Gum Disease Treatment
Although the human body is the most amazing "machine" ever created, sometimes it needs a little help. Our mouths are full of bacteria and occasionally it coats our teeth, in the form of plaque, and must be extracted. Brushing and flossing help get rid of most of it, but over time, it builds up. It creates ‘tartar’ and only a professional cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist can remove it. Left on the tooth, tartar can lead to gum and tooth disease, including Gingivitis.
Gingivitis causes gums to become red, swollen and bleed easily. It can usually be reversed through regular cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist, but left unchecked, it can evolve into more serious diseases requiring surgery. These can include procedures where the gums are lifted back and the tartar removed. Gingivitis can even progress to a point where bone grafts are needed. Regular maintenance can prevent many of these problems, but it is critical to have frequent check-ups as gum disease is sometimes hard to detect and diagnose.
Dental Hygiene: Cleaning and Flossing
Most of us make an effort to care for our teeth on a daily basis, yet it is estimated that nearly 75% of American adults suffer from various forms of periodontal (gum) disease and don't know it. It's important to check with your dentist regularly and make certain you are keeping up with the latest advances in cleaning and flossing your teeth. This is critically important because recent studies show gum disease can be linked to oral cancer, heart disease, diabetes and respiratory ailments.
A careful examination of your teeth can also sometimes lead to the early discovery of some skin diseases, diabetes, thyroid problems, leukemia, cancer or hardening of the arteries. Additionally, tooth decay is the single most chronic childhood disease - five times more common than asthma. That's why keeping up with your entire family's dental health through regular cleaning and flossing is essential. Regular check-ups and talks with your dentist or hygienist can help you stay informed of the latest techniques for caring for your teeth and overall health.
Laser Gum Surgery
Lasers can be used effectively to combat periodontal disease during gum surgery. Using lasers can also help diminish bleeding, swelling and discomfort suffered by patients. Bacteria can hide under the gums and surrounding bones and surgeons use lasers for pinpoint eradication. They are often used in conjunction with two non-surgical therapies called scaling and root-planing. The proper use of lasers can make the surgery more effective, while reducing recovery time and making the entire process less painful and disruptive to the tissues around the teeth.
Smile Makeovers
Your smile is your most precious resource. It expresses joy, love, acceptance and appreciation to those around you. If your jaw or teeth are misaligned, this precious resource can be diminished. In these cases, a smile makeover is in order. It is a process of improving your smile through one or more cosmetic dentistry procedures, such as dental veneers, composite bonding, tooth implants and teeth whitening.
A smile makeover takes into consideration your facial appearance, skin tone, hair color, teeth (color, width, length, shape and tooth display), gum tissue and lips to develop your ideal smile. Smile makeovers are performed for many reasons, and are customized according to your unique considerations. Cosmetic dentists are skilled at finding the right balance between providing you with a brighter, whiter smile and maintaining a natural tooth color.
