Hi Bob,

It is imperative for your physician to be aware of your dental health... especially since you have periodontal disease. It is unfortunate that too many phyisicians have no clue about oral health and generally shrug off the conversation. With that said, it is up to you to voice a concern about the infection aspect of your perio disease and how it can negatively affect your overall well being AND how your meds may be contributing to your dental problems as well. Chances are your MD will not have any helpful input but it is still important for your concerns to be noted in your chart. And who knows, perhaps it will enlighten her to be more interested in the dental aspect of her patients in the future?

It is a shame that your dentist is not treating you properly. Without diagnostic xrays, it is impossible to know the extent of your condition and based on what you have written here..... it has gotten worse under his care. Is he the one who has referred you to the periodontist??

I really urge you to not go along with any perio treatment until you feel you have been thoroughly informed of all your treatment options. Periodontal treatment stirs up alot of bacteria and if the condition is severe, hopeless or guarded, this bacteria will not be brought under control. When that is the case, there is nothing positive to be gained by having the treatment as it can actually lead or contribute to systemic infections. Sometimes it is wiser and healthier, to remove the teeth because then the bacteria will be eliminated which is better for your overall well being. I'm just putting this information out there to you because I'm not sure you will be given all of the facts.

Hopefully your condition will not be so severe...... please keep us posted

Bryanna