Our office proudly offers the PerioProtect method for treating periodontal disease.

PerioProtect is a minimally invasive, yet effective method to treat gum disease and bad breath by delivering the proper medications to the source of the infection, the bacteria underneath the gums.  It is a comprehensive approach that is customized for each individual patient.

PerioProtect is a minimally invasive yet effective method to treat gum disease and bad breath by delivering the proper medications to the source of the infection, the bacteria underneath the gums. It is a comprehensive approach that is customized for each individual patient.

The goal of the treatment is to manage biofilms, communities of bacteria, growing between the spaces, or pockets, between the teeth and gums. The method is a combination of treatments involving anti-bacterial therapy used in conjunction with mechanical debridement treatments.

The anti-bacterial therapy involves a tray delivery of doctor-prescribed medications to chemically debride biofilm from the periodontal pocket and alter the pocket’s microbiological environment to disrupt biofilm growth. The most commonly prescribed agents are oxidizing or oxygenating agents, such as hydrogen peroxide, but in certain cases it may also include certain antibiotic agents or herbal medications.

Mechanical debridement (traditional cleaning procedures) are undertaken once the bacterial population is under control in order to minimize the risk of introducing bacteria into the bloodstream. This involves the removal of tartar and other debris from around and under the gums. Upon treatment you will achieve oral health, fresher breath, better general health and whiter teeth. This procedure may be covered by your dental and/or medical insurance.

Its important to note that periodontal disease is not only the cause of:

But is also related to:

The research linking oral bacteria to other harmful diseases explain that the human mouth may very well be a portal for bacteria to spread through the rest of the body.

For instance, if your dentist has diagnosed you with gum disease, it is highly likely that pathogenic bacteria are forming causing inflammation and perhaps damage in the tissues of your gums. This harmful bacteria may make its way into your blood stream via tiny holes in your gum tissue.

The quick accumulation of bacteria in periodontal pockets can be best broken down into three individual stages. During the initial segment of growth or attachment, the bacteria join to form a cluster which include a slimy protective outer covering. The furthest stage of bacterial growth sees clusters of bacteria breaking away from the group to form additional infections.

As the above illustrations shows, the infection, similar to the cluster growing on the surface of the tooth, spreads when tiny clusters of bacteria break away to form additional infections. When gone unnoticed, bacteria spreading in these clusters in the periodontal pockets may lead to the deterioration of the teeth and ultimately the bone structure housing those teeth as well. Due to the fact that the bacteria could spread through your body to harm more than just your gums and teeth, it is imperative that you consult with your doctor about your risk factors and quickly handle any infected parts of your mouth.