How a Periodontist Can Save Your Smile

Periodontists specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum disease and dental implants. They receive an additional three years of education beyond a basic dental school degree, which allows them to detect underlying issues and provide successful treatments.

Gum disease can be very serious, even life-threatening. It can lead to tooth loss and increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other health problems.

Gum disease

Gum disease is caused by a build-up of bacteria on the teeth and gums. This bacteria feeds off the sugars found in foods and drinks, causing plaque.

Mild cases of gum disease, known as gingivitis, can be treated with good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups. In more advanced stages of the disease, known as periodontist conway ar, a dentist will need to perform surgery, such as flap surgery or bone grafting, to repair loose or loosened tissue.

As the bacteria spreads, the spaces between your teeth and gums become deeper (called pockets) and the connective tissue that holds your teeth in their sockets breaks down. X-rays can help a dentist assess these changes and determine the stage of gum disease you are in.

Depending on the severity of the infection, your periodontist may use antibiotics or medications like mouthwashes or gels to reduce bacteria and inflammation. They also may recommend scaling and root planing, a deep cleaning that removes tartar and plaque from underneath the gum and infected areas.

Dental implants

Dental implants are a great alternative to bridges or dentures for patients who want more stable replacement teeth. They can also help restore a smile that may have been damaged by gum disease or tooth decay.

A patient’s overall health is the most important factor in determining whether or not dental implants are right for them. Uncontrolled chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease or cancer can slow the healing process.

The health of the patient’s gums is also a major factor in the success of conway family dental. If the gums are in poor condition, the implant may fail due to loss of bone around the tooth and/or inflammation in the area.

A thorough evaluation by a periodontist is necessary before an implant procedure can be scheduled. The doctor will take a thorough history of the patient and perform a full exam to determine the best placement and prosthesis.

Receding gums

Receding gums are a common dental problem that affects the majority of adults. They can cause discomfort, tooth sensitivity and even lead to the loss of a tooth.

Gum recession is typically caused by a bacterial infection called periodontal disease. This is a progressive disease that causes the gums to recede from the teeth and creates pockets where bacteria can thrive.

When this happens, a professional cleaning (known as scaling and root planing) is necessary to remove plaque and tartar from the affected areas. In advanced cases, periodontists may also recommend surgery to treat the gum disease and restore lost tissue.

The best way to prevent receding gums is to maintain a good oral hygiene routine, visit your dentist regularly and avoid tobacco use. This will help reduce your risk of developing a dental condition that can lead to severe pain, bad breath and loose teeth.

Tooth extractions

Tooth extractions are a common dental procedure that may be necessary to alleviate pain or infection by periodontist conway ar. Tooth extractions can be performed under a local or general anesthetic and are generally safe for most patients.

During a tooth extraction, the dentist will first numb the area with a local anesthetic. The tooth will then be removed and stitched if necessary.

After the tooth is extracted, it is important to keep bleeding under control. Bite firmly but gently on the gauze pad placed by your dentist to reduce and slow bleeding.

If blood continues to ooze from the site, replace the gauze pad as needed. Bleeding usually subsides after a few hours.

You should avoid smoking, drinking through a straw, vigorously rinsing or spitting, and strenuous activity for at least 24 hours after the extraction to prevent dislodging the clot that forms in the tooth socket. After the clot has formed, you can return to your normal dental care routine.