Oral Bacteria Testing

Dr. Pfister is focused on the highest level of preventive care. The standard in most dental offices is to diagnose and treat conditions that can be identified with the human eye, possibly with the aid of slight magnification. Fortunately, the available diagnostic equipment used in dentistry has greatly improved. For patients of our Dothan holistic dental practice, the very latest microscopic technology leads to the most accurate identification of bacteria in the mouth. Not just what we suspect is in the mouth, but right down to each individual person! Microscopic evaluation of oral bacteria is an excellent way to assess your risk for conditions such as cavities and gum disease. We are also able to assess the risk your mouth may be having on your immune system and the rest of your body. We are proud to offer you this standard of care.

A simple sampling leads to personalized care

The microscopic evaluation of oral bacteria is as simple as sampling a small amount of plaque taken from the surface of a tooth. Using a Nikon research-grade microscope, Dr. Pfister can very quickly identify the type of bacteria present and design treatment to stop a potentially problematic condition in its tracks. The only way to be certain which bacteria you have in your mouth is to check.

Bacteria in the mouth have the potential to cause significant health concerns due to their tendency to accumulate in biofilms, affect your immune system, cause tissue destruction, and travel to distant sites in the body. Tiny microorganisms hide in between teeth, under the gums, and in small crevices where their byproduct prompts inflammation and tissue destruction. As infection develops, the tissue around teeth grows weak and loosens its grip, allowing pockets to form. Gum recession and the development of periodontal pockets exacerbate the difficulty of disrupting these pathogenic bacteria, allowing the severity of infection to progress and more directly impact distant areas of your body.

Dentists like Dr. Pfister who uses the phase contrast microscope give their patients the best chance at avoiding the numerous problems that stem from oral infection and systemic inflammation. The alternative to this high-powered microscope has been Oral DNA testing. However, most tests at most check for less than 20 species of bacteria. There are between 600-1000 species of bacteria in the mouth. The end result of treating deep periodontal pockets is surgical periodontal therapy. This is where metal instruments are used to "gently" pull gum tissue away from the tooth structure. This reveals unreachable colonies of bacteria so they may be accessed and removed. With all the fantastic tools available with Dr. Pfister and a motivated patient, traditional periodontal pocket reduction surgery is rarely needed. Dr. Pfister believes in early, conservative care, which is made possible with the prompt, accurate viewing of bacteria.

Benefits of microscopic evaluation

Compared to the standard probing process, the microscopic evaluation of oral bacteria offers the advantage of the earliest possible diagnosis of disease. We also know when the infection is gone! With our single sampling of plaque, Dr. Pfister instantly sees which types of bacteria require treatment, such as spirochetes and protozoans. Along with types of bacteria, the microscopic assessment also shows us - and you - the quantity of bacteria present in your mouth. When compared to a periodontal risk chart, we can immediately identify your level of risk.

Microscopic evaluation allows us to communicate very clearly, actually showing you the type and number of bacteria that have come directly from your mouth onto our viewing slide. Dr. Pfister relies on this type of evaluation for guidance in the treatment process and as an indicator of successful care. After the recommended protocol for gum disease or other oral conditions have been completed, a follow-up evaluation shows us exactly how effective the given treatment has been in eliminating harmful bacteria.

Your smile is one of the primary indicators of your health. Schedule your comprehensive oral examination with Dr. Pfister by calling (855) 939-5566.