Periodontal Specialists – Dr. Herbert Veisman
Occlusal adjustment
Sometimes a crown or a filling is placed a little too high and can cause someone to grind their teeth. This can also result in tooth sensitivity and headaches. Bite or occlusal adjustment will assist in ensuring that the bite is correct and teeth interdigitate appropriately.
Periodontal Treatment and Dental Insurance
Many patients ask if dental insurance will cover their necessary dental and periodontal treatment. The answer is: IT DEPENDS!
Most insurance policies have a standard maximum annual allowable expense of $1500 to $2000. In addition, each procedure will be covered anywhere from 50 to 100% of the estimated amount. For example, if you require a couple of gum grafts on two different teeth (say, one in your top jaw, and one in your bottom jaw), then the estimate for the treatment might be $2800 ($1400 per graft). However, if your annual maximum is $1500 and each procedure is covered at 50%, then your total reimbursement per graft will be $700, or a total of $1400 for both. Since the total estimate is for $2800, you will receive $1400 from the insurance company you will have to pay the additional $1400 out of pocket.
It is important to understand that in Ontario (and most Canadian provinces) it is illegal for a dentist to write off the difference between the total estimate fee and the amount to be reimbursed by your insurance company. Also, it is illegal and fraudulent to send a CLAIM to an insurance company for treatment that has not already been completed.
Tooth Extraction and Immediate Dental implant
In most cases, if you need to have a tooth extracted, a dental implant usually can be placed right away, and at time, a cap (crown) or bridge can be placed on the same day (depending on how strong you jaw bone is).
Teeth need to be extracted if you have advanced gum disease, trauma (ie. accident), broken tooth beyond repair, failed root canal or abscess (infection). If the infection is too complex, then the tooth will be extracted but a bone graft needs to be completed first. Then, after four months, a dental implant can then be placed. The crown (cap) can then be placed either on the same day or two to three months later (depending on bone strength).
The Dental Implant protocol is:
1. Extraction of hopeless tooth-Immediate dental implant if no infection in socket
2. Extraction of hopeless tooth-Bone graft first-Wait four months-dental implant-Wait three months-Cap (crown)
For more information, call our office at 416-225-9910
GUM DISEASE SYMPTOMS
Who gets gum disease?
People usually don’t show signs of gum disease until they are in their 30s or 40s. Men are more likely to have gum disease than women. Although teenagers rarely develop periodontitis, they can develop gingivitis, the milder form of gum disease. Most commonly, gum disease develops when plaque is allowed to build up along and under the gum line.
How do I know if I have gum disease?
Symptoms of gum disease include:
- Bad breath that won’t go away
- Red or swollen gums
- Tender or bleeding gums
- Painful chewing
- Loose teeth
- Sensitive teeth
- Receding gums or longer appearing teeth
Any of these symptoms may be a sign of a serious problem, which should be checked by a dentist. At your dental visit the dentist or hygienist should:
- Ask about your medical history to identify underlying conditions or risk factors (such as smoking) that may contribute to gum disease.
- Examine your gums and note any signs of inflammation.
- Use a tiny ruler called a “probe” to check for and measure any pockets. In a healthy mouth, the depth of these pockets is usually between 1 and 3 millimeters. This test for pocket depth is usually painless.
GUM DISEASE PREVENTION
PREVENTING PERIODONTAL DISEASE
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is caused when bacteria in plaque (a sticky, colorless film that forms in the mouth) builds up between the gums and teeth. When the bacteria begin to grow, the gums surrounding the tooth can become inflamed.
If left untreated, this inflammation can cause the gums and supporting bone structure to deteriorate. This can lead to gum recession or even tooth loss. In addition, research has shown that gum disease may be associated with other diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease.
Luckily, periodontal disease can be preventable. Adding these habits to your daily routine can help.
Brush your teeth. Brushing after meals helps remove food debris and plaque trapped between your teeth and gums. Don’t forget to include your tongue, bacteria loves to hide there.
Floss. Flossing at least once a day helps remove food particles and plaque between teeth and along the gum line that your toothbrush can’t quite reach.
Swish with mouthwash. Using a mouthwash can help reduce plaque and can remove remaining food particles that brushing and flossing missed.
Know your risk. Age, smoking, diet and genetics can all increase your risk for periodontal disease. If you are at increased risk, be sure to talk with your dental professional.
See a periodontist. Get an annual comprehensive periodontal evaluation (CPE) from a dental professional. A CPE looks at your teeth, plaque level, gums, bite, bone structure and other risk factors for periodontal disease. Identifying symptoms of gum disease early is key to protecting your teeth and gums.
MEN AND GUM DISEASE
GUM DISEASE AND MEN
PROSTATE HEALTH
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is an enzyme created in the prostate that is normally secreted in very small amounts. However, when the prostate becomes inflamed, infected, or affected by cancer, PSA levels rise. Research has shown that men with indicators of periodontal disease such as red, swollen or tender gums as well as prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate) have higher levels of PSA than men with only one of the conditions. This means that prostate health may be associated with periodontal health, and vice versa.
HEART DISEASE
Research indicates that periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease are associated; having periodontal disease may actually increase your risk of cardiovascular disease. Both diseases are chronic inflammatory conditions, and researchers believe that inflammation is the connection between gum disease and heart disease. Since men are already more likely to develop heart disease than women, maintaining periodontal health is another way to reduce this risk.
IMPOTENCE
Men with periodontal disease, especially those younger than 30 or older than 70, are at increased risk of developing impotence, according to research. Researchers believe that inflammation may be the link between the two conditions; prolonged chronic inflammation (the same type of inflammation that is associated with periodontal disease) can damage blood vessels leading to impotence.
CANCER
Research has found that men with a history of gum disease are 14 percent more likely to develop cancer than men with healthy gums. Specifically, men with periodontal disease may be 49 percent more likely than women to develop kidney cancer, 54 percent more likely to develop pancreatic cancer, and 30 percent more likely to develop blood cancers.
WOMEN AND GUM DISEASE
GUM DISEASE AND WOMEN
PUBERTY
During puberty, an increased level of sex hormones, such as progesterone and possibly estrogen, causes increased blood circulation to the gums. This may cause an increase in the gum’s sensitivity and lead to a greater reaction to any irritation, including food particles and plaque. During this time, the gums may become swollen, turn red and feel tender.
MENSTRUATION
Occasionally, some women experience menstruation gingivitis. Women with this condition may experience bleeding gums, bright red and swollen gums and sores on the inside of the cheek. Menstruation gingivitis typically occurs right before a woman’s period and clears up once her period has started.
PREGNANCY
Some studies have suggested the possibility of an additional risk factor – periodontal disease. Pregnant women who have periodontal disease may be more likely to have a baby that is born too early and too small. However, more research is needed to confirm how periodontal disease may affect pregnancy outcomes.
All infections are cause for concern among pregnant women because they pose a risk to the health of the baby. The Academy recommends that women considering pregnancy have a periodontal evaluation.
MENOPAUSE AND POST-MENOPAUSE
Women who are menopausal or post-menopausal may experience changes in their mouths. They may notice discomfort in the mouth, including dry mouth, pain and burning sensations in the gum tissue and altered taste, especially salty, peppery or sour.
In addition, menopausal gingivostomatitis affects a small percentage of women. Gums that look dry or shiny, bleed easily and range from abnormally pale to deep red mark this condition. Most women find that estrogen supplements help to relieve these symptoms.
GUM DISEASE AND OTHER PHYSICAL ILLNESSES
GUM DISEASE AND OTHER SYSTEMIC DISEASES
OSTEOPOROSIS
Researchers have suggested that a link between osteoporosis and bone loss in the jaw. Studies suggest that osteoporosis may lead to tooth loss because the density of the bone that supports the teeth may be decreased, which means the teeth no longer have a solid foundation.
RESPIRATORY DISEASE
Research has found that bacteria that grow in the oral cavity can be aspirated into the lungs to cause respiratory diseases such as pneumonia, especially in people with periodontal disease.
CANCER
Researchers found that men with gum disease were 49% more likely to develop kidney cancer, 54% more likely to develop pancreatic cancer, and 30% morelikely to develop blood cancers.
GUM DISEASE AND HEART DISEASE
GUM DISEASE AND HEART DISEASE
HEART DISEASE
Several studies have shown that periodontal disease is associated with heart disease. While a cause-and-effect relationship has not yet been proven, research has indicated that periodontal disease increases the risk of heart disease.
Scientists believe that inflammation caused by periodontal disease may be responsible for the association.
Periodontal disease can also exacerbate existing heart conditions. Patients at risk for infective endocarditis may require antibiotics prior to dental procedures. Your periodontist and cardiologist will be able to determine if your heart condition requires use of antibiotics prior to dental procedures.
STROKE
Additional studies have pointed to a relationship between periodontal disease and stroke. In one study that looked at the causal relationship of oral infection as a risk factor for stroke, people diagnosed with acute cerebrovascular ischemia were found more likely to have an oral infection when compared to those in the control group.
DIABETES AND GUM DISEASE
DIABETES AND PERIODONTAL DISEASE
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Diabetic patients are more likely to develop periodontal disease, which in turn can increase blood sugar and diabetic complications.
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People with diabetes are more likely to have periodontal disease than people without diabetes, probably because people with diabetes are more susceptible to contracting infections. In fact, periodontal disease is often considered a complication of diabetes. Those people who don’t have their diabetes under control are especially at risk.
Research has suggested that the relationship between diabetes and periodontal disease goes both ways – periodontal disease may make it more difficult for people who have diabetes to control their blood sugar.
Severe periodontal disease can increase blood sugar, contributing to increased periods of time when the body functions with a high blood sugar. This puts people with diabetes at increased risk for diabetic complications.
