Gum Disease and Cirrhosis

Dentists have long been aware of a connection between periodontal disease and cirrhosis. At Dr. Lis Bradley’s dental office, we want patients to be aware that they can improve their health through better dental care, which is why we’re excited by new evidence that treating gum disease can alleviate some of cirrhosis’s effects.

Cirrhosis is scarring of the liver. It causes inflammation throughout the body and diminished cognitive ability. Scarred livers also have a harder time fighting off infections. Both cirrhosis and advanced gum disease can result from smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. But some studies have found that people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease also have higher rates of periodontal disease.

Recently, scientists carried out an experiment to determine whether people with cirrhosis improved after undergoing treatment for gum infections. They found that the people who were treated did produce more of the bacteria that reduce inflammation and were able to think more clearly. It is unclear why gum treatments would improve liver function, although scientists have proposed that people without gum disease are less likely to inhale harmful bacteria. Regardless, a fresher, less painful mouth can certainly improve the morale of people fighting chronic illnesses.

Lis Bradley, DDS, operates at 8112 Isabella Ln, Suite 101, Brentwood, Tennessee. To schedule an appointment, visit Lis Bradley or call 615-778-0810.

Peri-Implantitis

If you’ve been through the process of getting a dental implant, you definitely don’t want to lose it. At Dr. Lis Bradley’s Brentwood dental office, we’re proud to say that our patients’ experiences with implants have been overwhelmingly positive. But inflammation around an implant, also known as peri-implantitis, can be a major problem, which is why we want to make sure our patients understand it.

In the absence of an autoimmune disorder, gingivitis (gum inflammation) is probably the result of a gum pocket infection. Gum pockets are a great place for decay-causing bacteria to hide. As they feed, they excrete acid, which sticks to plaque and irritates the surrounding tissue. Acid also wears away at a tooth’s root, regardless of whether the root is natural or an implant post. Severe gingivitis, known as periodontal disease, can result in loss of gum and bone tissue, causing the implant to come loose. If an implant is mobile, or twenty percent of the surrounding bone tissue has been lost, it needs to be removed.

Since it can take six months for an implant to integrate with the jaw bone, it would be a shame if the process had to be repeated. Patients should take red, sensitive, or bleeding gums as a sign that they need to schedule a cleaning. If an infection is caught early enough, we can do a scaling to remove decayed material.

Lis Bradley, DDS, operates at 8112 Isabella Ln, Suite 101, Brentwood, Tennessee. To schedule an appointment, visit Lis Bradley or call 615-778-0810.

 

Periodontitis

Plaque is a sticky substance that remains on the teeth after we consume certain foods. This colorless membrane is the most common cause of periodontal disease, which is why Dr. Lis Bradley DDS, wants patients to remember that it’s important to maintain an adequate oral care routine. We’ve previously mentioned gingivitis, a mild form of periodontal disease that can be reversed by flossing every day at least once a day. If gingivitis is left untreated, it will develop into a more aggressive form of gum disease – periodontitis.

Periodontitis is a level of gum disease that damages soft tissue and bone that supports the tooth. When plaque sits on the teeth for long periods of time, it will cause the gums to recede and pockets to form. Maintaining a good oral care routine by brushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day, you will save yourself from invasive periodontal treatment in the future. When periodontitis strikes, a deep cleaning will be necessary to remove any decay.

If you have questions or concerns about periodontal disease, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.lisbradleydds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Lis Bradley, DDS in Brentwood, TN, call 615-778-0810.

General Dentistry

As a general dentist, Lis Bradley DDS, takes responsibility for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of a wide variety of oral health conditions. From missing teeth to misalignments, or gum disease to tooth decay, Dr. Lis Bradley utilizes the most advanced technological tools on the market to uncover and treat problems as early as possible. It is the primary goal of the doctor’s to provide exceptionally accurate and pain-free treatment plan.

Dr. Lis Bradley is highly educated in dental hygiene and trained in cosmetic and restorative dental procedures. For several years, instead of specializing in just one area of dentistry, the doctor has developed oneself in the services of crowns and bridges, preventive care, teeth cleanings and much more. The first step in providing a smooth dental visit for the patient involves gaining the patient’s trust. Dr. Lis Bradley does this by diagnosing the patient’s condition and having a thorough discussion about moving forward.. At the dental practice of Dr. Lis Bradley, patient wellness is a priority and good oral hygiene is paramount to the patient's overall health.

If you are searching for a general dentist, look no further and give our office a call. To learn about services provided at the practice, visit www.lisbradleydds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Lis Bradley in Brentwood, TN, call 615-778-0810. 

Scaling and Root Planing

Lis Bradley, DDS sees patients experiencing every stage of gum disease. Gum disease can progress quickly without a regular oral hygiene routine, but more people are looking for ways to prevent that from happening. For patients who want to protect themselves from later stages of gum disease, scaling and root planing are two parts of a deep cleaning procedure that helps stop gum disease in its tracks.

Scaling is the process of your dentist using various tools to scrape and clean any and all plaque off the surface of the tooth all the way down to the gums.  Root planing is the term for any minor contouring that may be done to reshape the tooth closer to the gums.  Each of these steps is important to complete so the gums have a clean, smooth surface to reattach to.  Local anesthetic is used during this procedure and depending on your case, your dentist may recommend completing the treatment over a series of appointments.

To learn more about scaling, root planing, and all the services provided at the practice, visit www.lisbradleydds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Lis Bradley, DDS in Brentwood, TN, call 615-778-0810.