Dr. Sarah Po - Family & Cosmetic Dentistry

Archive for periodontal disease

Denture Overview

Posted by: Dr. Sarah Po | Comments (0)
Wednesday, July 14th, 2010

If you have lost all of your natural teeth, whether from periodontal disease, tooth decay or injury, complete dentures can replace your missing teeth and your smile. Replacing missing teeth will benefit your appearance and your health. Without support from the denture, facial muscles sag, making a person look older. You’ll be able to eat and speak—things that people often take for granted until their natural teeth are lost.

There are various types of complete dentures. A conventional full denture is made and placed in the patient’s mouth after the remaining teeth are removed and tissues have healed which may take several months. An immediate complete denture is inserted as soon as the remaining teeth are removed. The dentist takes measurements and makes models of the patient’s jaws during a preliminary visit. With immediate dentures, the denture wearer does not have to be without teeth during the healing period.

Even if you wear full dentures, you still must take good care of your mouth. Brush your gums, tongue and palate every morning with a soft-bristled brush before you insert your dentures to stimulate circulation in your tissues and help remove plaque.

Thank you for reading. I encourage you to leave comments or questions below. To learn more about my practice, click on the link www.elitesacramentodentist.com

Your friendly dentist,
Dr. Sarah Po
July 14, 2010

Source:  http://www.ada.org/2996.aspx?currentTab=1

Categories : Cosmetic Dentistry, Dentistry
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The Mouth Body Connection: How Do Infections In The Mouth Affect the Rest of the Body?

Posted by: Dr. Sarah Po | Comments (0)
Tuesday, March 16th, 2010

In the late 90’s, the American Academy of Periodontology launched an effort to educate the public about new findings which support what dental professionals had long suspected: infections in the mouth play havoc elsewhere in the body.

Since then, evidence continues to support these links. While more research needs to be done to confirm that people with periodontal disease (gum disease) are at a higher risk for developing heart and systemic disease, dentists do know that periodontal disease is a bacterial infection, and all infections are cause for concern.

Periodontal bacteria can enter the blood stream, travel to major organs, and begin new infections. Research suggests that this may:

  • Contribute to the development of Heart Disease, the nation’s leading cause of death.
  • Increase the risk of stroke.
  • Increase a woman’s risk of having a pre-term, low birth weight baby.
  • Pose serious threats to people whose health is compromised by diabetes, respiratory disease or osteoporosis.

Later this week I will discuss further how gum disease may contribute to development of heart disease and stroke.  Until then…

Thank you for reading. I encourage you to leave comments or questions below. To learn more about my practice, click Here

Your friendly dentist,
Dr. Sarah Po
Mar. 16, 2010

Categories : Dentistry, Healthy Teeth
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Laser Therapy for Treatment of Gum Disease

Posted by: Dr. Sarah Po | Comments (0)
Thursday, March 11th, 2010

In my practice we are happy to offer our patients the advantages of Laser-Assisted Periodontal Therapy.  As we age, our gums are more susceptible to gingivitis and other periodontal problems.  Adding laser therapy to deep cleaning procedures offers faster, easier removal of damaged tissue with less post-operative pain and discomfort than conventional therapy.

How does it work?

Tartar, associated with inflammation and bleeding gums, is removed from the root surface of the tooth using an ultrasonic scaler and small instruments.  Then, a small amount of light energy from a laser is directed through a tiny fiber, which is gently placed between the gum and tooth. This light energy aids in reducing the bacteria associated with the disease.  After the area is thoroughly cleaned, the body can heal the area naturally.

Does it hurt?

Although the procedure itself can be virtually painless, we may anesthetize the area for your comfort.  Post-procedure discomfort is typically less intense and of shorter duration than conventional periodontal surgery.

How long does it take?

Initial treatment will focus on scaling and removal of tartar.  Then, the laser portion of the treatment will be performed.  Treatment time will vary depending on the severity of your periodontal disease.

Thank you for reading. I encourage you to leave comments or questions below. To learn more about my practice, click on www.elitesacramentodentist.com

Your friendly dentist,
Dr. Sarah Po
Mar. 11, 2010

Categories : Dentistry, Gum Disease
Comments (0)
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