Gingivitis is the mildest and most common form of periodontitis. It is caused by the toxins in plaque and leads to periodontal disease. People at increased risk of developing gingivitis include pregnant women, women taking birth control pills, people with uncontrolled diabetes, steroid users and people who control seizures and blood pressure using medication.
Treatment: Gingivitis is easily reversible using a solid combination of home care and professional cleaning. The dentist may perform root planning and deep scaling procedures to cleanse the pockets of debris. A combination of antibiotics and medicated mouthwashes may be used to kill any remaining bacteria and promote the good healing of the pockets.
Chronic periodontal disease is the most common form of the disease and occurs much more frequently in people over 45. Chronic periodontal disease is characterized by inflammation below the gum line and the progressive destruction of the gingival and bone tissue. It may appear that the teeth are gradually growing in length, but in actuality, the gums are gradually recessing.
Treatment: Unfortunately unlike gingivitis, chronic periodontal disease cannot be completely cured because the supportive tissue cannot be rebuilt. However, the dentist can halt the progression of the disease using scaling and root planning procedures in combination with antimicrobial treatments. If necessary, the periodontist can perform surgical treatments such as pocket reduction surgery and also tissue grafts to strengthen the bone and improve the aesthetic appearance of the oral cavity.
Aggressive periodontal disease is characterized by the rapid loss of gum attachment, the rapid loss of bone tissue and familial aggregation. The disease itself is essentially the same as chronic periodontitis but the progression is much faster. Smokers and those with a family history of this disease are at an increased risk of developing aggressive periodontitis.
Treatment: The treatments for aggressive periodontal disease are the same as those for chronic periodontal disease, but aggressive periodontal disease sufferers are far more likely to require a surgical intervention. This form of the disease is harder to halt and treat, but the dentist will perform scaling, root planning, antimicrobial, and in some cases laser procedures in an attempt to save valuable tissue and bone.
Periodontal disease can be a symptom of a disease or condition affecting the rest of the body. Depending on the underlying condition, the disease can behave like an aggressive periodontal disease, working quickly to destroy tissue. Heart disease, diabetes planning and respiratory disease are the most common cofactors, though there are many others. Even in cases where little plaque coats the teeth, many medical conditions intensify and accelerate the progression of periodontal disease.
Treatment: Initially, the medical condition which caused the onset of periodontal disease must be controlled. The dentist will halt the progression of the disease using the same treatments used for controlling aggressive and chronic periodontal disease.
This form of the disease rapidly worsens and is more prevalent among people who suffer from HIV, immunosuppression, malnutrition, chronic stress or choose to smoke. Tissue death (necrosis) frequently affects the periodontal ligament, gingival tissues and alveolar bone.
Treatment: Necrotizing periodontal disease is extremely rare. Because it may be associated with HIV or another serious medical condition, it is likely the dentist will consult with a physician before commencing treatment. Scaling, root planing, antibiotic pills, medicated mouthwash and fungicidal medicines are generally used to treat this form of the disease.
Dr. Jason graduated from Creighton University School of Dentistry with his Doctorate of Dental Science in 1998. He completed advanced educational training during his residency in the US Air Force, where he was stationed in Nebraska in 1999. His undergraduate training in Biology and Criminology was at the University of New Mexico.
Prior to opening All Smiles, Dr. Jason practiced as a general dentist in Okinawa, Japan for three years. Dr. Jason then practiced in Arizona with Dr. Frost, one of the founders of the Academy of Laser Dentistry. Dr. Jason is always excited about the latest advancements in dentistry. He has trained extensively with the Biolase Laser, which can be used to recontour gums, perform conservative fillings on teeth with no numbing and enhance whitening.
Dr. Jason completed training with the prestigious Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Appliance Therapy Group and Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation. Dr. Jason is a member of the Academy of Laser Dentistry, Academy of General Dentistry, American Dental Association, and the Washington Dental Association.
Dr. Todd graduated with a BS in chemistry, a minor in biology, and a minor in business management from Whitworth University in Spokane, WA. Completing his DDS degree at USC in sunny California, he returned to the northwest where he was born and raised.
In his free time, Dr. Todd enjoys outdoor activities such as jogging, travelling, hiking, kayaking, snowboarding, and photography. When the weather is not as nice, he likes to spend time in music and art. He has played classical piano since age 5, electric guitar since age 16, and has spent hundreds of hours oil painting. He has been married since 2002 to his wife Julia, who teaches kindergarten in Mukilteo, and they live with their 2 cats Kira and Ryu.