Over 70% of adult Americans have some form of periodontal disease, an infection of the gums caused by bacteria. Left untreated, the infection may gradually destroy the bone that supports teeth and result in tooth loss.
Periodontal disease is generally painless, and most people are unaware that they have it until a dental examination reveals the condition.
Periodontal disease is mainly caused by the bacteria found in dental plaque. These bacteria produce toxins or poisons that can irritate the gums. Prolonged irritation may cause the gums to separate from the teeth, creating “pockets” of space between tooth and gum tissue where bacteria thrive. As the disease progresses, the pockets deepen. Eventually, the disease may cause a tooth’s entire support structure to become so weak that the tooth falls out or has to be removed.
Periodontal disease is the number one cause of tooth loss in adults. It cannot be cured, but it can be controlled. Professional intervention is necessary to prevent the disease from causing ongoing deterioration.
New advancements have changed the outlook for patients with periodontal disease. Where tooth loss was once inevitable, today many patients are keeping their teeth for a lifetime. By seeking professional help in a timely manner and maintaining a good home care regimen, patients can achieve the best dental health possible.
The best way to prevent periodontal disease is with daily brushing and flossing as well as regular professional examinations and cleanings. Unfortunately, even with the most diligent home care, people can still develop some form of periodontal disease. Once the disease starts, professional intervention is necessary to control its progress.
Stages of Disease Phase One - Gingivitis. During this stage, gums may bleed during brushing or appear red and/or swollen.
Phase Two - Early Periodontitis. Bleeding, puffiness and inflammation become more pronounced, and gums may begin to develop pockets of 3 to 4 millimeters in depth. X-rays may reveal a slight loss of bone.
Phase Three - Moderate Periodontitis. Pockets between teeth and gum may range from 4 to 6 millimeters in depth. X-rays reveal bone loss.
Phase Four - Advanced Periodontitis. Pockets are now in excess of 6 millimeters deep, and x-rays show severe bone loss. Teeth may become mobile or loose.
Periodontal disease is an infection caused by certain species of bacteria. The presence of these bacteria does not automatically mean that someone will develop the disease. Other factors that contribute to disease development include:
Genetics - Heredity can be a risk factor in about 50% of patients with periodontal disease.
Smoking - Smoking is the #1 behavioral risk factor in periodontal disease.
Medical conditions - Diabetes is well known to increase susceptibility by impairing the immune system and decreasing production of collagen and bone.
Medications - Many medications can have harmful effects on oral health. These include certain heart and anti-seizure medications.
Stress - Emotional stress may increase risk by depressing the immune system, making it more likely for a bacterial infection to gain a foothold.
Others - Advancing age and poor nutrition can also contribute to periodontal disease. Changes in the levels of female hormones can make women more susceptible at various phases of their lives.
Links to Other Diseases Research has linked periodontal disease to other illnesses. While researchers are still unravelling cause and effect, they theorize that oral bacteria enters the bloodstream and travels through the body, causing problems in other areas. Here are some of the findings thus far.
Heart Disease - Researchers found that men suffering from advanced periodontal disease were 4 1/2 times more likely to have coronary artery disease.
Stroke - A study showed that 70% of the fatty deposits found in the carotid arteries of stroke sufferers contained bacteria -- 40% of which came from the mouth.
Low birth-weight babies - Research has found that women with untreated periodontal disease had a much greater incidence of low birth-weight babies.
Diabetes - While we’ve long known that diabetics were at increased risk of periodontal disease, new studies have shown that periodontal disease makes it much harder for diabetics to control blood glucose levels.
Respiratory Disease - Dental plaque buildup creates a dangerous source of bacteria that can be inhaled into the lungs. Inhaling bacteria from the mouth and throat can lead to pneumonia.
Call Dr. Kim's specialty office at 714-88-8757 if you believe you have gum disease...
Dr. Jin Kim, a dual board-certified implant surgeon, and faculty member at UCLA School of Dentistry, had been an integral part of the development of "MISE" - it stands for "Minimally Invasive Sinus Evevation" - technique. The technique, originally developed in south Korea, had been mastered in the US by Dr. Kim and his collaborators. He had been performing this technique since early 2008, and had presented his clinical data at prestigious dental meetings including the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI - August 2008), American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID - November 208) and the Academy of Osseointegration (AO - February 2009). The latest data presented suggest 94 successful consecutive cases with all but one surgical complication.
Welcome to Dr. Kim's Blog Site.Dr. Kim is a periodontist serving Central Orange County, Northern Orange County and Diamond Bar, Chino area, California with a practice specializing in dental implants, missing tooth replacement, gum disease and periodontal therapy.
Dr. Jin Y. Kim is a dental specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of problems affecting the gum and bone around your teeth.
Periodontal problems can weaken the support for your teeth, and can also negatively affect your health, comfort, function or your appearance. Our goals are to help you to have healthy gums and bone around your teeth and/or implants throughout your lifetime.
The purpose of this site is to provide the public with a comprehensive resource to learn about periodontal disease, dental implants, and the dental practice of Dr. Jin Y. Kim.
Although no one likes to go to the doctor or dentist, we strive to make your visits with us as comfortable and pleasant as possible. We strongly believe that our patients' comfort is an important part of quality dental care.
Perhaps your dentist had just referred you to a periodontist, or you are simply curious about the various health implications of periodontal disease. We have tried to address your concerns. You may not even have gum disease, but are curious to find out more about it.
The periodontist can do many things to enhance your smile. Techniques are available to regrow lost bone, cover exposed roots, correct ridge deficiencies, and correct disharmonies of the gums. Perhaps you are missing teeth and would like information on dental implants. Dental implant treatment is part of the specialty of Periodontics. Our section on dental implants will explain the benefits of dental implant treatment. We will also discuss what is involved in implant treatment. You will be amazed at the variety of dental conditions that can be helped by dental implants.
Dr. Kim believes that your right to choose a dentist is an important freedom. We work closely as a team with your referring dentist, but a referral by a dentist is not required for a visit to our office. We welcome new patients from our existing patients, friends and the community.
We are extraordinarily proud of our team, which is comprised of caring and dedicated professionals. They communicate well with the patients and each other, ensuring that the patient's dental and administrative needs are met as efficiently and as smoothly as possible.
Our goal is to make you feel comfortable and relaxed. We strive to make your experience in our office an exceptional one. We are here to listen to your questions and concerns and to help provide solutions leading to your better health.
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