April 8, 2019

 Failure to take care of your smile will result in gum disease sooner or later. It is extremely easy for Dr. Leo Tokarczyk of Springfield, MO to treat gingivitis, which is the early stage of the disease. Over time, gingivitis will escalate into periodontitis and narcotizing periodontal disease. You need to see our periodontist immediately before any of the following occur.

  1. Lost Teeth

There are numerous symptoms of periodontal disease that indicate you need professional help. You will notice swollen gum tissue, chronic halitosis and loose teeth. Over time, the bacteria will impact the jawbone, and many patients end up losing teeth at this point. At this point, patients require dental implants or dentures instead of simple laser gum surgery.

  1. Jawbone Deterioration

The bacteria in the gums can make their way to the jawbone. It destroys the tissue, which leads to lost teeth, but it also results in a more sunken appearance in the face. When jawbone loses density, it can become noticeable in the face in as little as one year. Some people look years older than they actually are due to loss of jawbone.

  1. Increased Risk of Other Diseases

Some studies suggest a link between gum disease and other bodily conditions. Some of the conditions people may have to contend with include:

  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Stroke
  • Diabetes
  • Heart attacks and other cardiovascular diseases

Some research even suggests gum inflammations are linked to certain types of cancer. One study found men with periodontal disease have an increased likelihood of developing pancreatic and kidney cancer.

Take Care of Gum Disease Today

The office of Leo A. Tokarczyk, D.D.S., P.C. offers the LANAPÒ Protocol to treat gingivitis. This is an FDA-cleared procedure that uses a laser to eliminate bacteria found in gum tissue. This is a minimally invasive treatment, and most patients recover from it in just 24 hours. Contact us today to see if it is right for you.

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