Your bone and gum tissue should fit snugly around your teeth like a turtleneck around your neck. When you have periodontal disease, this supporting tissue and bone is destroyed, forming "pockets" around the teeth.

Over time, these pockets become deeper, providing a larger space for bacteria to live. As bacteria develop around the teeth, they can accumulate and advance under the gum tissue. These deep pockets collect even more bacteria, resulting in further bone and tissue loss. Eventually, if too much bone is lost, the teeth will need to be extracted.

When treating gum problems, we use a laser to disinfect the pockets. This ensures no toxins and bacteria will be introduced into your body-- so you will stay healthier. Then we treat the gums with Scaling and Root-Planning. Eliminating toxins and bacteria also helps to ensure a healthier environment for your teeth – which promotes stronger teeth in the long term.

We also recommend using a hydrabrush and hydro floss to control bacteria, and the use of nutricudicals (a food supplement that has health benefits in addition to its nutritive value) to aid in healthy new gum tissue and bone. After using the Hydro Floss twice a day for 2 weeks, studies show your tissues can become healthy and your inflammation can actually disappear!

Depending on the initial depth of the pocket, often times, surgery can be avoided!

Keeping your teeth & gums healthy can increase you life expectancy. Visit their web site at www.CentersforDentalMedicine.com to learn more. Dr. Wilkin's office is an official Center for Dental Medicine.