A General Dentist Can Prevent Gum Disease

As a general dentist, we help prevent all types of oral health issues in our office. The goal of our team is to keep our patients in the best possible health by preventing oral disease and treating it if it occurs. Gum disease is a major health issue that can impact people of all ages. By catching it early, we can provide treatment that is fast and comfortable.

Many people are unaware of the importance that gum health plays in their overall health. In order for teeth and their roots to stay protected gums need to remain in place. Gums serve as a protective barrier against bacteria by covering sensitive areas in the mouth. Additionally, gums hold teeth in place and when they recede or become unhealthy the teeth can fall out.

The initial stages of gum disease are uncomfortable but may not be painful. This leaves a lot of people undiagnosed and prevents them from getting treatment. As a general dentist, we can identify signs of gum disease during routine teeth cleanings, which ensures that people can get treatment before the disease starts to cause pain.

While at home look for common signs that include red and swollen gums. They may also feel sensitive when brushing or eating and may bleed from time to time. At this stage, it is generally referred to as gingivitis. As the condition worsens the gums will recede and more of the tooth will be exposed. In its worst state, pockets can form in the gum tissue and create an area for bacteria to flourish. The bacteria can attack the tooth and roots and further infect the area and cause pain. If you notice any of these symptoms it is important to schedule an appointment immediately so that we can help to prevent this situation.

Treating Gum Disease

If you have gum disease it can be treated with a deep cleaning. This procedure involves removing the bacteria from underneath the gums so that they can become healthy again. The body is able to naturally heal itself once the bacteria have been removed. Once the gums have receded and pockets have formed in the gum tissue a gum graft may be necessary for closing the pocket. In this procedure tissue from the roof of your mouth is attached to your gums so that they can cover and protect the tooth again.

Gums and a Healthy Body

Healthy gums are important for the health of the rest of your body. Pregnant women need to be especially careful since gum disease can induce labor prematurely. Babies can also be born at a lower than average birth weight when their mother has unhealthy gums, making regular dental care extremely important.

Heart disease has also been linked to gum disease, with 91 percent of those suffering from a heart condition having unhealthy gums as well. Heart disease kills more people than any other health condition and reducing the risk factors is of extreme importance. As a general dentist, we can help to keep your teeth and gums in good health so that the rest of you can stay healthy too.

Learn More Facts About Replacing Teeth From an Implant Dentist

As an implant dentist, we know that more than 3 million Americans have dental implants today. Dentists have been successfully performing implant dentistry for the better part of fifty years, though only now has the popularity of this procedure really started to grow. Seen for many years as a cosmetic fix, oral health professionals are now advising dental implants for a host of tooth loss problems. Teeth can be lost very easily after an accident, playing sports, due to normal aging, or disease. Having a way to replace teeth and give a person back their speech patterns, their smile, and their natural look is an extremely powerful tool; one that we use on a regular basis.

What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a small titanium screw which is placed into the jawbone of a person’s mouth. An abutment is added, which is a piece that sticks out from the gum and connects the implant to the crown. Finally, a crown or a uniquely sculptured replacement tooth is placed over the abutment to finish the effect. When completed a dental implant looks and feels exactly like real teeth, giving the patient the comfort and familiarity they are used to with their naturally occurring teeth.

How much does a dental implant cost?
Dental implants have been slowly going down in price. However, they are still costly to get and often can be cost prohibitive to those who need a replacement tooth.  A single tooth implant can cost between $1,500 and $3,000 with an additional cost of $500 to $3,000 for the crown. Many factors come into play when pricing out an implant, including the amount of support work that will need to be done, the number of teeth to be replaced, extractions, and other treatment that might become necessary around the implant. Also, one has to factor in the type of implant and the materials to be used. As an implant dentist, we can give you a precise quote after a consultation.

What is the process of getting a dental implant?
The process of getting an implant can take up to six months when you consider healing time. To start the process, we will discuss all the options available to you. Next, you will be scheduled for a comprehensive examination and consultation. Once you decide to proceed with the implant, we will take an imprint of the tooth to be replaced along with the gums and nearby teeth. This allows the crown to be customized to fit your mouth perfectly.

On the day of the surgery, we will implant a small screw or post into your jawbone. It is placed into the socket of the missing tooth and allowed to heal. Healing takes between six to twelve weeks. On your return a small connector post, known as an abutment, will be attached to the implant. The abutment sticks out above the gum line and connects, on the other end, to the crown. An additional two to three weeks of healing are required after the abutment is placed. Finally, the dentist will install your crown or replacement tooth to the abutment. Following some checks and tweaks to ensure your bite is perfect, you will have a perfect new replacement tooth.