Long Island Periodontist Disease | Nassau Periodontist | Suffolk Periodontist

Long Island Periodontist Discusses Laser Periodontal Therapy

2009-10-25T18:53:00.000-07:00

Watch Long Island Periodontist Disease Laser Treatment 1 in Tech & Gaming | View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

A Visit with Your Long Island Periodontist Can Mean a Bright Smile

2009-08-30T13:15:00.000-07:00

Smile – Your Biggest Asset

We've all heard the old saying that it takes more muscles to frown than it does to smile, yet many people avoid smiling because they're embarrassed by their teeth. In fact, in a survey on the American Academy of Periodontology's website, 25% of the people said what bothered them the most about their smile was either their teeth looked too long or their smile was too gummy.

In spite of this concern for their smile, only a quarter of the people involved in the survey actually knew that their smile could easily be fixed by a periodontal procedure involving reshaping of the gum line. This procedure and many more can be done by a Long Island periodontist.

What is a Periodontist?

Periodontists specialize in their diagnosis, treatment as well as prevention of diseases that affect the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. They also specialize in placement of dental implants, an option for replacement of lost teeth that's becoming more affordable and popular every year.

Another area of expertise with periodontists is the treatment of oral inflammation. In addition to attending dental school, periodontists receive specialized training for an additional three years. In Suffolk County, patients seeking expert dental care can see Long Island periodontist Dr. David R. Scharf.

Cosmetic Periodontal Procedures

Cosmetic periodontal procedures are being done more than ever before for many problems causing people to have a closed mouth smile. Crown lengthening is a procedure where the excess gum and bone is recontoured so that there is more tooth showing as opposed to a lot of gummy area. Once this procedure is done, the patient is often so happy, they request tooth whitening, another excellent enhancement for your smile. Although crown lengthening is usually done for a function purpose such as for crown preparation, it's also an excellent choice for esthetic reasons.

Periodontal procedures make a dramatic difference in the patient's smile and, therefore, their entire feeling of self confidence. Often problems that have plagued individuals for years and made them self-conscious can be easily remedied by crown lengthening or some other simple form of gum reconstruction that Long Island periodontist Dr. Scharf is very familiar with, having helped many patients with similar problems.

The result is a happy patient and bright smile! Crown lengthening is just one of the many periodontal procedures that can be done to help improve your smile and teeth. If you're looking for a Long Island Periodontist, contact Dr. Scharf at (631) 661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com. Dr. Scharf will treat your disease with a laser rather than a scalpel.

An alternative to a Chicago Periodontist is Dr. Michael Marcus. He uses a lser to treat gum disease. Dr. Barney Lim is a Bay Area Periodontist who treats gum disease with a a laser as well.

Flossing for your Life by Long Island Periodontist David Scharf

2009-05-07T10:30:00.000-07:00

Flossing for Your Life

Everyone has always been told by their periodontist or dentist to make sure to brush at least twice daily and to floss regularly. This is sage advice not only because it causes you to have healthy teeth and gums but it reduces your risk of contracting other diseases. Did you know that it has been proven that flossing can even save your life?

Sure it is important to have a great smile with glowing white teeth. It is just as enjoyable to eat things without the sensitivity that can be caused by not keeping up with a proper dental regimen. Keeping a proper dental hygiene regimen is just as important to reduce your risk of gum disease also known as Periodontal disease. Periodontal disease has been linked to many serious health problems. The simple act of flossing your teeth when you brush can reduce your risk of having a heart attack, stroke or other illnesses. Periodontal disease would include things like the advanced form of gum disease called Periodontitis. Periodontitis causes bone loss which can lead to loose teeth and can even cause your teeth to fall out. Periodontitis can occur when gingivitis is left untreated. Of course, the best way to not get even gingivitis is to have regular dental check ups, brush regularly (at least twice a day), and flossing regularly (along with brushing).

By following a proper dental hygiene regimen you will not only have better teeth and breath, but you will increase your potential for staying healthy in regards to your circulatory system and overall health. The plaque bacteria that is eliminated by a regular dental regimen will not have the chance to get into your blood stream reeking havoc on your body. You will feel better not only physically, but emotionally knowing that you are reducing your risks by simply flossing along with your regular brushing. Flossing also can treat bleeding gums Long Island

Long Island periodontist Dr. David Scharf can treat gum disease with a laser, not a scalpel. For information on the gum laser on Long Island call Dr. Scharf at (631)661-6633

Gum Disease and Tongue Cancer

2009-04-26T07:29:00.000-07:00

You want to do everything you can to reduce your risk of developing cancer, right? Can you imagine what you would go through if you were diagnosed with cancer? Can you imagine the worry that it would cause your family? Cancer is extremely difficult to face not only in terms of your mortality, but also in terms of treatment. What if you could do something to lessen your risk?

Gum disease has been linked to tongue cancer. Tongue cancer has usually been thought to be more associated with smoking then to anything else. Smoking is still thought to be a huge risk factor in developing tongue cancer, but gum disease is also a big risk factor. No other oral problem has been linked to tongue cancer other than gum disease.

When people are diagnosed with tongue cancer they are also checked for gum disease in order to reduce the risk of recurring tongue cancer. Long Island periodontist Dr. Scharf consults both cancer patients and those at risk of developing tongue cancer. A simple way to help reduce your risk of developing cancer would be to treat gum disease Long Island right away. As soon as gum disease sets in it can begin to cause bone loss. Every millimeter of bone loss that gum disease causes puts someone at five times greater risk of developing tongue cancer.

For people looking for a Long Island Periodontist there is no reason to be worried about treating gum disease. In most cases surgery is not necessary as has been thought in the past. Through the use of a periodontal laser on Long Island, Dr. Scharf can treat your gum disease without the need for old fashioned cut and stitch surgery. Not only is the procedure less invasive, but there is also less pain and a quicker recovery time. Another positive not is that you will not have to go into an operating room since Long Island periodontist Dr. Scharf can perform periodontal laser treatment in his office.

For more information on periodontal laser treatment on Long Island visit Dr. Scharf by calling (631)661-6633

Long Island Periodontist reveals how to avoid Cut and Stitch Gum Surgery

2009-04-12T06:29:00.000-07:00

Long Island Periodontist David Scharf reveals how to avoid cut and stitch gum surgery. For people who need a periodontist on Long Island this video contains important information.

Long Island Periodontist and the Gum Laser

2009-04-04T19:37:00.000-07:00

Long Island Periodontist David Scharf (631)661-6633 has posted a hubpage about the gum laser on Long Island. The recipe for success with gum disease is easy to do.

Long Island Periodontist

Long Island Peridontist and the Gum Laser

2009-04-04T16:48:00.001-07:00

Learn about treating gum dieease with a laser.

Periodontal Disease Linked to Stroke

2009-04-01T18:54:00.000-07:00

Have you known someone in your life who has been a victim of stroke? It is not something that anyone would look forward to. There are several different ways that you can avoid stroke. Did you know that having gum disease puts you at a much higher risk for stroke?

Recent studies have suggested a link between Periodontal disease and stroke. Strokes occur when blood flow to the brain is inhibited. Strokes can also occur when there is a clog, or clot. Blood vessels may burst as a result of one or more of these conditions. As stroke is the second leading cause of death behind heart attacks it is always important for people to be able to better evaluate their risk of stroke. Periodontal disease has been linked to the type of stroke caused by a blockage. This may be caused by findings that people with missing or deteriorating teeth due to periodontal disease have thicker arterial walls. The walls are thickened by periodontal bacteria getting into the bloodstream and sticking to vessel walls. The thicker walls lend themselves to decreased blood flow in general by causing blood cells to stick to the sides of the walls. This decrease in blood flow will mean that the brain gets less blood and can lead to a stroke if left untreated. Treatment for people with blocked or enlarged arterial walls can be costly and painful. A simpler approach would be to reduce your risk of stroke by reducing the risk of enlarged arterial walls.

Treatment of periodontal disease is much easier and less painful than treating enlarged arterial walls. For instance, gum disease can be treated without the need for surgery. Long Island periodontist Dr. David Scharf can perform a procedure using a laser rather than performing gum surgery.

For more information on reducing your risk for stroke by treating gum disease on Long Island please visit Dr. Scharf To read about treating gum disease with a laser click this link.

Long Island Periodontist has a Patient who tells his experience with a Gum Laser

2009-03-22T07:33:00.001-07:00

Periodontist Long Island Discusses Alternative to Gum Surgery

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A Perient talks about his experience with Laser Periodontal Therapy

2009-03-21T14:45:00.000-07:00

This patient discusses his experience with Laser Periodontal Therapy on Long Island

For FAQ on the Gum Laser on Long Island click here

Obesity and Gum Disease by Periodontist on Long Island

2009-03-18T15:36:00.000-07:00

Obesity, Young Adults and Gum Disease

Young adults are very concerned with how they look and try very hard to maintain their image. Did you know that there is more reasons than simply cosmetic to be concerned with obesity? Did you know that it has been proven that there is a link between obesity and gum disease in young adults?

Not only does obesity put a person's health at risk simply because of the strains that the extra weight puts on the body and the implications of the diet, but it also puts young adults at greater risk for periodontal disease. While there is not a link in other age groups, research has shown that in young adults ages 18 – 34 obesity puts you at much higher risk to have gum disease. This will mean that not only will you worry about negative health consequences of being overweight, but you will worry about the negative health consequences of gum disease. Gum disease can lead to a wide array of health problems if left untreated including heart attack, stroke, osteoporosis, lung disease and more. Gum disease can also lead to loose teeth and tooth loss.

Long Island periodontist Dr. Scharf consults patients with concerns linked to this and other problems every day. Prevention would include a daily dental regimen of brushing twice daily, flossing once per day and regular six month check ups. Controlling ones weight is also recommended as it is believed that the diet that young adults succumb to including carbonated beverages help to soften the teeth and encourages a build up of bacterial plaque on teeth. Once the plaque builds up and the gums become infected you are at greater risk.

There is no reason to put off treatment for periodontal disease. Understandably, most people are afraid of dental surgery.periodo Patients on Long Island referred to Dr. Scharf have been happy to know that their gum disease can be treated with a laser rather than surgery. Done as an in office procedure, this conservative procedure is a very popular option.

To learn more on this and other concerns about gum disease and treatment please visit our site

Laser Periodontist on LongIsland Discusses Osteoporosis

2009-03-15T18:35:00.000-07:00

Links Between Gum Disease and Osteoporosis

Do you or someone you love have Osteoporosis? Did you know that gum disease has been linked to osteoporosis? Osteoporosis and gum disease attack people of the same age range and they work in tandem negatively effecting bone structure. You may think that treatment for such diseases is painful and long term but that is not necessarily true.

The fact that gum disease and osteoporosis both attack the bones works both for the diseases and for the doctors trying to treat them. Long Island Periodontist Dr. Scharf is frequently referred to by dentists to treat and inform people at risk for or currently diagnosed with gum disease. He informs them of how treating the gum disease will greatly reduce the risk of increased risk or problems with osteoporosis. Treating gum disease reduces your risk for bone loss almost immediately. Most people are afraid of having gum surgery and causes them to either put off or avoid treatment all together. Long Island residents can take comfort in the fact that they do not have to have gum surgery but can enjoy the benefits of treatment through a conservative procedure using a laser. The procedure can be done safely in the office of Dr. Scharf who is a Periodontist on Long Island.

Treatments for osteoporosis are recommended to be performed in tandem with treatment for gum disease. Osteoporosis treatment for older women is usually as simple as hormone replacement therapy. The treatment of the osteoporosis will help along fixing damage caused by gum disease, but why let it go as far as to have to worry about fixing bone loss when there is a procedure on Long Island that does not involve surgery and will produce immediate results in terms of halting further damage.

For more information on gum disease treatment in Long Island area visit us

Perioodontist on Long Island uses as Laser to Treat Gum Disease

2009-03-08T15:12:00.001-07:00

Laser Periodontist on Long Island

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myLot User Profile

2009-03-02T13:20:00.001-08:00

myLot User Profile

mylot

2009-03-02T13:06:00.001-08:00

myLot User Profile

Chewing Pumps Bacteria into the Blood

2009-02-27T16:50:00.000-08:00

Chewing Pumps Bacteria Into the Blood

I recently came across an interesting study done in 2002. The study looked at chewing and levels of bacteria in the blood.

First, an some information about gum disease.

Periodontal disease (gum disease) is a bacterial infection that goes deep under the gums surrounding your teeth. The gums and bone around your teeth are fed by thousands of tiny blood vessels. Your periodontal bacteria goes into these capillaries and throughout your body.

This infectious bacteria adds to deposits on the blood vessel walls and can generally lower your immune system. It can also promote infections in other parts of your body. Research has found that patients with untreated periodontal disease are more likely to have other medical problems as well.

The 2002 study looked at 67 patients. Researchers found that 6% of periodontal patients had active toxins in their blood before chewing and 24% had active toxins in their blood after chewing. This put four times more harmful bacteria in the blood.

The more plaque and calculus that builds up around the teeth the worse it gets. The gum tissue lining periodontal pockets becomes ulcerated and allows these bacteria and toxins into the blood stream through the ulcers.

As more time passes between dental cleanings the buildup gets worse and the invasion of these harmful bacteria and toxins into the blood gets worse as well.

Having healthy gums, good oral hygiene and professional dental cleanings at the proper interval are your best defense.

To learn about treating gum disease with a laser visit LILaserperio.com

Causes of Periodontal Disease

2009-02-22T18:25:00.000-08:00

The main cause of periodontal (gum) disease is plaque, but other factors affect the health of your gums.

Periodontal (gum) diseases, including gingivitis and periodontitis, are serious infections that, left untreated, can lead to tooth loss. Periodontal disease can affect one tooth or many teeth. The main cause of periodontal disease is bacterial plaque, a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth. However, factors like the following also affect the health of your gums.

Smoking/Tobacco Use
As you probably already know, tobacco use is linked with many serious illnesses such as cancer, lung disease and heart disease, as well as numerous other health problems. What you may not know is that tobacco users also are at increased risk for periodontal disease. In fact, recent studies have shown that tobacco use may be one of the most significant risk factors in the development and progression of periodontal disease.

Other contributing factors include genetics, women's issues, stress, medications, grinding, diabetes, poor nutrition and obesity. These will be covered in future posts.

If you have gum disease and want to treat it without sugery, consider laser periodontal therapy. To learn more about the periodontal laser keep reading here.

Periodontal Maintenance after Gum Laser Treatment Suffolk County

2009-02-19T05:19:00.000-08:00

Is it worth it to keep up with maintenance visits after Laser Periodontal therapy Long Island

You bet it is. Periodontal treatment is divided into two phases. The first phase or the active phase is designed to get your mouth healthy. The second phase or the maintenance phase is designed to keep your mouth healthy. Gum disease is s chronic disease. You can never be immune to it. But you can minimize the chances of it coming back. Studies have shown that periodontal treatment with maintenance is very effective at preserving ones teeth and dramatically reducing the incidence of tooth decay and gum disease recurrence. Studies have also shown that periodontal treatment without maintenance is of little value in the long run in preserving periodontal health.

Dr. Scharf is Long Island's premier periodontist. He treats gum disease with a laser and places dental implants in Babylon, Suffolk County NY.

Gum Disease and HIV

2009-02-14T08:12:00.001-08:00

Study Links Acid Produced From Gum Disease With HIV

February 13, 2009

A recent study conducted by researchers in Japan found that an acid produced in the mouth because of gum disease might promote the progression of HIV, AFP/Yahoo! News reports. According to the researchers, the study, which will be published in the March issue of the Journal of Immunology, marks the first time a link has been discovered between gum disease and HIV, although previous research has linked gum disease with diabetes and heart disease. According to study author Kuniyasu Ochiai of Nihon University, butyric acid -- produced by a group of bacteria that causes periodontal disease --hinders an enzyme called HDAC, which blocks HIV from proliferating. Takashi Okamoto, molecular biology professor in central Japan's Nagoya City University, and Kenichi Imai, a research assistant at the university, also participated in the study.

Through in-vitro experiments, the researchers found that HIV quickly proliferated in two kinds of immune system-related cells after they were given culture fluid containing the gum disease-causing bacteria and butyric acid. Ochiai said, "Serious periodontal disease could lead to the development (of AIDS) among HIV-positive people ... although the probability largely depends on individual physical strength." He adds that there are "fears that even those [who] were unaware that they had contracted HIV could develop the epidemic once they have periodontal disease." The research team intends to confirm their finding in animal tests, Ochiai said (AFP/Yahoo! News, 2/11).

Conservative Periodontal Treatment Long Island

2009-02-04T09:36:00.000-08:00

What's different about LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY™?
LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY™ uses a special kind of laser called the PerioLase®, invented by two dentists in Cerritos, California. Dr. Robert Gregg and Dr. Delwin McCarthy spent years developing a better way to treat gum disease. The laser fiber, which is only about as wide as a couple of human hairs, is inserted between the gum tissue and your tooth, where it painlessly removes the noxious elements that cause gum disease.

How many treatments will I need?
LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY™ doesn't take much time at all -- just two two-hour sessions versus eight to ten one-hour sessions with surgery. You don't have to worry about bleeding, stitches or post-treatment infection, because your gums haven't been cut.

What about recovery - will I be in pain or need to follow a special routine?
The sense of recovery is immediate, due to the laser’s ability to seal blood vessels, lymphatics and nerve endings. Of course, your tissue needs time to recover, regenerate and heal over the course of time, but after LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY™, you can drive your car, go back to work, or do anything else you like.

Here is the rest of the article of Conservative gum treatment Long Island

Long Island Periodontist Discusses Smoking and Gum Disease

2009-01-30T21:05:00.000-08:00

Surprising as it may sound, many smokers need to be made more aware of the dangers of tobacco use. In fact, just 29 percent of smokers say they believe themselves to be at an above-average risk for heart attack compared with their nonsmoking peers, according to a study published by the Journal of the American Medical Association in March of 1999.

Obviously, while information about the medical problems associated with smoking – such as lung disease, cancer, heart disease and low-birth-weight infants – is widely available, many smokers seem to have tuned out.

If you are a smoker who is concerned about the effects smoking can have on your health, congratulations! By accessing information about the negative impacts of tobacco use, you are taking the first step toward quitting.

To increase awareness of the dangers of smoking, the American Cancer Society sponsors the Great American Smokeout every year in November. Americans are encouraged to quit smoking for a day or to encourage someone else to quite for a day. The idea is to help someone be smoke-free for a day in hopes of motivating that person to quit forever

Recent studies have shown that tobacco use may be one of the most significant risk factors in the development and progression of periodontal disease Long Island. In addition, following periodontal treatment or any type of oral surgery, the chemicals in tobacco can slow down the healing process and make the treatment results less predictable.

How does smoking increase your risk for periodontal disease? As a smoker, you are more likely than nonsmokers to have the following problems:

* Calculus – plaque that hardens on your teeth and can only be removed during a professional cleaning
* Deep pockets between your teeth and gums
* Loss of the bone and tissue that support your teeth

If the calculus is not removed during a professional cleaning, and it remains below your gum line, the bacteria in the calculus can destroy your gum tissue and cause your gums to pull away from your teeth. When this happens, periodontal pockets form and fill with disease-causing bacteria.

If left untreated, periodontal disease will progress. The pockets between your teeth and gums can grow deeper, allowing in more bacteria that destroy tissue and supporting bone. As a result, the gums may shrink away from the teeth making them look longer. Without treatment, your teeth may become loose, painful and even fall out.

Save Your Smile

Research shows that smokers loose more teeth than nonsmokers do. In fact, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only about 20 percent of people over age 65 who have never smoked are toothless, while a whopping 41.3 percent of daily smokers over age 65 are toothless.

In addition, research shows that current smokers don’t heal as well after periodontal treatment as former smokers or nonsmokers. But these effects are reversible if the smokers kick the habit before beginning treatment.

Not Just Cigarettes

Other tobacco products are also harmful to your periodontal health. Smokeless tobacco also can cause gums to recede and increase the chance of losing the bone and fibers that hold your teeth in place.

And, a study of cigar and pipe smokers published in the January 1999 issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association revealed that cigar smokers experience tooth loss and alveolar bone loss at rates equivalent to those of cigarette smokers. Pipe smokers experience tooth loss at a rate similar to cigarette smokers.

Other Oral Problems
Researches also have found that the following problems occur more often in people who use tobacco products:

* Oral cancer
* Bad breath
* Stained teeth
* Tooth loss
* Bone loss
* Loss of taste
* Less success with periodontal treatment
* Less success with dental implants
* Gum recession
* Mouth sores
* Facial wrinkling
if you have been thinking about sstopping smoking now is the time. Good luck

Gum Disease and Heart Disease | Periodontist Long Island | Gum Laser

2009-01-20T18:38:00.000-08:00

In last week's New York Times Jane Brody wrote an article entitled "New Thinking on How to Protect the Heart." In it she mentions how elevated levels of a marker called C reactive protein is a significant risk factor for heart attack. She also discusses the effect of periodontal or gum inflammation has on health. Studies in the periodontal literature have shown over and over again that if you take a patient with periodontal disease and high levels of C reactive protein and treat their periodontal disease the levels of C reactive protein reduce. Wow. The mouth really is attached to the rest of the body. The old thinking was that neglecting the teeth only resulted in a loss of teeth. The new reality is that neglecting the mouth may result in loss of days of your life!! I have copied the whole article below for you. Stay warm and Happy New Year. To learn about laser periodontal therapy visit us on the web. To learn about Periodontal disease visit us. If you are looking for a Long Island Periodontist you can click to learn about Dr. Scharf

Here is the link to the NY Times article

Periodontist Long Island Treating Gum Disease With A Laser

2009-01-16T20:48:00.000-08:00

Call Dr. David Scharf at (631)661-6633 to see if the Periodontal Laser is right for you.

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Periodontist Long Island | Gum surgery | Conservative Gum Treatment | Suffolk County

2009-01-15T19:12:00.000-08:00

Long Island Laser Periodontal Therapy can be used to treat gum disease conservatively. Watch this video and call (631)661-6633 for an appointment.

Periodontal Disease and Heart Disease

2009-01-14T09:07:00.000-08:00

In yesterday's New York Times Jane Brody wrote an article entitled "New Thinking on How to Protect the Heart." In it she mentions how elevated levels of a marker called C reactive protein is a significant risk factor for heart attack. She also discusses the effect of periodontal or gum inflammation has on health. Studies in the periodontal literature have shown over and over again that if you take a patient with periodontal disease and high levels of C reactive protein and treat their periodontal disease the levels of C reactive protein reduce. Wow. The mouth really is attached to the rest of the body. The old thinking was that neglecting the teeth only resulted in a loss of teeth. The new reality is that neglecting the mouth may result in loss of days of your life!! I have copied the whole article below for you. Stay warm and Happy New Year. To learn about laser periodontal therapy visit LILASERPERIO.COM

Personal Health
New Thinking on How to Protect the Heart
The New York Times
By JANE E. BRODY
Published: January 12, 2009

If last week’s column convinced you that surgery may not be the best way to avoid a heart attack or sudden cardiac death, the next step is finding out what can work as well or better to protect your heart.

Many measures are probably familiar: not smoking, controlling cholesterol and blood pressure, exercising regularly and staying at a healthy weight. But some newer suggestions may surprise you.

It is not that the old advice, like eating a low-fat diet or exercising vigorously, was bad advice; it was based on the best available evidence of the time and can still be very helpful. But as researchers unravel the biochemical reasons for most heart attacks, the advice for avoiding them is changing.

And, you’ll be happy to know, the new suggestions for both diet and exercise are less rigid. The food is tasty, easy to prepare and relatively inexpensive, and you don’t have to sweat for an hour a day to reap the benefits of exercise.

The well-established risk factors for heart disease remain intact: high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, abdominal obesity and sedentary living. But behind them a relatively new factor has emerged that may be even more important as a cause of heart attacks than, say, high blood levels of artery-damaging cholesterol.

That factor is C-reactive protein, or CRP, a blood-borne marker of inflammation that, along with coagulation factors, is now increasingly recognized as the driving force behind clots that block blood flow to the heart. Yet patients are rarely tested for CRP, even if they already have heart problems.

Even in people with normal cholesterol, if CRP is elevated, the risk of heart attack is too, said Dr. Michael Ozner, medical director of the Cardiovascular Prevention Institute of South Florida. He thinks that when people have their cholesterol checked, they should also be tested for high-sensitivity CRP.

Diet Revisited

The new dietary advice is actually based on a rather old finding that predates the mantra to eat a low-fat diet. In the Seven Countries Study started in 1958 and first published in 1970, Dr. Ancel Keys of the University of Minnesota and co-authors found that heart disease was rare in the Mediterranean and Asian regions where vegetables, grains, fruits, beans and fish were the dietary mainstays. But in countries like Finland and the United States where plates were typically filled with red meat, cheese and other foods rich in saturated fats, heart disease and cardiac deaths were epidemic.

The finding resulted in the well-known advice to reduce dietary fat and especially saturated fats (those that are firm at room temperature), and to replace these harmful fats with unsaturated ones like vegetable oils. What was missed at the time and has now become increasingly apparent is that the heart-healthy Mediterranean diet is not really low in fat, but its main sources of fat — olive oil and oily fish as well as nuts, seeds and certain vegetables — help to prevent heart disease by improving cholesterol ratios and reducing inflammation.

Virtues Confirmed

It was not until 1999 that the value of a traditional Mediterranean diet was confirmed, when the Lyon Diet Heart Study compared the effects of a Mediterranean-style diet with one that the American Heart Association recommended for patients who had survived a first heart attack.

The study found that within four years, the Mediterranean approach reduced the rates of heart disease recurrence and cardiac death by 50 to 70 percent when compared with the heart association diet.

Several subsequent studies have confirmed the virtues of the Mediterranean approach. For example, a study among more than 3,000 men and women in Greece, published in 2004 by Dr. Christina Chrysohoou of the University of Athens, found that adhering to a Mediterranean diet improved six markers of inflammation and coagulation, including CRP, white blood cell count and fibrinogen.

The same year Kim T. B. Knoops, a nutritionist at Wageningen University in the Netherlands, and co-authors published a study showing that among men and women ages 70 to 90, those who followed a Mediterranean diet and other healthful practices, like not smoking, had a 50 percent lower rate of deaths from heart disease and all causes.

“The Mediterranean diet is one people can stick to,” said Dr. Ozner, author of “The Miami Mediterranean Diet” and “The Great American Heart Hoax” (BenBella, 2008). “The food is delicious, and the ingredients can be found in any grocery store.

“You should make most of the food yourself,” Dr. Ozner added. “When the diet is stripped of lots of processed foods, you ratchet down inflammation. Among my patients, the compliance rate — those who adopt the diet and stick with it — is greater than 90 percent.”

Among foods that help to reduce the inflammatory marker CRP are cold-water fish like salmon, tuna and mackerel; flax seed; walnuts; and canola oil and margarine based on canola oil. Fish oil capsules are also effective. Dr. Ozner recommends cooking with canola oil and using more expensive and aromatic olive oil for salads.

Other aspects of the Mediterranean diet — vegetables, fruits and red wine (or purple grape juice) — are helpful as well. Their antioxidant properties help prevent the formation of artery-damaging LDL cholesterol.

Other Steps

Several recent studies have linked periodontal disease to an increased risk of heart disease, most likely because gum disease causes low-grade chronic inflammation. So good dental hygiene, with regular periodontal cleanings, can help protect your heart as well as your teeth.

Reducing chronic stress is another important factor. The Interheart study, which examined the effects of stress in more than 27,000 people, found that stress more than doubled the risk of heart attacks.

Dr. Joel Okner, a cardiologist in Chicago, and Jeremy Clorfene, a cardiac psychologist, the authors of “The No Bull Book on Heart Disease” (Sterling, 2009), note that getting enough sleep improves the ability to manage stress.

Practicing the relaxation response once or twice a day by breathing deeply and rhythmically in a quiet place with eyes closed and muscles relaxed can help cool the hottest blood. Other techniques Dr. Ozner recommends include meditation, prayer, yoga, self-hypnosis, laughter, taking a midday nap, getting a dog or cat, taking up a hobby and exercising regularly.

He noted that in a 1996 study, just 15 minutes of exercise five days a week decreased the risk of cardiac death by 46 percent.

Even very brief bouts of exercise can be helpful. A British study published in the current American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that accumulating short bouts — just three minutes each — of brisk walking for a total of 30 minutes a day improved several measures of cardiac risk as effectively as one continuous 30-minute session.

Perioodntal Disease and Alzheimers | Periodontist Long Island

2009-01-09T09:53:00.000-08:00

INFLAMMATION LINKED TO ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE

Exposure to inflammation early in life quadruples one’srisk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, said researchersin a presentation on June 19 at the first Alzheimer’sAssociation International Conference on Prevention of Dementiain Washington.

A research team led by Margaret Gatz, Ph.D. (a professor ofpsychology at the University of Southern California) and includingresearchers from the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden,sifted through data on the 20,000 participants in the SwedishTwin Registry and found 109 "discordant" pairs of twins in whichonly one twin had been diagnosed with dementia.

Previous studies by Dr. Gatz and colleagues have shown thatAlzheimer’s disease is strongly genetic; if one twin hasthe disease, his or her identical twin has a 60 percent chanceof developing it.

Information about participants’ education, activitiesand health histories came from surveys they completed in the1960s, when the registry was created, as well as from hospitaldischarge records. The surveys included questions about looseor missing teeth. Researchers used the answers to the dental-relatedquestions to build a crude indicator of periodontal disease.

They concluded that an inflammatory burden early in life, asrepresented by chronic periodontal disease, might have severeconsequences later. "If what we’re indexing with periodontaldisease is some kind of inflammatory burden, then it is probablyspeaking to general health conditions," said Dr. Gatz.

If the link between inflammation and periodontal disease isconfirmed, researchers said it would add inflammatory burdento the short list of preventable risk factors for Alzheimer’sdisease.

To learn how to treat gum disease long Island without surgery learn about laser periodontal therapy on Long Island

Non Laser Treatments for Gum Disease

2009-01-05T12:05:00.000-08:00

If you want information on non laser methods for treating gum disease it is listed below.

We can use modern techniques to help rebuild lost bone support. The emphasis in Dr. Scharf's practice is conservative periodontal therapy. Many times, early stages of periodontal disease is best treated with nonsurgical periodontal therapy. This usually consists of placing a fine ultrasonic tip in between the tooth and gum tissue to remove any plaque and calculus below the gum line. This procedure is called root planing. Four to six weeks later, periodontal pockets are eliminated due to gum shrinkage. Then the patient can personally maintain these areas with routine brushing and flossing.

Even in most severe cases of periodontal disease, nonsurgical periodontal therapy most often precedes surgical therapy. This is done so that the overall tissue quality is improved prior to surgery and also limits the areas of required surgery.

1. Non Surgical Treatments
2. Surgical Services
3. Soft Tissue Reconstruction
4. Hard Tissue Reconstruction

Non-Surgical Treatments

Treatment methods depend upon the type of disease and how far the condition has progressed. The first step is usually a thorough cleaning that may include scaling to remove plaque and tartar deposits beneath the gumline. The tooth roots may also be planed to smooth the root surface allowing the gum tissue to heal and reattach to the tooth. In some cases, the occlusion (bite) may require adjustment.

Dental Implant Long Island, Periodontist Babylon, Long Island Tooth Cleaning, New York Periscopy, Scharf DMD
Cleaning The Tooth Below The Gum.

Antibiotics or irrigation with antimicrobials (chemical agents or mouthrinses) may be recommended to help control the growth of bacteria that create toxins and cause periodontitis. In some cases, Dr. Scharf may place antibiotic fibers in the periodontal pockets after scaling and planing. This may be done to control infection and to encourage normal healing.

When deep pockets between teeth and gums are present, it is difficult for Dr. Scharf to thoroughly remove plaque and tarter. Patients can seldom, if ever, keep these pockets clean and free of plaque. Consequently, surgery may be needed to restore periodontal health.

Surgical Services

Dr. Scharf's practice provides a variety of surgical services. He prides himself on the fact that he is very conservative in his treatment recommendations and limits surgery to the areas where it is absolutely necessary. Periodontal procedures are available to regenerate the bone and gum tissue to it's original function and cosmetic appearance.

These procedures are a predictable way to cover unsightly, sensitive or exposed root surfaces and to prevent future gum recession. If you are unhappy with the apperance of short unsightly teeth this can be greatly improved by a combination of peridontal procedures by Dr. Scharf and cosmetic dentistry by your dentist.

Gum Grafting (Gingival Grafting):

When recession of the gingiva occurs, the body loses a natural defense against both bacterial penetration and trauma. When gum recession is a problem, gum reconstruction using gingival grafting techniques is an option.

When there is only minor recession, some healthy gingiva often remains and protects the tooth, so that no treatment other than modifying home care practices is necessary. However, when recession reaches the mucosa, the first line of defense against bacterial penetration is lost.

In addition, gum recession often results in root sensitivity to hot and cold foods as well as an unsightly appearance to the gum and tooth. Also, gum recession, when significant, can predispose to worsening recession and expose the root surface, which is softer than enamel, leading to root caries and root gouging.

A gingival graft is designed to solve these problems. A thin piece of tissue is taken from the roof of the mouth, or gently moved over from adjacent areas, to provide a stable band of attached gingiva around the tooth. The gingival graft may be placed in such a way as to cover the exposed portion of the root.

The gingival graft procedure is highly predictable and results in a stable healthy band of attached tissue around the tooth.

Case Studies in Gingival Grafting::

Gingival Grafting
Gingival Grafting for Root Coverage Gingival Grafting to Rejuvenate Crowns

Crown Lengthening

When tooth decay occurs below the gum line, or if a tooth fractures below the gum line, crown lengthening may be needed. With this procedure, more of the tooth structure is exposed from under the gum. This will allow your dentist adequate room to place a quality final restoration.

Crown lengthening is also done to create symmetry and harmony of the gums and improve one’s smile. Crown lengthening can correct a "gummy smile" as well.

Crown Lengthening and Gingival Reshaping
Crown Lengthening to Improve a "Gummy Smile" Crown Lengthening and Gingival Reshaping

Ridge Enhancement

Over a period of time, the jaw bone associated with missing teeth atrophies or is reabsorbed. This often leaves a condition in which there is poor quality and quantity of bone suitable for placement of dental implants. In these situations, most patients are not candidates for placement of dental implants.

We now have the ability to grow bone where needed. This not only gives us the opportunity to place implants of proper length and width, it also gives us a chance to restore the esthetic appearance and functionality better.

Careful management of extraction sockets after tooth extraction prevents unsightly bone loss and a better cosmetic outcome of tooth replacement.

Soft Tissue Graft
Enhancing the zone of attached gingiva is particularly important when gingival recession is progressing or restorative dentistry is planned. Increasing the amount of keratinized tissue enables the restorative dentist to more accurately and easily capture the impression of a subcrevicular preparation margin. The restorative dentist can feel confident that the margin will not recede further following insertion of the final restoration.

Frenectomy and Gingival Fiber Resection
When orthodontic treatment is planned or initiated, the removal of an aberrant frenum can increase stability of the final orthodontic result. Gingival fiber resection has been shown to reduce post-orthodontic relapse from 17 percent to 5 percent if performed after the leveling phase of tooth movement has ended.

Gingivectomy/Gingivoplasty
The discriminate use of these procedures to create symmetry compatible with the incisal edge and lip position can enhance the ability of the restorative dentist to achieve esthetic restorative objectives within the smile zone.

Hard Tissue Reconstruction

Advancing toward the next millennium, periodontal science has developed new technologies that provide confidence and predictability in the restoration of the diseased periodontium or residual ridge. These advancements enable a patient to retain a healthy, stable periodontium or develop a permanent implant- supported restoration, returning teeth to natural optimal function.

Periodontal Regeneration
The implementation of the concept of guided tissue regeneration has enabled the dental team to reconstruct the dentogingival attachment while increasing bone support for the tooth. This highly predictable procedure excludes epithelium and connective tissue from the surgical wound site while encouraging bone and periodontal ligament cells to proliferate.

Bone Augmentation
Traditionally, gum disease is treated by eliminating the gum pockets. This is achieved by trimming away the infected gum tissue and by recontouring the uneven bone tissue. Although this is still an effective way of treating gum disease, new and more sophisticated procedures are used routinely today.

Bone Regeneration

This surgical procedure "regenerates" the previously lost gum and bone tissue. Most techniques utilize membranes which are inserted over the bone defects. Some of these membranes are bioabsorbable and some require removal. Other regenerative procedures involve the use of bioactive gels.

Bony deformities caused by periodontal disease, acute trauma, periapical pathology, or tissue atrophy can be reconstructed. Autogenous bone grafting (Patient’s Bone) or freeze dried allogeneic grafting can act as the source of donor material. Employing proven methods like bone induction or recruitment, bone grafting can be enhanced to encourage maximal bone growth. The mandibular tori, maxillary tuberosity, or retromolar areas often serve as the source for autogenous bone.

Sinus Lift
The raising of the sinus floor can often be accomplished without ever entering the sinus. An arthroscopic-like technique commonly referred to as osteotome site development can be performed. This method is the least invasive and most predictable approach for locally increasing bone within the maxillary sinus. Augmentation of larger areas requires corticocancellous bone grafting.

Laser Periodontal Therapy FAQ | Periolase Long Island

2008-12-31T19:21:00.000-08:00

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a referral from my Dentist or Physician to see Dr. Scharf?
Many patients choose Dr. Scharf on their own. They have heard of him through word of mouth from a friend, family member or colleague. Many of our patients find out about us from the internet. We welcome all new patients and you don’t have to referred from a Dentist or Physician. If you have a dentist you don’t have to leave them to see Dr. Scharf. Dr. Scharf will work closely with your existing Dentist as a team to help you. This is much like a Cardiologist who works together with the primary care physician to help their patients.

What is Periodontal Disease?
It’s an infection of the gums. It starts out as plaque, an opaque film on the teeth that hardens to form calculus or tartar. As tartar accumulates, it harbors bacteria which attacks the soft tissue around the gums. This early stage of gum disease is called Gingivitis. Symptoms include red swollen gums, bleeding, bad breath and, sometimes, an unpleasant taste in the mouth. Untreated, Gingivitis becomes Periodontitis. At this severe stage, bacteria destroys both the gums and the supporting bone structurel Pockets form where teeth are separated from the gums and surrounding bones. Left untreated, Periodontitis eventually results in tooth loss.

What's the best way to treat Periodontal Disease?
LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY™ (LPT™) a patented new non-surgical laser alternative to gum surgery, is a less painful, less traumatic way to treat periodontal disease at any stage. It is ideal for patients who want conservative gum disease treatment.

What's different about LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY™?
LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY™ uses a special kind of laser called the PerioLase®, invented by two dentists in Cerritos, California. Dr. Robert Gregg and Dr. Delwin McCarthy spent years developing a better way to treat gum disease. The laser fiber, which is only about as wide as a couple of human hairs, is inserted between the gum tissue and your tooth, where it painlessly removes the noxious elements that cause gum disease.

How many treatments will I need?
LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY™ doesn't take much time at all -- just two two-hour sessions versus eight to ten one-hour sessions with surgery. You don't have to worry about bleeding, stitches or post-treatment infection, because your gums haven't been cut.

What about recovery - will I be in pain or need to follow a special routine?
The sense of recovery is immediate, due to the laser’s ability to seal blood vessels, lymphatics and nerve endings. Of course, your tissue needs time to recover, regenerate and heal over the course of time, but after LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY™, you can drive your car, go back to work, or do anything else you like.

I can see how good LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY™ is - but is it very expensive and will my insurance cover it?
The good news is, LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY™ is actually less expensive -- by about 20% -- than periodontal surgery. Dental costs vary around the country, so find a PerioLase® dentist in your area for exact figures. There is no special code for our therapy, so if your insurance company will reimburse for conventional surgery, they will reimburse for LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY™.

My doctor said he’d have to pull my teeth because they are so loose and I don’t want to do that. Can you help?
We have been able to save a lot of teeth that other dentists wanted to extract. We have had great success in saving teeth that were to be extracted. There is nothing better than your own natural teeth. We can schedule a consultation for you.

I had x-rays a while ago. I don’t want to take them again. Can’t you look at those?
That depends on their age and quality. The conditions of your mouth change rapidly, and in order to accurately diagnose you, we will need current high quality x-rays. We take digital x-rays. These use up to 90% less radiation than conventional film based x-rays. We will only take the minimum necessary and only after you are examined to see exactly what is necessary.

How much more is the laser? I’ve been told that it is expensive.
The laser is comparable to the fee for conventional periodontal surgery. It is not more because it is new technology. Our fee has actually been less than some of the offices using the conventional technique.

How will I feel after the laser surgery?
You may experience some ache, throbbing or soreness. The doctor will prescribe some antibiotics and an anti-inflammatory to take care of any discomfort you may experience.

How many appointments will I need?
Usually two treatment visits and a couple of post-operative visits. The doctor will then prescribe visits with a hygienist every three months to keep up what he has started.

I only need a cleaning. That is all I have ever needed and had. I still be a patient
Yes we do cleanings in the office. We have an excellent prevention program and some patients come here just for that.

Will my insurance cover this?
We do not use any special codes because it is laser. We use the same codes that every office uses.

Do you offer financing?
We offer Care Credit Financing. It is a credit card for medical as well as dental services. It is easy to qualify for, and if you’d like, we can mail you an application. Many patients are surprised that they can have a very low monthly payment and treat their gum disease.

How do I know this will work? I had surgery 4 years ago, and I now need it again.
The doctor can answer all of your questions regarding treatment. LANAP gives better, longer-lasting results than conventional surgery. In fact, 98% of LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY™ treated patients remain stable after five years, while only 5% reportedly remain stable after surgery. Dr. Scharf will examine your mouth thoroughly to determine if the laser is right for you. You can meet the doctor and staff and have a demonstration of the laser performed for you. He will discuss all your treatment options with you as well as the pros and cons of each option so that you can made the treatment decision that you feel is right for you. If you just want to see the laser without an examination just call and ask for a appointment for a “Laser Meet and Greet.”

Gum Surgery Alternative Long Island | LANAP Suffolk County

2008-12-25T17:35:00.000-08:00

People looking for an alternative to gum surgery should consider laser periodontal therapy with the Millennium Laser.
Dr.
To learn about gum disease treatment Long Island visit Dr. Scharf on the Web.

Gum Disease and Diabetes | Periodontist Long Island

2008-12-23T11:28:00.000-08:00

Periodontal disease and diabetes go hand in hand. Below s an article that appeared in December 2008 JAMA. If you want to learn how to treat gum disease Long Island conservatively and without cut and stitch surgery visit lilaserperio.com For good information on gum disease on Long Island Suffolk County read here.

Studies Probe Oral Health–Diabetes Link

Tracy Hampton, PhD

PHYSICIANS AND DENTISTS HAVE

long known that the health of an individual’s mouth can have significant effects on the health of the rest

of the body. The link between periodontal disease and heart disease is one of the most commonly known associations, but researchers are finding many more medical reasons to maintain good oral hygiene.

Diabetes, the focus of much attention lately due to its rising incidence, appears to have a particularly close

relationship with conditions within the oral cavity. This relationship seems to go both ways—diabetes can

lead to unwanted changes in the gums and periodontal tissues, and periodontal diseases—including

gingivitis and severe periodontitis— can make it more difficult to control diabetes.

TWO-WAY CONNECTION

A number of recent studies have highlighted the give-and-take relationship between diabetes and oral health (Taylor GW and Borgnakke WS. Oral Dis. 2008;14[3]:191-203). Periodontal disease worsens diabetes when bacteria released into the bloodstream contribute to inflammation.

“There are significant data now to support that if a person has diabetes and they also have periodontal disease that is left untreated, it is very difficult to gain glycemic control of that patient,” said Maria Ryan, DDS, PhD, professor of oral biology and pathology, and director of clinical research at the School of Dental Medicine at Stony Brook University in New York.

For example, an analysis of data from the first National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES I) revealed that individuals with periodontal disease were twice as likely to develop diabetes as persons without periodontal disease (Demmer RT et al. Diabetes Care. 2008;31[7]:1373- 1379). Another prospective study, of Pima Indians, a population with a very high rate of type 2 diabetes, found that periodontal disease was a strong predictor of mortality from diabetic nephropathy (Saremi R et al. Diabetes Care. 2005;28[1]:27-32).

When tartar collects above the gumline, it becomes more difficult to thoroughly brush and clean between teeth. This can create conditions that lead to chronic inflammation and infection in the mouth. Researchers suspect that periodontitis may adversely affect glycemic control because the proinflammatory cytokines produced by the infection could enter the bloodstream from the gingival tissues and lead to the development of insulin resistance.

“Periodontal infection affects the health of the teeth and gums, but the body’s response to that infection, we believe, is systemic,” said George Taylor, DrPH, DMD, associate professor of dentistry at the Schools of Dentistry and Public Health at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

These effects may be evident even before clinical diabetes is recognized. As Ryan noted, periodontal disease is associated with higher levels of insulin resistance, often a precursor of type 2 diabetes, as well as with higher levels of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), which indicates suboptimal glycemic control of diabetes.

Diabetes can contribute to periodontal disease as well. “We also think that the body’s response to infection is exaggerated in people with diabetes—it makes them more susceptible to periodontal disease and makes it more severe,” said Taylor.

Studies looking at the effects of diabetes on periodontal disease have found that diabetes can weaken the connective tissue surrounding the gums and cause various adverse effects in the mouth. An analysis of NHANES III data indicates that women who develop gestational diabetes mellitus during pregnancy are at greater risk for developing periodontal disease than pregnant women who do not develop the condition (Novak KF et al. J Public Health Dent. 2006;66[3]:163-168).

Other oral problems associated with diabetes include salivary gland dysfunction, ulcers, infections, and dental caries. For example, lichen planus, a skin disorder that produces lesions in the mouth, is a condition associated with diabetes. Severe types of lichen planus involve painful ulcers that erode surface tissue. Diminished salivary flow and an increase in salivary glucose levels create an attractive environment for fungal infections such as thrush and oral candidiasis, which occurs more frequently among people with diabetes.

“There are a lot of oral complications of poorly controlled diabetes,” said Ryan. “If your blood glucose levels are high, it also gets into your saliva, which can increase cavities and increase risk of oral candidiasis or yeast infections,” she explained.

Therefore, proper care of the mouth may help patients with diabetes achieve better glycemic control, and appropriate management of diabetes may help prevent periodontal disease and other oral problems. However, while periodontal disease causes significant infection and inflammation of the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth, individuals often do not know they have the condition because it is usually painless. Therefore, Taylor and others are advocating for a greater awareness of periodontal disease, particularly among physicians whose patients may not regularly visit the dentist.

LINKING HEALTH CARE

Because diabetes can adversely affect oral health and poor oral health can worsen diabetic complications, dentists and physicians are beginning to realize the need to work together to ensure the health of their patients.

“For the first time ever, the American Diabetes Association has recommended to the physician that they ask when their patients last saw a dentist, and if they have not been seen by a dentist in the past year that they should recommend an oral evaluation,” said Ryan. “It’s also important that the dentist inform the physician of any oral infection or inflammation that’s being managed,” she added.

While it is unclear how many physicians and dentists communicate with each other, “as you start to see more information coming out on these connections, more of the medical community is becoming involved in oral care,” said Ryan. For example, Ryan and other dental researchers were invited to speak in June at the American Diabetes Association’s Annual Scientific Sessions in San Francisco, Calif. In addition, Taylor noted that the dentists’ and physicians’ perspectives are also both being represented in continuing education courses.

Health insurers are also realizing the value of linking dental and oral health. For example, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan has created two referral forms, one from dentist to physician and the other from physician to dentist. The insurer also is incorporating preventive dental services into some medical plans.

However, many patients must deal with separate insurers when it comes to their dental and medical care. “Dentists are not reimbursed to screen for diabetes, so from the business side, they’d be spending time for services that cost them but that they’re not reimbursed for,” said Taylor. “The same happens with physicians,” he added.

Taylor noted that this situation highlights the need for more research on the benefits—including cost benefits—of linking medical and dental health. To that end, Taylor and others at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry are collaborating with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan on a research project quantifying the medical savings of good oral care in patients with diabetes.

“We’re looking at costs from submitted medical claims for diabetes patients— physician costs, facility costs, prescription costs—and analyzing what kind of dental services the patient received,” said Carl Stoel, DDS, a senior dental consultant at Blue Cross BlueShield of Michigan. The goal is to compare the medical costs of patients who receive little or no dental services with costs of those who receive routine dental care.

“So far, we’ve found that when diabetic patients are good dental patients, there’s a substantial savings onthe medical side,” Stoel noted.

Specifically, the study has found a cost savings in the range of 3% to 8% for individuals who were receiving regular dental care each year compared with those who were not recipients of any preventive or periodontal services. The cost savings that were seen related to the following diabetes related complications: peripheral vascular disease, coronary heart disease, congestive heart failure, cardiovascular disease, and chronic kidney disease. “I hope that our research will provide the evidence to show that it can make a difference if physicians identify patients at risk for periodontal disease,” said Taylor.

Because many adults have gingivitis or periodontitis, and the incidence of diabetes is increasing, researchers predict that the links between dental disease and diabetes will become even more evident in the years to come. Ongoing studies are anticipated to contribute additional information highlighting the importance of simultaneously treating periodontal disease and optimizing glycemic control to prevent diabetic complications and maintain oral health.

Oral Health Problems Linked to Diabetes

Patients with inadequate blood glucose control appear to develop periodontal disease

more often and more severely, and they lose more teeth than individuals who

have good control of their diabetes. According to the American Dental Association,

the most common oral health problems associated with diabetes are the

following:

• tooth decay

• periodontal disease

• salivary gland dysfunction

• fungal infections

• lichen planus and lichenoid reactions (inflammatory skin disease)

• infection and delayed healing

• taste impairment

Physicians can play a role in encouraging patients’ oral health by recommending

good maintenance of blood glucose levels, a well-balanced diet, good oral care

at home, and regular dental checkups. When glycemia has been difficult to control,

a physician might consider asking patients when they last saw their dentist

and whether periodontitis has been diagnosed.

MEDICAL NEWS & PERSPECTIVES

2472 JAMA, December 3, 2008—Vol 300, No. 21 (Reprinted) ©2008 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Gum Laser Long Island | Periodontal Laser Long Island Suffolk Nassau

2008-12-19T05:16:00.001-08:00

Losing your teeth is no fun. This video is funny excpet if it is you whose dentures are coming out at your wedding. Many people let their gum disease progress to tooth loss because they do not want gum surgery. The Periolase laser by Millenium can treat gum disease without cut and sew gum surgery. Dr. David Scharf, a Board Certified Periodontist on Long Island was the Island's first periodontist to embrace this technology and treat gum disease with a laser. For Laser periodontal information visit LIlaserperio.com.

Whoppi goldberg and her experience with gum disease | Periolase Long Island

2008-12-16T08:45:00.001-08:00

Whoppi Goldberg recently discussed her gum disease. She discussed on The View that the years of dental neglect have finally caught up with her. This does not have to happen to you. If you want to learn more about Long Island periodontal disease and gum disease treatment dental implants on Long Island and Suffolk County or treating gum disease with a periodontal laser on Long Island Suffolk Nassau and Queens follow these links. If you have questions about laser periodontal treatment visit the FAQ

Here is the Video

You need to see a Periodontist Now What??

2008-12-12T14:13:00.000-08:00

Your family dentist is recommending that you visit my office, or you have chosen to see me on your own so that the extent of your periodontitis or gum disease may be evaluated. I am a specialist in this area of dentistry and I am known as a periodontist.

Commonly known as Pyorrhea, periodontal disease is a progressive ailment suffered, to some extent, by nearly 90% of adults over age 35. It is the primary reason for loss of teeth by people over 30.

Periodontal disease begins when bacteria invade the gum tissue surrounding the teeth. Once this bacterial invasion takes hold, the gums become puffy, bleed easily, and gradually lose their "grip" on the teeth they are supposed to protect.

Pockets for where the gum loses its grip. These pockets allow more bacteria to lodge under the gum line below the reach of a toothbrush. Some of the bacteria produce toxins that attack the bone which supports the teeth. Without treatment, teeth become loose and may need to be removed.

Because this destruction usually occurs beneath the gum line, the gum tissue may appear normal. This explains why many people discover too late that they have the disease. Only a thorough periodontal examination can reveal if hidden disease is present.

Dental Implant New York, Babylon Periodontal Services, Babylon Tooth Cleaning, Periodontist Long Island, Scharf DMD

Periodontal Disease Progression

What Can Be Done?

Appropriate treatment along with follow-up care by you and your family dentist can help to prevent recurrence of the disease.

Treatment usually begins with a thorough cleaning of the tooth roots and any gum pockets. The plaque and calculus are removed and tooth roots smoothed to eliminate any crevices that can harbor plaque.

This is followed by a daily home care program including careful brushing and flossing to remove plaque from under the gum margins.Dental Implant New York, Babylon Periodontal Services, Babylon Tooth Cleaning, Periodontist Long Island, Scharf DMD

Sometimes, the biting surfaces of the teeth may be adjusted to evenly distribute the chewing pressures throughout the mouth.

Other forms of treatment are necessary to help the gums reattach to the teeth for those patients who postpone periodontal care until the disease has progressed to an advanced state.

What happens on my First Visit?

Since your resistance to disease is affected by many factors, we begin with a medical history and dental history. This is followed by a thorough periodontal examination of your mouth.

At your second appointment, the findings and a recommended treatment plan will be reviewed with you. You may find it helpful to bring your spouse or a friend with you to this appointment. Many patients find such a person's opinion very valuable. In most cases no treatment is performed at this appointment.

Can I Delay Treatment to a More Convenient Time?

Delaying diagnosis and treatment means delaying the benefits that treatment provides. Immediate diagnosis and treatment prevents further destruction to the gum and bone tissue. Your ability to enjoy a wide variety of foods and to taste your food properly will be protected. Also, you can avoid suffering unnecessary pain caused by the disease.

With treatment, a patient can eliminate the unpleasant taste in the mouth often associated with the disease as well as the embarrassment of offensive breath. Your appearance will be protected through early treatment as successive loss of teeth often encourages lines, wrinkles and a "sunken" look due to the loss of tone in the facial muscles.

A patient's self-confidence and self-image is often renewed through an improved appearance. Early treatment is also less expensive.

Periodontal disease can be stopped. Your mouth can be restored to health. And, with help from your family dentist, the disease need not return.

Is it worth it to keep up with maintenance visits after Periodontal therapy?

You bet it is. Periodontal treatment is divided into two phases. The first phase or the active phase is designed to get your mouth healthy. The second phase or the maintenance phase is designed to keep your mouth healthy. Gum disease is s chronic disease. You can never be immune to it. But you can minimize the chances of it coming back. Studies have shown that periodontal treatment with maintenance is very effective at preserving ones teeth and dramatically reducing the incidence of tooth decay and gum disease recurrence. Studies have also shown that periodontal treatment without maintenance is of little value in the long run in preserving periodontal health.

To learn more visit us on the web at these sites

Dr. Scharfs overall web site. Learn all about perio.dental implants and lasers. Also be sure to read the patient letters section drscharf.com

To learn about dental implants on Long Island and Suffolk County visit drscharf.com , dentalimplantssuffolkcounty.com or dentalimplantsonlongisland.com

For GREAT information on treating gum disease with a laser visit
LILaserPerio.com or laserperio.blogspot.com

Best of all is a personal appointment with Dr. Scharf call 631-661-6633 to schedule yours today.

Gum Laser Long Island | Periodontal Laser Long Island Suffolk Nassau County

2008-12-10T14:32:00.000-08:00

Watch this video t see how the periodontal laser works. Visit us on the web at lilaserperio.com or drscharf.com For an appointment call 631-661-6633

Researchers report periodontal disease independently predicts new onset diabetes

2008-12-08T13:07:00.000-08:00

Controlling gum disease is important for your overall health. This does not have to mean conventional cut and sew gum surgery. visit LiLaserperio.com for more information.

Periodontal disease may be an independent predictor of incident Type 2 diabetes, according to a study by researchers at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health. While diabetes has long been believed to be a risk factor for periodontal infections, this is the first study exploring whether the reverse might also be true, that is, if periodontal infections can contribute to the development of diabetes. The full study findings are published in the July 2008 issue of Diabetes Care. The Mailman School of Public Health researchers studied over 9,000 participants without diabetes from a nationally representative sample of the U.S. population, 817 of whom went on to develop diabetes. They then compared the risk of developing diabetes over the next 20 years between people with varying degrees of periodontal disease and found that individuals with elevated levels of periodontal disease were nearly twice as likely to become diabetic in that 20 year timeframe. These findings remained after extensive multivariable adjustment for potential confounders including, but not limited to, age, smoking, obesity, hypertension, and dietary patterns.

"These data add a new twist to the association and suggest that periodontal disease may be there before diabetes," said Ryan T. Demmer, PhD, MPH, associate research scientist in the Department of Epidemiology at the Mailman School of Public Health and lead author. "We found that over two decades of follow-up, individuals who had periodontal disease were more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes later in life when compared to individuals without periodontal disease."

Also of interest, the researchers found that those study participants who had lost all of their teeth were at intermediate risk for incident diabetes. "This could be suggestive that the people who lost all of their teeth had a history of infection at some point, but subsequently lost their teeth and removed the source of infection," noted Dr. Demmer. "This is particularly interesting as it supports previous research originating from The Oral Infections and Vascular Disease Epidemiology Study (INVEST) which has shown that individuals lacking teeth are at intermediate risk for cardiovascular disease" said Moïse Desvarieux, MD, PhD, director of INVEST, associate professor and Inserm Chair of Excellence in the Department of Epidemiology at the Mailman School and senior author of the paper.

The contributory role of periodontal disease in the development of Type 2 diabetes is potentially of public health importance because of the prevalence of treatable periodontal diseases in the population and the pervasiveness of diabetes-associated morbidity and mortality. However, observes Dr. Demmer, more studies are needed both to determine whether gum disease directly contributes to type 2 diabetes and, from there, that treating the dental problem can prevent diabetes. In addition to Dr. Desvarieux, David R. Jacobs Jr., PhD, professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Community Health at the University of Minnesota, also contributed to the research.

Source: Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health

Jobless Rate Soars to 6.7% in November -This will increase the prevalence of gum disease.

2008-12-05T10:12:00.000-08:00

This headline from today's NY times is troubling. Many people are turning to laser periodontal treatment with periodontal laser because it is more conservative and less costly than periodontal surgery. To learn more about laser periodontal treatment on Long Island, Nassau, Suffolk New York visit www.lilaserperio.com

For a consultation with Dr. Scharf call (631)661-6633 You can also visit www.drscharf.com for general periodontal information.

Financial Stress Doubles Periodontal Disease Risk

High levels of financial stress and poor coping abilities increase twofold the likelihood of developing periodontal (gum) disease

CHICAGO – July 19, 1999 – High levels of financial stress and poor coping abilities increase twofold the likelihood of developing periodontal (gum) disease, according to a study released today in the July 1999 issue of the Journal of Periodontology. Study Abstract *

After accounting for other risk factors – such as age, gender, smoking, poor dental care and diabetes – those who reported high levels of financial strain and poor coping behaviors had higher levels of attachment loss and alveolar bone loss (signs of periodontal disease) than those with low levels of financial strain.

"Financial strain is a long-term, constant pressure," said Dr. Robert Genco, chair of the Oral Biology Department at The State University of New York at Buffalo, who carried out the studies with the periodontal research group at Buffalo and behavioral scientist Dr. Lisa Tedesco of the University of Michigan. "Our studies indicate that this ever-present stress and a lack of adequate coping skills could lead to altered habits, such as reduced oral hygiene or teeth grinding, as well as salivary changes and a weakening of the body's ability to fight infection."

However, people who dealt with their financial strain in an active and practical way (problem-focused) rather than with avoidance techniques (emotion-focused) had no more risk of severe periodontal disease than those without money problems.

"The good news is that many of the risk factors for periodontal disease, such as poor oral hygiene and infrequent professional care, can be controlled with minimal personal time and financial resources," said Dr. Robert Schoor, president of the American Academy of Periodontology. "And because eliminating periodontal disease also eliminates a risk factor for heart disease, respiratory disease, and diabetes complications, it is especially important for people to do what they can to protect their oral health."

Genco and his colleagues are following more than 1,400 people between the ages of 25 and 74 in the ongoing study, which is one of the first to examine the relationship of periodontal disease to stress, distress and coping in a large population.

Psychological tests were given to identify and weigh the causes of stress (children, spouse, financial strain, single life and work stress) in participants' daily lives and to measure the ability to cope with stress. To measure financial strain, study participants answered nine questions, including:

* At the present time, are you able to afford a home that is large enough?
* Do you have difficulty in meeting monthly payments of your family bills?
* How often is it that you don't have enough money to afford the kind of food, clothing, medical care, or leisure activities you and your family need or want?

Further studies are needed to help establish the time course of stress in respect to the onset and progression of periodontal disease and the mechanisms that explain the association. Intervention studies also are needed to determine the extent to which controlling stress will influence periodontal disease and its treatment.

Laser Periodontal Therapy Long Island | Periodontal Laser Long Island| Suffolk County Nassau County

2008-12-04T18:43:00.000-08:00

To learn more about laser periodontal therapy on Long Island visit www.lilaserperio.com or www.drscharf.com Dr. Scharf was the first periodontist on LongIsland to offer the patented FDA approved laser gum treatment called LANAP. Call (631)6633 to schedule an appointment.

Periodontal Disease and Rheumatoid Arthritis

2008-12-04T18:39:00.000-08:00

This information is very interesting. Periodontal disease effects much more than just teeth. You can treat your gum disease with a laser. Surgery is not the only option. To learn more about Lanap, laser periodontal therapy, periodontal laser and the gum laser on Long Island, Suffolk County go to www.LILaserPerio.com
Or learn all about Dr. Scharf at www.drscharf.com .
To learn about dental implants on Long Island go to www.dentalimplantssuffolkcounty.com

Researchers Uncover Higher Prevalence of Periodontal Disease in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

Study published in the Journal of Periodontology suggests impaired oral hygiene may only be part of the connection.
CHICAGO—June 5, 2008—Over 1.3 million Americans suffer from rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic, inflammatory disease of the joints. RA is a disabling condition, and can lead to long-term joint damage resulting in persistent pain and loss of function in affected areas. A recent study published in the June issue of the Journal of Periodontology, the official publication of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), uncovered yet another potential side effect of RA. Researchers in Berlin, Germany discovered that patients with RA have a higher incidence of periodontal disease compared to healthy controls. Study Abstract *

For some patients, adverse RA symptoms may affect manual dexterity, which can make one’s daily routine quite difficult. One area that may be affected is oral hygiene which can ultimately lead to periodontal disease. However, these research findings indicate that poor oral hygiene alone did not account for the association between RA and gum disease, suggesting that other factors may play a role as well.

The study examined the oral health of 57 RA patients and 52 healthy controls. To determine oral hygiene status, each participant underwent a comprehensive oral examination including an assessment of plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation, both indicators of oral hygiene. Probing pocket depth and clinical attachment loss, two markers of periodontal disease, were also measured. Researchers used questionnaires to gauge the subjects’ risk factors for periodontal disease.

The study findings indicated that RA patients were nearly eight times more likely to have periodontal disease compared to the control subjects. These findings accounted for demographic and lifestyle characteristics such as age, gender, education and tobacco use. Researchers then examined the extent to which poor oral hygiene was connected to the increased occurrence of gum disease in RA patients. The results showed that while oral hygiene was markedly a factor, it did not fully explain the association between the two diseases, suggesting that there may be other parameters responsible for the increased prevalence of gum disease in RA sufferers.

“With results suggesting that rheumatoid arthritis is associated with periodontal disease, it is easy to assume that an RA sufferer is perhaps unable to properly care for his or her teeth and gums due to the debilitating nature of the disease,” says Dr. Kenneth Kornman, editor of the Journal of the Periodontology. “However, this study implies that there are other potential factors involved. For instance, both RA and gum disease are systemic inflammatory disorders which may explain the connection between the two. Inflammation is already thought to link periodontal disease with other conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. We look forward to future research that may reveal the biological mechanisms that link these two important diseases.”

In an effort to best maintain oral health, RA patients are encouraged to brush and floss on a regular basis and see a dental professional twice a year. If gum disease develops, consulting a periodontist is an effective way to determine the most appropriate course of treatment.

According to Dr. Susan Karabin, President of the AAP, maintaining the complete health of RA patients should be a collaborative effort. “It is critical that dental professionals and medical professionals work together when treating a patient living with rheumatoid arthritis. This partnership will assure that both the oral and overall health of these patients is paramount."

Inflammation and Gum Disease

2008-12-04T12:13:00.000-08:00

CHICAGO—November 24, 2008—Brush after every meal. Floss daily. See your dental professional regularly. These instructions make sense coming from your dentist to help you sustain your oral health. But now not only dentists, but also many physicians are stressing the importance of maintaining oral health in an effort to keep the rest of the body healthy. Research has long suggested an association between gum disease and other health issues—including heart disease, stroke and diabetes—but now scientists are beginning to shift their focus to understanding why these connections exist. An emerging theory, and one gaining support from researchers worldwide, is that inflammation may link the mouth to the body.

Inflammation is the body’s instinctive reaction to fight off infection, guard against injury or shield against irritation. Inflammation is often characterized by swelling, redness, heat and pain around the affected area. While inflammation initially intends to heal the body, over time, chronic inflammation can lead to dysfunction of the infected tissues, and therefore more severe health complications.

According to Dr. Susan Karabin, Past President of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) and a practicing periodontist in New York City, periodontal disease is a textbook example of an inflammatory disorder: “For many years, dental professionals believed that gum disease was solely the result of a bacterial infection caused by a build-up of plaque between the teeth and under the gums. While plaque accumulation is still a factor in the development and progression of gum disease, researchers now suspect that the more severe symptoms, namely swollen, bleeding gums; recession around the gum line, and loss of the bone that holds the teeth in place, may be caused by the chronic inflammatory response to the bacterial infection, rather than the bacteria itself.”

Periodontists, the dentists specially trained in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of gum disease, hypothesize that this inflammatory response to bacteria in the mouth may be the cause behind the periodontal-systemic health link. Many of the diseases associated with periodontal disease are also considered to be systemic inflammatory disorders, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic kidney disease and even certain forms of cancer, suggesting that inflammation itself may be the basis for the connection.

“More research is needed to pinpoint the precise biological mechanisms responsible for the relationship between gum disease and other disease states,” says Dr. Karabin. “However, previous findings have indicated that gum disease sufferers are at a higher risk for other diseases, making it more critical than ever to maintain periodontal health in order to achieve overall health.”

To avoid gum disease, Dr. Karabin recommends comprehensive daily oral care, including regular brushing and flossing, and routine visits to the dentist. If gum disease develops, a consultation with a dental professional, such as a periodontist, can lead to effective treatment. Patients diagnosed with gum disease should also disclose all health conditions to his or her dental professional, and be sure to update other health care professionals on his or her periodontal health.

A recent supplement to the Journal of Periodontology highlighted current discussions between dental professionals and health care professionals on the role of oral inflammation in the progression of other disease states. As research continues to emerge that supports the mouth-body connection, the more vital it becomes that both dentists and physicians work together to ensure the most comprehensive wellbeing for their patients.

For more information on the role of inflammation in oral health, tips on how to prevent or treat gum disease, a risk assessment self-test, or a referral to a local periodontist, visit www.perio.org.

A copy of the JOP supplement Inflammation and Periodontal Diseases: A Reappraisal is available to the media by contacting the AAP’s Public Affairs Department at 312/573-3242.

About the AAP

The American Academy of Periodontology is an 8,000-member association of dental professionals specializing in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth and in the placement and maintenance of dental implants. Periodontics is one of nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association.

Periodontal Disease And Pancreatic Cancer Linked

2008-12-03T10:10:00.000-08:00

Below is an article from medical news discussing the link between periodontal disease and pancreatic cancer. Not that gum disease can be treated with a laser rather than surgery hopefully more people will avail themselves of the technology and get healthy!! To learn more about laser periodontal therapy visit LILASERPERIO.COM

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the U.S.; more than 30,000 Americans are expected to die from the disease this year. It is an extremely difficult cancer to treat and little is known about what causes it. One established risk factor in pancreatic cancer is cigarette smoking; other links have been made to obesity, diabetes type 2 and insulin resistance. In a new study, researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that periodontal disease was associated with an increased risk of cancer of the pancreas. The study will appear in the January 17, 2007 issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

"Our study provides the first strong evidence that periodontal disease may increase the risk of pancreatic cancer. This finding is of significance as it may provide some new insights into the mechanism of this highly fatal disease," said lead author Dominique Michaud, assistant professor of epidemiology at HSPH.

Periodontal disease is caused by bacterial infection and inflammation of the gums that over time causes loss of bone that supports the teeth; tooth loss is a consequence of severe periodontal disease. Two previous studies had found a link between tooth loss or periodontitis and pancreatic cancer, but one consisted of all smokers and the other did not control for smoking in the analysis, and therefore no firm conclusions could be drawn from these studies.

Data for the new study came from the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study, which began in 1986 and includes 51,529 U.S. men working in the health professions. Participants respond to questionnaires about their health every two years. After analyzing the data, the researchers confirmed 216 cases of pancreatic cancer between 1986 and 2002; of those, 67 reported periodontal disease.

The results showed that, after adjusting for age, smoking, diabetes, body mass index and a number of other factors, men with periodontal disease had a 63% higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer compared to those reporting no periodontal disease. "Most convincing was our finding that never-smokers had a two-fold increase in risk of pancreatic cancer," said Michaud.

One possible explanation for the results is that inflammation from periodontal disease may promote cancer of the pancreas. "Individuals with periodontal disease have elevated serum biomarkers of systemic inflammation, such as C-reactive protein, and these may somehow contribute to the promotion of cancer cells," she said.

Another explanation, according to Michaud, is that periodontal disease could lead to increased pancreatic carcinogenesis because individuals with periodontal disease have higher levels of oral bacteria and higher levels of nitrosamines, which are carcinogens, in their oral cavity. Prior studies have shown that nitrosamines and gastric acidity may play a role in pancreatic cancer.

Michaud, senior author Charles Fuchs, a gastrointestinal oncologist at Dana-Farber, and their colleagues believe that further studies should be done to investigate the role of inflammation from periodontal disease in pancreatic cancer. However, Michaud notes that the underlying mechanisms for this association are speculative at this point. "More research is needed both to confirm this finding in other populations and also to explore the role of inflammation in this particular cancer," she said.

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Article adapted by Medical News Today from original press release.
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This study was supported by grants from the National Cancer Institute.

"A Prospective Study of Periodontal Disease and Pancreatic Cancer in U.S. Male Health Professionals," Dominique S. Michaud, Kaumudi Joshipura, Edward Giovannucci, Charles S. Fuchs, JNCI, 2007; 99:1-5

Harvard School of Public Health is dedicated to advancing the public's health through learning, discovery, and communication. More than 300 faculty members are engaged in teaching and training the 900-plus student body in a broad spectrum of disciplines crucial to the health and well being of individuals and populations around the world. Programs and projects range from the molecular biology of AIDS vaccines to the epidemiology of cancer; from risk analysis to violence prevention; from maternal and children's health to quality of care measurement; from health care management to international health and human rights. For more information on the school visit: http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/

What is Laser Assisted Periodontal Therapy?

2008-11-24T13:03:00.000-08:00

Approximately 75% of American adults over age 35 have periodontal disease, and until now, the only effective treatment for deep pockets was surgical treatment. This was often painful, invasive and time consuming. Side effects after surgery would sometimes include recession, cold sensitivity of the roots and big spaces between the teeth. This had led people to look for nonsurgical treatment for their gum disesae.

Because of these side effects, many people would put off treating their gum disease and develop more severe bone loss that would result in tooth loss. Sometimes they would turn to therapies like putting antibiotic (arrestin, perio chip etc) in the pocket which can sometimes help a little, but were not effective at treating the problem.

LANAP is a revolution is treating gum disease. Without using a scalpel or stitching the gum, the laser is used to kill the bacteria in the pocket and then reattach the gum to the tooth. It is conservative periodontal treatment and is often an idea fit for people looking for nonsurgical (no scalpel no sutures) gum treatment.

Dr. David Scharf is the first periodontist on Long Island to be fully trained and licensed to perform Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP) - an amazing breakthrough that offers significantly-improved results in less time and with minimal discomfort - and you get to keep your smile!

"LANAP is improving gum treatment the same way that LASIK revolutionized eye surgery," says Dr. Scharf. "The laser eliminates diseased tissue while preserving healthy gums, so scalpels and sutures are eliminated, discomfort is minimized, and the results are exceptional." “It is breakthrough treatment and is ideal for people looking for conservative gum treatment or nonsurgical treatment of gum disese.”

To read more go to www.Laser-perio.com