Gum Disease Treatment in Honolulu, HI

The Primary Cause of Lost Teeth

Gum disease, not tooth decay, is the principle reason most people lose their teeth. Unfortunately, it can go completely unnoticed up to the very moment your teeth are gone. Unsure if it's happening to you? Symptoms include bleeding gums when you brush or floss, and loose or shifting teeth. We can help even if you've been told you need gum surgery. You'll be glad to know that it's possible to control gum disease with a variety of non-surgical methods.

Gum Disease Can Contribute to Heart Disease and Even Stroke

Do you know that doctors have studied recent medical research and reached an astonishing conclusion – that gum disease, stroke, and heart disease are connected? Since heart disease is usually deadly, it is quickly apparent that gum disease is no laughing matter. The American Dental Association estimates that 8 out of 10 Americans have periodontal (gum) disease. These types of numbers would indicate an epidemic if this were any other affliction. Most dentists think it is just that! They also realize that because "no one ever dies from it" gum disease will likely never be labeled an "epidemic." The worst is that you lose your teeth. Not pleasant – but certainly not life threatening. But that's all changed.

The American Academy of Periodontology reports that "Studies found periodontal infection may contribute to the development of heart disease, increase the risk of premature, underweight births, and pose a serious threat to people whose health is already compromised due to diabetes and respiratory diseases." In short, the bacteria that infects your gums can move into your bloodstream and straight to your heart.

Now the Good News

Most common insurance plans cover the surgical treatments necessary to treat advanced periodontal disease. Gum surgery is almost always successful in controlling the conditions present in serious cases. However, with mild periodontal disease, there are powerful NON-surgical procedures that, combined with better dental hygiene, can virtually stop the expansion of the disease. This, too, is usually covered under most dental insurance plans.

What's So Bad About Losing a Tooth?

Gum disease causes the loss of more teeth than routine decay, accident or any other trauma. So is it a big deal to lose a tooth? I mean, you can't die from it, right? No, you can't, but losing even a single tooth can cause the other teeth to shift and move around – affecting your ability to chew and process nutrients from your food. If you begin favoring softer foods loaded with more carbohydrates, it can cause you to gain weight. Loss of teeth can alter your appearance, making you look shriveled and aged. Also, your speech can be affected. That's why we work hard to help make sure this doesn't happen to you. If a missing tooth is unavoidable, we recommend replacement with a dental implant as the best solution.

Defeat Gum Disease Painlessly

Dr. John Ha is excited to offer his patients a mighty weapon in the battle against gum disease. It's called ARESTIN™. Available in a powder form that contains invisible microspheres, ARESTIN delivers a time-released antibiotic directly to the site of the infection (the spaces between the gums and teeth). ARESTIN kills the bacteria that cause gum disease! The best part is that it's pain-free!

We can help arrest your gum disease and bring your smile back to health. Give us a call today at (808) 941-2088.