If you’ve researched dental implants before, you may have heard the term “same-day dental implants.” If you’re accustomed to traditional dental implants, this may come as a surprise to you, considering the fact that just several years ago it was unheard of to have implant surgery and walk out of the office the same day with functioning teeth. Oftentimes, patients would have to visit their periodontist consecutively over several months before the procedure could be performed. So, what has changed in the industry to make this possible? And in what situations are same-day implants feasible? Let’s take a look.

A Brief History Of Dental Implants

The first successful dental implant was placed in 1965 by a Swedish orthopedic surgeon named Per-Ingvar Branemark. This achievement marked a significant milestone in the practice of osseointegration (connecting living bone tissue and an artificial implant). Although periodontists had the know-how to perform dental implant surgery, they lacked the technology and tools to predict the success rate or to perform the procedure in a timely manner. Oftentimes, implants would be rejected by the body and the periodontist would need to extract them.

Fast forward to today and dental implants have a success rate of 98 percent and same-day implant procedures are becoming more common. There are several major advancements that have made this possible.

Cone Beam CT Scans

Although traditional x-ray scans are helpful in determining the position of teeth within the mouth, they are ineffective in mapping out the teeth from a 3D perspective. However, there’s a difference between a cone beam CT scan and a conventional CT scan. In a cone beam CT scan, a cone-shaped x-ray rotates around the patient’s head to produce several images called views. Since the images are high quality, it’s effective in diagnosing the structure of the jaw, teeth, and sinuses. However, it’s ineffective when it comes to soft tissue like muscles and nerves.

Implant Planning Software

Another major tool your periodontist will use before your implant procedure is an advanced dental implant planning software. This software will allow your periodontist to see full 3D images of your teeth and jaw so the precise location and angle of dental implants can be determined. If you have issues with occlusion, 3D planning software will enable your periodontist to set your new teeth in a way that reinforces a healthy bite.

Bone Grafting

If your periodontist finds significant bone loss in the jaw before the procedure, they will be able to perform a bone grafting in order to restore some of the lost tissue. Not only does this improve the success chance of your dental implants, but it will ensure they remain sturdy and reliable for years to come. Even patients who have lost bone tissue in the jaw may still be eligible for same-day implants.

Who Is Eligible?

Believe it or not, most patients are eligible for same-day implants. Due to state-of-the-art technology, periodontists are able to use non-intrusive methods for both extracting and placing implants. This allows for a much quicker recovery and osseointegration process and prevents any significant bruising or inflammation in the extraction site. Oftentimes, even All-On-4 procedures can be done in a single day, which replaces a full row of teeth supported by four precisely placed implants.

With that being said, if your periodontist sees any reason why the dental implants may fail with a same-day procedure, they may advise waiting for bone tissue to regenerate or perform additional procedures to help the process along.

Speak With A Periodontist Today

If you’re interested in learning more about same-day dental implants, you should schedule an appointment with us today. Led by two of Seattle’s top board-certified periodontists, Dr. Rapoport and Dr. Schuler, we offer comprehensive dental implant consultations in our state-of-the-art facility. Although our aim is to provide as many patients as possible with same-day dental implants, we’ll be honest about your oral health in order to ensure your long-term success. Call us today to get started.  

When discussions come up about dental implants, one of the first questions to be presented is, “should I try to save my natural teeth before committing to dental implants?” Although it would be nice to give a definitive answer to this question, it’s highly dependent on the condition of the patient, their oral health history, and ultimately, their choice. In this blog, we’re going to take a look at all the factors that go into determining whether you should have a natural tooth replaced or preserved. If you have any questions, be sure to contact Same Day Implants.

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is a serious medical condition that far too many Americans are faced with, especially in old age. What makes periodontal disease such a concern is that it damages the supporting structures of the teeth, so once it reaches an advanced stage, tooth loss is almost inevitable. However, just because someone has periodontal disease, doesn’t mean they need to get their tooth extracted and replaced with a dental implant.

If your teeth and gums are showing early signs of periodontal disease, your periodontist will do everything possible to preserve the tooth before resorting to extraction. One process used to deep clean the teeth is called root scaling and planning that helps to clean below the gum line. This also helps restore your gums and prevent periodontal pockets which allow bacteria to reach the roots of your teeth.

Tooth Decay

Whereas periodontal disease damages the gums and other periodontal functions that support the teeth, tooth decay is what damages the teeth themselves. When food containing carbohydrates stick to the teeth and aren’t removed with brushing or flossing, tooth decay will begin. Although tooth decay can sometimes be reversed, similar to periodontal disease if it progresses far enough into the tooth, the tooth will need to be extracted.    

Physical Trauma

If you’ve ever sustained an injury to your natural teeth, you may be wondering whether you need to have it replaced or not. The answer to this question will depend on the severity of the injury. For example, if there is a verticle crack in your tooth that extends below the gum line or is entirely split, you will most likely need an extraction. However, teeth with craze lines, fractured cups, or chips typically don’t need to be removed.

Speak With A Periodontist

Ultimately, if you’re experiencing one of the conditions above, your best bet is to speak with a certified periodontist who will be able to perform a comprehensive exam and diagnosis. If the damage is bad enough your periodontist may recommend having the tooth extracted and replaced with a dental implant. However, if the issue has not progressed too far, you may still have an opportunity to save it. It’s important to contact an experienced periodontist who will give you reliable answers about your oral health. If you have any questions about this process, don’t hesitate to contact Same Day Implants in Tukwila.

Although most of us have been taught from a young age the importance of maintaining healthy teeth in order to prevent cavities, one thing that’s rarely mentioned is the health of our gums. After all, the purpose of the gums is to not only support and strengthen teeth but to protect sensitive parts of the tooth and jaw from harmful bacteria. Most of us are well aware of the signs of unhealthy teeth which usually comes in the form of yellow teeth or pain coming from the tooth root. However, in this blog, we’re going to look at some of the most common signs of unhealthy gums and what causes them.

Causes Of Unhealthy Gums

The cause of bleeding, swollen, or sore gums is almost always gingivitis. Around 75 percent of people over the age of 35 have this disease which is a less severe form of gum disease or periodontal disease. However, in old age, patients are much more likely to experience severe periodontal disease which inevitably leads to tooth loss.

Although gum disease is the most likely cause of sore, bleeding, or swollen gums, there are several other causes that you shouldn’t rule out:

Canker Sores

Anyone who’s gotten a canker sore knows how painful they can be. Even touching them with your tongue or brushing them with food can be unbearable. However, this pain is not always localized. Sometimes, the pain can radiate across the gums. Although you shouldn’t rule out the possibility of gum disease, it’s best to wait it out until the canker sore is healed before taking action.

Brushing Technique

Just like tooth pain, unhealthy gums usually start with poor oral health routines. When it comes to the actual technique that you use while brushing, be sure to emphasize cleaning along the gum line rather than just the tooth. Although cleaning the tooth itself is important, most of the bacteria will be removed from your teeth from light brushing. There’s no need to brush vigorously, which can lead to the enamel wearing off of your teeth.

Perhaps even more important than brushing the tooth itself is brushing along the gum line. This is where bacteria and food particles most often build up. If an infection reaches below the gum line, brushing will be ineffective and you’ll need to undergo a root scaling and planing procedure which is essentially a deep cleaning below the gum line.

Flossing Technique

Equally important as your brushing technique and frequency is your flossing technique. The first rule of flossing is to do it every day. Unfortunately, many patients will only floss every couple days and wonder why their gums are sore or start bleeding afterward. This is almost certainly a sign that you haven’t been flossing well enough, often enough, or you’re flossing too vigorously. If you’re not used to flossing at all, make sure you ease yourself into it and don’t overdo it. Eventually, your gums will be used to regular flossing and they won’t bleed or get swollen.

Oral Cancer

Although it’s certainly rarer than these other cases, you shouldn’t rule out the possibility of oral cancer. Below are some of the common symptoms of oral cancer:

• Lumps on the cheek or gums
• Persistent mouth sores
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing
• Difficulty moving the tongue or jaw

Many dentists and periodontists will provide patients with a free oral health screening and are generally trained to look out for warning signs associated with oral cancer. However, if you believe you’re experiencing one or more of the symptoms listed above, be sure to consult with your oral health specialist.

Contact Your Local Periodontist

Periodontists specialize in the gums and all other supporting structures of the teeth. So, if you’re experiencing swollen, sore, or bleeding gums, it’s always best to speak with your local periodontists at Same Day Implants. Our board-certified periodontists will diagnose gum conditions and provide you with the best long-term solution for your condition. In the case of a loose or missing tooth, we are happy to provide same-day implants when possible. If you have any questions or you’re ready to schedule an appointment, call us today.

Whether you’re experiencing pain in your gums, you’ve lost a tooth, or you’re simply concerned about your oral health, there’s never a bad time to look into finding the right periodontist here in Tukwila. Not only do you want a periodontist who’s knowledgeable, but you need someone who is looking out for your best interest and is focused on your long-term success. One of the ways to differentiate between a “good” periodontist and a “great” one is by their certification.   

What Is Board Certification?

The American Board of Periodontology (ABP) is one of nine specialty boards recognized by the American Dental Association (ADA). The purpose of the ABP is to acknowledge outstanding achievements and proficiency in the field of Periodontology and dental implant surgery. This is done through a process of periodic recertification in order to ensure that the latest standards are always met. A board-certified periodontist is known as a “diplomate” and must have the following achievements to be educationally qualified for certification:

• Certification as a dentist – A periodontist must have a basic college education and complete dental school to earn either their DDS or DMD degrees.
• Certification as a periodontist – Accredited by Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association, a candidate must complete an educational program in Periodontology.
• Comprehensive exams – A candidate must pass a rigorous and comprehensive exam of periodontal treatment and dental implant surgery to qualify.
• Recertification every six years – A candidate must continually meet industry standards in order to maintain their certification.

Why It’s Important

Many people are not aware that there is no requirement for a practicing periodontist to remain certified by the ABP. All that is required is a doctoral degree in dentistry or dental surgery and training in periodontics. As such, it’s very important that you make sure you’re always working with a board-certified periodontist so that you’re always receiving the most state-of-the-art treatment as outlined by the board. If you would like to search a database of board-certified periodontists, you can do so here.

Essentially, board certification is a way for exemplary periodontists to stand out in their field of work. Although you can certainly work with a periodontist who is not certified, it is a sign that they either aren’t very experienced or they haven’t put in the time or the effort to become certified. When you work with a board-certified periodontist, you can expect a more accurate diagnosis, better treatment, and better long-term results.

Contact Same Day Implants

Led by two diplomates of the American Board of Periodontology, Dr. Darrin A. Rapoport and Dr. Ralf F. Schuler, Same Day Implants is focused on the long-term oral health of its patients. If you have severe periodontal disease or a missing tooth, you may qualify for a same-day dental implant. In certain cases, full arch All-On-4 dental implants can also be completed in one day. If you would like to learn more about our doctors’ qualifications, you can do so here. If you’re ready to book an appointment, give us a call today.

Your gums play a major role in your oral health by protecting the roots of your teeth and keeping bacteria away from the teeth. However, when gums become unhealthy, they may begin to pull away from the teeth, leaving room for food particles and bacteria to damage the teeth. Unhealthy gums are often the result of poor oral hygiene and can often be prevented.

Periodontal charts, also known as gum charts, are used by dental professionals in order to gather information about your gums and determine if your gums have been damaged by periodontal disease or not. When your oral health specialist performs periodontal charting, they will do several measurements that will show whether your gums have moved. In a healthy mouth, pockets in the gums are usually two to three millimeters or less, whereas, in an unhealthy mouth, they are usually over five millimeters. Additionally, if there is any sign of bleeding, this is almost certainly a sign of gum disease.

Periodontal Measurements

During a periodontal measurement procedure, your periodontist will use what’s called a ‘periodontal probe’ to insert in the area between the tooth and the gum. On the probe itself, there are lines like a ruler to indicate how deep the periodontal pocket is. Each tooth is typically measured six times; three areas on the front and three on the back. As the measurements are made, your periodontist will call them out to an assistant who will write them down and keep them in your dental health record. Let’s take a look at each measurement and see what they mean.

0-3mm: If you have no periodontal pocket or up to three-millimeter pockets, you’re probably doing well with your oral health. Although a small periodontal pocket is normal, if the gums bleed easily, this could be a sign of gingivitis. A professional cleaning and better at-home care will help reverse this.

3-5mm: With bleeding, a 3-5mm deep periodontal pocket is a sure sign of periodontal disease. You may need to set up several appointments with your periodontist to have the gums repaired and the teeth thoroughly cleaned. Even if there is no bleeding, your periodontist will likely recommend a thorough professional cleaning.

5-7mm: At this point, your periodontist will likely start to see both gum and bone tissue damage. Your risk of losing the tooth is much higher at this point and you may not be able to reverse the damage without surgery.

7mm or more: With this periodontal pocket depth, you’ve likely reached advanced periodontal disease. There will almost certainly be bleeding and your periodontist may recommend surgery or extraction of the tooth.

Why It’s Important

Periodontal charting is one of the most effective ways to determine the health of your gums. Although periodontal disease doesn’t progress at the same rate in every patient, measuring pocket depths and recording the information will give your periodontist a better understanding of your oral health. If there is cause for concern, your periodontist may have you come back and have the pockets measured again to see if any progress was made. Ultimately, this procedure will allow you and your periodontist to detect gingivitis in its early stages so that it can be reversed before reaching advanced periodontitis.

Contact Same Day Implants

Periodontal charting is just one of the tools your periodontist will use to better understand the health of your gums. If you notice that your gums are swollen, bleeding, or sensitive, your best course of action is to visit your local periodontist in Tukwila at Same Day Implants. Our highest priority is to provide you with an accurate diagnosis when it comes to your gum health and allow you to choose the best long-term option for you. However, the sooner you visit us for an appointment, the better chance you will have of saving your natural teeth. Give us a call today to get started.

Oral health is not something most people take lightly. Most people have memories of being a kid and trying to get out of going to the dentist or being extremely nervous sitting in the dentist’s chair for the first time. As we get older and understand the importance of our oral health, we’re more inclined to pursue our oral health more diligently. Here at Same-Day Implants, our first priority is to ensure that you’re aware of your oral health condition and know all of your options so that you can provide you with the most effective care for your goals. In this blog, we’re going to take a look at some of the most commonly asked questions surrounding dental implants.

What Are Dental Implants?

It never hurts to start with the basics. A dental implant is a small titanium component surgically placed in the jaw in order to support a prosthesis like a bridge, crown, facial prosthesis, or denture. They act as a permanent replacement for natural teeth.

Who Can Get Dental Implants?

Most people are candidates for dental implants. However, patients with unhealthy gums or significant bone loss in the jaw may require additional procedures before dental implants are possible. Smokers and those suffering from diabetes may require additional evaluation as well.

What Are The Advantages Of Dental Implants?

Anyone who is missing teeth or is at risk of losing a tooth should consider dental implants. If you’re currently using traditional dentures to accommodate for missing teeth, you should also consider dental implants. Dental implants are the best way to restore the functionality of your natural teeth while at the same time improving facial structure, improving your smile, and restoring confidence.

What Are Same-Day Implants?

Same-day implants, like the name suggests, allows you to get your implants placed in the same day as your initial consultation! It hasn’t always been this way, however. In the past, patients needed to wait weeks or months in order for implants and crowns to be created and placed. Oftentimes, this required multiple visits to the periodontist office. Although same-day implant procedures are not always possible, modern technology has made this possible in many situations.

Are There Risks Involved With Same-Day Implants?

Since same-day implants significantly reduce the amount of time required to get dental implants, you may be wondering if this comes with any additional risks. At Same-Day Implants, we are committed to your success. So, if we see any reason dental implants may fail if they’re set in the same day, we will not go through with it. We are committed to your long-term health and well-being, so we will only perform same-day procedures if it benefits you.

What Types Of Dental Implants Are There?

There are several types of dental implants we offer: single-tooth implants, dental implants for multiple teeth, and All-On-4 dental implants. A single-tooth implant is a single crown supported by a single implant; multiple teeth implants are a partial arch of teeth supported by an implant on either end; and All-On-4 is a full arch of teeth supported by four implants.

Can Dental Implants Be Rejected?

Titanium, the metal used in dental implants, is recognized as one of the best metals for prosthesis due to its biofunctionality and biocompatibility. Titanium alloys do not corrode in the body, but metal ions may slowly diffuse into gum and bone tissue. In rare cases, metal hypersensitivity or outright rejection of the implant may occur. Speak with your periodontist if you’re concerned about this.

What Is Peri-Implantitis?

Peri-implantitis is a disease resulting in gum inflammation, bone loss, and eventual loss of a dental implant. This is usually the result of a poorly placed dental implant, however, poor oral hygiene plays a major role in keeping and maintaining a healthy implant long after your procedure. If you’re experiencing swollen or bleeding gums, pain in the gums or jaw, or any other issue with your dental implants, speak with a periodontist immediately.

Contact Same-Day Implants

It’s only natural to have a lot of questions going into your dental implant exam. We understand this and want you to be fully aware of not only the condition of your oral health, but what treatment options are available to you. Give us a call today to get started.

One concern surrounding dental implants is how well they will integrate with surrounding teeth. Will the implant or crown affect your natural teeth? How will the gum and bone tissue be affected? Will the color and design of the new crown match my existing teeth? In this blog, we’re going to answer these and much more.

In the meantime, if you’re ready to speak with a board-certified periodontist about your oral health concerns, don’t hesitate to contact Same-Day Implants. In the case of a loose, chipped, or missing tooth, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and speak with a periodontist immediately.

Will Dental Implants Match With Existing Teeth?

When it comes to the aesthetics of your dental implants, color, shape, and size all play an important role. Many patients are concerned that if they get implants, they will stick out or look unnatural. Fortunately, this is not the case! When you’ve decided you want to get dental implants, your periodontist will compare your natural teeth alongside implant crowns to ensure that everything matches. Most patients are surprised to find that most people never notice that they have implants instead of natural teeth.

Will Dental Implants Damage Existing Teeth?

Many people have heard horror stories of bridges damaging surrounding teeth. Some types of bridges require surrounding teeth to be filed down which essentially permanently ruins that tooth. Not only this, but the way bridges are designed will put unnecessary stress on surrounding teeth and tooth decay can often start under the bridge without you knowing. Thankfully, you won’t have to worry about any of this with dental implants. Dental implants are placed directly into the jaw and are even held in place by the same periodontal function as your natural tooth root!

Dental implants will never damage surrounding teeth; In fact, they do the exact opposite. Since your jaw needs stimulation from teeth in order to preserve bone tissue, your dental implant will actually help strengthen your surrounding teeth. The increased bone tissue will also improve the overall structure of your jaw meaning you’ll never have to deal with the “sagging jawline” look commonly associated with old age.

Cleaning Your New Teeth

After getting a single-tooth implant, not much will change as far as your oral health routine is concerned. You’ll need to make sure that you brush at least twice a day and floss once a day, making sure you get all the way below the crown. Your oral health routine will change slightly if you get either a partial arch or full arch of teeth. Since your teeth will only be supported by two or four implants respectively, you’ll need to make sure you clean under the arch between your gums and the crown. This can be done with a special flossing tool.

Remember, just because you can’t experience tooth decay with implants doesn’t mean you should let up on oral health. Your gums and jawbone are still equally susceptible to infection, periodontal disease, and peri-implantitis.

Speak With A Board-Certified Periodontist

If you have concerns about your individual circumstances,it’s best to speak with a periodontist. Most people are candidates for dental implants as long as they have healthy gums and bone tissue. If not, there are a number of restorative procedures we can performed to make you eligible. Call Same-Day Implants today to schedule an appointment and get started.

Hello, and welcome back to our blog. This is part two of our series where we discuss the impact of your oral health on your overall health and well being. If you have any questions or you’re ready to schedule an appointment with a periodontist, call Pacific Northwest Periodontics today.

Stroke

According to Professional Heart Daily, the risk of ischemic stroke increased in patients with both gum disease and severe periodontitis, specifically in men under the age of 60. This type of stroke results from a blocked blood vessel that transports blood to the brain. Inflammation and hardening of the arteries are the two factors that are said to result in the stroke. Most experts agree that you can reduce your chances of having a stroke by preventing gum disease.

Breast Cancer

In a study done by researchers at University of Buffalo School of Public Health, women with gum disease are 14 percent more likely to develop breast cancer than women who don’t have the disease. It’s over 30 percent if the woman smokes. This is believed to be caused by inflammation that comes with gum disease. Bacteria enters the bloodstream, and as a result, the body is more susceptible to other threats.   

In addition to being at a higher risk for breast cancer, there can be even more complications if you have untreated gum disease when you’re seeking treatment for breast cancer. Certain drugs used to treat breast cancer will suppress white blood cells which fight off infections which could lead to worse gum disease, or the infection spreading throughout the body more easily. You should also take care to watch your oral hygiene. Make sure you continue to brush and floss every day since your immune system will be in a weakened state once you start taking medication.

As with many health conditions, this is a two-way road. Once cancer treatment starts, it may actually lead to further oral health issues. According to the International Journal of Cancer Research (IJCR), around one-third of people receiving treatment for breast cancer develop oral health complications. Chemotherapy is designed to attack cells that develop quickly. The problem is that even healthy cells develop quickly in the mouth. This means when someone receives chemotherapy treatment, they’re at a higher risk of damaging healthy cells leading to things like Mucositis, thrush, and bacterial infections.  

Quality Of Life

Up to this point, we’ve talked a lot about oral health and the part it plays in increasing your risk of experiencing systemic disease and the impact of systemic diseases if you already have an oral health condition. However, one thing that’s worth noting is your overall well being when you’re experiencing an oral health condition.

Stress

With the constant doctor and dentist visits and ever-increasing medical bill costs, there’s no doubt that oral health can cause stress. Although most people don’t enjoy going in for their bi-annual dentist visit, it could mean the difference between a minor oral health issue and a life-threatening one. Keep up with your oral hygiene and regular dentist visits to avoid the stress and cost associated with something more serious.

Pain

The general rule of thumb is that the longer you leave an oral health condition untreated, the more painful it becomes. So yes, that toothache you’ve been having isn’t going away by itself and it certainly isn’t going to feel any better as the problem progresses. If you’re experiencing severe tooth decay, the best option may be to extract the tooth and replace it so that you can regain the functionality and comfort of your healthy teeth. But the longer you put off a visit to the dentist or periodontist, you may be faced with a more painful and costly procedure.

Contact Pacific Northwest Periodontics

Pacific Northwest Periodontics should be your first choice for same-day implants in Seattle and the surrounding area. Implants don’t just help you regain the functionality of your healthy natural teeth, they help to prevent harmful infections that can lead to life-threatening systemic diseases. Our All-On-Four dental implants are also one of the best alternatives to dentures available to you.

If you’ve kept up with our blogs here at Pacific Northwest Periodontics, you know that we’ve talked a lot about the importance of maintaining your oral health, because your ability to speak, chew, and have a great smile has a huge impact on your life. Not to mention all the pain and frustration that comes along with cavities, gum disease, and periodontal disease. However, one thing we haven’t talked much about is the effect of oral health on the rest of the body.

When we think of health conditions, oral health issues in particular, it’s tempting to think of them as a localized concern — and they certainly are. However, there’s always the question, “how does this impact my overall health?” This is the question we’re going to tackle today, so keep reading to learn more.

What’s the connection?

Bacteria isn’t just something that’s found on a toilet seat or a door handle at work; your body is covered in bacteria — inside and out. Your mouth, in particular, has millions of bacteria at any given time and without brushing and flossing regularly, your immune system will have trouble keeping them under control. This will inevitably lead to infections, tooth decay, and gum disease.

But the problems don’t stop in the roots of your teeth. Inflammation caused by oral diseases may also increase your chances of having a systemic disease or worsen ones that are already present. Let’s take a look at several different systemic diseases to see how they may be caused by oral health issues.

Septicemia

Septicemia is one of the main complications that arise from oral health conditions and is in some way related to each one of the following systemic conditions we’ll discuss. This is a severe infection that can develop in any part of the body. It is known to causes serious damage to just about any part of your body but specifically to the lungs, brain, and kidneys. In a worst-case scenario, it can even lead to organ failure and death. Septicemia often occurs in people with cancer, diabetes, or AIDS because their immune systems aren’t suited to fight off the infection before it becomes dangerous.

The culprits of periodontal issues are called anaerobic bacteria or anaerobes. After entering the bloodstream, you’ll quickly develop septicemia. So, it’s important to maintain proper oral hygiene to avoid this type of infection.

Heart Disease

According to the Cleveland Clinic, there may be a link between heart disease and periodontal disease. Some of the bacteria that are present in the mouth during the development of periodontitis will make it into the bloodstream. In turn, this results in an increase in C-relative proteins that lead to inflammation and cardiovascular disease. As a result, the risk of heart disease and strokes increases.

In the case of gum disease, swollen gums are the main symptom. However, with periodontitis, there is a more serious threat of the infection entering the bloodstream and making its way to the heart. Many oral health specialists believe that preventing periodontitis and maintaining great oral hygiene will reduce bacteria in the heart, thus reducing your risk of heart disease.

Diabetes

In our last blog, we talked about oral health care for diabetics and how it differs from non-diabetics. Diabetes is one of the major systemic diseases that’s linked to oral health. The biggest problem here is that it’s a two-way road. People with diabetes have a higher chance of developing gum disease, but having gum disease will also make it more difficult for diabetics to maintain their blood glucose levels. The best way to prevent this from ever being a problem is to be more strict about your oral hygiene and speak with your dentist to see if there is anything additional that you can do.

Contact Pacific Northwest Periodontics

It’s not always easy to think of your oral health as anything other than a localized issue. However, there is substantial evidence to indicate that your ability to maintain a healthy mouth will help you prevent systemic diseases and complications. Contact Pacific Northwest Periodontics today to schedule an appointment if you’re experiencing tooth decay or other complications. The sooner you seek treatment for these kinds of issues, the less likely they will be to develop into a complicated systemic disease. If you’d like to read more about how your oral health impacts your overall health, read part two of this blog series.

If you have diabetes, you’re well aware of the daily challenges you face having to check your blood sugar levels regularly, eat a diabetes-friendly diet, and make sure that you take the time to exercise regularly and well. However, diabetes doesn’t just change your daily routine, it can have major health effects on your entire body. Diabetic retinopathy can damage your eyes, diabetic nephropathy affects the kidneys, and other diabetic complications become more apparent the longer someone has diabetes. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 29 million people have diabetes in America and a fourth of those people aren’t aware of it.

In this blog, we’re going to take a look at the effect of diabetes on oral health and bring some awareness to the complications it can cause. If you’re diabetic and any of these things concern you, you should contact an oral health specialist immediately.

How They’re Related

Research has proven that there is a connection between gum disease and diabetes. That’s not to say that only people with diabetes can get gum disease, but they’ll be at a much higher risk of having this condition. It’s also a two-way road, meaning not only will diabetes help bring on gum disease, but gum disease may lead to worse diabetes the longer it is left untreated. This mainly has to do with the fact that people with diabetes are more susceptible to bacterial infection, and their bodies aren’t able to fight it off as easily.

Anyone with difficulty maintaining blood glucose levels should be more concerned about their oral health. Additionally, serious gum disease can cause blood sugar levels to rise making it even more difficult for a diabetic person to control their condition.

When someone with diabetes has an infection, there is a stress response that increases the production of hormones like adrenaline or cortisol. As a result, blood sugar levels increase and your white blood cells aren’t able to move around quick enough to fight off an infection like in a person without diabetes. In other words, bacteria that may be harmless to someone without diabetes could be a serious issue for someone with diabetes, due their body’s inability to fight it quickly or efficiently enough. This is an important part of oral health considering millions of bacteria can be present in the mouth at any given time.  

Oral Health For Diabetics

Naturally, when you have diabetes, you’re more likely to develop an oral health condition such as gum disease, tooth decay, or periodontal disease. But that doesn’t mean you won’t be able to maintain a healthy lifestyle, it just means you’ll have to take more care when it comes to oral hygiene and care. You should plan to see an oral health specialist more frequently and be sure to notify them of your condition. Below are some helpful tips for maintaining oral health as a diabetic.

Brush effectively

A non-diabetic may be able to get away with ineffective and inconsistent brushing and flossing, but for a diabetic, it’s not an option. Brushing is the best way to remove bacteria and plaque from three out of five surfaces of the tooth. However, in order to remove as much bacteria as possible from your mouth, you’ll need to floss as well.

Dentist visits

Many people lose track of how long they’ve avoided the dentist. Although this is never a good thing even in non-diabetics, it’s an even bigger problem in people with diabetes. Since your body has reduced ability to fight off infection, it will take hold faster and reach severity quicker. But that doesn’t mean it’s too late to reverse the issue. Additionally, when plaque hardens, it turns to calculus which can’t be removed with a toothbrush or floss. This means you could be brushing relentlessly but still be developing periodontitis.

Control Blood Glucose Levels

Chances are, you’re already pretty good at controlling your blood glucose levels. Typically, blood sugar is maintained through a combination of things including your diet, medication, and exercise and sometimes even insulin. However, another test you may want to take other than your daily test is an HbA1c (hemoglobin A1c). This will help you determine if there is analyze your exact blood glucose condition and determine if there will be any issues recovering from infections like periodontal disease.

Quit Smoking

In addition to diabetes, smoking is another factor in increasing your chances of developing periodontitis. The difference is that smoking is preventable, whereas diabetes is not. According to an article in DentistryIQ, people who smoke are 2.7 times more likely to develop periodontal disease. This coupled with diabetes and poor oral hygiene is a strong indicator that oral health issues are waiting right around the corner.

Speak Up

Another way to avoid oral health complications as a diabetic is to simply let people know about it, especially your oral health specialists. If you visit a dentist, orthodontist, and periodontist, keep them all up to date on your diabetes and blood glucose condition. You should also notify any other health specialist you’re seeing in case there’s anything they can do to help.

Contact Pacific Northwest Periodontics

At Same Day Implants, your periodontal health is our highest priority. Diabetes is a life-changing condition that can be very stressful for many Americans. But with professional treatment and an adjusted lifestyle, you’ll be able to prevent oral health conditions before they happen. Contact Pacific Northwest Periodontics and Dental Implants today to learn more.