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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Gum disease treatment aims to address the inflammation and infection of the gums caused by the buildup of plaque and tartar. It typically involves a combination of professional dental care and proper oral hygiene practices. Treatment options range from non-surgical procedures like scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) to surgical interventions for advanced cases. The goal is to remove harmful bacteria, reduce gum inflammation, and promote gum tissue healing.
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection that affects the tissues supporting your teeth. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss and impact overall health. At Honolulu Smile Designs, our specialists provide tailored solutions to combat and manage gum disease effectively.
Watch out for symptoms like bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, receding gums, and loose teeth. If you experience any of these, it’s crucial to seek prompt attention. Our Honolulu Smile Designs team offers comprehensive evaluations and personalized treatment plans to address your unique needs.
Yes! We prioritize minimally invasive approaches. Our clinic offers scaling and root planing, a deep cleaning procedure, to remove plaque and tartar below the gumline. This treatment, along with improved oral hygiene, can often manage early-stage gum disease effectively.
Our experts are equipped with advanced techniques like laser therapy and regenerative procedures to address severe cases. We’ll assess your condition and recommend the best approach for restoring your gum health and preserving your smile.
Here’s what our happy patients say about us.
All the dental treatments you need are now together in one place.
Dentist,Dr. John Ha DDS and the team at Honolulu Smile Design are pleased to provide professional and caring dental services to their patients in Honolulu HI and the surrounding communities. Our dental services include: cosmetic, family, general, implant, laser, preventive and restorative dentistry. Our dental treatments include: routine oral hygiene care, teeth cleaning, dental exams, dental x-rays, dental bonding, porcelain dental crowns, teeth whitening, white dental fillings, Invisalign clear dental aligners, clear dental braces, dental implants, dental laser treatment, gum disease treatment, youth dental care, dental root canal treatment, senior dental care and same-day emergency dental care.
