An index of answers to questions consumers ask about periodontal disease (periodontitis and gingivitis), compiled by the American Academy of Periodontology....
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Frequently Asked Questions About
Periodontal (Gum) Disease
General Periodontal Questions
General Periodontal Questions
Periodontal Procedures
Periodontal Disease and General Health
General Periodontal Questions
Definitions/Causes/Symptoms
What are periodontal diseases?
What is my risk of having or developing periodontal disease?
Who is a periodontist?
Is there a relationship between tobacco use and periodontal disease?
Is it normal for my gums to bleed when I brush my teeth?
What are pockets?
Could my periodontal disease be genetic?
Can I pass my periodontal disease to others?
Prevention
What can I do to avoid periodontal disease?
I'm over 55. Does this mean I'm more likely to get periodontal disease?
When should I see a periodontist?
What can I expect the first time I visit a periodontist?
Oral Care Products
What kinds of oral care products should I use?
How should I choose oral care products?
Periodontal Procedures
Dental Implants
What are the advantages of dental implants?
How do I care for my dental implants?
Surgery
How can I avoid surgery for my periodontal disease?
Will periodontal surgery hurt?
Maintenance Therapy
What is maintenance therapy?
How often do I need maintenance therapy?
Nonsurgical Treatments
What are root scaling and planing?
Use of Lasers in Periodontal Therapy
Are there potential benefits to using lasers in periodontal therapy?
Can the use of lasers in periodontal therapy harm patients?
Does the research on lasers support their use in periodontics at this time?
Cosmetic Periodontal Procedures
What can be done to improve the look of my "gummy" smile?
What can be done to correct my "long" teeth or receding gums?
Payment
Will insurance cover periodontal procedures?
Periodontal Disease and General Health
Links to Other Diseases
What is the relationship between periodontal disease and respiratory disease?
How does periodontal disease increase my risk for heart disease?
Can periodontal disease increase my risk for having a premature baby?
What is the relationship between periodontal disease and diabetes?
What can I do to reduce the health risks associated with periodontal disease?
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