Almost half of American adults have some form of Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease); however, most people dont show signs of it until theyre in their 30s or 40s but getting older doesnt necessarily mean youll get Gum Disease. A few of the symptoms of Periodontal (Gum) Disease include swollen and red gums or bleeding when you brush, but there is good news! Periodontal (Gum) Disease can be treated successfully. Dr. Michael Pawlus is Board Certified in Dentistry and Periodontics, and he has been successfully treating Periodontal Disease for over twenty years, and he is eager to help you win your battle.

All periodontists must complete an additional two to three years of specialized training in periodontics following dental school however, some periodontists, such as Dr. Pawlus, opt to take the board-certification examination, which is offered by the American Board of Periodontology once per year.

Board certification in periodontology denotes someone who has made significant achievements beyond the mandatory educational requirements of the specialty, including demonstrating a comprehensive mastery of all phases of periodontal disease and treatment and in the placement of dental implants.

Periodontics is a specialty of dentistry which encompasses the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the supporting and surrounding tissues of the teeth or their substitutes and the maintenance of the health, function and esthetics of these structures and tissues.

Typically, Periodontal Disease develops over a period of time and is caused by poor brushing and flossing habits that allow plaque, a sticky film of bacteria known as gingivitis, to build up on the teeth and harden.

Our mouths are full of bacteria. These bacteria, along with mucus and other particles, constantly form a sticky, colorless plaque on teeth. Brushing and flossing help get rid of plaque. Plaque that is not removed can harden and form tartar that brushing doesnt clean.

The most common cause of gingivitis is the accumulation of bacterial plaque between and around the teeth. The plaque triggers an immune response, which, in turn, can eventually lead to the destruction of gum tissue.

These bacteria might help protect the mouth from the colonization of harmful microorganisms, but dental plaque can also cause tooth decay, and periodontal problems such as gingivitis and chronic periodontitis, a gum infection.

Untreated gingivitis can lead to periodontitis. It ranges from simple gum inflammation, called gingivitis, to serious damage to the tissue and bone supporting the teeth. In the worst cases, you can lose teeth.

Besides a buildup of plaque, there are several risk factors for gum disease. Smoking is the most significant. Smoking also can make treatment for gum disease less successful. Other risk factors include:

Periodontal Disease is not typically contagious. Research has shown that periodontal disease is caused by the inflammatory reaction to bacteria under the gums, so periodontal disease may not be contagious.

However, the bacteria that cause the inflammatory reaction can be spread through saliva. This means that if one of your family members has periodontal disease, its a good idea to avoid contact with their saliva by not sharing eating utensils or oral health equipment.

If you notice that your spouse or a family member has the warning signs of a possible periodontal problem (bleeding, red and swollen gums, or bad breath) you may want to suggest that they see the Dr. Pawlus for an exam. It may help to protect the oral health of everyone in the family.

Periodontal disease is rarely found in children, and only sometimes found in adolescents. However, children should still learn the importance of keeping their teeth and gums healthy to prevent periodontal disease in the future. Children should brush their teeth twice a day and learn how to floss properly. If children are taught how to floss properly at an early age, they will be more likely to make it a lifetime habit. These two simple acts will help protect their teeth and gums from periodontal disease.

As a parent, you should also be aware of the warning signs of periodontal disease, which include red, swollen, bleeding gums or bad breath that wont go away. If your child develops any of these symptoms, tell your dental professional right away. Its also a good idea to ensure your dental professional knows your complete family history, as genetics can play an important role in the early development of periodontal disease.

Unfortunately, Medicare does not cover any dental treatments at this time; only medical treatments are covered. Medicaid programs are run by each individual state, so coverage is going to vary depending on which state you live in. Check with your dental care provider to determine if the periodontal treatment you need is covered by your plan.

Dr. Michael Pawlus wants you to know that if you have Periodontal (Gum) Disease, you are not alone. Many adults in the United States have some form of gum disease, but the good news is that Periodontal (Gum) Disease can be prevented with daily dental care. Your smile is important to you and every person you meet every day. Let Dr. Michael Pawlus, and his highly trained staff of Dental Hygienists, help you keep it. Call us Today at (941) 923-2288.

At the dental office of Dr. Michael Pawlus, you will find a kind and caring staff who have years of experience providing diagnostic procedures and treatment for oral pathology, as well as dental implant surgery for replacement of missing teeth. Dr. Pawlus, and his highly trained staff, take the time to explain your treatment options and inform you of additional preventative care methods. Dr. Pawlus will listen to your questions and concerns and provide solutions leading to better oral health.

Teeth are made up of a crown and a root. The crown is the white part of the tooth that can be seen above the gum line. The root is normally under the gum. The neck of the tooth is where the crown joins the root. The is where the gum tissue normally sits, and the gum forms a tight collar around the neck of the tooth, which prevents bacteria from damaging the bone. Inside the root there is a small nerve that supplies tooth sensation, and there is also a small blood supply to keep the tooth living. Healthy gums are pink, firm, and do not bleed. Healthy teeth are normally firm, tight, and do not move.

Unhealthy gums are often red, swollen, and can be tender to the touch. A pocket can develop in unhealthy gums. A pocket is a crevice around the neck of the tooth that traps bacteria under the gum. Bleeding and abscesses can occur, which can lead to damage to the ligaments and bone. If unhealthy gums are left untreated, teeth can become loose and come out. If gum disease does not get better with non-surgical cleaning treatment, advanced surgical options may be considered.

The most common form of periodontal surgery is Flap Surgery, and it is especially helpful for people who have tartar deposits in deep pockets. This procedure allows access to the bottom of the deep pockets and defects in the bone. During this common procedure, Dr. Pawlus will make small cuts in your gum and lift a section of tissue back. He will remove the tartar and bacteria from your tooth and under your gums.

This procedure helps to clean out the infected deep pockets and repair some of the damage that was done due to the periodontal disease. Once the pockets have been cleaned, Dr. Pawlus will suture your gums back so the tissue fits firmly around your teeth. Sometimes, the bone may require reshaping during this procedure, but once you are healed, it will be easier for you to clean areas on your teeth and gums.

This is done to enhance the amount of healthy tissue around the tooth roots or in certain cases cover the exposed root surfaces caused by recession. A gum graft can reduce further gum recession and bone loss.

Periodontal surgery can also be used to enhance the aesthetic outcome with veneers and is often referred to as cosmetic Crown Lengthening. Crown Lengthening is a common surgical procedure that can be performed when a tooth needs to be fixed, such as when not enough of the tooth sticks out above the gum to support a filling or crown. Crown Lengthening can also be performed to reduce excess gum tissue around the upper teeth, which is often referred to as a gummy smile. Crown Lengthening can be performed to even your gum line or on several teeth to expose a natural, broad smile. Dr. Pawlus can also perform Crown Lengthening in order to gain access to deep cavities allowing him to remove decay and place a crown to enhance the prognosis of the tooth.

In some cases, simply removing a little gum tissue will expose enough tooth for him to place a crown or filling. However, in some cases, he will need to remove some bone from around the roots of the teeth.

LANAP stands for Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure. It is an FDA-cleared laser treatment that offers a less painful, more successful treatment to treat moderate to advanced periodontal disease. The LANAP is the only scientifically proven method that removes diseased tissue and allows true periodontal regeneration, new bone growth, and gum tissue reattachment. The LANAP is one of the most successful protocols in treating gum disease since it can target the source of the inflammation without hurting or removing any healthy gum tissue, slow or stop attachment loss and decrease pocket depth while allowing the body to recover from infection without the need for scalpel or sutures.

Dr. Pawlus is certified in this dramatic surgical breakthrough that allows for a less painful, faster and cost-effective alternative to conventional gum grafting. Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation is a minimally invasive alternative to more complicated gum recession procedures that feature grafting or sutures. This procedure is performed by making small holes in the gum tissue near the tip of the tooth root. Using specially designed instruments, Dr. Pawlus will loosen and guide the gum tissue over the receded tooth. Once the gum is in place, collagen strips are inserted through the pinhole. The strips hold the gum tissue in place, which creates the new tissue support. Since there is no cutting or stitching, there is minimal post-operative symptoms, such as swelling and bleeding. With the Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation method, several teeth can be treated at one time.

Endosteal (in the bone) This is the most common type of implant. This type includes screws, cylinders, or blades surgically placed into the bone. Each implant holds one or more implanted teeth. This type of implant is generally used as an alternative for patients with bridges or removable dentures.

Subperiosteal (on the bone) Implants placed on top of the jaw with the metal framework protruding through the gum to hold the implanted tooth. Generally used for those individuals who are unable to wear conventional dentures.

Following periodontal surgery your recovery will depend on how severe your disease is, your overall health, and the type of procedure you had. Typically, you can expect to have some minor bleeding and discomfort after surgery; however, you should be able to return to some normal activities within 24 hours. It is important you follow the home instructions given to you by Dr. Pawlus and his staff. However, in general, you will need to:

With over two decades of experience, Dr. Pawlus wants your dental surgery to be successful. Dr. Pawlus also wants you to approach your dental care with full knowledge and understanding, and he wants to work in partnership with you to achieve your desired dental outcome. Dr. Pawlus is ready and able to answer any question you may have about your dental health, and his knowledgeable, compassionate staff stand ready to make you feel comfortable and at ease. Our office is conveniently located in Sarasota, FL and we invite you to call with any questions. We will do everything possible to ensure you a pleasant visit.

Dr. Pawlus and his staff are gentle, efficient and knowledgeable health care providers. I am pleased with the care I have been given these past four years and highly recommend this practice if you need these services.

Had my teeth cleaned by new hygenist Kayla. She was terrific. Answered all my questions and made excellent suggestions. Always a pleasant visit to Dr. Pawlus' office which is unusual to say about a dentist/periodontist.

If you have suffered tooth loss due to periodontal disease, accident, or other cause, Dr. Michael Pawlus is here to help you regain your confidence and beautiful smile. With over two decades of dental surgery experience, Dr. Pawlus is the periodontist you want to fix your smile. For those suffering from the loss of one or more teeth, dental implants may be the answer. In general, dental implants may be right for you if you:

A dental implant is the closest thing you can get to a healthy, natural tooth. A dental implant is an artificial tooth root surgically implanted into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. The artificial tooth root is usually made of titanium, and once it is placed in your jaw, it will bond to your natural bone and becomes a sturdy base for supporting one or more artificial teeth called crowns, which are custom made to match your natural teeth and fit your mouth. The implanted tooth (crown) will not slip, make noise, or cause bone damage. As an added benefit the dental implant wont decay, and dental implants allow you to live the way you want. Dental implants allow you to eat confidentially, smile, laugh, and enjoy your everyday activities without worry. Dental implants are the only dental restoration option that preserve natural bone and help stimulate bone growth.

Dental Implants: To receive implants, you need to have healthy gums and adequate bone to support the implant. You must also commit to keeping these structures healthy. Meticulous oral hygiene and regular dental visits are critical to the long-term success of dental implants.

Dentures: For some people, ordinary bridges and dentures are simply not comfortable or even possible, due to sore spots, poor ridges or gagging. In addition, ordinary bridges must be attached to teeth on either side of the space left by the missing tooth. An advantage of implants is that no adjacent teeth need to be prepared or ground down to hold your new replacement tooth/teeth in place.

Modern dental implants have been successfully used for over 30 years. They are the strongest devices available to support replacement teeth, and they allow these new teeth to feel, look, and function naturally. Dental implant surgery is one of the safest and most predictable procedures in dentistry. Currently, over 3 million people in the United States have dental implants.

In most cases, anyone healthy enough to undergo a routine dental extraction or oral surgery can be considered for dental implants. Patients should have healthy gums and enough bone to hold the implant. They also must be committed to good oral hygiene and regular dental visits.

The first step in the dental implant process is the development of an individualized treatment plan. The plan addresses your specific needs and is prepared by Dr. Pawlus and his team of professionals who are specially trained and experienced in oral surgery and restorative dentistry.

During dental surgery, the tooth root implant is placed into the bone socket of the missing tooth. As the jawbone heals, it grows around the implanted metal post, anchoring it securely in the jaw. The healing process can take from six to 12 weeks.

Once the implant has bonded to the jawbone, a small connector post called an abutment is attached to the post to securely hold the new tooth. To make the new tooth or teeth, Dr Pawlus will make impressions of your teeth and create a model of your bite (which captures all your teeth, their type, and arrangement). The new tooth or teeth is based on this model.

Dr. Pawlus will match the color of the new teeth to your natural teeth, and since the implant is secured within the jawbone, your replacement teeth look, feel, and function just like your own natural teeth.

Most people who have received dental implants say that there is very little discomfort involved in the procedure. Local anesthesia can be used during the procedure, and most patients report that implants involve less pain than having a tooth extraction. After the dental implant, mild soreness can be treated with over-the-counter pain medications.

To control pain, anesthesia options during surgery include local anesthesia, sedation or general anesthesia. Dr. Pawlus will determine which option is best for you, and he will instruct you about eating and drinking before surgery, depending on what type of anesthesia you have. If youre having sedation or general anesthesia, plan to have someone take you home after surgery and expect to rest for the remainder of the day.

The entire process can take several months from start to finish. Much of that time is devoted to healing and waiting for the growth of new bone in your jaw. Depending on your situation, the specific procedure performed, or the materials used, certain steps can sometimes be combined.

You may need pain medications or antibiotics after dental implant surgery. If swelling, discomfort or any other problem gets worse in the days after surgery, contact Dr. Pawlus office. After each stage of surgery, you may need to eat soft foods while the surgical site heals. Typically, Dr. Pawlus uses stitches that dissolve on their own. If your stitches arent self-dissolving, Dr. Pawlus will remove them.

Recognizing the long-term patient benefits over other treatment options and depending on the cause of tooth loss, an increasing number of insurance companies have started providing some coverage. However, in general dental implants are not covered by dental insurance. Detailed questions about your individual needs and implant financing should be discussed with Dr. Pawlus and your insurance provider.

Very gentle dentist who knows what he is doing surrounded by an intelligent staff in a well run office. Very pleased with the care & results I have received over the last several years. Most recently an implant.

I was treated with the utmost professionalism by both Dr. Pawlus and his assistants and was well advised at each step of procedures taken. My extraction and ultimate implant involved minimal pain resulting in a totally successful implant. Dr. Pawlus and his assistance are fastidious in terms of hygienic practices.

I highly recommend for any work relating to dental implants. Dr. Pawlus is knowledgeable in his field of expertise and appears to keep up with current research in the field. If you want confidence in your practitioner, I have no hesitation recommending this office. His staff including his assistants are first-rate.

We also provide diagnostic procedures and treatment for oral pathology as well as dental implant surgery for replacement of missing teeth. We take the time to explain your treatment options and to inform you of additional preventative care methods. We are here to listen to your questions and concerns and to help provide solutions leading to your better health. Our office is conveniently located in Sarasota, FL and we invite you to call with any questions. We will do everything possible to ensure you a pleasant visit.

Dr. Pawlus graduated with honors at The University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. He continued on to receive his D.D.S. degree from The University of Iowa College Of Dentistry. While he attended this University he was presented several awards including a Dental Research Award from the College Of Dentistry and an Outstanding Achievement in Dental Research Award. His specialty training was at the University of Florida where he received his Certificate in Periodontics and a Masters Degree in Biology. His Masters research was on root biomodification to enhance healing after periodontal surgery. Following graduation he moved to Sarasota where he is currently in private practice.

Dr. Pawlus is a part-time musician and has a great passion for music. He enjoys playing in everything from a 20-piece big band to jazz quartets, blues bands, and classic rock bands. His current band is the Alternator Blues Band in Sarasota. He also enjoys running, playing golf and is very involved with several local social and charitable organizations.