Can periodontal disease affect other parts of my body, besides my mouth?

Yes. Oral infections can travel, affecting other body parts and systems. For example, if you are scheduled for orthopedic surgery, your physician will want you to be free of any dental infections, including periodontal disease.

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Can periodontal disease cause me to have a heart attack?

The inflammation caused by periodontal disease has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart attack and stroke. To keep infection out of your bloodstream, it is wise to stay in good periodontal health.

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I see my dentist regularly, but have been diagnosed with periodontal disease. How is this possible?

Many patients are prone to periodontal disease and it can develop just like any other disease. For example, a patient can be diagnosed with a significant medical problem even if they have been trying to stay in good health and see a physician for checkups. Some patient’s bodies allow bad periodontal bacteria to thrive in the mouth, even though they see a dentist regularly.

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I’ve heard periodontal disease runs in families. Is this true?

Yes. Many patients inherit a strong genetic tendency toward periodontal disease. Their immune systems react to periodontal bacteria in a way that causes gum inflammation and bone loss.

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Are dental implants safe?

Yes. Dental implants have been used in the United States for over 35 years. They have been rigorously researched in thousands of studies. The implants we use are FDA-approved and obtained from companies with extensive safety histories.

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Can dental implants decay?

No, dental implants are made of titanium and therefore are resistant to decay that affects teeth. This is one of the main reasons patients choose an implant to replace a tooth, especially if decay is the reason they lost their tooth in the first place!

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What if I don’t have enough bone for the placement of an implant?

Bone graft placement is routinely used to regenerate deficient areas. It has been used extensively to build back lost areas of bone to allow patients to replace lost teeth. Bone regeneration can be used for both upper and lower tooth replacements.