Wahl Dental Group! 

We’re looking forward to a great year!

If you get thrown from a horse, you have to get up and get back on…if you’ve been putting your dental treatment off, call today to get back on track!

Dear Dr. Wahl,
 
I want to take time and compliment you and your staff for making my first visit to your office such a pleasant experience. I had not been to a dentist for a few years for reasons already discussed and was somewhat apprehensive about my appointment with your office. When I came in for my first exam and evaluation, I was treated with the most gracious kindness by everyone that I had contact with that day. No one made me feel uncomfortable, only positive attitudes and comments were spoken  to me during my exam.  When I came in for the first build up and crown, you sir were so kind and explained each step of the procedure which helped me feel at ease. I must say that this was the most painless dental repair procedure that I have ever experienced in my life. I can honestly say that I am looking forward to coming in again for the additional work that my teeth need.
 
Thank you much for being who you are and what you stand for in the dental profession. You and your staff have blessed me greatly.
 
Wishing all in your office A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!
 
With the most sincere gratitude,
 
DD

Dec 3, 2011

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

A PROFESSIONAL CLEANING PERFORMED BY A DENTAL HYGIENIST OR A DENTIST IS A MEDICAL PROCEDURE AND MUST BE PRESCRIBED BY A QUALIFIED HEALTH CARE PRACTITIONER.  IN SOME CASES, DENTAL CONDITIONS EXIST THAT HAVE TO BE ADDRESSED BEFORE A CLEANING IS POSSIBLE.  IN THESE CIRMCUMSTANCES, OTHER TYPES OF TREATMENT MAY BE REQUIRED FIRST IN ORDER TO BEST PROVIDE FOR THE HEALTH OF THE PATIENT.

LEGALLY AND ETHICALLY AN EXAMINATION AND X-RAYS AS REQUIRED BY THE DENTIST MUST BE DONE BEFORE A CLEANING CAN BE GIVEN.  AFTER AN EXAM AND X-RAYS HAVE BEEN DONE, THE DOCTOR WILL BE ABLE TO SEE WHETHER OR NOT A CLEANING IS NEEDED AS THE NEXT STEP, OR IF A DIFFERENT PROCEDURE IS REQUIRED FIRST.

DR. WAHL, DR CHAWLA AND THE STAFF AT WAHL DENTAL GROUP ARE COMMITTED TO HELPING THEIR PATIENTS ACHIEVE AND MAINTAIN HEALTHY TEETH AND GUMS FOR THE LONG TERM. THE PROCEDURES WE FOLLOW ARE IN THE INTEREST OF ACHIEVING THIS FOR AS MANY OF OUR PATIENTS AS POSSIBLE.

Periodontal (gum) diseases, including gingivitis and periodontitis, are serious infections that, left untreated, can lead to tooth loss. The word periodontal literally means “around the tooth.” Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth.

Periodontal disease can affect one tooth or many teeth. It begins when the bacteria in plaque (the sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth) causes the gums to become inflamed.
In the mildest form of the disease, gingivitis, the gums redden, swell and bleed easily. There is usually little or no discomfort. Gingivitis is often caused by inadequate oral hygiene. Gingivitis is reversible with professional gingivitis treatment and good oral home care.

Untreated gingivitis can advance to periodontitis. With time, plaque can spread and grow below the gum line. Toxins produced by the bacteria in plaque irritate the gums. The toxins stimulate a chronic inflammatory response in which the body in essence turns on itself, and the tissues and bone that support the teeth are broken down and destroyed. Gums separate from the teeth, forming pockets (spaces between the teeth and gums) that become infected. As the disease progresses, the pockets deepen and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed. Often, this destructive process has very mild symptoms. Eventually, teeth can become loose and may have to be removed.

Causes of Periodontal Disease


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.
Genetics
Research proves that up to 30% of the population may be genetically susceptible to gum disease. Despite aggressive oral care habits, these people may be six times more likely to develop periodontal disease. Identifying these people with a genetic test before they even show signs of the disease and getting them into early interventive treatment may help them keep their teeth for a lifetime.

Pregnancy and Puberty


As a woman, you know that your health needs are unique. You know that brushing and flossing daily, a healthy diet, and regular exercise are all important to help you stay in shape. You also know that at specific times in your life, you need to take extra care of yourself. Times when you mature and change, for example, puberty or menopause, and times when you have special health needs, such as menstruation or pregnancy. During these particular times, your body experiences hormonal changes. These changes can affect many of the tissues in your body, including your gums. Your gums can become sensitive, and at times react strongly to the hormonal fluctuations. This may make you more susceptible to gum disease. Additionally, recent studies suggest that pregnant women with gum disease are seven times more likely to deliver preterm, low birth weight babies.
Stress
As you probably already know, stress is linked to many serious conditions such as hypertension, cancer, and numerous other health problems. What you may not know is that stress also is a risk factor for periodontal disease. Research demonstrates that stress can make it more difficult for the body to fight off infection, including periodontal diseases.

Medications


Some drugs, such as oral contraceptives, anti-depressants, and certain heart medicines, can affect your oral health. Just as you notify your pharmacist and other health care providers of all medicines you are taking and any changes in your overall health, you should also inform your dental care provider.
Clenching or Grinding Your Teeth
Has anyone ever told you that you grind your teeth at night? Is your jaw sore from clenching your teeth when you’re taking a test or solving a problem at work? Clenching or grinding your teeth can put excess force on the supporting tissues of the teeth and could speed up the rate at which these periodontal tissues are destroyed.

Diabetes

Diabetes is a disease that causes altered levels of sugar in the blood. Diabetes develops from either a deficiency in insulin production (a hormone that is the key component in the body’s ability to use blood sugars) or the body’s inability to use insulin correctly. According to the American Diabetes Association, approximately 16 million Americans have diabetes; however, more than half have not been diagnosed with this disease. If you are diabetic, you are at higher risk for developing infections, including periodontal diseases. These infections can impair the ability to process and/or utilize insulin, which may cause your diabetes to be more difficult to control and your infection to be more severe than a non-diabetic.

Poor Nutrition


As you may already know, a diet low in important nutrients can compromise the body’s immune system and make it harder for the body to fight off infection. Because periodontal disease is a serious infection, poor nutrition can worsen the condition of your gums.
Other Systemic Diseases
Diseases that interfere with the body’s immune system may worsen the condition of the gums.
Types of Periodontal Disease
There are many forms of periodontal disease. The most common ones include the following.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease. It causes the gums to become red, swollen, and bleed easily. There is usually little or no discomfort at this stage. Gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment and good at home oral care.

Aggressive Periodontitis

A form of periodontitis that occurs in patients who are otherwise clinically healthy. Common features include rapid attachment loss and bone destruction and familial aggregation.

Chronic Periodontitis

A form of periodontal disease resulting in inflammation within the supporting tissues of the teeth, progressive attachment and bone loss and is characterized by pocket formation and/or recession of the gingiva. It is recognized as the most frequently occurring form of periodontitis. It is prevalent in adults, but can occur at any age. Progression of attachment loss usually occurs slowly, but periods of rapid progression can occur.
Periodontitis as a Manifestation of Systemic Diseases
Periodontititis, often with onset at a young age, associated with one of several systemic diseases, such as diabetes.

Necrotizing Periodontal Diseases


An infection characterized by necrosis of gingival tissues, periodontal ligament and alveolar bone. These lesions are most commonly observed in individuals with systemic conditions including, but not limited to, HIV infection, malnutrition and immunosuppression.

The Wahl Dental Group