Tooth eruption consists of an active and a passive phase. Active eruption is the movement of the teeth in the direction of the occlusal plane, whereas passive eruption is related to the exposure of the teeth by apical migration of the gingiva.
Altered passive eruption is characterized by excessive gingiva in relation to the crown of the tooth. This condition may be localized or generalized, may exist in conjuction with or without periodontal disease and should be considered in planning for restorative, orthodontic and esthetic dentistry.
While altered passive eruption is usually diagnosed by clinical observation, this condition is often overlooked or unrecognized. Failure to recognize this condition can result in compromised clinical outcomes.
Correct diagnosis of altered passive eruption and proper therapy will result in improved dental care and esthetic results for patients. Read more here about this condition and how Philadelphia Periodontist Dr. Stephen Brown treats the overgrowth of gum tissue.
Showing posts with label Gum Disease Philadelphia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gum Disease Philadelphia. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
What Your Gums Can Expect When You Are Expecting
The American Academy of Periodontology
AAP Patient Page
September 2007
Congratulations! You are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant! Whether or not you want it, everyone you know will be giving you advice about how to eat, sleep, exercise, and take care of your body during this exciting time. However, what some might forget is the importance of taking care of your oral health.
Good oral health is always important. However, it may be especially important for expecting mothers as recent research suggests that pregnant women with periodontal diseases may be up to seven times more likely to have a baby that’s born too early and too small. Preterm births are dangerous for both baby and mother. They are the leading cause of neonatal death and can lead to life-long health problems such as cerebral palsy, mental retardation, and difficulties with blindness and lung disease.
The likely culprit of this possible connection is a labor-inducing chemical found in oral bacteria called prostaglandin. Very high levels of prostaglandin are found in women with severe cases of periodontal disease.
In addition, other research has identified bacteria commonly found in the mouth and associated with periodontal disease in the amniotic fluid of some pregnant women. Amniotic fluid is a liquid that surrounds an unborn baby during pregnancy. Any disruptions in the amniotic fluid, such as a bacterial infection, could potentially be dangerous to both the mother and baby.
Don’t panic! Take your concerns to your dental professional. If you’re diagnosed with periodontal disease, your periodontist might recommend a common nonsurgical procedure called scaling and root planning. During this procedure, your tooth-root surfaces are cleaned to remove plaque and tartar from deep periodontal pockets and to smooth the root to remove bacterial toxins. Research suggests that scaling and root planning may reduce the risk of preterm birth in pregnant women with periodontal disease by up to 84 percent.
To learn more about the risks associated with periodontal disease, visit Philadelphia Periodontist Dr. Stephen Brown (215) 735-3660 on the web at http://www.theperiogroup.com/ or visit the AAP website at http://www.perio.org/.
AAP Patient Page
September 2007
Congratulations! You are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant! Whether or not you want it, everyone you know will be giving you advice about how to eat, sleep, exercise, and take care of your body during this exciting time. However, what some might forget is the importance of taking care of your oral health.
Good oral health is always important. However, it may be especially important for expecting mothers as recent research suggests that pregnant women with periodontal diseases may be up to seven times more likely to have a baby that’s born too early and too small. Preterm births are dangerous for both baby and mother. They are the leading cause of neonatal death and can lead to life-long health problems such as cerebral palsy, mental retardation, and difficulties with blindness and lung disease.
The likely culprit of this possible connection is a labor-inducing chemical found in oral bacteria called prostaglandin. Very high levels of prostaglandin are found in women with severe cases of periodontal disease.
In addition, other research has identified bacteria commonly found in the mouth and associated with periodontal disease in the amniotic fluid of some pregnant women. Amniotic fluid is a liquid that surrounds an unborn baby during pregnancy. Any disruptions in the amniotic fluid, such as a bacterial infection, could potentially be dangerous to both the mother and baby.
Don’t panic! Take your concerns to your dental professional. If you’re diagnosed with periodontal disease, your periodontist might recommend a common nonsurgical procedure called scaling and root planning. During this procedure, your tooth-root surfaces are cleaned to remove plaque and tartar from deep periodontal pockets and to smooth the root to remove bacterial toxins. Research suggests that scaling and root planning may reduce the risk of preterm birth in pregnant women with periodontal disease by up to 84 percent.
To learn more about the risks associated with periodontal disease, visit Philadelphia Periodontist Dr. Stephen Brown (215) 735-3660 on the web at http://www.theperiogroup.com/ or visit the AAP website at http://www.perio.org/.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Did you know that treating your gums can reduce the severity of arthritis?
In a June 2009 article in HygieneTown, Ortiz, et al reported that "treatment of moderate to severe periodontitis might relieve the symptoms of arthritis." Both Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and periodontal disease are classified as chronic inflammatory diseases characterized by local destruction of both hard and soft tissues. Both diseases release cytokines or proteins from inflammatory cells and thus the progression of one disease can impact the progression of the other and vice versa.
For the purpose of this study, researchers at Case Western University in Cleveland, Ohio, provided non-surgical periodontal therapy to 20 patients diagnosed with RA. A second group of 20 was formed as a control goup and also consisted of RA patients. All patients were taking medications to control RA and half the group was taking an anti TNF drug. Those takeing the anti-TNF drug were randomly assigned to both the treatment group and the control group.
Baseline exams included blood tests, DSA28, and periodontal clinical indices. Half the group received Scaling and Root planing and oral hygiene instructions and each member of both groups were evaluated after six weeks.
Those receiving non-surgical therapy showed improvement in their periodontal health and those taking the TNF drug showed greater healing than those who were not taking the drug. Scaling and Root Planing subjects not taking the anti-TNF drugs showed significant improvement in periodontal indices as well as indicators of RA severity compared to controls, either taking TNF or not. serum TNF levels were reduced for those receiving periodontal treatment compared to controls.
According to Ortiz et al, the study revealed the following clinical implications: "Treatment of moderate to sever periodontitis might relieve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis." Visit http://www.hygienetown.com/ for the complete story.
For the purpose of this study, researchers at Case Western University in Cleveland, Ohio, provided non-surgical periodontal therapy to 20 patients diagnosed with RA. A second group of 20 was formed as a control goup and also consisted of RA patients. All patients were taking medications to control RA and half the group was taking an anti TNF drug. Those takeing the anti-TNF drug were randomly assigned to both the treatment group and the control group.
Baseline exams included blood tests, DSA28, and periodontal clinical indices. Half the group received Scaling and Root planing and oral hygiene instructions and each member of both groups were evaluated after six weeks.
Those receiving non-surgical therapy showed improvement in their periodontal health and those taking the TNF drug showed greater healing than those who were not taking the drug. Scaling and Root Planing subjects not taking the anti-TNF drugs showed significant improvement in periodontal indices as well as indicators of RA severity compared to controls, either taking TNF or not. serum TNF levels were reduced for those receiving periodontal treatment compared to controls.
According to Ortiz et al, the study revealed the following clinical implications: "Treatment of moderate to sever periodontitis might relieve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis." Visit http://www.hygienetown.com/ for the complete story.
For more information about the perio-systemic link, visit any of the following resource websites
or call Dr. I. Stephen Brown at The Perio Group (215) 735-3660.
Monday, June 15, 2009
New Periodontal Laser Provides Many Benefits for Philadelphia Gum Disease Patients
Laser surgery provides another option for patients who have already undergone a scaling and root planing procedure without sufficient results. Normally traditional blade surgery would be indicated for such a patient; however, with the addition of the PerioLase® to our treatment armamentarium, patients have available to them a realistic alternative with comparable results. The benefits of LANAP™ include less pain, less gum recession, decreased bleeding, swelling and root sensitivity, and maybe the most important benefit, less downtime after treatment. An added benefit of laser surgery is the antibacterial effect that helps discinfect the periodontal pockets.
Laser treatment is also beneficial for patients who have medical problems requiring medications such as aspirin, Plavix, and Coumadin. Since LANAP® causes much less bleeding than traditional surgeries; patients do not have to discontinue using these life-saving medications prior to surgery. Patients with advanced periodontal disease who take bisphosphonate medications such as Fosamax can avoid having extractions because even teeth with a poor prognosis can often be saved with this life-changing procedure. This is especially important because studies have shown that Fosamax can lead to osteonecrosis of the jaw following tooth extraction.
For more information about how Philadelphia Dental Patients can benefit from LANAP Laser Therapy, contact Dr. I. Stephen Brown at The Perio Group 215.735.3660 or visit the "Laser Alternative" page of The Perio Group Website.
Laser treatment is also beneficial for patients who have medical problems requiring medications such as aspirin, Plavix, and Coumadin. Since LANAP® causes much less bleeding than traditional surgeries; patients do not have to discontinue using these life-saving medications prior to surgery. Patients with advanced periodontal disease who take bisphosphonate medications such as Fosamax can avoid having extractions because even teeth with a poor prognosis can often be saved with this life-changing procedure. This is especially important because studies have shown that Fosamax can lead to osteonecrosis of the jaw following tooth extraction.
For more information about how Philadelphia Dental Patients can benefit from LANAP Laser Therapy, contact Dr. I. Stephen Brown at The Perio Group 215.735.3660 or visit the "Laser Alternative" page of The Perio Group Website.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Functional Crown Lengthening: Laying the Groundwork For Exceptional Restorative Results
Periodontal procedures are available to lay the groundwork for periodontal and restorative dentistry and/or to improve the health and esthetics of your smile. Functional crown lengthening Philadelphia is a procedure that recontours the gum tissue surrounding one or more teeth so that an adequate amount of healthy tooth is exposed.
Crown lengthening is often used as part of a treatment plan for a tooth that is to be fitted with a crown. This procedure provides the necessary space between the supporting bone and crown, preventing the new crown from damaging gum tissues and bone. Montgomery County Periodontist, Dr. I Stephen Brown often recommends a crown lengthening procedure to make a restorative procedures possible. If a tooth is badly worn, decayed, or fractured, below the gum line, crown lengthening adjusts the gum and bone levels to gain access to more of the tooth so it can be restored.
What are the benefits of this procedure?
Functional crown lengthening is an important part of an integrated effort to optimize your health, appearance, comfort, and function. A beautiful new smile and improved periodontal health are your keys to smiling, eating and speaking with comfort and confidence.
Questions? Call Dr. I. Stephen Brown, Periodontist & Implant Dentist in Philadelphia, PA at 215.735.3660 or visit him on the web at http://www.theperiogroup.com/.
Crown lengthening is often used as part of a treatment plan for a tooth that is to be fitted with a crown. This procedure provides the necessary space between the supporting bone and crown, preventing the new crown from damaging gum tissues and bone. Montgomery County Periodontist, Dr. I Stephen Brown often recommends a crown lengthening procedure to make a restorative procedures possible. If a tooth is badly worn, decayed, or fractured, below the gum line, crown lengthening adjusts the gum and bone levels to gain access to more of the tooth so it can be restored.
What are the benefits of this procedure?
Functional crown lengthening is an important part of an integrated effort to optimize your health, appearance, comfort, and function. A beautiful new smile and improved periodontal health are your keys to smiling, eating and speaking with comfort and confidence.
Questions? Call Dr. I. Stephen Brown, Periodontist & Implant Dentist in Philadelphia, PA at 215.735.3660 or visit him on the web at http://www.theperiogroup.com/.
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