When our long time dentist closed her practice we immediately moved to Dr. Craig Sommer - we thought our last dentist was great, but Dr. Craig is fantastic! Extremely modern techniques, a focus on mercury free dentistry, and a gentle touch with both our mouth and our wallet. After a couple of sessions in the chair I can provide a strong personal recommendation - this is the dentist you'll stay with for life!! -May 16, 2009 Ron and Marsha Curry

Heart Disease

Several theories exist to explain the link between periodontal disease and heart disease. One theory is that oral bacteria can affect the heart when they enter the blood stream, attaching to fatty plaques in the coronary arteries (heart blood vessels) and contributing to clot formation. Coronary artery disease is characterized by a thickening of the walls of the coronary arteries due to the buildup of fatty proteins. Blood clots can obstruct normal blood flow, restricting the amount of nutrients and oxygen required for the heart to function properly. This may lead to heart attacks.- American Academy of Periodontology

Did you know that "SILVER FILLINGS" contain more MERCURY than any other metal.

The FDA has recently changed its position on dental amalgam fillings as of June 2008.  This is what their website says:"What are the safety concerns about dental amalgam?Dental amalgams contain mercury, which may have neurotoxic effects on the nervous systems of developing children and fetuses. When amalgam fillings are placed in teeth or removed from teeth, they release mercury vapor. Mercury vapor is also released during chewing. FDA’s rulemaking (described in question 7) will examine evidence concerning whether release of mercury vapor can cause health problems, including neurological disorders, in children and fetuses."These are some of the serious potential dangers of mercury amalgam fillings and more information is currently being gathered now.  We are awaiting the FDA's final opinion.

Stroke

Additional studies have pointed to a relationship between periodontal disease and stroke. In one study that looked at the causal relationship of oral infection as a risk factor for stroke, people diagnosed with acute cerebrovascular ischemia were found more likely to have an oral infection when compared to those in the control group.- American Academy of Periodontology

Immune System Function

CHICAGO – November 14, 2006 – Researchers from the University of Connecticut Health Center report an interrelationship between periodontal and systemic inflammation in solid-organ-transplant recipients. This study appears in this month’s issue of the Journal of Periodontology."Periodontal Disease May Negatively Affect the Success of Organ Transplant Survival"  Given the association between transplant rejection and levels of interleukin-6, a molecule also found in high levels in periodontal inflammation, researchers explored the possible association between chronic periodontitis and transplant rejection.“With research and science advancing every day, the life expectancy after organ transplantation is on a steady rise,” said Preston D. Miller, DDS and AAP president. “Further studies monitoring periodontal disease, IL-6 and transplant tissues are needed to provide conclusive evidence that periodontal inflammation may have negative effects on long-term transplant survival.”