I Had No Idea Periodontal Disease Is Linked to . . .
Courtesy Northlake Periodontics, LLC., Northlake Periodontics, Northshore LIVING WELL Magazine
You may be aware of stories in the news recently that link periodontal disease to heart disease, stroke, diabetes and low-birthweight babies. Research shows that having periodontal disease can put you at risk for conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, certain cancers and kidney disease. Researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that periodontal disease was associated with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer. Men with periodontal disease are 49% more likely to develop kidney cancer, 54% more likely to develop pancreatic cancer and 30% more likely to develop blood cancers.
Periodontal disease starts when tarter and bacteria under the gumline lead to infection. Eventually pockets form and fill with pus. The gums may swell around the roots of the teeth and may feel sensitive to heat or cold and hurt when brushed. Teeth will eventually loosen due to loss of bone and ligament and may need to be removed to keep the disease from spreading.
Before, patients diagnosed with moderate to severe gum disease have had invasive and painful flap surgery that removed both healthy and unhealthy root bone structure in addition to gum tissue in order to cure the infection. Many patients put this off because of fear. Dr. Marija LaSalle offers an alternative therapy called LANAP™ (Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure), which treats gum disease through regeneration, rather than resection; it eliminates the infection. With this procedure, the tiny laser fiber is inserted between the tooth and the gum tissue clearing away the infection without any cutting or stitching of the gum tissue. This procedure allows the patient’s own immune system to assist in the healing process. Immediately following this procedure, the majority of our patients often return to their regular activities.
Dr. Marija LaSalle has been committed to the Northshore for almost 20 years. Other services offered by Dr. LaSalle include implants, bone grafts treatment of gum recession and periodontal hygiene.
Northlake Periodontics is located at 1580 W. Causeway Approach in Mandeville; please call 985-727-1133 to schedule an appointment.
