If you have advanced gum disease, you know how devastating it can be. Left unchecked, it will destroy your connective and periodontal tissues. It’s an infection that can cause pain, tooth mobility, and tooth loss.
The bacteria involved are also associated with other health problems such as heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s, and stroke. Gum disease may also make diabetes worse, and diabetes may be a risk factor for gum disease – a total catch-22.
Therapy for Gum Disease
Gum disease treatment typically starts with periodontal therapy. Depending on the stage of your infection, this can involve root planning, scaling, soft tissue grafts, bone grafts, and more. The goal: To stop the inflammatory process going on in your mouth.
Results can range from partial tissue regeneration to healing, but this, too, depends on how far the disease has progressed. In severe cases, though therapy can regenerate some tissue, it offers limited potential for complete restoration.
But that may be changing thanks to platelet-rich fibrin (PRF).
Repairing Tissue Ravaged by Advanced Gum Disease
PRF is made by spinning a small sample of a patient’s blood in a centrifuge so it forms a thin membrane that’s shaped and placed over a gum disease site. It then forms a strong natural structure, concentrating almost all the platelets and growth factors of the blood. This creates a healing structure that enhances wound healing and regeneration.
Research suggests that providing PRF after periodontal therapy may speed up healing, promote tissue repair, and aid in the development of new blood vessels. It also appears to boost the immune response, promote anti-infectious activities, and may remodel both the tissue and bone matrix during wound healing.
In a healthy mouth, bone and tissue serve as the foundation that keep your teeth in position. With gum disease, that foundation is weakened. Of course, YOU still play the most important role in managing the other factors that support optimum healing. Controlling plaque, quitting nicotine, improving diet, managing stress, and getting enough good sleep and exercise will always be critical. Always.
About THE SCIENCE OF SMILES®
THE SCIENCE OF SMILES® offers affordable cosmetic and laser dentistry and gentle, compassionate general dental care in Pasadena, CA. Our office is conveniently situated with extended hours to meet your needs. At THE SCIENCE OF SMILES®, we offer most dental services, from basic preventative care and general dentistry to specialized procedures, complete dental rebuilding and TMJ/ Headache management. Patient satisfaction is our top priority and we strive to provide the exceptional, affordable dental care and personal touch that lead to lasting relationships. A smiling patient is our greatest reward and we look forward to keeping those smiles healthy, beautiful, and bright. Discover affordable up-to-date dentistry and a team who truly cares at THE SCIENCE OF SMILES®.
