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  • About
    • Meet Dr. Ficca
    • Meet Dr. Hall
    • Meet Our Team
    • Our Practice
    • When to See a Periodontist
    • What Is a Periodontist?
    • Blog
  • Dental Implants
    • Dental Implants
    • All on 4 Dental Implants
    • Teeth Implants (Teeth in a Day)
    • Same-Day Dental Implants
    • Dentures vs. Dental Implants
    • Peri Implantitis
    • FAQs
      • Guide to Eating After Dental Implants
      • Questions to Ask About Dental Implants
      • How Dental Implants Work: The Benefits
  • Procedures
    • Cleanings & Prevention
      • Overview
      • Dental Exams & Cleanings
      • Digital X-Rays
      • Fluoride Treatment
      • Home Dental Care
      • How to Properly Brush & Floss
      • i-CAT® 3D Imaging
      • Oral Hygiene Aids
      • Panoramic X-Rays
    • Periodontal Disease
      • Periodontal Disease Overview
      • Periodontal Disease Treatment
      • Mouth – Body Connection
      • Periodontal Disease and Diabetes
      • Periodontal Disease, Heart Disease, and Stroke
      • Periodontal Disease and Pregnancy
      • Periodontal Disease and Osteoporosis
      • Periodontal Disease and Respiratory Disease
    • Periodontics
      • Periodontist
      • Bone Grafting
      • Crown Lengthening
      • Gingivitis Treatment
      • Gum & Jawbone Corrective Treatments
      • Gum Grafting
      • Gum Recession Treatment
      • Oral Pathology
      • Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)
      • Impacted Canines
      • Simple Tooth Extractions
      • Antibiotic Treatment
      • Bruxism
      • Oral Cancer Exam
      • Periodontal Scaling & Root Planing
      • Pocket Irrigation
      • Pocket Reduction Surgery
      • Prophylaxis (Teeth Cleaning)
      • Regenerative Procedures
      • Ridge Modification
      • Root Amputation
      • Sinus Augmentation
      • Soft Tissue Grafting
    • Gum Disease Treatment
    • Dental Anxiety and Fear
    • Sedation Dentistry
    • All Procedures
  • Galleries
    • Dental Implants
    • Soft Tissue Grafting
    • Crown Lengthening
    • Gingivectomy
  • Patient Info
    • Patient Resources
    • Patient Reviews
    • Patient Forms
    • Patient FAQ’s
    • Newsletter
    • Helpful Links
    • Also Serving
      • Dental Implants Matthews, NC
      • Dental Implants Pineville, NC
      • Dental Implants Indian Trail, NC
      • Dental Implants Monroe, NC
      • Dental Implants Fort Mill, SC
  • Referring Doctors
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Periodontal Disease, Heart Disease, and Stroke Charlotte, NC

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Periodontal Disease, Heart Disease, and Stroke

Periodontal disease, heart disease, and stroke may seem to be unlikely bedfellows, but researchers have found that gum disease sufferers are nearly twice as likely to also suffer from coronary heart disease. In addition, research studies have discovered that oral infection is indeed a risk factor for stroke. People diagnosed with acute cerebrovascular ischemia were more likely to also be experiencing some degree of periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease is a progressive condition in which the gingival tissue surrounding the teeth is infected by the colonization of bacteria. Bacteria found in plaque colonize first above, then below the gumline, causing the tissue to pull away from the teeth. If periodontal disease is left untreated, deep pockets form between the gums and the teeth, and the tissue of the underlying jawbone is also destroyed. The destruction of bone tissue causes the teeth to shift, wobble, or completely detach from the bone.

Coronary heart disease occurs when the walls of the coronary arteries become progressively thicker due to the buildup of fatty proteins. The heart then suffers from a lack of oxygen and must labor significantly harder to pump blood to the rest of the body. Coronary heart disease sufferers sometimes experience blood clots that obstruct normal blood flow and reduce the amount of vital nutrients and oxygen the heart needs to function properly. This phenomenon often leads to heart attacks.

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Reasons for the Connection

There is little doubt that the presence of periodontal disease can exacerbate existing heart conditions. The periodontist and cardiologist generally work as a team in order to treat individuals experiencing both conditions.

There are several theories which may explain the link between heart disease, stroke, and periodontal disease, which include the following:

  • Oral bacteria affect the heart – There are many different strains of periodontal bacteria. Researchers assert that some of these strains of bacteria enter the bloodstream and attach to the fatty plaques in the heart blood vessels (coronary arteries). This attachment then contributes to clot formation, causing grave danger to the individual.
  • Inflammation – Periodontal disease causes severe inflammation in the gum tissue, which elevates the white blood cell count and also the high sensitivity C-reactive protein levels. Research studies have shown that elevated levels of C-reactive proteins have been linked to heart disease.
  • Infectious susceptibility – Individuals who experience particularly high levels of oral bacteria may have weaker immune systems and an inadequate host inflammatory response. These factors may induce specific vascular effects that have previously been shown to contribute to the onset of certain forms of heart disease.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Since periodontal disease appears to be a risk factor for both heart attack and stroke, it is extremely important to seek immediate treatment. Initially, the periodontist will conduct thorough examinations to assess the exact condition of the teeth, gums, and jawbone. X-rays can be helpful in determining whether bone loss is prevalent in the upper and lower jaw.

The periodontist or dentist is able to conduct deep cleaning treatments such as scaling and root planing to remove hardened calculus (tartar) deposits from the gum pockets. An antibiotic may be prescribed to ensure that the bacterium is completely destroyed, and the periodontal infection does not spread. In most cases, periodontal disease can be prevented with regular cleanings and proper home care.

If you have questions or concerns about periodontal disease and its relation to heart disease and stroke, please contact the team at Metrolina Periodontics and Dental Implants in Charlotte, NC at (704) 544-2224.

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Matthew D. Ficca, DMD, MSDMeet Dr. Ficca
Daniel Hall, DMD, MSDMeet Dr. Hall

“Excellent! The staff, doctor Ficca, and everyone I dealt with here was wonderful. I felt they went above and beyond in every aspect and I highly recommend.”

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Specializing in Dental Implants and Periodontal Health in Charlotte, NC

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At Metrolina Periodontics & Dental Implants in Charlotte, NC, our skilled team, including board-certified periodontist Dr. Ficca and specialist periodontist Dr. Hall, provides comprehensive dental implant placement and periodontal care. We offer a full range of services, from dental implants for tooth loss to the prevention and treatment of gum disease. We are committed to providing personalized oral care and the highest standard of excellence in periodontics.

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Charlotte, NC 28226
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