In Periodontal Priorities-The Diagnostics and Treatment Changing Perio Care , author Laura Dorr interviews various periodontal professionals across the country, including our Dr. Levine, to discuss pandemic-related issues in oral health, periodontal disease treatments and more.
In the article, Dr. Levine notes that “inflammation is the big key word, and there’s quite a bit of inflammation when someone has periodontal disease.” He adds that, “As a profession, we need to take very seriously that the mouth is connected to the body and the systemic links.”
Don’t Delay Periodontal Care
Gum disease is a bacterial infection of the gums in the mouth. Also known as periodontal disease, it can range in severity from mild (gingivitis) to severe (periodontitis). In 2020, many patients unfortunately delayed dental (and medical) visits. It was a period in which 70% of those surveyed in a report published in the American Journal of Managed Care noted that they had experienced some of the most stressful times of their lives. And it hasn’t just been stress that has caused issues and made some of us more prone to periodontal disease. Interruptions in periodontal care during shutdowns, poor dietary considerations and even the wearing of masks (which can dry out the mouth) are other contributing factors.
Intervention is Critical Now More Than Ever
As Dr. Levine indicates, serious medical issues like diabetes, heart and kidney disease (which have been linked to periodontal issues), are also common risk factors for COVID-19. Our profession seeks to educate patients about the importance of managing gum disease. Left untreated, gum disease creates an inflammatory burden on our body.
Treating Periodontal Disease
Through treatment like the FDA-approved laser-assisted new attachment procedure (LANAP®), practices like the Pennsylvania Center for Dental Implants and Periodontics address severe gum disease. With LANAP® and other state-of-the-art procedures, we can often achieve periodontal regeneration with gum tissue reattachment and realize new jawbone growth, helping to save failing teeth and sometimes avoiding the need for dental implants or denture appliances.
As Dr. Levine notes, “I’m so excited to see the changes we’ve had using LANAP. We’re able to do the entire mouth when they (patients) come in, and 90% of our patients had little-to-no discomfort immediately after the local anesthesia wore off, which is incredible.”
For more information about how we treat gum disease, LANAP laser procedures or to make an appointment for a consultation, please call us at 215-677-8686 or fill in our website home page questionnaire today.