“How do you detect and treat gum disease?”
A typical dental exam and cleaning in our office is anything but typical! We use the latest technologies to test, evaluate, and treat the health of your teeth, gums, bone, and even your general cardiovascular health.
First, a sample of your plaque is placed on a slide in our phase-contrast microscope, where the type and amount of pathologic bacteria are identified and measured. This allows us to assess your risk of periodontal infection and systemic health.
If abnormal, a TOPAS test is performed. Recently approved by the FDA, TOPAS is a chairside test for detection of bacterial toxins and specific inflammatory proteins present under the gums. It allows us to quickly distinguish current disease activity and previous damage from periodontal disease; something not possible with traditional gum pocket depth probing.
TOPAS is also useful in determining if a root canal tooth is toxic or healthy. There is much controversy about the safety of root canals, much of it anecdotal and unscientific. With today’s advanced techniques and materials, root canals performed with the IAOMT protocol are safe and effective. TOPAS allows us to confirm this with no question.

Link: http://www.altcorp.com/affinitylaboratory/topas.htm