The Importance of Your Dental Hygienist

ARTICLE FROM DENTAL HEALTH MAGAZINE... Why You Should be Visiting a Dental Hygienist Regularly Your dental hygienist could be your best defense against tooth loss and your best asset in protecting your oral and general health. A dental hygienist is an integral part of the dental team who is specially trained to manage and prevent periodontal (gum) disease and to educate you about keeping your mouth healthy. Periodontal Disease Approximately 75% of tooth loss in adults is caused by periodontal disease, a disease that is totally preventable. It is estimated that 3 out of 4 adults aged 35 and over are suffering from some level of gum disease. With an ever increasing amount of research linking periodontal disease to conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer and cancer it has never been more important to know how to look after your mouth. Your dentist assesses your gum health by completing a basic periodontal exam or a BPE, this is done by using a specialised measuring probe to measure the space between the tooth and the gum at specific points around your mouth. The space between the tooth and the gum in a healthy mouth is very small and healthy gums will not bleed when probed. As periodontal disease progresses the bone supporting the tooth is destroyed causing a ‘pocket’ between the tooth and the gum, it’s this that your dentist is measuring and the results of your BPE will determine the type and frequency of hygiene treatment you will require. Gum Disease Gum disease is caused by the accumulation of plaque on the tooth surfaces; this is a thin sticky deposit of bacteria that is constantly forming. If allowed to accumulate, the by-products released by this bacteria cause irritation to the gums and eventually damage to the surrounding tissues. Other factors affecting gum disease include smoking, stress, diabetes, hormonal changes, genetics, medication and nutrition, it is important to note that 50% of all cases of gum disease are caused by smoking. For some people the diagnosis of gum disease can be a real shock as the disease has very few symptoms, many of which people assume to be normal. In the early stages of gum disease you may notice swelling, soreness and/or bleeding of the gums, this is known as gingivitis and is the only reversible stage of gum disease. As the disease progresses it is known as periodontal disease, the inflammation spreads to the deeper periodontal tissues (tissues surrounding the teeth) and eventually to the bone. Symptoms include bad breath, bad taste, tender gums, bleeding, recession, mobility of teeth and eventual tooth loss. If you are a smoker these symptoms may be absent, this does not mean the disease is not present and active. Although periodontal disease is irreversible, your hygienist can halt its progression and help you preserve your natural teeth and restore health to your mouth. To learn more about periodontal disease and how Dr. Sutor's office can help, Follow us on Facebook or visit our website at www.sutordds.com

JOINT DETERIORATION LINKED TO PERIODONTAL PROBLEMS

Joint Deterioration Linked To Perio Problems

Research is now beginning to link bacterial problems in the mouth to joint deterioration. Read more about this at: http://pandaperio.com/2012/05/21/joint-deterioration-linked-to-periodontal-problems/ If you are one of thousands of people that suffer from daily joint paint, you may want to consider a periodontal exam. We would love to have the opportunity to talk with you about ways to improve your oral health as well as physical health. For more information, please call 812-333-4550, or email us at info@sutordds.com

BENEFITS OF DIGITAL XRAYS

For just a moment, think back to the last time you had conventional x-rays. I'm sure you remember the discomfort of sharp edges against your gums and cheeks as you were asked to bite down on the film. Then, once the films were taken, you had to wait for them to be developed. If any didn’t turn out just right, you had to start all over and bite down on those sharp film packets all over again. GREAT NEWS!!! All that is a thing of the past with digital x-rays.



Digital x-rays don’t require film. Instead, we capture the images via a small computer sensor placed directly in your mouth. Most people find this technique more comfortable, even when we must take the images at difficult angles. And once each x-ray is taken, you can see the results right along with us in real time on a computer that is attached to your dental chair.

But ease of use is not the main reason we chose several years ago to become one of the first practices the area to rely on digital imaging. Most important are the health benefits, superior imaging and user-friendly results.

Although digital x-rays, like conventional, use radiation to capture the images, they require much less of it. Reported results have suggested that the amount of exposure is almost halved. Tests continue to be run to determine the exact amount, but even if the exposure is reduced by less than we currently think, it’s still less. And the less radiation, the better!

In addition, digital images are typically of higher quality than conventional films. They can also be improved through image manipulation. By enlarging, brightening and otherwise clarifying images, we – and you – can get a better view of the condition of your teeth, gums and bone. Consequently, we can often catch problems in their earlier stages – see where bone loss is beginning to occur or the start of interproximal caries (cavities between teeth).

Even better, you, as a client, can more easily view the images. You can see what we see and so better understand your dental situation and our recommendations for care. If you need to be referred to a specialist, it’s also easier for us to get your x-rays to him or her; we can just e-mail them.

The digital x-ray system we use here at Dr. Sutor's office also allows us to view the images in ways that are awkward or time-consuming with conventional films. For instance, we can do side-by-side comparisons of images taken at different times to better chart changes in your dental health. We can switch images from year to year without having to go through your whole chart to find the films we want. Being able to view and compare images more efficiently, we can further broaden our understanding of your dental health and better work with you to maintain or improve it, supporting you in your quest for optimum dental health.

To learn more about the technology used in Dr. Sutor's office visit our website at www.sutordds.com

BATTLE OF THE SEXES?

According to the Journal of Periodontology, research is showing that WOMEN are winning the Periodontal Health Battle of the Sexes! Women are twice as likely to have received a normal dental cleaning as well as schedule recommended treatment following a routine cleaning. Women had better indicators of periodontal health including lower plaque, calculus and bleeding...Read more from this article at

http://www.perio.org/consumer/gender-differences.htm

Maintaining Oral Health During Cancer Therapy

Oral complications that compromise periodontal health, are sometimes a result of cancer therapy. It is extremely important to keep your teeth & gums healthy during this difficult time by seeing a periodontist, Dr. Sutor.



The American Academy of Periodontology gives some possible side effects of cancer treatments:

Inflamed gums and mouth ulcers
Dry mouth
Difficulty speaking, chewing, and swallowing
Erosion of tooth enamel
Loss of taste
Jaw stiffness
Delayed healing

The AAP also suggests before beginning your cancer treatment, an oral evaluation is very important. It will give you the ability to correct potential problems in your mouth and keep them from getting worse or interfering with your cancer treatment.

Chemotherapy and radiation can cause excessive dryness of your mouth. Some helpful tips during treatment are to keep your mouth moist by sipping cool water, ice chips, chew sugarless gum, apply lip balm and use a humidifier at night.

Your periodontist may also prescribe a fluoride treatment for you, or suggest a dry mouth toothpaste or rinse such as Biotene (www.biotene.com)

As your cancer therapy comes to an end, this relationship with your periodontist is still very important to maintain your healthy mouth for a lifetime.

LOVE HEARING FROM OUR PATIENTS!

WHAT WE'VE HEARD FROM OUR PATIENT'S THIS WEEK! THANK YOU ALL! IT IS SUCH A PLEASURE TO BE A PART OF YOUR CARE!

"Hard to get Too Rhapsodic about getting my Teeth cleaned,BUT,as always,Dr.Sutor and Holly were Perfect and It was an important step in my continued Dental Health...Thanks"...Jan B.

"Everyone at the Sutor office seems to take seriously the mission of the office - to provide the absolute best dental care. After my procedure, they met and exceeded that goal. Thank you."...Alicia H.

"Up to date and state of the art technology makes this the Mercedes Benz of Periodontics. Dr. Mark Sutor presents a confident can-do attitude, which suggests competence and high quality care. Staff also projects a caring, professional and personable demeanour, underscoring every nuance of the visit.. There is a payment program for those who can indenture themselves, ..hehe..pun..with differing terms and levels of interest. I would absolutely entrust Dr. Sutor with my care. Two thumbs up to him and his staff!"...Janas W.

"When I first stared coming to Dr. Sutor I was in pretty bad shape. I feel as if we are a team in the effort to help me keep my teeth and prevent further damage."...Lila J.

Do You Have Exposed Roots?

Gum recession is the gradual loss or retraction of the soft tissue of the gums, eventually exposing the roots of the teeth.

The visible part of your tooth, is buffered by a hard coating of enamel, but the roots are much more vulnerable. One of the first signs of gum recession is teeth that are highly sensitive to cold and heat at the gumline. Even though gum recession is a common problem, if it is left untreated over time it can leave teeth more susceptible to cavities and infection.
Gum recession tends to progress slowly over time and gets worse with age. One cause is gum disease, or an inflammation of the gums. Other factors in gum recession are poor oral hygiene, the use of tobacco, and/or a genetic predisposition to thin bones and gums. Terrence Griffin, chair of the department of periodontology at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, says that “for most people the problem is an anatomical defect.’’ Teeth that are not set properly in the bone of the jaw and stick out are at higher risk of gum recession. For that reason, he says, recession is sometimes seen later in life in people who have had braces, because teeth have been moved outward to reduce crowding. Sometimes brushing too vigorously can wear down the gums, but Griffin says that with today’s softer brushes it’s rare to see gum recession caused by abrasion. Clenching and grinding the teeth at night can exacerbate the problem, and wearing a bite guard at night may help in those cases.

For the most part, however, gum recession “is very difficult to prevent,’’ Griffin says. Orthodontics to fix prominent or crooked teeth may help ward off recession at those sites. Good oral hygiene and regular cleanings of tarter buildup by a dentist can help keep teeth free of gum recession caused by gum disease.

Early treatment is the best way to avoid tooth decay, tooth loss, and infection. Dr. Sutor performs a Gum Grafting procedure here in our practice that is a very common treatment and often involves taking tissue from the roof of the mouth and attaching it to remaining gum tissue. In some cases, Dr. Sutor chooses a synthetic grafting material as it can serve a better solution in some scenarios. After a grafting procedure, the patient generally can expect to resume their normal routine within a couple days and in many cases the next day.

Our awesome team would love to speak with you anytime! Call at 333-4550 or visit our website at www.sutordds.com for more information on the gum grafting procedure. We'd love to have the opportunity to meet with you to answer any questions you may have and be able to be a part of improving your oral health for a lifetime!

What Does My Tooth Socket Have To Do With An Ice Cream Cone?

When you are having a tooth removed, your surgeon MUST be careful to be as atraumatic as possible. Why? "Think of your tooth socket as an empty ice cream cone". The walls can easily collapse, especially where the bone is thinnest such as the surfaces facing the cheeks and lips where gum recession will show. Modern tooth removal techniques and bone grafting products, make it very easy to maintain or replace bone in extraction sockets. Small amount of bone grafting material is placed in the empty socket, then the body begins to build its own bone upon that material and eventually replaces it with good solid bone. This process prepares an excellent scenario for a permanent solution: a dental implant to be placed for an ideal long term result replacing only that missing tooth and not bothering the healthy teeth on either side, that could be compromised by a bridge or partial. Call us today for your complimentary consultation or check out our website for more information regarding this service we provide as well as many others!

(Dear Doctor article referenced)

AWESOME PATIENT TESTIMONIAL!

Had one of our patients Don H. write us such a kind note this morning and we just had to share! We loves these reminders of why we do what we do every day! Thanks Don!

"Nine years ago, I received 2 implants for my front teeth. Dr. Sutor and his staff did such a remarkable job that today I even forget they are implants. For 20 years I was ashamed to show my teeth and now I have a movie star smile, not to mention being able to eat properly. It's a great feeling! I absolutely cannot say enough good things about my experience. Dr. Sutor is an amazingly skilled surgeon who is also extremely gentle and caring. If you are afraid to get in the dentist chair, then your best bet is to visit him. He'll take care of you."

Menopause and Your Teeth

Research shows that as you approach menopause, your gums and teeth need extra care!

Typical signs of menopause that you might experience include your periods becoming irregular, your sleep isn't great and the calendar is inching toward 50. Ask your dentist at your next cleaning appointment whether he/she detects any signs of menopause involving your oral health. Dentists say they often notice that as women approach menopause, their gum tissues becomes more swollen or there's unusual bleeding.

Its been noted that menopausal women may have a higher risk of gum disease caused by plaque, which is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. You already know that you need to remove plaque by daily brushing and flossing and regular visits to the dentist to get rid of plaque build-up. This is especially important as you approach menopause.

The hormonal fluctuations preceding menopause can make gums even more sensitive to plaque. Left untreated, plaque irritates and inflames gums. As the disease progresses, your gums separate from your teeth and form little pockets where more bacteria grows. Dental x-rays can also show something about the health of your bones. Loose teeth could also be a sign of thinning bones.

There are some cases of gum disease that your dentist can monitor for you, but if the gum disease progresses, it is very important to seek the help of a specialist (periodontist) such as Dr. Sutor who manages a variety of gum disease conditions every day. An easy way to decide whether you have a type of condition that needs to be managed by a periodontist is to ask your dentist about your "gum score" which is determined by your dentist using a periodontal probe or ruler to measure the pockets around your teeth. This should be done annually! If you have other questions about periodontal disease and how and why it is important to see a periodontist, call us at 812-333-4550 and talk to one of our experienced team members, visit our website at www.sutordds.com or check out our facebook page which always has lots of valuable information.

Make sure you have your dental appointment every 6 months on your list of New Year's resolutions this year! It's an easy one to keep!

* Some information in this article obtained from health.lifegoesstrong.com *

Can My Dental Health Be Connected to My Physical Health?

A recent article in the Huffington Post states...“During the winter months we’re all susceptible to colds, coughs and chesty viruses due to the drop in temperature.

"What people must remember, particularly those highlighted as vulnerable, is that prevention can be very basic. Systemic links between gum disease and overall health have been well documented, and at this time of year keeping up good oral health can really help stave off illness."

He added: "Simply brushing your teeth for two minutes twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste, cleaning in between teeth daily with interdental brushes or floss, cutting down on how often you have sugary foods and drinks and visiting the dentist regularly, as often as they recommend will be a great starting point.

"If you have swollen gums that bleed regularly when brushing, bad breath, loose teeth or regular mouth infections appear, it is likely you have gum disease.

Visit our website at www.sutordds.com, get in touch with us at 812-333-4550 or check out our office facebook to learn more about how Dr. Sutor can help you discover the state of your oral health.