Why Periodontics?
This specialist area of dentistry can boost your smile and your self-esteem.
When to See a Periodontist in San Francisco
Your mouth is one of the body’s most important warning signs. You may need to visit one of our experienced periodontists in San Francisco if you have symptoms indicating periodontal disease or oral cancer.
Periodontal Disease Symptoms
Periodontal disease has been linked to overall health issues such as diabetes, heart disease, or osteoporosis. These can develop if gum disease is not treated by a professional.
Oral Cancer Symptoms
Our experts recommend performing self-exams on a regular basis to check for and recognize any early signs of oral cancer. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms without obvious cause then please contact SF Perio & Implants.
Meet Our Experts in Periodontics
Dr. Pasquinelli and Dr. Olivares specialize in treating periodontal disease, esthetic periodontal surgery, and pre-prosthetic periodontal surgery. They offer conservative and surgical treatment of gum disease, including cosmetic procedures to aesthetically enhance your smile. It is the goal of our entire team to make you feel comfortable and help you achieve a clean bill of health.
Providing San Francisco periodontics since 1988.
Working with you for healthy gums and beautiful smiles.
Kirk Pasquinelli. The man is quite simply, a Periodontal Wushu Master. From his all-black surgical scrubs, to his meticulously trimmed stubble beard, to the high tech computer screens that cover the walls of the treatment rooms, every aspect of this man and his practice scream of professional competence, cool control and surgical precision.
Mike B. (Actual Patient)
Whole-Body Benefits
Learn more about how periodontics can improve your overall health.
For years, dentists have suspected an oral systemic link between periodontal disease and your overall wellbeing. These theories have been backed up by strong research. The research has shown the connection between gum disease and health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.
With this in mind, it is more vital than ever for patients to maintain a solid hygiene routine. Through daily brushing and flossing, you can prevent the spread of periodontal disease and keep your family in good health.
- Periodontal Disease and Diabetes Millions of Americans suffer from diabetes. This ailment is typified when too much sugar is present in the blood and the body is unable to stabilize these levels.
Studies have shown a real connection between diabetes and periodontal disease. Here are some of the factors that link these two diseases:
1. Diabetics are more likely to suffer from infections such as gum disease due to the body’s resistance being low.
2. Harmful waste can remain in the mouth due to the blood vessels becoming thickened through diabetes. This can lead to harmful bacteria thriving and causing infections such as gum disease.
3. If a diabetic is over 45 and smokes tobacco, they are 20x more likely to suffer from periodontal disease (compared with non-smokers).
The link between diabetes and periodontal disease can cause issues detrimental to your health so please schedule a regular checkup with your San Francisco periodontists.
- Periodontal Disease, Heart Disease and Stroke Did you know patients with dental conditions such as periodontal disease are twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease? In fact, research into the oral-systemic link has proven that gum disease exaggerates the symptoms of existing heart conditions including strokes.
There are a number of links:
Oral bacteria in the bloodstream: A form of periodontal bacteria enters the bloodstream and causes fatty plaques to build up in the arteries. This can lead to a clot forming and thus an increased risk of heart failure.
Inflammation: Periodontal disease can lead to an increase in C-reactive protein (CRP). This protein has proven to be a cause of heart disease and can lead to inflamed arteries or blood clots. In turn, this can cause blockages causing heart attacks or strokes.
By preventing the spread of gum disease, it is possible to lower your risk of heart disease and the associated issues.
- Periodontal Disease and Pregnancy Due to hormonal changes in pregnant women, there is a greater risk of contracting periodontal disease.
Therefore, it is very important to practice a good oral hygiene routine before and during pregnancy. This can reduce the risk by up to 50%.
Problems such as low birth weight or premature birth are more frequent when periodontal disease is prevalent. This is because periodontal disease bacteria can get into the bloodstream and affect the arteries or mammary glands.
Prevention is the best cure and can safeguard both the mother and unborn child. If you would like more information on this subject then please speak to your periodontists in San Francisco.
- Periodontal Disease and Respiratory Disease Respiratory disease refers to problems with your breathing, lungs, and airway. The bacteria in your mouth can, at times, enter into your lungs and cause breathing problems such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and emphysema.
If you suffer from respiratory problems, it can lower your immunity allowing for bacteria to grow and attack your body’s functions.
Regular gum checks and a good hygiene routine will help keep these issues at bay.
- Periodontal Disease and Osteoporosis In-depth studies have proven that periodontal bacteria is more likely to cause mouth and jaw bone loss in women. This is the case even more so if they are suffering from osteoporosis or post-menopause. The reason for this is estrogen deficiency, which speeds up bone deterioration.
Periodontal disease causes inflammation, which coupled with low mineral bone dentistry (caused by osteoporosis), weakens your bones and can result in tooth loss.
Women can combat gum disease by seeing our team of experts and getting tips on how to care for your teeth.
Our caring and skilled periodontal experts are able to help prevent or manage these conditions through specialist periodontal care. Dr. Pasquinelli and Dr. Olivares also work side by side with general dentists and physicians to boost the health of our patients.