Periodontics

Philadelphia, Main Line, and Ardmore, Pennsylvania

What is periodontics? It is the study of the conditions and diseases that affect the supporting structures of the teeth. Dr. Marshall and her Philadelphia, Pennsylvania dental team emphasize the importance of taking preventive measures to maintain the structural health of your teeth and gums and thus to prevent periodontic problems.

Dr. Marshall has extensive training, including work at the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (LVI), the premier school for post-graduate dental work.

Factors Contributing to Periodontal Disease

Poor dental hygiene is not the only cause of gum disease, although it is a common one. There can also be:

• Jaw clenching or grinding the teeth – these habits gradually wear down the tooth enamel and thins it for better bacterial access; they are often symptoms of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder.
• Other medical conditions that affect the mouth – for example, Acid Reflux Disease where stomach acid backs up in the esophagus and into the mouth;
• Changes in hormones or metabolism that harm the mouth;
• Lack of saliva due to certain medications – saliva continually bathes the teeth, removing bacteria which are then swallowed and destroyed by stomach acid;
• A head injury that might loosen teeth or cut the gums and allow bacteria to enter.

For more about periodontal disease, please see Gum Disease.

Not every dentist offers periodontics – some may refer you to a colleague who has more training and experience. Dr. Marshall is qualified to perform some facets of periodontics as part of her general and cosmetic dentistry practice. She also has LVI training in neuromuscular dentistry and can approach your dental health from that perspective if jaw clenching or tooth grinding have contributed to your periodontal disease.

Dr. Marshall’s dental philosophy is preventive in nature – her first priority is to catch problems early when treatment is quick and easy, and if a problem has already progressed to a more serious stage, her priority is to preserve as much healthy tooth and gum tissue as possible.

It is never too late to begin practicing good dental hygiene on a regular basis. To schedule a periodontics consultation with Dr. Marshall, please contact her Philadelphia, Pennsylvania dental practice today.

602 The Times Building
Suburban Square
Ardmore, PA 19003
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