Treatment for US Patients at High Risk of Periodontal Disease
Article Source: HealthSnare.com
In the absence of a cure for periodontal treatment, other than preventative and maintenance treatments, and due to the added health costs in the United States, companies such as Interleukin Genetics Inc., non-profits such as Renaissance Health Service Corp and universities, such as University of Michigan, are teaming up to find ways of improving funding options for treatment of periodontal disease.
About Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease results from bacterial microorganisms that excessively colonise in periodontal tissue due to infection (periodontitis) and accompanied over-response of the immune system to the bacterial infection. The periodontal tissues that can be impacted by disease include the periodontal ligament, gingiva (gums), cementum and alveolar bone. People may have a predisposition to periodontal disease; however smoking, hormonal changes and diabetes are recognised causes.
Symptoms of periodontal disease include bleeding gums and soft tissue, infection in the periodontal pockets, inflammation, abscesses, lesions and ulcers. The result is tooth decay, changes in plasma cells, collagen and bone deterioration where bone marrow breaks down into fibrous connective tissue, bad breath and tooth loss. The inflammation can impact the rest of the body raising the risk of heart disease, such as myocardial infarction, atherosclerosis, and stroke. Mental acuity can also be affected, slowing down memory and logical performance.
Preventing Periodontal Disease
To date, periodontal disease can be prevented but not reversed or cured. Preventative measures may include periodontal dental management, oral hygiene practices, and healthy lifestyle habits. Various dental treatments may include dental planing, root canal therapy, tooth extraction, periodontal surgery, laser assisted new attachment procedure (LANAP), dental implants and crowns. The treatments are aimed at preventing re-colonisation of periodontal disease causing bacteria or microorganisms.
Funding Treatment in High Risk Patients
Recent research collaboration between the University of Michigan School of Dentistry and Interleukin Genetics Inc. have findings that suggest Interleukin Genetics' PST genetic test may be able to predict predisposition to periodontal disease. What this means is that if this test is successful, preventative measures and treatments can be taken to reduce the risk of people identified with hereditary predisposition from getting the disease.
To further explore the success rate of this test, the non-profit Renaissance Health Service Corp are funding the collaborations research. In being able to identify people who are more at risk to getting periodontal disease, it will help insurance companies in the United States establish insurance reimbursement coverage for the screening. Higher at risk patients will be able to have their treatment funded through insurance.
About the Author
Article Submitted By:
Alex Cunningham
Html View
Total views: 5
Word Count: 432
Date: Sun, 29 Aug 2010 Time: 11:45 PM
Publish/Share this article
To use this article on your site click here to get the HTML code |Remember: The article body, title, author bio and links may not be changed or removed. By publishing this article, you agree to all the terms in our Terms of Service.
Rating: Not yet rated
