Saliva Testing – Tucson, AZ
Finding the Source of Your Gum Disease
Identifying and addressing gum disease while it’s still in its earliest stages can make all the difference for protecting your overall oral health. That’s why the team at the dental office of Jay R. Lopez, DDS, PC offers saliva testing in Tucson. Utilizing MyPerioPath® from OralDNA® Labs, we can detect specific pathogens that are associated with gum disease – an essential step for creating an effective treatment plan. If you’re ready to find out what is causing your gum disease so that it can be properly treated, give us a call.
Why Choose Jay R. Lopez, DDS, PC for Saliva Testing?
- Expert Dentist Who Pays Attention to Details
- Gentle Team That Puts Patient Satisfaction First
- Unique Multidisciplinary Approach to Dental Care
What is Saliva Testing?
Saliva testing is a non-invasive technique for detecting gum disease and other oral health issues. It involves taking a sample of your saliva and checking it for 11 types of bacteria that have been linked to gum disease. If bacteria levels are higher than normal, then it could point to an increased risk of suffering from gum inflammation. For patients with gum disease, saliva testing helps us identify the most probable cause, allowing us to determine what type of treatment should be performed to restore oral health.
What to Expect During Saliva Testing
The process is painless and can be completed very quickly. MyPerioPath® saliva testing uses a special saline solution. You’ll be told to swish and gargle said solution in your mouth for about 30 seconds. Then the sample will be collected in a special tube and sent to a trusted lab for analysis.
Once we have received the results of the test, we’ll review them carefully before sharing our findings with you. We’ll take note of any out-of-the-ordinary results and explain what they mean for the overall health of your smile. Then we will create a treatment plan to address your specific needs.
The Benefits of Getting Your Saliva Tested at the Dentist
Saliva testing is a valuable diagnostic tool that allows patients to enjoy the following benefits:
- A Fully Customized Treatment Plan: There’s more than one way to address gum disease. Saliva testing provides us with the information we need to identify the treatment method that would be most effective in your case.
- Early Detection: Gum disease doesn’t always cause obvious symptoms in its earliest stages. In many cases, saliva testing can help us identify the issue while it’s still small and relatively easy to manage.
- A Clearer Picture of Overall Health: Research has linked gum disease to heart problems and other systemic health problems. The results of saliva testing can give us insight into your risk level for these types of issues.