Periodontal Treatment
One of the strongest aspects of our clinic's practice is the care and attention given to patients in our preventive and periodontal department. Our highly trained dental hygienists endeavor to provide our patients with the most thorough cleaning possible, while always being attuned to maintaining their comfort. For those patients facing more complex oral health needs, our hygienists are fully trained and capable of providing the most up-to-date non-surgical treatments available.
In 2000, the U.S. Surgeon Generals Office released a report declaring America's high prevalence of dental disease a "silent epidemic." This report aimed to raise awareness that oral health is an integral part of overall well-being and that no distinction should be made between oral and general health.
Periodontal disease attacks the gums and bone. As the disease progresses, bone literally dissolves away from the tooth causing teeth to become loose and infected. Gum and periodontal disease have been linked to infective endocarditis, diabetes, spontaneous preterm births, lung infections, and a weakened immune systems, as well as infections in joint replacements.
Periodontal Disease Prevention in Marco Island
Unfortunately,
gum disease is not curable, but is preventable. Your degree of susceptibility is determined by such factors as daily oral hygiene, the health of your immune system, and, especially, your genetics. If you have been diagnosed with gum disease you will always be susceptible to recurring problems, making it imperative that regularly scheduled dental visits are a primary component of your oral health.
We can detect early signs of periodontal disease with a simple test, and provide the most up-to-date periodontal treatment to prevent further problems or worsening of the original condition. Even though this early detection procedure is simple and becoming more commonplace, many people are still unfamiliar with it.
Island Tower Dentistry's goal is to help our patients maintain the benefits of a healthy mouth, with pockets no deeper than 3 mm and no bleeding upon probing. The mantra at Island Tower Dentistry is "Zero Tolerance for Bleeding," and it has become evident through research that this critical goal is not only good for your oral health, but also for your overall general health as well.
Treating Periodontal Disease
Dr. Van Dyke and his team address the treatment of periodontal disease as one of the most important considerations in oral health. Because of the direct link between dental health and overall medical health, we perform a thorough periodontal examination on all new patients, and also screen our recall patients at regular intervals. Upon completion of the initial assessment we are then able to determine what type of cleaning is necessary for your mouth. And, yes, there are different types of cleanings that the hygienists and your dentist will recommend for you based on your specific dental condition.
We rely on computerized charting to keep us informed on patient status at all times. This information can be easily shared with physicians and other specialists, and we highly recommended that those patients who head north for the summer bring a copy of their charting with them for any dental health care needs during their time away. Computerized charting is also utilized for recall hygiene appointments, during which one of our specially trained hygienists will examine and assess your current dental condition. In determining your current dental condition we will review:
- Your medical history.
- Conduct a head, neck and cancer exam.
- View and analyze current x-rays.
- Examine gums and bone structures for periodontal disease.
- Examine teeth for cavities.
- Conduct a thorough cleaning appropriate for your dental condition.
- Understand your concerns and values.
- All of this is included as part of the normal fee for your regular checkup and exam.
Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP)
Treatment of more advanced periodontal disease using the groundbreaking "laser-assisted new attachment procedure," established under an FDA-approved protocol, is an excellent alternative for the treatment of periodontal disease. This protocol, (used for over 15 years, and not to be confused with other non-approved laser gum therapies), was published and spearheaded by Prof. Raymond Yukna DMD, MS, director of Advanced Periodontal Therapeutics at the University of Colorado, Denver School of Dental Medicine. "These (LANAP) results are very positive, very consistent, and very encouraging related to the treatment of deep gum pockets." said Dr.Yukna. "Dentists have been looking for ways to regenerate some of the tissues lost to gum infections and the LANAP protocol is an exciting and revolutionary treatment protocol showing microscopically that we can form a new root coating (cementum) and new connective tissue attachment (collagen). Our consistent results suggest that the best possible type of healing can be obtained using the specific LANAP protocol. This presents a wonderful alternative to traditional surgery."
Contact Island Tower Dentistry
Dr. Van Dyke and his qualified team of dental hygienists, dental assistants, and office support staff are ready to assist you with all of your dental needs. To
contact Island Tower Dentistry regarding a dental concern or to make an appointment, call
239-394-1004. Our office is conveniently located at 606 Bald Eagle Drive, Suite 200, Marco Island, Florida 34145.
