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Biological Periodontal Care

Visit Annandale, VA practice for integrative periodontal care

Gum disease, or as it is more properly termed “periodontal disease” or “periodontitis,” is the most common chronic infectious disease in humans, affecting over 50 percent of the American adult population. Dr. Richard Fischer and his team at Evergreen Dental Wellness in Annandale, VA take an integrative approach to periodontal care, benefitting their patients’ oral health and overall wellness.

About periodontal disease

Periodontal disease is caused by an infection, usually bacterial in nature, which attacks the jawbone supporting the teeth. It is the primary cause of tooth loss in adults. As we lose our teeth, we lose the ability to chew, digest, and assimilate those healthy foods which provide us with adequate fiber and nutrient-dense content. Heart disease is the number one fatal disease in humans. Periodontitis is a major contributing factor to this condition – an even more important factor than smoking! Periodontitis also increases the risk of respiratory disease and increases the chance of having a premature low birth weight baby. It further poses serious health threats for those with diabetes.

The common method of periodontal disease treatment has been surgery to remove diseased gum and bone tissue. This technique has been shown to focus on symptoms and signs of gum disease such as:

  • Gum swelling
  • Receding gums
  • Bleeding gums
  • Loose teeth
  • Pockets of infection between gums and bone
Stop Periodontal Disease

Surgery, however, may not address the actual cause of the disease – infection – but rather treats results of the infection. Furthermore, a diagnosis of periodontitis commonly is not made until the disease is moderate or advanced in its progression. Surgical treatment then is reactive, not preventive.

Personalized integrative periodontal care in Annandale, VA

For decades, Evergreen Dental Wellness has offered biocompatible periodontal therapy (BPT). In addition to the classical diagnostic criteria, we also use a phase contrast microscope to examine plaque for early detection of pathogenic bacteria most closely associated with this disease. (Please watch the video for more information.) When the exact nature of the infection is identified, appropriate anti-infective measures are utilized to eliminate it. Only with this level of magnification can the most effective treatment regimen be determined for each patient. Then, once the initial goal of eliminating infection is accomplished we provide guidance on easy and effective home care measures that make the oral environment less hospitable to infectious bacteria, and can restore healthy tissue resistance to infection and oxidative stress.

The carotenoid scanner is a simple, non-invasive method of assessing tissue resistance to oxidative stress. Carotenoids are nutritional antioxidants abundant in brightly colored fruits and vegetables, and dark green leafy vegetables. Chronic periodontally-infected patients typically are lacking these nutrients from their diets. Research has established that carotenoid antioxidants serve as a biomarker for the entire antioxidant defense system of the body. Measuring them provides a glimpse into an individual’s resistance to oxidative stress. By shining a low energy light on the palm of the hand we determine your skin carotenoid level in seconds.

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BPT, along with changes to diet and lifestyle work by making necessary adjustments to causes of the problem – specific infectious organisms and a lowered resistance by the patient’s immune system. BPT is more effective than surgery, it not painful or disfiguring, and usually much less costly. This form of gum disease treatment is supported by volumes of research from around the world, including the National Institute of Dental Research, part of the NIH. Evergreen Dental Wellness also follows protocols established by the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT).

Biological Periodontal care at Evergreen Dental Wellness explained by Dr. Richard D. Fischer, DDS

Biological Periodontal care at Evergreen Dental Wellness explained by Dr. Richard D. Fischer, DDS
What is Periodontal disease? Known commonly as Gum Disease can lead to bleeding, receding, and infected gums. Watch this video to learn more about this condition as Dr. Richard D. Fischer, DDS explains.

What is Periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, is typically an infection in the mouth.

What are the approaches to treat Periodontal disease:

  • Surgical approach
  • Non-surgical approach

The biological periodontal treatment done by Evergreen Dental Wellness is a non-surgical approach.

What is the screening process for gum disease?

  1. Initial screening and evaluation for bleeding gums, receding gums, pockets of infection, etc.
  2. A Phase contrast microscope is a game-changer and is used for more than 35 years at the practice to magnify and see a sample of the plaque, its bacteria level, and activity.

This helps to evaluate what is causing gum problems and address specific requirements to mitigate the infection.

Is Gum Disease a common problem?

Periodontal disease affects about 50% of the adult population in the country and is a common chronic infectious disease in humans. It is also the primary cause of tooth loss in adults.


Evergreen Dental Wellness
Before and After Results

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