Dr. Elam was featured in the Tennessean newspaper in June 2010.

You can view a screenshot of the article here on our blog, or click here to read the entire article online at the Tennessean web site.

Periodontal diseases are serious infections of the mouth that can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. These infectious ,and contagious, diseases have also been linked to cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, as well as preterm, low birth weight babies. Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection affecting the gums and bone supporting the teeth.

Our mouths are full of bacteria. Periodontal disease begins when these bacteria form a sticky “plaque” on our teeth which can harden to form “tartar”. Brushing and flossing help to reduce these plaque accumulations, but only professional cleanings can remove tartar. Left untreated, these bacteria will cause inflammation and infection of the gums which is referred to as “gingivitis”. As the inflammation and infection spreads to the supporting ligaments and surrounding bone, “periodontitis” occurs. It is this loss of support that causes out teeth to become loose and fall out.

So what are the symptoms of periodontal disease?

• Persistent breathe odor
• Bright red gums
• Gums that bleed easily, even with gentle brushing
• Tender teeth
• Teeth that are loose
• Swollen gums

In treating gingivitis and periodontitis, the goal is to reduce the infection and inflammation, eliminate periodontal pockets, and address the underlying causes. The specific type of treatment varies and is determined by the extent of an individual’s disease. It may be as simple as having the teeth cleaned professionally, or it might be extensive enough to warrant surgery. Whatever the course of treatment, it is important to follow careful oral hygiene for your entire life to prevent re-occurrence.

See also – LANAP – Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure For Periodontal Disease

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We have recently added some information about wisdom teeth, underlying causes, health concerns, and methods for removal. We welcome your comments, and for you to contact us for additional information.

How serious is an impacted tooth?

An impacted too is one that is prevented from erupting into position by overlying bone of soft tissue. Impacted teeth can be painful and lead to infection and they may crowd or damage adjacent teeth. More serious problems may occur if the tissue around the tooth enlarged and become infected, this is called a pericoronitis, and is the source of most painful wisdom teeth. Initially infection with wisdom teeth are treated with antibiotics, usually penicillin, definitive treatment requires removal. This is best done before the age of 26, when the surrounding bone is still immature.

Wisdom teeth can be extracted with local anesthetic (a shot of lidocaine) but are usually removed with IV sedation, and local anesthetic. with sedation patients don’t remember the surgery.

The ease of which a wisdom tooth is removed depends upon the position of the tooth, and root maturity, and the age of the patient.

After surgery the patient may experience slight swelling and mild discomfort. An ice pack, ibuprofen and or a pain pill will help manage the discomfort. In our office we remove impacted wisdom teeth with both IV sedation and local anesthesia depending upon the patient’s preferences.

Here are five quick and easy things we all can do everyday to ensure a healthy smile.

1. Brush after each meal
2. floss – especially when eating steak or other foods that leave food between your teeth
3. avoid sugary foods, rinse well if you can’t resist
4. use an advanced mouthwash daily
5. make an appointment to get a regular professional cleaning with your dentist

Today I saw a patient who complained of white thick areas on both of her cheeks and also on her tongue. She said it didn’t hurt but she was worried it might be cancer. The previous doctor she went to biopsied it and it was negative for cancer. Still she was worried. I asked her if she ever chewed Big Red chewing gum or anything with Cinnamon in it. She said yes, she used Cinnamon Nicorette gum! Cinnamon caused white changes in the gum and if she stops it should go away in 2 weeks. She was very happy with the diagnosis.

Whitening (gel solution):
Your dentist will make a tray to custom fit your teeth, to which a safe whitening agent is applied. The trays are worn anywhere from 30 minutes a day to overnight, depending on the solution you and your dentist find most suitable. Most patients notice results within a few applications.