biocompatible Periodontal Therapy
- Biocompatible Periodontal Therapy
coexistence with living tissues or organisms without
causing harm." Our approach to the diagnosis and
treatment of periodontal disease always tries to keep
this idea in the forefront.
Periodontal Infection
Periodontal disease is an infectious process. We can almost interchangeably use
the term periodontal infection. There are particular types of bacteria and other
microorganisms known to be involved. We all have bacteria in our mouths, and
some of them probably belong there. A healthy mouth doesn't really mean one
that is sterilized of all bacteria (nor would that be possible to accomplish). It is
when certain types of bacteria, living just under the gum line and creating an
overgrowth or imbalance of harmful bacteria, that periodontal disease results.
There is a complex cascade of events involving the body's immune response to
this overgrowth of pathogenic (harmful) microorganisms. Chemicals are
released by the immune system in the course of fighting these bacteria that
actually create the inflammation that we see in the gums.
Risk factor for other health problems?
Research, especially in the last few years, has shown a link between periodontal
infection and several systemic diseases. Heart disease, ulcers, arthritis, diabetes,
premature low-birth weight babies and other health problems have been linked
with periodontal disease to a degree that it can be considered a risk factor for
these health problems.
Periodontal disease is an infectious process. We can almost interchangeably use
the term periodontal infection. There are particular types of bacteria and other
microorganisms known to be involved. We all have bacteria in our mouths, and
some of them probably belong there. A healthy mouth doesn't really mean one
that is sterilized of all bacteria (nor would that be possible to accomplish). It is
when certain types of bacteria, living just under the gum line and creating an
overgrowth or imbalance of harmful bacteria, that periodontal disease results.
There is a complex cascade of events involving the body's immune response to
this overgrowth of pathogenic (harmful) microorganisms. Chemicals are
released by the immune system in the course of fighting these bacteria that
actually create the inflammation that we see in the gums.
Risk factor for other health problems?
Research, especially in the last few years, has shown a link between periodontal
infection and several systemic diseases. Heart disease, ulcers, arthritis, diabetes,
premature low-birth weight babies and other health problems have been linked
with periodontal disease to a degree that it can be considered a risk factor for
these health problems.
Much has been learned in the past decade or so about periodontal disease, and
how to treat it effectively. Very importantly, a lot has also been learned about
what has been ineffective. Traditional approaches in the past have often been
fairly effective short term, but disappointing in the long term. Also, these
approaches have often been rather invasive (surgical) and uncomfortable.
how to treat it effectively. Very importantly, a lot has also been learned about
what has been ineffective. Traditional approaches in the past have often been
fairly effective short term, but disappointing in the long term. Also, these
approaches have often been rather invasive (surgical) and uncomfortable.
| Join Dr. Prager's Private Inner Circle |
| Are you worried about losing your natural teeth??? Are you unhappy with your smile?? |
Dr. Prager has been searching for the last 30 years and has recently uncovered
the tightly guarded, closely held secrets to allow you to keep your teeth for life and
have an absolutely beautiful smile.
Now you can join Dr. Prager's Private Inner Circle and be privy to this previously
hidden, undisclosed information.
the tightly guarded, closely held secrets to allow you to keep your teeth for life and
have an absolutely beautiful smile.
Now you can join Dr. Prager's Private Inner Circle and be privy to this previously
hidden, undisclosed information.
|
| We respect your email privacy. We promise to never sell, barter or rent your email address to any unauthorized third party. See our Privacy Policy. |
|
BellinghamSmiles.com Dental Care 1420 King Street, Suite B Bellingham, WA 98229 (360) 671-4552
| Home Testimonials Free Secrets Why Choose Us? Services 20 Minute Teeth Whitening Specials Save Your Natural Teeth Avoid Gum Surgery With Laser Therapy Stop Snoring Sleep Apnea Treatment CPAP Alternatives Help Me Sleep Better 6 Month Cosmetic Braces Dr. Prager Request Appointment Contact Us Location Site Map Office Forms |
