Most Common Form of Bone Loss Found in Gum Disease: Who knew!?

Ok, last I heard was that Osteoporosis was the leading form of bone loss; however, in a recent article in Medical Daily, they report that some studies suggest the most common bone loss is linked to periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease is an infection surrounding the teeth, both the gums and bone.  There are seven danger signs of gum disease: 

1. Your gums are soft, swollen or tender. 
2. Your gums sometimes bleed when you brush your teeth.
3. You've got bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth.
4. Your gums are receding from your teeth, making your teeth appear longer.
5. Your teeth have changed their position slightly, making your "bite" different.
6. Any of your teeth are loose.
7. Pus seeps from your gums when you press them

As you read along with these symptoms, you may notice none of them are particularly painful.  Because of this, most people put off their visits to their dental provider as they are unaware of the changes taking place. By the time the periodontal disease is detected, most patients have already accrued sizeable amounts of bone loss, and they are in desperate need to see Dr. Versman, Dr. Heller, or Dr. Beckman, our dental implant team, especially if they live in the Denver - Aurora, CO area.

This is a good lesson learned of why it is important to schedule regular cleanings and maintenance appointments with your dental provider. Periodontal Associates can even help you with your hygeine appointments.  If caught early, cleanings alone can be enough to prevent severe damage; however, if ignored, some people run the risk of needing dental implants and dentures.

Now that I have made you aware of the problem, let's reflect on the latest research revolving around this hot topic.  On July 19, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research announced it will be funding the work of three research teams investigating bone health.  These teams hope to obtain a rinse for patients to use at home or dental offices that will enable them to notice the disease at the beginning stages.  Detection is the first key! That is why you cannot wait to see our doctors: Dr. Versman, Dr. Heller, or Dr. Beckman! In addition to this test, they also hope to focus on those patients who are the most resistant to most common treatments for periodontal disease.  They will try to pinpoint markers to show which patients are at higher risks for the most stubborn forms.  By pursuing this research, there is hope for earlier treatment and more aggressive treatment for those who need it most.

By now, you should have your phone in hand ready to call Periodontal Associates at (303) 755-4500, in the Denver- Aurora, CO area.  We are eager to help answer your questions to fully determine if you are unknowingly experiencing periodontal disease or in need for dental implants.  And do not worry, at Periodontal Associates, the dental implant team is committed to helping our patients achieve optimal health with minimal treatment through an individualized approach to treatment. Our doctors, Dr. Versman, Dr. Heller, and Dr. Beckman, all provide quality care while helping decrease any anxiety and fear. We look forward to fulfilling your periodontal and/or dental implant needs!

WELCOME -> Dr. Eric Beckman

It is with great enthususam and pleasure that we announce Dr. Eric Beckman as our new practice associate!!!

Over the last 3 years we have been carefully looking for that special person to join our group.  Finding a periodontist to join Periodontal Associates has not been a problem.  What took time and effort was finding the right person - someone who will dedicate himself to providing close working relationships and quality care to which all of our patients have become accustomed.

Last fall, we were introduced to Eric and knew immediately that he was the perfect person to join our practice.  We conferred with his graduate director at the University of Minnesota as well as his instructors, and we were extremely impressed with his references and credentials.  We became very comfortable that Eric shares our values and we quickly and enthusuastically recruited him to join us.

Eric was born and reased in Minneapolis, Minnesorta and attended the University of Minnesota dental School where he graduated with honors.  After graduation, he completed a General Practice Residency at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Minneapolis, and he had just completed his periodontal residency at the University on Minnesota.  During his residency, he received his Master of Science degree with a focus on biochemical engineering of titanium surfaces.

Eric has moved to Denver with his wife, Lauren, who has just earned her PhD in Nutrition.  Eric comes from a professional family.  His father is a pediatric dentist, and his mother is a physician.  He is anxious to get settled in the Denver community, and we are looking forward to all of our patients meeting him.

As we have added Eric to the practice, please be assured that Dr. Versman and Dr. Heller have no intention of decreasing their time in the office. 

So come stop by, as I am sure you are due for a cleaning or check-up anyways, and meet the addition to our fantastic team!