5 minute read
Healthy gums equal healthy smiles from the foundations up
BY DR JOHN CARRIGY
In the quest for a fresh start, we often overlook a crucial aspect of our well-being - our gum health. It's easy to dismiss the state of our gums as inconsequential, but they are the hidden foundation upon which our overall wellness is built. Periodontitis (gum problems), the elusive and often misunderstood 'hidden disease,' lurks in the shadows, evading the attention it deserves. Yet, its implications can ripple through our entire body, impacting our health in ways we may never have imagined.
Periodontist John Carrigy of Foundation Dental Services (FDS) takes us on a journey to uncover the significance of gum health as a beginning place for total body wellness. It's time to shed light on the mysteries of periodontitis and explore the pivotal role it plays in shaping our new beginnings on the path to optimal health. Join us as we delve deeper into the secrets of a healthy smile and discover how it can lead us to brighter days ahead.
WHAT IS A PERIODONTIST?
‘Peri’ from Ancient Greek, means ‘around’ and ‘odon’ means tooth. A periodontist is an Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) registered dental specialist that looks after everything around the teeth – the supporting structures – maintaining oral soft tissue health and general occlusal function.
WHAT DO THEY DO?
They work closely with the general dentist and hygiene teams on the Coast to diagnose and treat a wide range of oral health conditions such as: periodontitis or pyorrhoea (pronounced pie-re-arh). They also biopsy various oral lumps and bumps, carry out minor surgical procedures like correcting tongue ties or gum shape, and replace missing teeth using dental implants.
SHOULD PERIODONTITIS BE TREATED?
Most of us will be susceptible to developing some level of gum problems during our lives. If left untreated, it can become a major cause of tooth loss. It can also complicate management of systemic health issues such as diabetes and cardiovascular issues. Yes, it should be treated.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS AND WHO SHOULD I SEE?
Periodontitis is called the ‘silent disease’ in dentistry. There is rarely any pain until the problem is well established. However, if picked up early, it is usually very easy to treat. If you experience increasing food impaction, bleeding on brushing, bad breath, are aware of becoming ‘long in the tooth’, or your teeth are becoming crooked or loose, then you should see your general dental team. They will then decide the extent and severity of the problem and treat it in-house or raise a referral to FDS.
DO I REQUIRE HOSPITALISATION FOR DENTAL IMPLANTS?
FDS does not carry out general dental care (such as fillings and cleans) however, we can accept ‘self-referrals’ via our website. We can then carry out a thorough assessment and treatment for you as needed, and/or refer you on to one of the excellent general practices and hygiene teams that we work with on the coast.
At FDS we have been placing implants for over 25 years. We only use the best quality materials and reputable implant systems. Detailed planning is carried out away from the chair using 3-D scans. This allows the actual placement to be carried out in the normal dental chair under the same anaesthetic you would use for a filling as a walk-in walk-out procedure.
HOW MUCH DO DENTAL IMPLANTS COST?
Asking how much dental implants will cost is like asking how much a car may cost. It will depend on the implant system chosen, the number of implants, complexity of the surgery – just to name a few factors. The best first step is to attend for a consultation where all the options and variations can be explored and obtain a firm quote. If it is a very complex or expensive treatment plan, it’s wise to obtain a few quotes. Once placed, it is usually very difficult to remove implants.
CAN MEDICATIONS CAUSE BLEEDING GUMS?
Possibly. However, the most common cause of persistent bleeding gums is developing deeper periodontal issues. Sometimes various medications will affect saliva flow and indirectly or directly change the way the body responds to plaque (such as bacterial build-up). A periodontist will look at your list of medications and explain any possible effects as part of your consultation.
IS IT TRUE YOU ARE A FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED BUSINESS?
Yes. All three children, and three of our spouses, are also in dentistry and help with patient care. So, there are seven of us in the business with eight dental degrees between us and two more under study. Within our support staff there are also numerous family connections such as sisters, daughters, sons. At FDS, you will definitely get to know the family!
WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS MODEL AND HOW YOU MANAGED TO BUILD SUCH A GREAT COMPANY?
Over the next two issues of Matters Magazine, we plan to share more on the way FDS was built as a company. Further information will also be provided on the clinical services and ways we can support the local coastal medical and dental teams and their patients.
Foundation Dental Services, founded in 1997, is our very own home-grown SE Queensland specialist practice providing support within the areas of gum care, oral medicine, minor oral surgery, and dental implants.
