Periodontics and Implant Dentistry

Read more about Gum Disease in our Newsletter

We hold the health of our patients’ gums to the same high standards as the rest of their oral health. We will expertly assess the health of your gums, and if necessary, recommend the right treatment for you. Once treatment is complete, we will ensure that you receive the care and education you need to maintain the health of your gums.

Periodontal Disease Self Test

These questions are based on signs and symptoms of periodontal disease.

Risk Factors

• Smoking: Smoking is one of the most important risk factors that cause gum disease. Also important, smoking may prevent a full and successful treatment.
• Hormonal changes in females: These changes may cause gums to become more sensitive and allow the onset of gingivitis to develop.
• Diabetes: Those with diabetes have a higher risk for developing gum infections and disease.
• Medications: There are hundreds of prescription and over-the-counter medications to make sure you have a healthy amount of saliva. Saliva protects your overall oral health. Without enough saliva, your mouth becomes vulnerable to infections such as gum disease. Also, some medications can cause an abnormal overgrowth of gum tissue; this could make it difficult to keep teeth and gums clean.
• Other illnesses and their treatments: Diseases such as AIDS and its treatments can also negatively affect the health of gums, as can treatments for cancer.

What is periodontal Disease?

Signs of gum disease usually appear when you are in your 30s or 40s. Nearly half of adults in the United States have periodontal disease. About 10% have an advanced state. Most commonly, gum disease develops from the buildup of plaque along the gum line. Plaque buildup allows bacterial growth, and these bacteria will cause your gums to swell. When your gums are inflamed, then you have a level of gum disease. There are other factors to consider: Age matters and so does gender when it comes to gum disease. Gum disease is higher in men than in women; teenagers, although rare, are prone to gingivitis, a milder form of gum disease. Besides saving your teeth, gum disease prevention is critical to your overall health because it has been associated with heart disease and diabetes.

Prevention of Periodontal Disease

Remember, plaque allows bacteria to inflame the gums surrounding your tooth. Preventing plaque buildup is simple yet critical to protecting your gums. Follow these simple routines:

• Brush your teeth: Brushing after meals will remove food debris and most plaque developing between your teeth and gums. Also brush your tongue, since bacteria loves to hide there, too.
• Floss: This is simple. If you don't floss, most likely you will have periodontal problems sooner than later. We suggest flossing at least once a day, preferably two, to remove food particles and plaque between teeth where your toothbrush cannot reach.
• Mouthwash: Mouthwash has been proven to reduce plaque and remove food debris that brushing and flossing has missed, because of the swishing and fluoride.
• Know when you might be at risk: Age is critical, as well as diet, genetics and especially smoking. Each case is different; thus your dentist will diagnose your situation. Click here to take Periodontal Disease Self Test

Depending on your self-test or literature that you've read on gum disease, such tests and reading might warrant a consultation with a periodontist. Teeth do not grow back but gums do. Gums can be saved and repaired. At minimum, you should see a dentist twice a year and he or she will have an idea of whether your gums are at serious risk. Also, consider getting an annual comprehensive periodontal evaluation (CPE). A CPE looks at your teeth, plaque level, gums, bite, bone structure and other risk factors for periodontal disease. Serious tooth decay cannot be reversed but an underlying cause could be. Identifying gum disease early is the key to protecting your teeth and gums.

Implants

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are replacement tooth roots. Implants provide a strong foundation for fixed (permanent) or removable replacement teeth that are made to match your natural teeth.

What Are the Advantages of Dental Implants?

There are many advantages to dental implants, including:

• Improved appearance. Dental implants look and feel like your own teeth. And because they are designed to fuse with bone, they become permanent.
• Improved speech. With poor-fitting dentures, the teeth can slip within the mouth causing you to mumble or slur your words. Dental implants allow you to speak without the worry that teeth might slip.
• Improved comfort. Because they become part of you, implants eliminate the discomfort of removable dentures.
• Easier eating. Sliding dentures can make chewing difficult. Dental implants function like your own teeth, allowing you to eat your favorite foods with confidence and without pain.
• Improved self-esteem. Dental implants can give you back your smile and help you feel better about yourself.
• Improved oral health. Dental implants don't require reducing other teeth, as a tooth-supported bridge does. Because nearby teeth are not altered to support the implant, more of your own teeth are left intact, improving long-term oral health. Individual implants also allow easier access between teeth, improving oral hygiene.
• Durability. Implants are very durable and will last many years. With good care, many implants last a lifetime.
• Convenience. Removable dentures are just that; removable. Dental implants eliminate the embarrassing inconvenience of removing dentures, as well as the need for messy adhesives to keep them in place.

How Successful Are Dental Implants?

Success rates of dental implants vary, depending on where in the jaw the implants are placed but, in general, dental implants have a success rate of up to 98%. With proper care, implants can last a lifetime. Click here to see more.

Read more about Implants in our Newsletter