Periodontal Health Thread

[dvmarie]

The topic of periodontal health issues comes up a lot, so I thought I'd create a thread to discuss it. That way it might be easier for people to find support / information.

These quotes come from the ExSmoker Support Thread (http://www.veggieboards.com/boards/showthread.php?p=447990#post447990)


The bit about the gums/teeth hit a nerve. I've recently been diagnosed with severe gum disease - my teeth and gums look fine, but apparently all is not well inside, and the bone holding my teeth in has reduced to almost 50% of what it was.

THIS IS ALMOST ENTIRELY DUE TO SMOKING!

I've been referred to a periodontist - I've so far had 2 sessions with the hygenist, and will go to see the periodontist himself in September. They've already told me that if I don't stop smoking then treatment will not work and I will almost certainly lose some of my teeth within the next 5 years.

I'm 36 - that is just AWFUL.
....................


Jessica - I have plenty of advice about the gum thing. Been battling it now for almost 6 years. I've had bone grafts, and I've had deep scaling surgery (twice). I've lost one tooth, and I'm determined not to lose another. Let me know if you have any questions you need layman advice on. One huge piece of advice is to learn to floss correctly and do so AT LEAST once a day - also brush after every meal and use mouthwash. You can't give bacteria a chance to settle in to the pockets that have formed due to the bone loss (well, I'll not go on and on - please PM me if you want to discuss....I tell you - I'm a pro by now!! hahaha).


Selfish I know, but it's a relief that it's not just me. The hygenist reckons I'll probably need the deep scaling surgery, which scares me to death. I'll definitely take your advice on the flossing (which I should be doing anyway) and the mouthwash. Thanks for the offer to PM you, I probably will at some point - no doubt when the periodontist gives me the bad news..... :no:



OHHHHHHHHHHHH. . . . can we go back to the gum thing. Did your problems happen to start with a receeding gum line????


Jessica: The surgery isn't that bad (really). The hardest part about it is the shots for novacaine - because they have to do deep work - they really have to numb you up - and the shots are quite painful (but it doesn't last long) - after that - the rest isn't so bad. Just be sure to follow the periodontists aftercare instructions to the letter - so you will heal good.

Alfiedog: Your gums recede when you have periodontal disease. Receding gum line doesn't always mean periodontal disease though. It could be hereditary or caused by brushing too hard. If you're concerned I'd get a dental checkup - and specifically ask the dentist how your periodontal health is - and if you have any bone loss etc. :)

[Jessica]

Thanks for that dvmarie. Does the surgery cause your gums to shrink further and look even more receded? Someone told me that's a side-effect. I could do without any more of that.

I'd really urge everyone (and ESPECIALLY smokers) to look after your teeth religiously. I've always brushed twice a day, and gone to the dentist regularly, but I obviously haven't been working hard enough, and on top of that the smoking has just ruined my mouth.

[epski]

Surgery will not cause your gums to recede any further. Typically, if your periodontist is paying any attention to cosmetics, it will make your gums look better.

[dvmarie]

Thanks for that dvmarie. Does the surgery cause your gums to shrink further and look even more receded? Someone told me that's a side-effect. I could do without any more of that.

The surgery doesn't cause them to recede further - but often the gum line is raised as a result of the surgery. I hate this about having it done! It doesn't happen on every tooth - and it might not happen at all. My doc says about 75% have some. He says it's a "good" thing though because easier to get the bacteria out without having overhang of gum tissue as the tissue now will stay close to the teeth - but can be ugly (I have two teeth that are quite bad - considering getting cosmetic surgery done later to lower the gum line...but it's really expensive). :sick:

[Jessica]

The surgery doesn't cause them to recede further - but often the gum line is raised as a result of the surgery. I hate this about having it done! It doesn't happen on every tooth - and it might not happen at all. My doc says about 75% have some. He says it's a "good" thing though because easier to get the bacteria out without having overhang of gum tissue as the tissue now will stay close to the teeth - but can be ugly (I have two teeth that are quite bad - considering getting cosmetic surgery done later to lower the gum line...but it's really expensive). :sick:


I don't understand :o :sick:

what does that mean, the gumline is raised? That more - or less - tooth is exposed?

[dvmarie]

More tooth is exposed.

When they do the surgery - basically they are cutting your gums and pulling them away from your teeth so they can get in there and scrub a dub dub. Then they sew the gums back. So, often there is shrinkage when it heals up and conforms back to your jaw.

There is a surgery where they graft skin from the roof of your mouth and put it on the gum line. It's expensive, but it's an option.

http://www.hightechsmile.com/gum.html

http://www.advancedperiodontics.com/pps.htm (move down a little on the page to see pics)

[lucycat]

There is a surgery where they graft skin from the roof of your mouth and put it on the gum line. It's expensive, but it's an option.


Do you know about how expensive? I'm considering getting that done on one of my canine teeth eventually. Back when I was a teenager, my two canines weren't growing in, so I had to get my gums cut and the teeth yanked down with braces. One of the gums never seemed to come back fully and I'm concerned it might give me problems when I get older.

[dvmarie]

It varies widely from what I heard. My doc told me to save up $2,000 for my two teeth that really could use it, but he doesn't really know much because he's a military doctor - and they don't really deal with billing (and rarely, if ever, actually do this type of cosmetic work). I'll be getting it done by a civilian doctor since I'm moving back to the states (and away from the military scene altogether).

[dvmarie]

Here is a really good website Perio.org (the link below gets you into the consumer part)
http://www.perio.org/consumer/2a.html#causes

[epski]

I had it done, and I don't remember exactly what it cost, but it was several hundred dollars... for ONE tooth. I have several that need the surgery now, and cosmetic work costs extra. Good times, folks, good times. Anyone know someone that wants to pay me to write?

[dvmarie]

If I had the money I'd pay you Epski :smitten:

Once I get settled in to my new "life" I'm going to start socking away the money. My mouth is fairly stable now, and I feel confident the surgery would be worth it. I have two teeth that I'd very much like to have done. Also a bridge for the one I lost. I haven't fully smiled like I like to in a few years - just half smile (I'm very sensitive about my teeth even though everyone says they aren't THAT bad) :)

[Jessica]

More tooth is exposed.

When they do the surgery - basically they are cutting your gums and pulling them away from your teeth so they can get in there and scrub a dub dub. Then they sew the gums back. So, often there is shrinkage when it heals up and conforms back to your jaw.

There is a surgery where they graft skin from the roof of your mouth and put it on the gum line. It's expensive, but it's an option.

http://www.hightechsmile.com/gum.html

http://www.advancedperiodontics.com/pps.htm (move down a little on the page to see pics)

Oh I see, sorry that's what I meant when I asked if they receded more.

[epski]

If I had the money I'd pay you Epski :smitten:

Awww. Thanks. :love: