Suwanee Dental Care · 2019-09-18 · 2 Suwanee Dental Magazine Suwanee Dental Care Out of over 5,000 dentists in Georgia, only 187 have obtained the training and Oral Sedation license

2 Suwanee Dental Magazine www.suwaneedental.com

Suwanee Dental CareOut of over 5,000 dentists in Georgia, only 187 have obtained the training and Oral Sedation license in our state. Dr. Williams, Dr. Kremer. and Dr. Schalk are among those 187 and they wish for everyone to know that dentistry does have a comfortable answer to what seems like difficult situations.

Dr. Bill WilliamsDr. Bill Williams has served his patients with compassion and understanding since 1975. We believe our

experience does make a difference. He is a Master of the Academy of General Dentistry and a Master of the

International College of Craniomandibular Orthopedics as well as the team dentist for the Gwinnett Gladiators.

Dr. Williams is the dental director for Kenya Medical Outreach, Inc. with annual mission trips to Kenya since 2001.

Dr. Melissa KremerDr. Melissa Kremer was born and raised just south of Atlanta. She completed her undergraduate education from

the University of Central Florida in Orlando and went on to receive her dental degree from the Medical College

of Georgia. Before joining the Suwanee Dental Care team, Dr. Kremer practiced general dentistry in Savannah,

GA and Alpharetta, GA. She is a member of the ADA, GDA, and the AGD and has completed countless hours of

continuing education in all aspects of general dentistry. She has been a volunteer dentist for the Ben Massell

Dental Clinic in Atlanta as well as the Dentistry from the Heart program. She is committed to providing quality

and comfortable dental care to her patients and looks forward to building lasting relationships in the community.

She resides in the Suwanee area with her husband Travis and their son Liam.

Dr. Chad SchalkDr. Chad Schalk is from right here in Roswell, Ga. He also went to the Medical College of Georgia and pursued

additional training through a general practice residency at Palmetto Medical Center in Columbia, S.C. He joined

Dr. Williams at Suwanee Dental Care in 2011. His extensive dental implant and IV Sedation training at Palmetto

Medical Center helps him provide his patients excellent treatment options while being comfortable and relaxed.

770-614-7300 Suwanee Dental Magazine 3

The Oral-Systemic Connection

Periodontal Disease: America’s Silent Epidemic

Periodontal Disease Increases Damaging Effects of Cardiovascular Disease

Diabetes

Pregnancy Complications Caused by Periodontal Disease

The Nutrition Connection

The Inflammation Connection

Using Lasers to Treat Periodontal Disease

Table of Contents

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Scientific studies have shown that over half of Americans have signs of mild to moderate gum disease. People in this category have bleeding when flossing at home or when

their pockets are probed at the dental office. These are early signs and are not painful to the patient. Nearly a third have a more advanced form of periodontal disease and show addi-tional signs like bone loss between their teeth, deep periodon-tal pockets filled with pus, loose teeth, drifting and increasing spaces between teeth. The growing body of medical scientific evidence points clearly to the connection between this infec-

tive, inflammatory state of the gums and its destructive effect on the total health of the body. Since 1998, when the first research results were published, scores of papers in dental and medical journals have reported on the link between oral inflammatory disease and systemic diseases of the entire human body. The general population has now been reading about these discover-ies in Vogue, Prevention, Reader’s Digest, and Redbook for over a decade. This global awareness has led to higher levels of interest in the thorough examination, accurate diagnosis and successful treatment of the oral disease that causes these problems.

The Oral-Systemic ConnectionBy Dr. William B. Williams, DMD, MAGD


Because the disease transmission route varies in each systemic disease, it is important to know how oral bacterial infections can cause widespread destruction throughout the body. When our body is challenged over and over by infection or damage, we have an inflammatory reaction in multiple sites. For example, periodontal disease which causes inflammation in the mouth also affects areas in the body that are no where near the mouth. It may be in the pancreas causing diabetic complications, in the heart’s coronary arteries causing arthrosclerosis, the kidneys and be associated with renal disease or arthritis of the skeletal joints. Complications arise when oral inflammation is not controlled. This leads to the systemic disease process being more severe than it otherwise would.

The second route of infection from the oral cavity to spread to other organs of the body is through saliva. Microscopic water droplets in the air are inhaled and exhaled normally with each breath. This is commonly known as water vapor. You see it when breathing heavily on a mirror and it fogs. A person with mas-sive numbers of bacteria in their mouth may inhale a number of these bacteria into their lungs upon these droplets, leading to pneumonia and other pulmonary infections. People with weak-ened immune systems, compromised pulmonary conditions and the elderly are particularly “at-risk”.

The final method of transmission of disease from the mouth is the one most people have heard about and are concerned about—direct infection of bacteria as it travels by the blood, through the circulatory system to all other parts of the human body. Evidence of specific bacteria traveling to the coronary arteries, for instance, gives us the exact mechanism for block-ing of arteries due to plaque in the vessels, which leads to heart attacks and stroke. P. gingivalis, a strong periodontal pathogen, has been called the E. boli of the mouth because of its lethal tendency to cause heart attacks.

As dentists diagnose acute and chronic periodontal disease, they look for the presence of the 15 most dangerous periodon-tal pathogens with Oral DNA testing and phase contrast microscopy. Gum and bone loss can be rapid and permanent when certain bacterial pathogens are present in high numbers. To evaluate whether the effects of oral inflammation have impacted the systemic health of the patient, dentists may also request saliva and blood tests. Only by correlating these tests with the clinical picture, signs and symptoms and with x-rays of the patient’s teeth and jaw-bones, can an accurate diagnosis be made.

Prevention is always the best approach to oral disease and this holds true for preven-tion of the systemic effects that are associ-ated with it. No matter which route the disease may take into the body, a positive effect can be seen when people keep their mouth in ideal condition, free of inflamma-tion and bacterial infection.

There is still much to be learned in the hospitals and research laboratories across the country related to the specific role of oral bacteria and inflammation and its effects on the rest of the body. Scientists are seeking answers to many questions and physicians are looking for ways to assist their patient’s in achieving opti-mum health. The role of dentists working with medical physi-cians is increasingly important and vice versa so that patients are afforded improved overall health. Often, the initial sign of a systemic health problem is seen as a change in the mouth. Den-tists and physicians should carefully evaluate a patient’s medical history for evidence of any oral-systemic disease connection. Periodontal status updates from the dental practice should be relayed to patients’ physicians as the medical community better understands these connections and becomes more involved in the treatment of the oral-systemic connection.

Medical physicians will evaluate “at-risk” patients for oral inflam-mation caused by gum disease once they are a part of the collaboration team. By screening their patients carefully they will be able to make appropriate referrals for determination of peri-odontitis and other oral infections. Dentists who are equipped to adequately diagnose and treat moderate and advanced peri-odontal conditions will be important allies in the elimination of the oral-systemic infection connection. The result of this cross-pollination of interests in comprehensive treatment will result in the healthy longevity of those who successfully reduce their oral inflammation and infection.

When our body is challenged over and over by infection or damage, we have an inflammatory reaction in multiple sites. For example, periodontal disease which causes inflammation in the mouth also affects areas in the body that are no where near the mouth.


If you have gum disease, you are not alone. According to recent research, 80 percent of Americans will develop periodontal disease during their lifetime. That is nearly 3

out of 4 people. That percentage is particularly concerning because studies indicate periodontal disease is linked to a wide range of health issues including diabetes, stroke, respi-ratory disease, cardiovascular disease, and pre-term and low birth weight.

Many of our patients diagnosed with periodontal disease wonder how they could have it without knowing. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), it is possible to not experience any warning signs for periodontal disease. And without seeing a dentist and professional hygienist for

regular check-ups, it could easily progress into the more advanced stages. The definition of periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues around your teeth. These tissues support your teeth and are a vital component to your oral and overall health. Gum disease is the result of plaque which is a sticky film of bacteria that naturally forms on your teeth. And without proper oral hygiene, the plaque will eventually build up and its toxins can lead to the destruction of supportive tissue and bone around your teeth.

Similar to any other infection or disease, there are stages to periodontal disease. If you had an infection on any other part of your body, chances are you would be able to see

By Dr. Melissa Kremer, DMD

Periodontal Disease: America’s Silent Epidemic


it progressing from its early stages to its more advanced stages. However, infections in your mouth can easily hide in the crevices of your gums and develop silently. In fact, the Surgeon General has likened oral and dental diseases to a “silent epidemic” in America.

According to the ADA, periodontal disease is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. Studies have indicated that more teeth are lost to gum disease than tooth decay in recent years. Because periodontal disease affects the health of your gums and may eventually lead to the loss of your teeth, it’s important to understand the stages of periodon-tal disease.

There are four stages of periodontal disease, which is clinically referred to as periodontitis. To understand the stages, it’s important to be able to recognize healthy gum tissue. When your gums are healthy, they appear pink in color, have no bleeding when brushing or flossing, and are attached tightly to your teeth.

Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease and is virtually undetectable but does have some signs. Patients with this stage of gum disease may have slight bleeding when they brush or floss, have tender gums, and gums may be red or puffy. Gingivitis can be reversed by proper oral hygiene and keeping up with professional dental cleanings.

The second stage is early periodontitis. In this stage, patients’ gums may begin to pull away from their teeth. When the space between the gum and the tooth is deep, this is referred to as “periodontal pockets”. In the second stage of periodontal disease, your pockets are anywhere from 3 to 4mm in either one or more areas. You will also experience gum inflammation,

bleeding and puffiness. You may also begin to experience bad breath and a bad taste in your mouth. There is also recordable slight loss of bone on x-rays.

Moderate periodontitis is the next stage. During this stage, gum boils or abscesses may begin to develop. Your teeth may begin to look longer due to gum recession. And periodontal pockets now will range from 4 to 6 mm in depth. You will most likely have bad breath and a bad taste in your mouth and your front teeth may begin to shift.

The last stage is referred to as advanced periodontitis. Once patients have this stage of gum disease, teeth may begin to have become mobile and may need to be removed. Tooth roots may be sensitive to hot and cold due to being exposed. And dental professionals are able to see severe bone loss on x-rays and patients have pocket depths of more than 6mm.


Periodontal Disease Increases Damaging Effects of Cardiovascular DiseaseBy Dr. William B. Williams, DMD, MAGD


Cardiovascular disease, the leading killer of men and women in the United States, is a major pub-

lic health issue contributing to 2,400 deaths each day. Periodontal disease, a chronic inflammatory disease that destroys bone and gum tissues that support the teeth, is the major cause of adult tooth loss. Currently, more than 75% of adults have at least a mild form of periodontal disease. Twenty to 30% of the adult population has a more severe form of periodontal disease. That means the majority of adults have some level of periodontal disease. And while the prevalence rates of these disease states seem grim, research suggests that managing one disease may reduce the risk for the other. Coronary artery disease is character-ized by a thickening of the walls of the coronary arteries due to the buildup of fatty proteins that lead to clots. Blood clots can obstruct normal blood flow, restricting the amount of nutrients and oxygen required for the heart to func-tion properly. This often leads to heart attacks.Researchers have found that people with periodontal disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease. Several theories exist to explain the link between periodontal disease and heart disease. One theory is that oral bacteria can affect the heart when they enter the blood stream, at-taching to fatty plaques in the coronary arteries (heart blood vessels) and con-tributing to clot formation. Another pos-sibility is that the direct inflammation caused by periodontal disease increases plaque buildup, which may contribute to swelling of the arteries.To be more specific, some of the pro-posed mechanisms of the gum disease (periodontitis) and heart disease as-sociation are:

A. The primary association between heart disease and strokes and periodon-

tal disease appears to be the relation-ship between inflammation (infection) and the production of C-reactive protein. Any inflammation in the body produces C-reactive protein. In studies at Harvard University, C-reactive protein has had a stronger relationship between heart attacks and strokes than high cholesterol levels - the predictability of heart attacks and strokes was twice as great as it related to C-reactive protein than was the association with choles-terol levels.

B. Patients with periodontitis have sig-nificantly higher levels of inflammatory products (fibrinogen and white blood cells) which are well known risk factors for acute heart attacks.

C. Dental bacterial components affect the body’s response to infection and can play a role in the development of ath-erosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).

D. New development in medical re-search is further raising concerns that bacteria from the mouth can cause heart attacks. One type of bacteria, Chla-mydia pneumoniae has been found in the walls of the blood vessels of patients who have had heart attacks.Periodontal disease can also exacerbate existing heart conditions. Patients at risk for infective endocarditis may require antibiotics prior to dental procedures. Your dentist and cardiologist will be able to determine if your heart condi-tion requires use of antibiotics prior to dental procedures. There is a confirmed link between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease. And more medical doctors are becoming aware of the importance of dental health for their patients. If you have been diagnosed with either peri-odontal or cardiovascular disease, make sure you get the proper periodontal treatment to lower your risk of further complications.

Periodontal Disease Increases Damaging Effects of Cardiovascular Disease


Diabetes is a group of disorders that affect the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins. Its defining charac-teristic is the elevation in blood glucose levels. The popu-

lation of adults and children affected by diabetes totals about 25.8 million, or 8.3% of the general population in the United States. While some types of diabetes (type II) can be controlled through lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, it is consid-ered to be an incurable disease by the medical community.

Periodontal or “gum” disease is a serious infection of the mouth that can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. It first begins when teeth are not properly cleaned and plaque accumulates on the teeth. Bacteria from the plaque infiltrate the surrounding gum tissue causing inflammation known as “gingivitis”. At this point, the state of infection is limited to only the gums and is reversible through better oral hygiene. If the gingivitis goes untreated, the inflammatory bacteria will move towards the surrounding bone of the tooth leading to initial stages of “periodontitis”. At this point the toxins released by the bacteria will lead to further inflammation and degradation of bone and tissue. Eventually the destruction of tissue will be severe enough that teeth will become loose and require extraction. In order to prevent this, it is important for the patient to be seen by the dentist to remove the bacteria and its destructive toxins from the deep pockets that have presented in the mouth.

Diabetes and periodontal diseases have both been shown to be closely associated and highly prevalent chronic disorders/

diseases. Research has shown that people with diabetes are at a higher risk of gingivitis and periodontitis. In fact, periodontal dis-ease is referred to as the sixth complication of diabetes. Interest-ingly, the relationship between the two conditions may go both ways; just as diabetes can increase a person’s chance of devel-oping periodontal disease, research suggests that efficient and effective periodontal hygiene may positively affect blood sugar levels. Severe periodontal disease can increase blood sugar, contributing to increased periods of time when the body func-tions with a high blood sugar. This puts diabetics at increased risk for diabetic complica-tions. Thus, diabetics who have periodontal disease should be treated to eliminate the periodontal infection.

Both diabetes and periodontal disease are chronic conditions that, when left unchecked, can lead to further health complications. It is important to monitor both conditions with your healthcare provider, whether it be your family doctor or dentist.

Dr. Chad Schalk DMD


By Dr. Melissa Kremer, DMD

Most pregnant women recognize how important their health is for their unborn baby, but may ignore a critical component—their oral health. According to the

American Academy of Periodontology, 50 percent or more of women get “pregnancy gingivitis,” a disease that makes gums sore and swollen. Pregnancy gingivitis, the earliest form of periodontal disease, is the result of the inevitable hormonal changes of pregnancy with inadequate brushing and flossing. Periodontal disease can be associated with second trimester miscarriages and preeclampsia, as well as, premature and low birth weight infants.

In fact, periodontal disease is a bigger risk factor for premature or low birth weight babies than alcohol or smoking. These two significant factors are the leading cause of death for infants in the first month of life. For those that do survive, they can possibly suffer from chronic health problems and developmental disabilities.

Research has found that pregnant women with moderate to severe periodontal disease—a condition resulting from untreated gingivitis—can be seven times more likely to give birth prematurely. The same bacteria that cause periodontal disease have been found in the placenta and in amniotic fluid, where they may directly affect fetal growth and development, and cause early labor. Chronic infections, such as periodontal disease, at any site in pregnant women can stimulate the inflammatory response and may lead to elevated levels of

prostaglandins, tumor necrosis factor, and interleukins in amniotic fluid. These inflammatory mediators are thought to lead to premature rupture of the membranes and preterm labor.

If an expecting mother has pregnancy-associated gingivitis or moderate to sever periodontitis, there is treatment that can help reduce risk factors associated with this disease and her developing fetus. Periodontal therapy has been found to reduce preterm birth and low birth weight infant rates by 68 percent in women with pregnancy-associated gingivitis. Treatment can also significantly reduce the same events in pregnant women with moderate to severe periodontal disease. In sum, if periodontal disease or infection is diagnosed during pregnancy, treatment should be administered as soon as possible to reduce the risk of preterm and low birth weight infants.

In 2003, the March of Dimes estimated that preterm and low birth weight babies cost $18.1 billion in hospital charges. So assessing and treating pregnant women for periodontal disease could also result in better health and economic benefits for mothers and infants.

Pregnancy Complications Caused by Periodontal Disease


By Marcus Gitterle, MD

A famous doctor once told me that “Medicines, such as antibiotics don’t cure you; They just reduce the level of harmful bacteria to the point where your own immune

system can take over”.

The immune system is the body’s defense against infectious organisms and other invaders. Through a series of steps called the immune response, the immune system attacks organisms and substances that invade our systems and cause disease. The immune system is made up of a network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body. As we age, the body is less able to assimilate the nutrients required to maintain an optimal immune system and it is more necessary to make sure that our diet contains fruits and vegetables and that we take the right supplements. We have heard much about antioxidants that prevent cell oxidation and lower

the occurrence of disease, aging and even cancer. They are important supporters of the immune system.

As we have noted, periodontal disease is much more common among 60 year olds than 20 year olds, even though 60 year olds are more dental savvy and probably brush better. The difference is likely in the body’s ability to fight off the attacks of bacteria and chemicals.

Recent research at Loma Linda University showed that a nutritional supplement alone, without any other dental treatment, was able to significantly combat the effects of periodontal disease, lowering bleeding and pocket depths (17).

The key ingredients in the supplement were Grapeseed Extract, CoQ10 (Ubiquanone), and Folate. It is valuable to examine these elements because several are not normally found in your daily multi-vitamin.

The Nutrition ConnectionSupporting the Body’s Defense System


References(17) Effects of a Nutritional Supplement on Periodontal Status. Report of a recent study of a nutritional supplement, PerioTherapy, Compendium of continuing Education in Dentistry May 2001

Grapeseed ExtractOne of the mysteries of medical research was why the French and Italians, who drank red wine, were so healthy even though they had a pasta heavy or fat laden diet. We later found that it was not from the alcohol, but because of compounds found in red grapes called proanthocyanidins.

Grapeseed Extract (also called Venis Vinifera) contains this nutrient and is a powerful antioxidant with 20 to 50 times the power of Vitamin C or Vitamin E. Grapeseed Extract is a favorite for Naturopaths, the branch of healthcare that focuses on treatment using natural products rather than drugs. GSE has been found by these doctors to be natural anti-histamine thereby counteracting allergies without drowsiness, a natural anti- inflammatory useful against arthritis and CRP, and beneficial for skin problems. Also, it improves the circulatory system.

In its particular application to periodontal treatment, Grape Seed Extract prevents bacteria from colonizing in the gum tissues and on the teeth and prevents the aggression of destructive enzymes. The anti-oxidant action also destroys free-radicals that attack the gum tissue.

CoQ10- (Ubiquanone)CoQ10 improves the healing response. It is vital to all natural processes including the production of cellular energy, immune system function, heart function and blood pressure. It is used in medicine for treatment of congestive heart failure, neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and

cancer treatment through tumor suppression. During pregnancy a woman makes 50% more CoQ10 than normal, aiding the development of the placenta. Special warning for those on statin drugs: statin drugs lower the body’s production of CoQ10 – It is important to supplement with CoQ10 if you are on statin drugs.

Folinic Acid

Folinic Acid is a special, more absorbable version of folate or folic acid. It is not found in normal vitamins. Folinic Acid ensures normal development of gum tissue. It binds to endotoxins, the by-products that are generated from bacteria and renders them neutral. Research shows that folate reduces homosysteine which is implicated in heart disease and the onset of senility.

Taking adequate quantities of these supplements can prevent you from getting periodontal disease in the first place, if taken during treatment will aid healing and if continued will prevent recurrence of the disease. If taken consistently over the long term it can reduce the risk of cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases, as well as build up the immune system and against infection.

Remember a good healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables (8 servings a day) plus daily exercise are vital for total well being.


References(8) Elevation of systemic markers related to cardiovascular disease in peripheral blood of periodontitis patients. Loos BG, Craandijk, et al J Periodontology, 2000 Oct;71(10): 1528-34

(9) Comparison of C-Reactive Protein and Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Levels in the Prediction of First Cardiovascular Events, abstract, New England Journal of Medicine, Nov. 14 (vol. 347, issue 20), Paul M. Ridker, et.al.

(10) C-Reactive Protein Increases Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 Expression and Activity in Human Aortic Endothelial Cells, American Heart Association Journal Circulation. 2003;107:398-404. Sridevi Devaraj, PhD; et.al University of California, Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, Calif.

(11) Inflammation Marker Predicts Colon Cancer, Feb. 4, 2004 The Journal of the American Medical Associa-tion, Tate” P. Erlinger, M.D., M.P.H., John Hopkins Univ.

(12) Inflammation Linked to Cognitive Decline- J. Neurology July 8, 2003 Dr. Kristen Yaffe, professor of psychiatry, neurology and epidemiology University of California, San Francisco.

(19) Periodontal therapy lowers levels of heart disease inflammation markers, S. Grossi, et.al, State University of New York at Buffalo ADA News 04/21/2004

(22) Periodontal infections contribute to elevated systemic C-reactive protein level., Noack et al, J Periodontol. 2001 Sep;72(9): 1221-7.

(23) C-Reactive protein, a sensitive marker of inflammation, predicts future risk of coronary heart disease in initially healthy middle-aged men, Koenig et al, Circulation. 1999;99:237-242.

By Marcus Gitterle MD

One of the early signs of gum disease is that your gums turn from a pretty pink to an inflamed red. Scientist are now discovering that bodily inflammation is linked with

a host of diseases including heart disease, stroke, lung disease, cancers, Alzheimer’s, and others.

Gum disease is an inflammatory condition that does not go away without treatment and it is a major cause of inflammation in many people (8) (22). Inflammation causes the liver to secrete a protein called C-Reactive Protein (CRP, for short) to fight the problem which seems to cause a number of side effects in the body.

The best known side effect of elevated CRP levels is the connection to heart disease. CRP is more predictive of heart attacks than the bad LDL cholesterol (9) (23). While a CRP value of under 1 mg/liter is considered normal, a value of 2-3 triples your risk of heart attack and higher values can increase your risk up to seven and a half times! (under 1.0 mg/liter). The actual manner by which CRP causes heart attacks was only recently explained. Elevated CRP levels actually interfere with the process that prevents blood clots, thus causing a higher incidence of blockages in arteries which can result in a sudden heart attack or stoke (10).

By comparison, bad cholesterol slowly builds up plaque in the arteries which often allows for some advanced warning in the form of pain or weakness.

While the active process is less known, statistically people with the top 25% of CRP scores develop 2.5 times as much colon cancer as those in the bottom 25% (11). Also, CRP is implicated in Alzheimer’s. Seniors with the highest 1/3 of CRP levels had significantly more cognitive decline than those in the bottom third. (12)

Clearly it pays to know your CRP number, which can be requested as a single test (a high-sensitivity CRP is the more valuable test for heart disease association) or when other blood tests are done. If your CRP is high, the causes need to be determined and corrected to reduce your number.

In addition to gum disease, bodily infections such as urinary tract infection, high blood pressure, smoking, lymphoma, and even being overweight can contribute to elevated CRP levels. Since periodontal disease is an inflammatory disease and is capable of elevating CRP levels, we normally request this blood test for any of our patients diagnosed with periodontal disease. Centers of Dental Medicine has developed a ground breaking protocol for the diagnosis of periodontal disease and the treatment of periodontal disease and its associated negative impact on overall health.

Centers throughout the country have found that by following our unique periodontal protocol, we are able to quickly reduce periodontal inflammation, and in so doing, we can significantly reduce the CRP level to a non-harmful range in almost all cases, unless there is another systemic factor contributing to the elevation. (19).

If your CRP number is high to begin with and remains high after periodontal health has been established, we will collaborate with your physician to review and monitor your results and make sure that you do not have other problems as well. As a Center for Dental Medicine, we give you our exclusive commitment to help care for your total health.

A safe, Non-Surgical, Non-Toxic Treatment: Traditionally, physicians are trained to diagnose disease and treat with surgery or drugs. The discovery of the infection-inflammation and heart disease connection is no different.

Physicians are waiting on drug manufacturers to produce a drug that will lower the levels of CRP and thus, reduce the risk of a heart attack. An eighteen-month clinical trail showed that a statin drug (Lipitor) can lower CRP levels (9). However, to accomplish this, 8 times the normal dosage was needed.

This approach can be expensive and unnecessarily risky. A sole drug-based approach to lowering CRP levels is not seeking and removing the underlying cause of the elevated CRP. A more ideal approach would be to find and eliminate the source of the inflammation in the first place. A commitment we make to our patients is to help to eliminate any periodontal inflammation in order to rule out this potential cause.

The Inflammation Connection The New Factor in Heart Disease, Stroke, Cancer, and Other Serious Diseases


By Dr. Chad Schalk, DMD

At Suwanee Dental Care, we make sure our patients understand periodontal disease, the risk factors involved, and how it can be prevented. We also stay on top

of leading edge technology to help treat our patients with periodontal disease.

For patients with advanced periodontal disease, there used to be only two options for treatment: gum surgery or tooth extraction. Now patients have the option of a less invasive, less costly alternative to both of these treatments—laser therapy. Our office offers a fine-tuned laser therapy regimen for our patients. This technique has proven to reduce pocket depths, eliminate bleeding gums and keep the disease in a manageable state.

Lasers were first introduced experimentally to the dentistry field decades ago. However, not until recently have lasers been used routinely in dental practices around the world. The doctors of Suwanee Dental Care have treated patients successfully with lasers for over 25 years and all of our doctors are certified to use lasers for not only treating gum disease but several other types of procedures. Treatment that can be done with lasers includes but is not limited to fillings, root canals and crown lengthening.

Our doctors have found in most cases, from the first stages of periodontitis to those advanced stages, that using wavelength specific lasers for periodontal disease treatment can be less invasive and deliver better results for patients than any traditional scaling or surgical treatment. Depending on your level of periodontitis, your doctor will determine which laser therapy plan best fits your needs. We offer a three-month plan, six-month plan, and a twelve-month plan of periodontal laser therapy to return your mouth to full periodontal health.

Oral DNA bacterial testing is one of the critical components we use to accurately diagnose your level of periodontal infection and plan your laser therapy needs.

Your first periodontal laser therapy visit will be the lengthiest and will

involve time with the doctor where he will use the laser to go around your gum line and decontaminate the present bacteria. You will also see one of our many skilled hygienists and she will perform what is called a scaling and root planing procedure. An antimicrobial rinse will also be used during this visit and all subsequent visits. You will have a prescription to take home that includes specific vitamins and nutrients to promote healthy gum tissue and bone as well as a oral health care kit to help with your at-home dental hygiene routine.

Depending on the program you and your doctor decide to choose, you will have anywhere from three to six visits for periodontal care. During your subsequent visits, you will see both your doctor and hygienist. Your doctor may numb you to minimize any discomfort and begin your laser treatment. Then your hygienist may perform either a full mouth debridement or a periodontal maintenance cleaning. At the end of your laser perio treatment, your periodontal pockets are expected to significantly decrease. Research has shown that pocket depth reduction in laser therapy is comparable to the results of surgery.

There are several advantages to laser treatment as opposed to traditional treatment. One of the most notable benefits is during laser therapy more gum tissue is saved. Only the infected inner lining of the gum is removed and damaging bacteria is killed by the laser. As a result, tissue growth and reattachment is promoted. The laser also causes minimal bleeding and typically the patient experiences minimum or no swelling. Typically, patients will feel very little discomfort during and after the procedure and are fine to continue with there daily activities after their appointments.

Suwanee Dental Care works with financing companies to offer our patients flexible, interest free payment plans. Our treatment coordinator will discuss your treatment plan and payment options in your consultation. If you have periodontal disease, we encourage you to discuss with your doctor the best treatment option for you and to start treatment. If you have been putting off treatment because of your busy schedule or because of anxiety, laser treatment is a great option for you.

There are typically less appointments and recovery time involved with laser treatment and the laser option is perfect for patients that have a fear of surgery. We look forward to discussing your options to achieve better oral health, which, in turn, will positively affect your overall health.

Using Lasers to Treat Periodontal Disease

At Suwanee Dental Care, we understand what you want in your dentist. Our goal is to provide the very best that dentistry has to offer in a comfortable, home like atmosphere. Your overall health is our main concern and we

want you to look good, feel good and have strong, healthy teeth and a beautiful smile to last a lifetime.

Our dentists are comprehensively trained so you get everything for your entire family done at one place. When you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted, you’ll gain confidence and prosper in business, your

relationships and have peace of mind.

Suwanee Dental Care4355 Suwanee Dam Road

Suwanee, GA 30024

770-614-7300www.suwaneedental.com

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Suwanee Dental Care · 2019-09-18 · 2 Suwanee Dental Magazine Suwanee Dental Care Out of over 5,000 dentists in Georgia, only 187 have obtained the training and Oral Sedation license