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Flower Mound Dentist Stresses Importance of DNA Testing in Accurately Treating Gum Disease
November 17th, 2009 by admin
FLOWER MOUND, TX — Scientists and doctors are just starting to understand the true nature of gum disease. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection to the gums that initially has no major symptoms. But, while individuals are ignoring minor symptoms, gum disease is silently wreaking havoc on the mouth and even other areas of the body.
In advanced stages, gum disease can cause bad breath, bleeding gums, inflammation, loose teeth, and a receding gum line. That’s just the mouth. Research has shown that gum disease can double your risk for heart attack, triple your risk for stroke, worsen diabetes, and also contribute to systemic diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, and other seriousness illnesses.
Thankfully, gum disease is a highly treatable illness. There are several tests dentists use to screen for gum disease. There is the basic oral exam, where dentists look for bleeding gums, inflammations, and infections. There is also a probe test, where dentists push on teeth to determine the stability of the gums. However, only one test accurately diagnoses the type of bacteria that has caused infection. This test is a Bacterial DNA test.
According to AirPerio, a research company dedicated to studying periodontal disease, there are 11 periodontal pathogens most commonly linked to gum disease, and the DNA test can readily verify which strain has infected the mouth. Other examinations and tests can verify the presence of gum disease, but there are many strains of bacteria that cause varying levels of gum disease.
“In cases where periodontal disease is likely present, it is imperative to perform a DNA test on the patient,” said Flower Mound dentist Dr. Jonathan J. Golab. “DNA testing verifies the type of bacteria involved, which allows dentists to accurately prescribe the correct antibiotic. This is crucial in cases that require antibiotic treatment, as it in avoids complications that come with incorrect medicine.”
Why is DNA Testing Important?
When determining the presence of gum disease underneath the gum-line, a DNA test is the only sure-fire diagnosis method commented Dr. Golab. In advanced or severe stages of gum disease, the bacteria will have moved underneath the gum-line to tooth roots and even bone. In these cases, antibiotics are required, but administering the proper antibiotic depends on which strand of bacteria the patient is suffering from.
Furthermore, according to AirPerio, if a dentist treats gum disease with the wrong antibiotic, the bacterium can become stronger, antibiotic-resistant strains, which makes removal of the bacteria even harder.
Procedure
The Bacterial DNA test is a quick, simple procedure. During the test, paper points are placed under the gum line for approximately 15 seconds. During this time, the paper absorbs bacteria under the gum-line.
Each strain of bacteria has unique identifying qualities that lab technicians can readily identify. After studying the test samples, results are sent back to the dentist, who can administer the proper treatment, be it antibiotics or other treatment such as laser therapy, scaling and root planning (SRP), or surgery if necessary commented Dr. Golab, a Flower Mound dentist who uses dental lasers.
Who Should Be Tested
There are several conditions that make individuals susceptible to gum disease. Genetics plays a big part, as well as dental hygiene, hormonal changes, medical history, and immune system strength all contribute to gum disease vulnerability.
“The truth is that 85% of adults have some form of gum disease,” said the Flower Mound Dentist. “But out of all those individuals, a majority won’t come in for an exam for any number of reasons. Gum disease is preventable and highly treatable, but so often patients wait too long to come in for a screening.”
Though gum disease is hard to recognize in its early phases, there are several symptoms. According to the Consumer Guide To Dentistry, these symptoms include: bleeding gums, sensitive or swollen gums, bad breath, or loose teeth.
Treatment
Depending on the severity of the condition, there are several methods to treat gum disease. Generally, there is SRP, laser therapy, and antibiotics.
According to http://www.simplestepsdental.com/, SRP is the process in which tartar and plaque are removed from tooth surfaces and roots. Plaque is the breeding ground for bacteria associated with gum disease, therefore removing plaque from the mouth is the first step in preventing or treating gum disease commented Dr. Golab. Also, since plaque fastens easier to rough surfaces, root planing smoothes irregularities of the root surface.
Laser therapy and antibiotics are adjuncts to SRP. Laser therapy utilizes various wavelengths that target bacteria and remove remaining bacteria cells after SRP. Antibiotics also attack bacteria, but attack white blood cells at the same time. This leads to a weak immune system and opens the body to other illnesses during treatment.
“Unless the patient needs surgery, treating gum disease provides patients with healthier smiles, stable gums, and an overall healthier body,” said, Flower Mound dentist Dr. Golab, who does Dental Implants. “The best defense is good hygiene and prevention. Often, patients feel awkward about making an appointment to check out swollen gums or plaque, but it’s far better to be safe than sorry.”
In addition to periodontal exams and treatment, Dr. Golab is a certified Flower Mound teeth cleaning and general dentist, providing services such as cleanings, tooth colored fillings, porcelain veneers, crowns, dental implants, and bridges. Dr. Golab also provides cosmetic dental work such as tooth whitening, gum contouring, laser enhancement, and smile enhancements.
Learn More
To learn more about periodontal disease or to schedule a consultation with Flower Mound, TX dentist Dr. Jonathan Golab, visit: http://www.drgolab.net/ or, to schedule a consultation by phone, call: 972-691-1700 to speak with a team member. Those interested in scheduling an appointment in person can reach Dr. Golab at his office, located at 3020 Broadmoor Lane, Suite #100, Flower Mound, TX 75022.
About Dr. Jonathan Golab
Dr. Golab graduated from the University of Toronto in 1987. His first degree was in Physiology, the other in Pharmacology. He then went on to complete his dental studies at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry in1990.
Currently, Dr. Golab is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, seeking his accreditation, which is held by only 258 dentists in the world. Dr. Golab seeks to complete his fellowship in the American Academy of General Dentistry, an honor shared by only 1% of dentists worldwide. Dr. Golab also is seeking his fellowship in the Academy of Contemporary Esthetics, a distinct honor among cosmetic dentists.
Dr. Golab continually furthers his education by attending hundreds of hours of seminars and continuing education courses each year, attending world-renowned hands-on postgraduate dental institutions such as The Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dentals Studies, The Pacific aesthetic Continuum, The Dawson Center for Advanced Dental Studies, Center for Esthetic Excellence, The Hornbrook Group, The Seattle Institute For Advanced Dental Studies.
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on January 18th, 2010 at 12:17 am
Hi there, This is my first visit to your blog and looking on, I’m impressed! Great contents! It’s good to know that there are dental professionals who are good with communicating with people as well as their patients thru blogs like this. I commend them! It is very important that dentists are able to give patients as well as the readers a clear idea and explanation of what they need to know regarding their dental problem and treatments. - Shane