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Gum / Periodental Diseases & Surgical Procedures
Reasons Against Periodental Surgery:
- Gum surgeries do not solve gum problems and they are expensive
- Patients are experiencing considerable pain and discomfort sometimes for weeks after the surgery. Eating is uncomfortable.
- The "accepted" failure rate of tissue grafting, bone grafting and implants is 40-50% (about the flip of a coin), mainly because the success rate is totally dependent on healthy natural bones and patient compliance.
- Patient Compliance Rate after traditional periodontal surgeries is only about 30%, which means that patients don't follow the dentist's instructions 70% of the time after the procedure (which may be a reflection of how difficult to implement or confusing the instructions are). Of course, this leads to more tooth loss and the patient gets the blame, as they "didn't do their job."
Repeated surgery and antibiotic courses are not the first choices of environmental, holistic and biological dentists ...
Dr, David C. DiBenedetto -- the author of the "Insider's Guide to Gum Disease Orthodontics and Dentistry : What is not taught in dental school" wrote as follows:
"I am a dentist who is against most periodontal surgery. I believe most periodontal surgery is unnecessary and if anything may cause more harm ... Why is most surgery unnecessary? Destructive periodontal disease is caused by harmful bacteria. Since it is caused by harmful bacteria, it is an infectious disease. Surgery does not cure infectious or contagious diseases."
He blames the volume of unnecessary surgery on: "THE POWERFUL PERIODONTAL LOBBY: It is very hard to stand up to the periodontal lobby. They are very powerful. They also have major influence with the American Dental Association. I almost think they control the ADA. The ADA has rejected two letters to the editor that I have written within the last 6 months. HOW DO YOU TREAT PERIODONTAL DISEASE? How do treat other infectious diseases? Antibiotics and debriedment. How are ulcers treated today? Antibiotics cure ulcers today, even though the Lancet published an article in 1985 about H. Pylori."
... and points out: " REMEMBER, DENTISTS ARE SURGEONS, unless we cut, we don't make a living. "
Dr. DeBenedetto is a practicing dentist and expert witness with over twenty-five years of relevant experience.
Common Surgeries
Root Canals: Root canals are frequently recommended in spite of the fact that root canals are a heavy burden on the immune system and are associated with a wide range of seemingly unrelated diseases.
Click here for important information on risks associated with root canals and alternative treatments.
Implants: Implants are financially rewarding and easy to sell, as no one wants removable appliances in their mouth. Currently, implants continue to be done without biocompatibility testing, and they are often started at extraction sites where cavitations are already developing. Autoimmune diseases seem to be often aggravated or even initiated by implants, as anything implanted in bone will create an autoimmune response.
- Possible alternative: Work with a dentist who uses non-reactive metal implants made from zirconium
Tooth Crowning: If patients knew that crowning a tooth increases the probability of needing a root canal later, they may opt against this procedure. Dr. Jerome explains how damaging it is to remove all of a tooth's enamel in order to crown a tooth. He states that twenty percent of all crowned teeth die. Once that happens, most dentists will recommend a root canal.
- Possible alternative: Instead of having a tooth crowned, Dr. Jerome suggests either a composite filling or an onlay. An onlay is bonded to the top of the tooth and allows more of the enamel to remain intact. An onlay is far less damaging to the tooth than a crown, yet, unfortunately, dentists are more likely to suggest the more expensive option of crowning a tooth.
Regenerative Procedures: During this procedure, periodontist fold back the gum tissue and remove disease-causing bacteria. Membranes (filters), bone grafts or tissue-stimulating proteins can be used to encourage your body's natural ability to regenerate bone and tissue.
Crown Lengthening: This is a purely cosmetic procedure. Patients with a "gummy" smile - as a good part of their upper teeth are covered by gum tissue. To correct this, periodontists may remove excess gum and reshape bone tissue to expose more of the natural tooth.
Calcium Therapy Treatment of gum infections (gingivitis, periodontistis, periodontosis) WITHOUT DENTAL SURGERY!
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