A REPUTATION FOR EXCELLENCE IN MODERN DENTISTRY
As a diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology Dr. Pawlus and his staff will provide you with comprehensive periodontal treatment and education.
We also provide diagnostic procedures and treatment for oral pathology as well as dental implant surgery for replacement of missing teeth.
We take the time to explain your treatment options and to inform you of additional preventative care methods.
We are here to listen to your questions and concerns and to help provide solutions leading to your better health…Read More
Section 1
What Does Board Certified in Dentistry and Periodontics Mean?
Section 2
Besides Diagnosing and Treating Periodontal (Gum) Disease, what Other Treatments Does Dr. Pawlus Provide?
Section 3
What is Periodontics?
Section 4
What is Periodontal Disease?
Section 5
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Periodontal (Gum) Disease?
Section 6
What causes Periodontal Disease?
Section 7
What is Gingivitis?
Section 8
What causes Gingivitis?
Section 9
Can Gingivitis be reversed?
Section 10
Are there Other Risk Factors that Cause Gum Disease?
Section 11
What Can I Expect at My Dental Visit with Dr. Pawlus?
Section 12
What Can I Expect for Treatment?
Section 13
What Can I Do at Home to Prevent Periodontal Disease?
Section 14
Is Periodontal Disease Contagious?
Section 15
Are Children at Risk for Periodontal Disease?
Section 16
Does Medicare or Medicaid Cover Dental Treatments?
All periodontists must complete an additional two to three years of specialized training in periodontics following dental school however, some periodontists, such as Dr. Pawlus, opt to take the board-certification examination, which is offered by the American Board of Periodontology once per year.
Board certification in periodontology denotes someone who has made significant achievements beyond the mandatory educational requirements of the specialty, including demonstrating a comprehensive mastery of all phases of periodontal disease and treatment and in the placement of dental implants.
Periodontists usually spend most of their time diagnosing and treating gum disease, but there are a variety other procedures Dr. Pawlus can perform.
Dr. Pawlus has placed dental implants when natural teeth cannot be saved. He also monitors the implants to make sure that they’re properly doing their job.
Dr. Pawlus may also correct gum recession and cover up exposed root surfaces which can be unsightly, as well as sensitive to hot and cold.
These procedures are often used to lay the foundation for additional cosmetic procedures to help create a beautiful smile.
Periodontics is a specialty of dentistry which encompasses the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the supporting and surrounding tissues of the teeth or their substitutes and the maintenance of the health, function and esthetics of these structures and tissues.
Periodontal Disease, also known as Gum Disease, is a bacterial infection of the gums, bone and ligaments that hold your teeth in place.
The disease is usually painless and silent, until it reaches advanced stages. If you have periodontitis, the gums pull away from the teeth and form pockets that become infected.
If not treated, the bones, gums and connective tissue that support the teeth are destroyed. That is why it is important to seek schedule a visit with Dr. Pawlus as soon as possible.
Dr. Pawlus will increase your chances of keeping your natural teeth and decrease the risk of possible health problems associated with periodontal disease.
- Red, swollen or tender gums or other pain in your mouth
- Bleeding while brushing, flossing, or when eating certain foods
- Gums that are receding or pulling away from the teeth, causing the teeth to look longer than before
- Loose or separating teeth
- Pus between your gums and teeth
- Sores in your mouth
- Persistent bad breath
- A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
- A change in the fit of partial dentures
Typically, Periodontal Disease develops over a period of time and is caused by poor brushing and flossing habits that allow plaque, a sticky film of bacteria known as gingivitis, to build up on the teeth and harden.
Our mouths are full of bacteria. These bacteria, along with mucus and other particles, constantly form a sticky, colorless “plaque” on teeth. Brushing and flossing help get rid of plaque. Plaque that is not removed can harden and form “tartar” that brushing doesn’t clean.
The most common cause of gingivitis is the accumulation of bacterial plaque between and around the teeth. The plaque triggers an immune response, which, in turn, can eventually lead to the destruction of gum tissue.
Dental plaque is a biofilm that accumulates naturally on the teeth. It is usually formed by colonizing bacteria that are trying to stick to the smooth surface of a tooth.
These bacteria might help protect the mouth from the colonization of harmful microorganisms, but dental plaque can also cause tooth decay, and periodontal problems such as gingivitis and chronic periodontitis, a gum infection.
When plaque is not removed adequately, it can harden into calculus, or tartar, at the base of the teeth, near the gums. This has a yellow color. Calculus can only be removed professionally.
Gingivitis can usually be reversed by daily brushing and flossing and regular cleanings by a dentist or dental hygienist.
Untreated gingivitis can lead to periodontitis. It ranges from simple gum inflammation, called gingivitis, to serious damage to the tissue and bone supporting the teeth. In the worst cases, you can lose teeth.
Besides a buildup of plaque, there are several risk factors for gum disease. Smoking is the most significant. Smoking also can make treatment for gum disease less successful. Other risk factors include:
- Changes in hormones: This may occur during puberty, menopause, the menstrual cycle, and pregnancy. The gingiva might become more sensitive, raising the risk of inflammation.
- Some diseases: Cancer, Diabetes, and HIV have been linked to a higher risk of gingivitis.
- Drugs: Oral health may be affected by some medications, especially if saliva flow is reduced. Dilantin, an anticonvulsant, and some anti-angina medications can cause abnormal growth of gum tissue.
- Age: The risk of gingivitis increases with age.
- Poor diet: A vitamin-C deficiency, for example, is linked to gum disease.
- Family history: Those whose parent or parents have had gingivitis have higher risk of developing it too. This is thought to be due to the type of bacteria we acquire during our early life.
At your dental visit, Dr. Pawlus will:
- Examine your gums and note any signs of inflammation.
- Use a tiny ruler called a “probe” to check for and measure any pockets around the teeth. In a healthy mouth, the depth of these pockets is usually between 1 and 3 millimeters. This test for pocket depth is usually painless.
- Ask about your medical history to identify conditions or risk factors (such as smoking or diabetes) that may contribute to gum disease.
- Take an x-ray to see whether there is any bone loss.
Dr. Pawlus’ main goal of treatment is to control the infection. The number and types of treatment will vary, depending on the extent of the gum disease.
Any type of treatment requires that the patient keep up good daily care at home. Dr. Pawlus may also suggest changing certain behaviors, such as quitting smoking, to improve your treatment results.
- Brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
- Flossing regularly to remove plaque from between teeth. Or, you can use a device such as a special brush, wooden or plastic pick, or a “water flosser” recommended by a dental professional.
- Visiting Dr. Pawlus, and his highly trained staff, at least twice a year for a check-up and professional cleaning.
- Quitting smoking.
Periodontal Disease is not typically contagious. Research has shown that periodontal disease is caused by the inflammatory reaction to bacteria under the gums, so periodontal disease may not be contagious.
However, the bacteria that cause the inflammatory reaction can be spread through saliva. This means that if one of your family members has periodontal disease, it’s a good idea to avoid contact with their saliva by not sharing eating utensils or oral health equipment.
If you notice that your spouse or a family member has the warning signs of a possible periodontal problem (bleeding, red and swollen gums, or bad breath) you may want to suggest that they see the Dr. Pawlus for an exam. It may help to protect the oral health of everyone in the family.
Periodontal disease is rarely found in children, and only sometimes found in adolescents. However, children should still learn the importance of keeping their teeth and gums healthy to prevent periodontal disease in the future. Children should brush their teeth twice a day and learn how to floss properly. If children are taught how to floss properly at an early age, they will be more likely to make it a lifetime habit. These two simple acts will help protect their teeth and gums from periodontal disease.
As a parent, you should also be aware of the warning signs of periodontal disease, which include red, swollen, bleeding gums or bad breath that won’t go away. If your child develops any of these symptoms, tell your dental professional right away. It’s also a good idea to ensure your dental professional knows your complete family history, as genetics can play an important role in the early development of periodontal disease.
Unfortunately, Medicare does not cover any dental treatments at this time; only medical treatments are covered. Medicaid programs are run by each individual state, so coverage is going to vary depending on which state you live in. Check with your dental care provider to determine if the periodontal treatment you need is covered by your plan.
Dr. Michael Pawlus wants you to know that if you have Periodontal (Gum) Disease, you are not alone. Many adults in the United States have some form of gum disease, but the good news is that Periodontal (Gum) Disease can be prevented with daily dental care. Your smile is important to you and every person you meet every day. Let Dr. Michael Pawlus, and his highly trained staff of Dental Hygienists, help you keep it. Call us Today at (941) 923-2288.
