Periodontal Pockets Cause Pain But There Is Hope

Periodontal or gum disease is practically a universal health problem today. Proper hygiene, cleaning, and diet are important in maintaining good teeth and minimizing gum disease, but these measures haven't been very effective in reversing damage that has already occurred.

At best, they may help keep the problem in check and prevent further damage. When bacteria becomes established in gaps or pockets between a tooth and gum tissue, the tissue and the underlying bone that supports the tooth are gradually eaten away. This loosens the tooth, making it more likely that it will eventually be lost. It has proven almost impossible to rid the mouth of all offending bacteria, especially in individuals who seem to be more genetically susceptible to its effects.

Standard treatment for periodontal pockets involves gum surgery. The gum surrounding the tooth is cut and the dentist scrapes and deep-cleans the tooth beneath the gum line. The gum tissue is then stitched to close the gap. It is true that this procedure helps get rid of the pocket, but it does nothing to strengthen the support of the tooth. In more advanced cases, dentists or periodontists actually insert artificial bone fragments into the tooth socket, hoping they will take hold and help support the tooth.

Recently, Biora, a biotechnology company in Malmo, Sweden, has developed a gel product that may change the treatment. Emdogain® is used to coat the root of a tooth during routine flap surgery. Modeled after a polymer found in seaweed, Emdogain contains amelogenin, a structural protein that studies have shown reawakens the same process that regulates the growth of teeth in babies. Within two days of application, the gel biodegrades, leaving a layer of amelogenin on the root of the tooth.

Emdogain is not a product or a procedure you can use at home, but we think it's important for you to know about it. There are no other known treatments for periodontal disease that actually regenerates the growth of bone and gum tissue. Plus, Emdogain performs these feats without any adverse or allergic side effects. Based on the above studies, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of Emdogain in the U.S. It is also sold in 12 other countries, including several Nordic countries, Canada, Italy, South Africa, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Germany. If you have problems with periodontal disease, be sure to ask your dentist or periodontist about Emdogain.