Gene therapy is an amazing technique used to correct defective genes responsible for disease development. This approach works when researchers insert a normal gene into the defective gene, creating a healthy, genetically-engineered cell. This amazing medical procedure has made leaps and bounds in the treatment of debilitating defects. As medicine continues to grow researchers may have found a way to use gene therapy to better assist Periodontist in Long Island in the treatment of gum disease.

The Journal of Periodontology recently published a study conducted by the University of Michigan that discussed a recent breakthrough in the possibility of using gene therapy to restore damage caused by periodontal disease. During the study researchers inserted a bone morphogenetic protein gene that encodes a bone-stimulating factor into an inactivated virus in rats where the gene was then transferred into grown skin cells. Then these genetically-engineered cells were transplanted into larger periodontal bone defects surrounding the teeth resulting in regenerated tooth-supporting structures.

Still needing more time before this study can be sure gene therapy will successfully repair damage caused by periodontal disease it does provide hope to Periodontists worldwide. Talks about using gene therapy in their treatment efforts is nothing new to Periodontists and this evidence brings forth the next step in making these talks a reality.

Even though researchers continue to move forward in advanced treatments for periodontal disease the best sure proof way is prevention. To help prevent gum disease you can follow these simple steps:

• Brush and floss daily
• Visit your dentist for a professional cleaning twice a year
• Use plaque revealing tablets to ensure complete plaque removal
• Avoid excessive tobacco and alcohol use
• Eat a well-balanced diet
• Consume the daily recommended amounts of Vitamin C and calcium

If you notice unusual changes in your mouth and need a Periodontist in Long Island give Dr. Scharf a call. He treats gum disease with a laser, not a scalpel giving patients an alternative to gum surgery. Call Dr. Scharf at 631-661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com.

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This entry was posted on Thursday, July 8th, 2010 at 12:45 pm and is filed under Blog, Periodontist on Long Island. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.