Tempe Periodontics

12/27/2016

Reasons Why You Should Address Your Receding Gums: Cosmetic dentistry in Chandler, AZ seeks to restore your appearance and boost your oral health, but you need to know what to look for so you can talk to your cosmetic dentist and receive gum treatment in a timely fashion. Addressing gum recession can allow you to keep your smile looking beautiful, avoid symptoms of gum disease, and even improve your overall wellbeing. Feel free to take a look ahead for more on the reasons why you should address your receding gums.

Preserve Your Smile

When you look at yourself in the mirror and notice that your teeth look longer than usual, you might begin to wonder if your gums are receding. Gum recession can have a substantial impact on your smile, which in turn affects your overall appearance as well as your confidence. If you feel like your smile has been changing, it is a good idea to talk to your cosmetic dentist and decide how to take care of the problem. The sooner you talk to your cosmetic dentist about gum recession, the sooner you can devise a treatment plan and get back to enjoying your smile.

Avoid Periodontitis

It’s helpful to understand the signs of gum disease so you can take action as quickly as possible, and gum recession is one of them. Gum disease can be broken down into its earlier and later stages, which are referred to as gingivitis and periodontitis, respectively. This type of dental health issue is reversible, and your prognosis will be better if you catch the problem early. Take a look at your gums when you brush and floss your teeth and keep an eye out for bleeding or redness, both of which are signs of gum disease.

Enjoy Excellent Overall Health General health and oral health are more closely linked than many people realize, which is why it’s extra important to address receding gums. Gum disease is associated with health conditions like diabetes and heart disease, so you would do well to stay on top of the symptoms. See your cosmetic dentist as soon as you notice your symptoms.

If you are suffering from receding gums, you will want to visit your dentist in Chandler, AZ so they can treat your gums and restore the appearance of your smile.

12/20/2016

Caring for Your Dental Implants: If you want your new restorations to last as long as possible, you need to know how to care for them properly. Dental implants in Tempe, AZ can be life changing, but it’s important to take care of them if you want them to last. Taking care of a new dental implant can also help you avoid gum diseases and other oral health complications in the future. Continue reading if you’d like to pick up a few tips on caring for your dental implants.

Despite the fact that your dental implants are prosthetic restorations, you still need to take care of them if you want to maintain your smile and your oral health. Even though your dental implants themselves are not as vulnerable to tooth decay, your gums are still just as susceptible to issues like gum disease. If you want to enjoy your dental implants and oral health for as long as possible, make sure you brush and floss your teeth each day like you normally would. You should also meet with your dentist on a regular basis for routine dental cleanings and checkups; at this point you can also talk to your dentist about dental implant care.

If you now have dental implants, you will want to follow your dentists instructions on how to properly care for them in order for them to last long.

12/13/2016

Signs That You Could Benefit from Crown Lengthening: Your cosmetic dentist near Tempe, AZ can offer plenty of different treatments that can meet your needs, and one is crown lengthening. This type of dental care can transform your smile and improve your confidence, and it can also help you take better care of your oral health. A quality gum specialist can also complete this procedure in one sitting, which is great for those who are particularly busy. Here are some signs that you could benefit from crown lengthening:

You want to build confidence.

Confidence is important for your mental health, and your smile may have everything to do with it. If you feel like your teeth are too short to enjoy your own smile, you might want to talk to your cosmetic dentist about lengthening your crowns. This type of cosmetic dentistry procedure can revamp your smile in a way that you can be proud of, which can work wonders for your mental health and your self-esteem. If you are unhappy with your smile and you would like to make a change, be sure to talk to your cosmetic dentist about this procedure.

You want to take better care of your teeth.

When the proportion of gum tissue to tooth surface is not ideal, it might be difficult to take care of your dental health. Your cosmetic dentist can modify your gum line to expose more of your natural tooth surface, and this can potentially reduce your risk for issues like gingivitis and periodontal disease. In this way, your crown lengthening procedure can make it easier to take care of your teeth while also improving your smile and your overall aesthetic appeal.

You don’t have time for multiple treatments.

Many people do not receive the oral care that they need because they simply cannot find the time in their schedules to undergo the necessary treatments. If you don’t have time for more than one treatment, you’ll be pleased to find out that crown lengthening can be done in one single procedure. Talk to your cosmetic dentist about your specific situation and find out if crown lengthening is right for you.

If you are interested in improving your smile and confidence, you will want to talk to your dentist in Tempe, AZ about crown lengthening and if it is right for you.

12/06/2016

What Is Gingivitis?: Gum diseases in Chandler, AZ can be unpleasant, but you can prevent gingivitis from turning into periodontal disease by understanding the condition and its causes. The more you know about gingivitis, the better prepared you will be to maintain healthy gums. Watch this video to find out what exactly gingivitis is.

Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease, which occurs when your gums recede from your teeth. You might notice swelling, tenderness, and even bleeding of the gums when you brush or floss your teeth. If you want to make sure your gingivitis gets better instead of worse, be sure to practice proper dental hygiene. Brush and floss your teeth with fluoride toothpaste, and avoid snacking in between meals. You should also be aware that using to***co products can aggravate the symptoms of gingivitis and help it develop into periodontal disease. See your dentist as soon as you notice symptoms of gingivitis.

If you are experiencing pain in your gums, you will want to visit your dentist in order to have them prevent your gingivitis turning into periodontal disease.

11/30/2016

The Importance of Preventative Dental Care: To maintain your healthy smile, it’s important to schedule regular exams at a dental clinic near you in Tempe, AZ. You should have a professional cleaning and thorough oral exam at least every six months. Along with good at-home oral care, regular dentist visits will help you reduce your risk of periodontal disease. Even if you’ve already been treated for periodontal disease, you should know that you’re at risk of developing this oral infection again.

By working closely with your periodontal dentist, you can adjust to following an effective preventive dental care routine. Some simple changes can help protect your beautiful smile. Your dentist might recommend using a water flosser if you have trouble gripping regular floss, for example. Cleaning between the teeth is crucial because simply brushing the teeth won’t remove all of the plaque and food debris. When you do brush twice each day, be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle, circular motions to protect your gums from damage.

In order to maintain healthy oral hygiene and a pretty smile, you will want to schedule regular trips to your dentist in Tempe, AZ and follow at home care.

11/23/2016

Are You a Good Candidate for Gum Tissue Grafting?: Once teeth have finished erupting, they won’t grow longer, but they might begin to look longer if the gums begin to recede. Gum recession is a common problem. It’s often indicative of periodontal disease, although there are a few other possible causes. Since gum recession tends to develop gradually over time, you might only become aware of the problem after a routine check-up with your family dentist. Patients with gum recession are typically referred to a periodontal dentist in Tempe, AZ, for specialized gum surgery.

You’re at risk of root decay and tooth loss.

Healthy gums are essential for a healthy smile. When the lower parts of the tooth aren’t protected by sufficient gum tissue, patients are at risk of root decay. Root decay refers to cavities that develop on the sensitive root of the tooth. Since the roots lack the protective enamel that covers the upper portion of the tooth, the roots are particularly susceptible to aggressive, rapidly spreading cavities. If the cavity isn’t detected and treated quickly, the tooth can fracture or an infection can develop inside the tooth at the site of the nerve. If the tooth isn’t lost due to a fracture, then it may be lost simply because the gums can no longer anchor the tooth. Untreated gum recession and periodontal disease are leading causes of tooth loss.

You’ve been experiencing painful tooth sensitivity.

Do you experience a sharp pain in your mouth when drinking cold or hot liquids? Perhaps it’s even begun to hurt when you breathe in cold air through your mouth. This is tooth sensitivity and it’s a common side effect of gum recession. There are other possible causes of tooth sensitivity, but if your pain is caused by receding gums, then you may be a good candidate for gum grafting.

You’re in good overall health.

Good candidates for gum grafting are those who are in good overall health. If you currently smoke, your periodontal dentist will almost certainly ask that you quit before undergoing the surgery. Smoking increases surgical risks. Smokers are also more likely to have a difficult recovery because of the increased risk of infection and poor healing.

If you are experiencing gum recession or tooth decay near Tempe, AZ, you will want to visit your periodontal dentist for specialized gum surgery.

11/15/2016

What to Expect at the Periodontist Office: Periodontics is the branch of dental medicine that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of problems that affect the structures that support the teeth like the gums. If your family dentist refers you to a periodontal dentist in Chandler, AZ, it may be because you show signs of having periodontal disease. When you visit the periodontal dentist, you’ll receive a comprehensive oral exam and a review of your X-rays. The specialist will ask you about your symptoms and discuss your treatment options.

You can learn more about periodontics by watching this brief video. It explains some of the signs of gum disease, including bleeding, swollen gums, bad breath, and loose or shifting teeth. This oral infection grows progressively worse if left untreated and it tends to require more intensive treatments as it becomes more severe. If you notice any unusual changes with your oral health, it’s best to get evaluated as soon as possible.

If you have been diagnosed with periodontal disease near Chandler, AZ, you will want to visit your periodontist office and start a treatment plan.

11/08/2016

Answering Your Questions About Crown Lengthening: A periodontal dentist in Chandler, AZ, can perform crown lengthening procedures for both cosmetic reasons and to improve oral health. Crown lengthening is a type of gum surgery. During this procedure, the specialist in periodontics will remove some of the gum tissue to make the teeth appear to be longer. In some cases, some of the bone tissue may also need to be removed or reshaped. Before your appointment with the specialist, you may wish to write down a list of your questions and concerns.

Am I a good candidate for a crown lengthening procedure?

Only a specialist in periodontics can determine if crown lengthening is appropriate for any particular patient. This type of gum surgery may be right for you if you’re bothered by the appearance of a “gummy smile.” This is a smile that reveals more gum tissue than usual, which can detract from one’s aesthetic appearance. Crown lengthening procedures may also be right for patients with certain oral health problems, such as when a tooth fractures at the gum line or when a crown or filling falls off and exposes tooth decay underneath. In these cases, the periodontist can remove excess gum tissue to create more space to cap the tooth with a new crown.

How should I prepare for my appointment?

You’ll have a consultation with the periodontist before the actual surgery. During your consultation, you should disclose your full medical history. This includes any medical conditions you may have and any medications or supplements you take. Be sure to let the periodontist know if you’re pregnant or could be pregnant and if you have any allergies. In some cases, patients may need a professional cleaning before having the crown lengthening procedure.

What will happen during the procedure?

After you arrive at the periodontist’s office, you’ll have local anesthetic applied to eliminate sensation in the area. The periodontist will then remove enough gum tissue at the tooth and the adjacent teeth to accomplish your treatment goals. He or she might also need to remove some of the bone tissue. Then, the surgical site is thoroughly rinsed and stitches are applied. You’ll go home with temporary crowns and post-operative instructions for reducing the risk of infection. After the area heals, the dentist can place permanent crowns.

If you are interested in restoring the look of your smile, you can talk to your dentist in Chandler, AZ about crown lengthening and if you are a good candidate.

11/01/2016

How Laser Periodontal Therapy Can Help You: Having healthy gums is beneficial for your overall wellness and is important for keeping your teeth in good condition. Individuals who suffer from periodontal disease could be at a higher risk of developing serious medical conditions, and they are also more likely to suffer tooth loss. For these reasons, addressing this dental problem is essential. If you are in need of gum disease treatment in Chandler, AZ, then you may benefit from laser periodontal therapy.

If your gum disease does not respond to good oral hygiene and other treatment methods, or if it has progressed to an advanced stage, then your dentist may advise the use of laser therapy. This treatment method uses a high-frequency laser to send energy into the gum tissue which can help it to regenerate.

Treating periodontal disease with laser therapy requires no incisions, meaning that there is minimal risk of infection. The infected tissue is removed in a way that causes no bleeding and requires no direct contact between the dental tools and gum tissue. Lastly, laser therapy requires no sedation and is a painless procedure that can provide pain relief for patients while promoting their healing.

If you are experiencing periodontal disease, you will want to visit your dentist in Chandler, AZ and ask about laser periodontal therapy and if it will help you.

10/30/2016

The Relationship Between Pregnancy and Gum Disease: As your periodontal dentist in Chandler, AZ will tell you, having healthy gums is essential for maintaining your oral health. For this reason, it is important to be aware of factors that can increase your risk for periodontal disease. Read on to learn about the link between pregnancy and gum disease.

Oral Hygiene and Gum Disease

First, it is important to understand what causes gingivitis, which is the early stage of periodontal disease. Gingivitis develops when bacteria in the form of plaque and tartar build up on teeth and along the gum line. The bacteria irritate and infect the gum tissue, causing it to become inflamed, red in color, and sensitive. A person with gingivitis may also have gums that bleed when they floss or brush their teeth, or when they eat food with rough edges. Twice daily brushing is often sufficient for both preventing and reversing gingivitis. However, if left untreated, gingivitis can progress into more serious stages of gum disease.

Pregnancy Hormones and Gum Disease

When you are pregnant, many changes occur in your body, and some of the most notable ones are the fluctuations in your hormone levels. Women who are pregnant experience increased progesterone levels. Some types of bacteria that lead to gingivitis thrive under these conditions, and higher progesterone levels can also make your gums more sensitive to plaque. For these reasons, pregnant women are at a greater risk of developing gingivitis, and may experience more severe symptoms if they already suffer from gum disease.

Prevention of Gum Disease During Pregnancy Because of their fluctuating hormone levels, many women develop gingivitis at some point during their pregnancy. Typically, symptoms like bleeding, reddened, and inflamed gums begin between the 2nd and 8th month. The most important step for you to take to prevent gum disease during this time is to practice good oral hygiene and to keep up with twice-yearly dental check-ups and cleanings. If you notice signs of gum disease despite taking these preventive measures, then consider seeing a dental professional for an exam and treatment.

If you are pregnant near Chandler, AZ, you will want to visit your dentist to learn about how you can take care of your oral hygiene in order to prevent gum disease.

10/25/2016

The Relationship Between Pregnancy and Gum Disease

10/18/2016

Warning Signs of Gum Disease