Treatment of Gum Disease and Halitosis (bad breath)
Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums that is usually painless. It can go unnoticed, making regular dental checkups very important. Periodontal disease can cause serious deterioration in healthy gums, leading to loss of bone mass and the structure that holds teeth in place. Many adults lose teeth not to decay, but to periodontal disease.
Periodontal disease can also cause halitosis (bad breath), which can be a handicap in the business and social world.
Moreover, many people don't realize that periodontal disease may be associated with premature births and birth defects as well as increased risk of heart disease, diabetes and respiratory disease.
Dr. Krochak and his staff are committed to your complete dental health. Every patient is assessed for periodontal health at the outset of treatment, including a full assessment of the bone around the teeth, the presence of any gum pockets and your risk factors for periodontal disease.
Based on the findings of the periodontal assessment, you will be scheduled for regular professional cleanings and evaluation. The actual time period between cleaning/assessment visits is determined by the health of your gums and bone. If you are striving to achieve and maintain good dental health, the interval may be shorter. Conversely, if you have a long history of good dental health, the interval between visits would be longer.
Halitosis (bad breath) is often a sign or periodontal disease, although it may be caused by other factors. Whether the result of periodontal disease or other causes, Dr. Krochak can help you eliminate or minimize halitosis with regular dental hygiene visits or other treatments, depending on the source.
Dr. Krochak takes a conservative, non-surgical approach to periodontal disease. If you have gingivitis or periodonititis, Dr. Krochak will first try to treat it with deep cleaning — root planing and scaling, with local anesthesia — and antimicrobial therapies. Only in extraordinary cases does he use localized surgery, deep pocket reduction and bone grafting to encourage the regrowth of bone in the jaw. As always, Dr. Krochak uses the latest techniques and equipment to ensure your comfort during these important procedures.
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