80% of Americans suffer from periodontal disease by age 45.
Before any treatment begins, a comprehensive examination of the patient's gums, teeth, and overall oral health is conducted. This step usually involves taking x-rays to see the bone level and determine the extent of periodontal disease. A periodontal probe may also be used to measure pocket depths around each tooth. Pockets deeper than 3 millimeters typically indicate gum disease. Recognizing the signs and understanding the severity of the disease ensures that the patient receives the most appropriate and effective treatment.
Once the level of periodontal disease is identified, the initial treatment often involves a deep cleaning procedure known as scaling and root planing. During this step, tartar, plaque, and bacteria are removed from below the gumline. This not only cleans the tooth surfaces but also smoothens the root to promote healing and prevent further plaque and bacteria buildup. This treatment can take one or more visits depending on the severity of the disease and may sometimes be accompanied by antibiotic treatments to tackle any lingering bacteria.
For patients with more advanced cases or those seeking less invasive treatment alternatives, laser gum disease treatment with Biolase EpicX Laser is an option. This modern method uses laser energy to target and eliminate the bacteria causing gum disease without the need for cutting or stitching. The laser's precision ensures minimal discomfort and bleeding, offering a faster recovery time compared to traditional surgical procedures. Plus, the Biolase EpicX Laser stimulates tissue regeneration, which can aid in the healing process.
One of the primary objectives of periodontal care is to save and preserve the patient's natural teeth. By tackling the root causes of gum disease early on, further complications and potential tooth loss can be avoided. Natural teeth play a crucial role in maintaining facial structures, chewing functions, and overall oral health.
Research has consistently shown a link between gum disease and other systemic health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections. By maintaining good periodontal health, patients can potentially reduce the risk of these associated health complications, leading to a healthier and longer life.
Healthy gums don't just mean better oral health; they also contribute to an aesthetically pleasing smile. Red, swollen, or receding gums can affect one's confidence and self-esteem. Through periodontal treatments, the appearance of the gums can be significantly improved, leading to a brighter, more attractive smile.
Periodontal disease is the leading cause of ltooth loss in adults.
To recover your tooth, grab it by the top (the crown) instead of the bottom (the root), as this will prevent further damage from occurring. Next, rinse it with warm water to keep the tooth clean. Finally, replace the tooth back in its socket or add it into a container of cold milk to ensure proper moisture before you come in to see the dentist.
If this is an extremely serious dental emergency, avoid spending too much time alleviating pain and discomfort. To save your tooth, your dentist must replace and splint it within 1-2 hours. Call us right away for immediate guidance, then come into our office to get the help that can’t wait.
Put your dental work in a plastic bag or container if you can, and be sure to bring it with you to your appointment. Call us immediately to schedule an emergency visit so we can treat the issue ASAP.
Losing a piece of dental work exposes vulnerable parts of your tooth to bacteria, which can trigger an infection, further decay or damage, and cause other complications to arise. This is a serious issue that requires a same-day appointment, so don’t hesitate to contact us right away. We will do everything we can to restore your smile with a new filling, crown, or other restorative dental work.
If your severe toothache lasts 1-2 days or longer, there’s a strong chance you may have a tooth infection, which constitutes a serious dental emergency. Root canal therapy may be necessary to restore and revitalize your tooth.
Give us a call right away to schedule your appointment. Before visiting our office, apply an ice pack, take over-the-counter pain relievers, or apply Orajel or a similar topical product to numb the tooth and soothe the pain.
Don’t hesitate to give us a call for a same-day emergency appointment, even if you think the dental damage seems minor. Without a professional dental exam, it can be difficult to know the severity of a chip, break or crack on your tooth. If left untreated, a broken or cracked tooth can easily become infected and cause further and unnecessary complications.
The best thing to do is give us a call and visit our office as soon as possible. Your dentist will examine the tooth, determine the extent of the damage, and offer their best recommendations to repair and protect your smile.
If a dental injury has caused your tooth to loosen, call our team immediately for a same-day appointment. Without proper care, the nerves supporting your tooth could die, causing the tooth to fall out entirely. Don’t hesitate to reach out, we are here to help!
After you’ve scheduled your appointment, it’s important to try to keep the tooth as stable as possible. Avoid touching the loose tooth with your tongue or fingers. Once you arrive at our office for your emergency treatment, your dentist will attach the loose tooth to the adjacent teeth by applying a stabilizing splint. This will allow the healing process to begin so the tooth can re-attach to your gums.
By placing a knocked out tooth in cold milk, you can preserve the root while you head to your emergency appointment.