What
is Periodontal Disease?
What
causes Periodontal Disease?
How is Periodontal
Disease treated?
Depending on severity,
treatment will be determined by Dr. Herman
after a thorough evaluation. There are surgical and non-surgical alternatives:
Is Periodontal Disease
contagious?
According to an article
in the September 1997 issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association,
bacteria causing periodontal disease may be passed though saliva. The
American Academy of Periodontology recommends that if one family member
has periodontal disease, then all family members should see a dental professional
for a periodontal disease screening.
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What is a Periodontist?
A periodontist is
a dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of
periodontal disease, and in the placement of dental implants. Periodontists
receive extensive training, including three additional years of education
beyond dental school. Periodontists are familiar with the latest techniques
for diagnosing and treating periodontal disease. In addition, they can
perform cosmetic periodontal procedures to help you achieve the smile
you desire.
What will happen
at my first visit to Dr. Herman's
office?
During your first
visit, Dr. Herman
will review your complete medical and dental history with you. You will
then be given a complete oral and periodontal exam. Dr. Herman
will examine your teeth and gums, checking for signs of disease. Dr. Herman
will also measure your periodontal "pocket depths" by using
a small measuring instrument, much like a ruler. These readings help Dr. Herman
assess the health of your gums. X-rays (radiographs) may also be taken
to check for possible bone loss.
What
are Dental Implants?
How long do dental
implants last?
Dental implants can
last a lifetime. Even though dental implants cannot get decay like natural
teeth, they require proper care and cleaning to achieve this kind of longevity.
More than nine out of ten implants last longer than 15 years.
Am I a good candidate
for dental implants?
Dr. Herman
will do a thorough evaluation of your medical history and take the necessary
x-rays to determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants.
©Copyright
2003- Dental WebSmith,
Inc. and Central Pennsylvania Periodontics,
LLC.
All rights reserved. Disclaimer:
The information provided within is intended to help you better understand dental
conditions and procedures. It is not meant to serve as delivery of medical or
dental care. If you have specific questions or concerns, contact your health
care provider.