Frequently Asked Questions ► What is Periodontitis? The word “periodontal" means "around the tooth." Periodontal disease (periodontitis), then, is a bacterial infection that affects the tissues surrounding the teeth. More specifically, the infection attacks the fibers and supporting bone that hold your teeth in your mouth. These bacteria generally come from plaque, the sticky colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth. Home oral care including proper daily brushing and flossing is essential to prevent plaque build-up. If the plaque accumulates, it can turn into a hard substance called calculus in as little as two days. Calculus can be so hard that only a professional cleaning can remove it.   If the calculus forms under the gum line, the risk for periodontal disease increases. The bacteria associated with plaque release toxins that irritate the gums causing inflammation, infection and occasional bleeding. These same toxins destroy the supporting tissues and bone around the teeth. The gums separate from the teeth, forming pockets that fill with more plaque and cause more infection. The pockets deepen and more bone and gum tissue are destroyed. Eventually the tooth becomes loose and may need to be removed. Periodontal disease can affect only one, a few or all of your teeth. There are many forms of periodontal disease but the more common forms are: ● Gingivitis     This is the mildest and most common form and is reversible with good home oral care and       professional treatment. It is characterized by red, swollen gums that bleed easily but are        not necessarily painful or uncomfortable. ●  Mild PeriodontitiS     If untreated, gingivitis can develop into periodontitis. At this stage, the disease starts to     destroy the supporting bone and tissue. ● Moderate-Advanced Periodontitis     At this point, the damage to tissue and bone is so severe that the tooth or teeth     become loose and may need to be removed.

► What Factors Contribute to Periodontal Disease? ● Smoking/Tobacco Use     Tobacco users are more likely to get periodontal disease and suffer the most severe     forms. Also, healing after therapy my take more time. ●  Pregnancy and Puberty      Some hormonal changes can cause the gums to become red and tender and bleed         easily. Any preexisting periodontal diseases can become more severe. ●  Stress      Stress can make it more difficult for the body to fight off infection. ●  Medications      Some drugs, such as oral contraceptives, antidepressants and certain heart      medicines, can affect oral health. You should always inform your dental care        professional of the medicines you are taking and any changes in your health history. ●  Clenching or Grinding Your Teeth      These habits can put excess force on the supporting tissues of the teeth and could        speed up the rate at which these tissues are destroyed. ●  Diabetes      Periodontal disease can be more severe in uncontrolled diabetics. In addition,      untreated periodontal diseases can make it harder for uncontrolled diabetics to      keep their diabetes under control. ●  Poor NutritionA diet low in important nutrients also can make it harder for the       body to fight off infection. ●  Systemic Diseases      Diseases that interfere with the body’s immune system may worsen the condition      of the gums. ► What Are The Signs of Perriodontal Disease? Some of the more common symptoms of periodontal disease include: ●  Bleeding of gums during brushing ●  Red, swollen or tender gums ●  Gums that have pulled away from the teeth ●  Persistent bad breath ●  Pus between the teeth and gums (leaving a bad taste) ●  Loose or separating teeth ●  A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite ●  A change in the fit of partial dentures ***You may have periodontal disease and not show any of these symptoms. Most people don't     experience pain with periodontal diseases. You should consult a periodontist for a complete evaluation and professional diagnosis of the condition of your gums. Many adults over 35 years of age develop periodontal disease. ► What Are Dental Implants And What Can They Do For Me? ●  A dental implant is an artificial tooth root placed into your jaw to hold a       replacement tooth or bridge in place. While high-tech in nature, dental implants are      actually more tooth-saving than traditional bridgework, since implants do not rely      on neighboring teeth for support. ●  Dental implants are so natural looking and feeling; you may forget you ever lost a tooth. ► What Are The Advantages of Dental Implants Over     Dentures or Bridges?       Every way you look at it, dental implants are a better solution to the problem of missing         teeth. ●  Esthetic--Dental implants look and feel like your own teeth. Since dental implants       integrate into the structure of your bone, they prevent the bone loss and gum       recession that often accompany bridgework and dentures. No one will ever know         that you have a replacement tooth. ●  Tooth-saving--Dental implants don't sacrifice the quality of your adjacent teeth like       a bridge does because neighboring teeth are not altered to support the implant.       More of your own teeth are left untouched, a significant long-term benefit to your       oral health! ●  Confidence--Dental implants will allow you to once again speak and eat with       comfort and confidence. They are secure and offer freedom from the irksome       clicks and wobbles of dentures. They'll allow you to say goodbye to worries about         misplaced dentures and messy pastes and glues. ●  Reliable--The success rate of dental implants is highly predictable. They are       considered an excellent option for tooth replacement. ► Am I A Candidate for Dental Implants? The ideal candidate for a dental implant is in good general and oral health. Adequate bone in your jaw is needed to support the implant, and the best candidates have healthy gum tissues that are free of periodontal disease. Dental implants are intimately connected with the gum tissues and underlying bone in the mouth. Since periodontists are the dental experts who specialize in these areas, they are ideal members of your dental implant team. Not only do periodontists have experience working with other dental professionals, they also have the special knowledge, training and facilities that you need to have teeth that look and feel just like your own. Your dentist and periodontist will work together to make your dreams come true. ► What Is Implant Treatment Like? This procedure is a team effort between you, your dentist and your periodontist. Your periodontist and dentist will consult with you to determine where and how your implant should be placed. Depending on your specific condition and the type of implant chosen, your periodontist will create a treatment plan tailored to meet your needs. It will be important for you to work as a team with your periodontist and dentist to reach your treatment goals. ► What Can I Expect After Implant Treatment? As you know, your own teeth require conscientious at-home oral care and regular dental visits. Dental implants are like your own teeth and will require the same care. In order to keep your implant clean and plaque-free, brushing and flossing still apply. After treatment, your periodontist will work closely with you and your dentist to develop the best care plan for you. Periodic follow-up visits will be scheduled to monitor your implant, teeth and gums to make sure they are healthy. ► Am I Ready To Venture Beyond     Conventional Dentures and Bridges? Jot down your questions about dental implants before your next visit to your periodontist. He can answer your questions and provide a personal evaluation. ► How Does Laser Periodontal Therapy Work? Tartar, associated with inflammation and occasional 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 Laser Treatment Hurt? Although the procedure itself can be virtually painless, we may anesthetize the area for your comfort. In this way we can precisely direct the laser for treatment. Post-procedure discomfort is typically less intense and of shorter duration than conventional periodontal surgery.     Contact us today at: Dr. Lloyd V.Tilt D.D.S., M.S. 3590 Harrison Blvd., Suite 3 · (801) 394-6651 ·  Ogden, Utah 84403

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