Dr. Sandra Chong - Periodontist

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a Periodontist?

A periodontist is a general dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis
and treatment of periodontal disease and in the placement of dental implants.
Periodontists spend three additional years of education beyond dental school.
Periodontists are familiar with the latest techniques for diagnosing and
treating periodontal disease. Often, dentists refer their patients to a periodontist when their periodontal disease is advanced, supporting tissue is compromised or cosmetic procedures are required to help you achieve the smile you desire. However, you don't need a referral to see a periodontist. In fact, there are occasions when you may choose to go directly to a periodontist or to refer a family member or friend to your own periodontist.

2. What is periodontal disease?

The word periodontal literally means "around the tooth." Periodontal diseases
are serious bacterial infections that destroy the attachment fibers and
supporting bone that hold your teeth in your mouth. Left untreated, these
diseases can lead to tooth loss.

3. Periodontal Disease: What you should know

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is one of the most common
infections today. More than 75% of North Americans over 35 years of age have
some form of periodontal disease. Although many are infected, few know they
actually have the disease. In a recent study, 8 out of 10 people surveyed
believed they did not have periodontal disease, 7 out of 10 exhibited one or
more symptoms.

Periodontal diseases are painless until they reach an advanced stage. If left
untreated, periodontal diseases can result in bad breath, red, swollen and bleeding gums and, ultimately, tooth loss. In fact, periodontal diseases are the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Despite all these facts, periodontal diseases are some of the most preventable diseases.

4. What can cause gum disease?

The main cause of gum disease is bacterial plaque, a sticky, colorless film that
constantly forms on your teeth. In order to keep your teeth and gums healthy,
daily cleaning is required in the form of brushing and flossing.

If the plaque is not removed, it hardens into a rough, porous deposit called
calculus, or tartar. Toxins (or poisons) produced by the bacteria in the plaque
irritate the gums. The toxins destroy supporting tissues around the teeth. Gums
then pull away from the teeth, forming pockets which then fill up with more
plaque.

As gum disease progresses, the pockets continue to become deeper and deeper.
Consequently, plaque continues to move further down the roots of the teeth
damaging the bone which support them. Unless treated, the affected teeth can
become loose and eventually may be lost.

5. When should I see a periodontist?

If you value your oral as well as overall health, anytime is a good time to see
a periodontist for a periodontal evaluation. Sometimes the only way to detect
periodontal disease is through a periodontal evaluation. A periodontal
evaluation may be especially important in the following situations:

If you notice any symptoms of periodontal disease, including:
- gums that bleed easily, such as during brushing or flossing
- red, swollen or tender gums
- gums that have pulled away from the teeth
- persistent bad breath
- pus between the teeth and gums
- loose or separating teeth
- a change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
- a sore or irritation in your mouth that does not get better within two weeks
If you are thinking of becoming pregnant. Pregnant women who have
periodontal disease may be seven times more likely to have a baby born too
early and too small. In addition, about half of women experience "pregnancy
gingivitis." However, women who have good oral hygiene and have no gingivitis
before pregnancy are very unlikely to experience this condition.
If you have a family member with periodontal disease. Research suggests
that the bacteria that cause periodontal disease can pass through saliva. This
means the common contact of saliva in families puts children and couples at
risk for contracting the periodontal disease of another family member.
If you have heart disease, diabetes, respiratory disease or osteoporosis.
Ongoing research is showing that periodontal disease may be linked to these
conditions. The bacteria associated with periodontal disease can travel into
the blood stream and pose a threat to other parts of the body. Healthy gums may lead to a healthier body.
If you feel that your teeth are too short or that your smile is too
"gummy." Or, if you are missing one or more of your teeth and are interested in
a long-lasting replacement option.
If you are not satisfied with your current tooth replacement option, such
as a bridge or dentures, and may be interested in dental implants.

6. Will my Insurance Cover this?

Our office will be happy to pre-determine services to your insurance company.
The amount of coverage that you are eligible for will depend on the contract
your employer has negotiated with the insurance company.

As payment is due at the time treatment is rendered directly from
our patients, our office is equipped to send electronic claim forms to the
majority of insurance companies which will expedite your financial
reimbursement. We shall report only what is performed and when it was
done in a true and accurate report.

Dr. Chong treatment plans patients on an individual basis. She bases all options
on the best available technology and outcomes; insurance benefits are not a
factor in treatment planning as insurance companies do not always have the
patient's best interest as a priority.