Gum Disease Treatment in Pittsburgh
Dr. Bakuri takes the time to explain procedures and answer your questions.
Preventive and Non-Surgical Treatments for a Healthy Mouth
Dr. Bakuri is a board-certified periodontist. Periodontists are dentists who have received advanced training in diagnosing, treating and preventing gum disease, and who have an in-depth understanding of how to treat the teeth and jawbone in relation to gum disease.
Many of our patients have chronic gum disease that doesn’t respond adequately to simple treatment. We can save teeth and preserve bone by eliminating gum disease in cases that a general dentist might not be equipped to handle.
With our training, experience and use of state-of-the-art technology, we can treat cases of moderate to severe gum disease without surgery over 90% of the time.
Periodontal Examination
We begin your treatment with a thorough review of your medical and dental history. Medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and autoimmune disorders can influence the manner in which we approach your treatment, as can certain medications.
Your periodontal examination will include screening for oral cancer, an evaluation of your bite and smile, and a check for the presence of gum disease.
Dr. Bakuri will explain what he finds and answer all your questions about your gum health.
To determine the level of gum disease present, we use a small instrument called a "periodontal probe" that is placed gently between your teeth and gums to check the depth of the “pockets” (spaces) between your teeth and gums.
Pocket depths of 1–3mm is usually considered to be healthy. Depths of 4–5mm indicate mild periodontitis (gum disease caused by bacteria); depths of 5–6mm suggest moderate periodontitis; and pocket depths of 7mm or more may indicate severe periodontitis.
In addition to taking measurements of pocket depth, X-rays may be taken to check the jawbone supporting the teeth, as more severe cases of periodontal disease may lead to bone loss.
Who Should Be Evaluated for Gum Disease?
Gum disease is a silent disease; it often has no symptoms and does not cause pain until it is at a very advanced stage. While anyone can benefits from a specialist's evaluation, it is especially important to come to us if you have any of the following:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Diabetes
- Autoimmune disorders
- Osteoporosis
- Had a hip replacement
- If you are on an immunosuppressant or steroids
$199 Gum Disease Exam, X-Rays and Consultation
- Comprehensive oral examination
- Full mouth X-rays
- Oral cancer screening
- Consultation with the doctor
- Written treatment plan
Call 412-201-0633 or click here to schedule your appointment.
Stages of Gum Disease
1) Healthy gums
2) Redness and swelling (gingivitis)
3) Bone and tissue loss (periodontitis)
Plaque Bacteria
Plaque is a sticky, colorless film, consisting of bacteria, that continually forms on our teeth. If not removed by brushing and flossing, plaque can form a hard buildup of tartar. This is the main cause of cavities and periodontal disease.
Gums that are healthy are firm, pink and do not bleed easily. The gums are not receding and teeth are held firmly in place with no bone loss.
As the mildest form of gum disease, gingivitis causes the gums to become red, swollen and bleed easily. There is usually little or no discomfort at this stage.
Gingivitis is caused by the accumulation of plaque bacteria on the teeth. Gingivitis is easily reversible with professional treatment and good oral home care.
If gingivitis is left untreated, it can advance to the early stage of periodontitis. In this early stage, periodontal disease begins to destroy the bone and tissue that supports the teeth.
In the moderate to severe stage, periodontal disease can lead to more bone and tissue destruction. The most advanced form of this disease includes extensive bone loss. Teeth often become loose and may have to be removed. Even in this stage, patients rarely feel discomfort.
Patient Education and Coaching
Our goal goes beyond simply fixing your teeth and/or gums; we want to help you achieve a state of optimum overall health. We coach each patient individually, offering friendly advice and demonstrating methods to achieve oral health.
We treat you as an adult and provide you with honest information about your personal state of health and well-being so that you can understand the underlying reasons why (if) you are ill, including genetic predisposition and unhealthy habits, such as smoking. When you begin treatment, we will encourage you to regulate practices that are contributing to poor oral health.
Our friendly hygienists demonstrate proper brushing techniques.
Patient Progress System
We use a computer software program that automates the gathering of your oral health information and keeps track of your progress over the course of treatment and preventative maintenance, including information about the depth of the pockets between your gums.
This system was developed to allow us to far more accurately and efficiently prevent patients from having recurrence of disease.
By gathering hundreds of pieces of data, we are alerted to any changes in the health of your gums at a very early stage. This preventive action can help you avoid the recurrence of disease and the need for retreatment. This is the key to who we are—we want you to get healthy and to stay healthy!
For most patients, visits twice a year are sufficient for maintaining oral health, although patients with more fragile conditions are seen more frequently.
We use our Patient Progress System to track your oral health.
Perioscope: Non-Surgical Treatment for Moderate to Severe Gum Disease
By using the sophisticated method of perioscopy, we can treat 90% of our patients who have moderate to severe gum disease without surgery. The Periscope transmits highly magnified images to a monitor, allowing us to see precisely where hardened tartar is present. These images guide us in the process of removing bacterial contaminations that were previously only visible with oral surgery.
The key to periodontal health is the elimination of bacteria, both the soft, sticky kind on the teeth and the hardened deposits under the gums. These hardened deposits are swarming with millions of live bacteria. Since magnification is 40–48x with the Perioscope, we can remove far more with it than we can surgically.
With state-of-the-art perioscopy, we can treat most patients who have gum disease without surgery.
Have You Been Told You Need Gum Surgery?
Come see us for a free second opinion and find out if you are a candidate for the Perioscope. It is easier, less costly and the results are better than with traditional or laser surgery.
Call 123-456-7890 or click here to schedule a Free Second Opinion.
Bacteria DNA Testing
For patients that have severe disease, we sometimes use a simple saliva DNA and anaerobic culture test to determine the specific type and quantity of bacteria in your mouth. This technology allows us to precisely diagnose the type of bacteria that is present, and to prescribe the appropriate antibiotic. We also do antibiotic sensitivity testing to determine if you harbor germs resistant to antibiotics.
Surgery for Very Severe Periodontal Disease
Although we can treat the vast majority of cases of gum disease effectively with the non-surgical Perioscope, there are cases when traditional surgery is required.
When a patient has lost bone from periodontitis or missing teeth, we may need to do a procedure known as “flap” surgery to access the area requiring treatment. A small portion of the gum is lifted back to provide access to the underlying tissue and bone.
Rebuilding Lost Bone from Periodontitis
We employ a variety of techniques to rebuild bone and provide structural support for your teeth.
Learn more about our techniques for rebuilding bone.
Call 412-201-0633 or click here to schedule your appointment.