Periodontics
in Bethlehem, PA

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is practically an epidemic among adults and is becoming prevalent among teens and young people as well. If you are diagnosed with a form of periodontal disease, it means you have some degree of infection in the gum tissue, which can threaten the health of your teeth and gums. We treat gum disease with state-of-the art hygiene and bacteria removal techniques.

At the back of the throat, there are several soft-tissue structures that can collapse against the airway, such as the uvula, the back of the tongue, tonsils, and adenoids. During the day, throat muscles keep the airway open but when you sleep, especially if you sleep on your back, the muscles relax and air can be partially or fully blocked by collapsed tissue.

A person with sleep apnea may stop breathing several hundred times every night and each time can be for as long as a minute and even longer. This makes for a poor night’s sleep and chronic fatigue as well as other health problems. This is not a rare condition – many people suffer from undiagnosed sleep apnea. Even visits to your doctor may not lead to a diagnosis, as there are no blood tests to detect it and you are breathing normally during the day.

A Progressive Disease

Gum disease begins as gingivitis, the first stage of infection. Patients may experience bleeding gums, tenderness, redness, and inflammation. If the offending bacteria are not removed during the gingivitis stage, deep pockets can form, leading to full-blown periodontal disease.

Gum disease in its more severe stages can cause tooth loss, gum recession, and eventually, bone loss. In addition, many health studies have revealed a link between gum disease and serious conditions like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, pancreatic cancer, and lung disease.

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Step 1: Diagnosis

Unfortunately, the majority of gum disease cases are currently undiagnosed. The biggest mistake adults make is thinking that just because they received a clean bill of health at their last appointment, they can skip a check-up with no repercussions.

If left untreated for too long, infections in the gum tissue can spread to the tooth root and eventually attack precious bone tissue. Untreated gum disease can become very serious, causing teeth to become loose or fall out. With an early diagnosis, we may be able to reverse some of the damage and control the spread of bacteria.

Step 2: Effective Treatment

Infection of the gum tissue results from an uncontrolled buildup of plaque. The bacteria present in plaque can literally poison your mouth tissue and eat away at enamel. With personalized gum disease therapy, we can control the harm done by bacteria. Laser gum therapy, frequent check-ups, and education on proper dental hygiene can help you take control of your condition. Keep in mind that certain “whitening” toothpastes and alcohol-based mouth rinses may be counterproductive. A deep-cleaning method called scaling or root planing is often used to remove plaque and tartar from teeth above and below the gum line. Antibiotics, gingival grafting, and surgery may also be recommended for improvement.

Gum Disease Prevention

Bacteria enter our mouths all day long. With all of the bacteria types that flourish there, it is up to us to be diligent about good hygiene. Of course, brushing and flossing after meals is important, but semi-annual check-ups and professional cleanings are also necessary to avoid infection.

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(610) 861-0777
info@lastingsmilespa.com

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    Patient Reviews
    in Bethlehem, PA

    Christine C Coopersmith

    High quality, Always professional and smiling
    Again highly professional, friendly and nice he makes me feel like family.

    Scott Kaas

    I very highly recommend Lasting Smiles! Everyone there is so friendly, professional and really knows their job whether it is with insurance, routine cleaning, or any kind of dental work. My appointments are always on time and that is very rare these days.

    Charissa West

    There is a reason this is one of the few top rated dentists in our area. I had to switch because of my insurance, so I read reviews for all the dentists in our area that participate with my insurance. There were only two that had a near perfect rating. The staff are so welcoming and friendly. The exam and the cleaning were the most thorough I’ve ever had. The office was neat and clean with warm and comfortable decor. The two ladies at the front desk were so nice and welcoming and Linda was the friendliest and best hygienist I’ve had in my 38 years of going to various dentists around the country.

    Lauren M.

    Excellent Visit with Dr. Sulzbach and with Linda for my hygiene appointment. Very professional and friendly office. Definitely would recommend this office for your dental needs. They make things easier especially when the dental office is not your favorite place. Thank you to Dr. Sulzbach and staff for the expert care throughout the years and keeping me smiling.

    Frank Yost

    Very pleased with the staffs professionalism during my visit. Highly recommend this dental office.

    Jennifer R.

    During my recent appointment with Dr. Sulzbach I was greeting by the smiling and friendly women at the reception desk. I was seen on time for my appointment and was treated with professional care. The dental assistant was concerned with my comfort and Dr. Sulzbach explained his procedures as he repaired my tooth. Overall it was a very good experience.

    Dorothy M.

    Was a good experience…staff is always friendly.

    Sandy Gichiengo

    The staff is very professional and friendly. They know I have anxiety when it goes to going to the dentist. The make the whole experience pleasurable.

    Sharon Black

    Dr. Sulzbach and his staff do excellent work and provide a professional and comfortable environment. I highly recommend them for your dental needs.

    Mary K.

    Great office. Great cleaning Linda the best and doc is always acccomadating.

    Alicia C.

    Such a friendly environment! I’ve never liked going to the dentist until I started going here a few years ago – everyone is so welcoming and pleasant I actually look forward to seeing them! I’ve recommended them to several friends and family members and will continue to do so.

    Megan L.

    Friendly staff, everyone makes you feel comfortable. Best dentist I’ve ever been to, Dr. Sulzbach is great!

    Address
    2299 Brodhead Rd,
    Suite K Bethlehem, PA 18020
    (610) 861-0777
    info@lastingsmilespa.com
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