Periodontics 3 - Total Implants and Periodontics

January 6, 2021 by Admin

Gum recession is not only painful, but can put your oral health at risk. It’s a condition in which your gums shrink and expose the roots of your teeth. However, with prompt dental intervention, this can be easily remedied with a gum grafting procedure.

If you have receded gums, continue on to learn what gum grafting surgery can do for you.

The Procedure

There are a total of three gum grafting surgeries; pedicle, free and connective tissue. While each procedure has the same goal, they’re all done differently. Free gum grafting is when your periodontist extracts a bit of tissue from the roof of your mouth and applies it to the receding gum line.

A connective tissue gum graft is fairly similar to a free gum graft. The only difference is that it takes a piece of connective tissue.

A pedicle gum graft doesn’t use tissue from other parts of your mouth. Instead, this procedure uses other gum tissue from around the ones that are receding. This procedure is usually the most common one done and sees the most success.

Regardless of the type of gum graft surgery performed, the procedure itself doesn’t take too long to complete. It’s typically done in no more than two hours. Once the initial procedure is complete, you will have to come back to have the stitches removed.

The Recovery Period

Recovering from a gum graft procedure isn’t as bad as it seems. In fact, you’ll be able to go home after it’s done. However, it may take up to two weeks for a complete recovery.

As you recover, it’s recommended you eat soft foods to minimize risk of damaging the graft. Foods such as yogurt, soft vegetables, milkshakes and soup are fine. Overly warm food or drink can cause the graft to burn, so be sure to avoid those while in recovery.

Furthermore, while it’s natural to be concerned about potential risks and complications. Thankfully, these are few and far between. However, if you experience any pain, irritation or oozing, contact your dentist right away.

Looking for Gum Grafts Near You?

Our dentist focuses on your comfort and satisfaction. By remaining up-to-date with the latest technological innovations in the space, you are guaranteed the best results. Patients are never left in the dark as their education is an important part of the process.

If you’re hoping to get a dental exam or think you require gum grafting, contact us at 803-650-3712 for an appointment in our Fort Mill SC office today.

June 3, 2021January 4, 2021 by Admin

Dental surgery is often necessary for oral health or for improving aesthetics. Most people, however, are concerned with visiting their dentist for such procedures. Their concerns mostly have to do with the prospect of feeling pain or enduring scarring from dental surgery.

Luckily, you don’t have to worry about either. Our dentist in Fort Mill, SC will offer you the highest level of treatment and care for your needs. Knowledge is the best way of overcoming your fears and our dentist will be happy to advise you on how safe your procedure will be.

What Is Dental Surgery?

Dental surgery encompasses a wide range of procedures for a patient’s teeth and gums. These procedures include tooth extraction, root canals and implants. You can have dental surgery to correct an issue that burdens your oral health or for improving your appearance.

Should You Expect Scarring From Dental Surgery?

When deciding on a specialist to perform your dental surgery, you should find an experienced periodontist. In the case of a tooth extraction, there should be minimal scarring if any at all. If scars do occur, they tend to be near the gums where they will be hidden from sight and inconsequential to your daily life. It’s important to note that your post-operative care will play a big role in eliminating the possibility of scars.

Best Ways to Heal From Dental Surgery

While there may be some temporary bleeding and swelling, your dentist will advise you on the best course of action to take. After your dental surgery, you’ll want to avoid smoking. Your dentist will also suggest rinsing with a saline solution and following a diet that will allow your gums to heal.

Other post-surgery tips include applying an ice pack, abstaining from strenuous activity and avoiding the use of straws. Sucking on a straw can cause blood clots to loosen, thus further delaying the healing process.

Getting Dental Surgery in Fort Mill

If you think you need a dental exam, or would like to consult with a specialist on a dental procedure, call our dental office in Fort Mill, SC today. Our staff members are helpful and will be happy to assist you.

June 18, 2024January 1, 2021 by Admin

No one looks forward to oral surgery, and even when pain is present, many people still avoid the dentist. However, when it comes to gum grafting, the benefits far outweigh any negatives you might worry about. Whether you’re dealing with gum disease or tooth sensitivity from receding gums, understanding what to expect can ease your concerns.

Read on to learn more about gum grafting and the recovery period associated with it.

What is Gum Graft Surgery?

Gum graft surgery is performed for several dental issues, including:

Periodontal Disease: To stop gingival recession and protect teeth.
Tooth Sensitivity: To cover exposed roots and reduce sensitivity.
Aesthetic Concerns: To improve the appearance of your gum line.

Before undergoing gum graft surgery, a comprehensive oral exam is necessary to assess the extent of gum recession and overall oral health. In some cases, other dental issues may need addressing before the procedure

What Causes Gum Recession?

Gum recession can result from multiple factors, including:

Periodontal Disease: The most common cause.
Aging: Natural wear and tear over time.
Poor Oral Hygiene: Inadequate brushing and flossing habits.
Brushing Technique: Using a hard-bristled toothbrush or brushing too aggressively.
Medical Conditions: Conditions that affect gum health.

Switching to a soft-bristle toothbrush and brushing gently at least twice a day can help prevent further gum damage.

Recovery from Gum Graft Surgery

As with any oral surgery, some bleeding and swelling are expected post-procedure. Here’s a typical recovery timeline for gum graft surgery:

First 3 Days: Swelling usually peaks by the third day.
Up to 10 Days: Swelling typically resolves completely by the tenth day, although individual recovery times can vary.

To minimize swelling and ensure a smooth recovery, follow these tips:

Ice Packs: Alternate applying ice for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off.
Diet: Avoid foods that can irritate the treated area.
Medication: Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories can help reduce swelling and tenderness.
Post-Op Care: Follow your dentist’s postoperative instructions carefully.

Our Fort Mill dentist provides detailed post-operative care instructions to expedite healing and minimize recovery time.

How Can I Schedule an Appointment?

Gum graft surgery can be intimidating, but it plays a crucial role in preventing bone loss and further gum recession. If you need a dental exam or want to learn more about gum grafting, call our dental office in Fort Mill, SC, today. Our dedicated staff members are happy to answer any questions you may have and help you schedule an appointment.

December 30, 2020 by Admin

What Can I Do About Receding Gums?

If not notice you have inflammation around your gums, or they are starting to recede it may be time to consult with a Periodontist. Gum recession should be treated to avoid further issues, or even tooth loss. Receding gums can be caused by periodontal disease or gum disease. Typically healthy gums are pink, but with gum recession the tissue is wearing away leaving more of your teeth exposed. Attending regular exams in our office, and practicing good oral hygiene habits can ensure you stay on top of receding gums, so they do not continue to get worse over time.

What Are Symptoms of Receding Gums?

You may notice any of the following if you have receding gums.

Swollen or red gums
Bad breath
Loose teeth
Bad taste in your mouth
Pain or tenderness around gums or mouth

What Causes Gum Recession?

Gum recession can be caused by multiple things. Themost common cause of gum recession isperiodontal disease or gum disease. Other causes can be old age, poor oral hygiene, or medicalconditions. Another factor could be the toothbrush you are using. Check to make sure you are using asoft bristle tooth brush,and make sure you are gently brushing at least twice a day. Abrasive brushescan actually damage your gums as you brush if you are not careful.

Other Causes of Gum Recession

Injury or trauma to the mouth
Teeth alignment issues
Smoking or tobacco use
Dentures that do not fit properly and rub on the gums
Teeth Grinding

What Are My Treatment Options for Receding Gums?

Our staff are trained to check each patient’s gum tissue. Gum recession happens gradually, and it is important to visit out office twice a year to stay on top of any potential issues. Our team can help you keep your gums in good condition and prevent them from getting worse.

Depending on how severe the gums are will determine the course of treatment recommended. We look at the tooth brush you are using and your oral hygiene habits. Using a daily rinse that helps to fight plaque or a dental pick can help to reach those hard areas.

If pockets have formed around the affected gums, patients can have a deep cleaning done called scaling and root planing. This treatment removes and cleans the plaque on the tooth and root surfaces. Scaling and root planing also helps to heal gum tissue and shrink periodontal pockets where bacteria hides. This treatment helps to prevent further infection, and keeps your gums looking and feeling healthy. Gums will recede less and this treatment helps to restore damaged gums.

How Can I Schedule an Appointment?

Taking charge of your oral health is the key to keeping your gums and teeth looking and feeling healthy. If you notice your gums are receding, and would like to find out more about gum recession treatment contact our office today.

Our office has flexible hours and we do our best to accommodate our patients. If you would like to make an appointment, contact our office and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you!

June 2, 2021September 28, 2020 by Admin

Oral health is extremely important for many reasons. If patients suffer from gum disease, cavities, or bad breath this can cause issues with your teeth and mouth. Our mouths are a pathway for bacteria to enter the body. The bacteria are able to enter the blood stream, and this can also cause infection or inflammation in other parts of our body.

Taking good care of your teeth and mouth can keep your body healthy, and can also help avoid serious issues in the future. At Total Implants & Periodontics in Fort Mill, SC, we encourage our patients to practice good oral hygiene habits at home. We also promote overall health and wellness. Our team cares about each patient, and keeping up with your oral health not only can keep your teeth and mouth feeling great, but your body feeling great also.

What Problems Can Occur From Poor Oral Health?

Respiratory Infections

If you have infected or inflamed gums that bacteria can transfer into the lungs. This can lead to respiratory infections, pneumonia, or even bronchitis.

Dementia

Inflamed gums can release substances that are harmful to our brain cells. This can lead to memory loss that is a result of bacteria spreading to the nerves.

Cardiovascular Disease

If you have poor oral health you are at risk for cardiovascular disease. The bacteria from the infected gums enters the bloodstream, and can cause the arteries to build up plaque. This can put you at risk for a heart attack.

Prostate Problems

If men suffer from periodontal disease they may have prostatitis. This condition causes irritation and other prostate related problems.

Diabetes

Diabetics are more likely to have infected gums over those that do not have diabetes. This can make diabetes difficult to control due to unregulated blood sugar levels. Gum disease can lead to higher blood sugar levels and this can put a person at risk for developing diabetes.

Infertility

Poor oral health and infertility in women are linked. If a woman suffers from gum disease this can lead to issues with infertility, and may make it difficult for a woman to conceive or have a healthy pregnancy.

Cancer

Poor oral health can put patients at risk for kidney cancer, pancreatic cancer, or blood cancer. In addition if patients smoke or use tobacco products this can lead to oral or throat cancers.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

People who have gum disease are more likely to have Rheumatoid Arthritis. The bacteria in our mouths can increase inflammation in the body, and this increases the risk for developing Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Kidney Disease

Kidney disease is a health problem that affects the kidneys, heart, bones, and blood pressure. Periodontal disease can lead to kidney disease. Patients with gum disease typically have weaker immune systems, and this can make them susceptible to infection. Many patients that have poor oral health also have kidney disease, and this can lead to kidney failure if not treated.

How Can I Prevent These Health Issues?

In order to prevent serious health issues caused by bad oral health habits you must take care of your oral health. Scheduling regular dental exams in our office can help keep your teeth and gums clean, and get in front of any issues before they arise. Dr. Samir Patel’s friendly Fort Mill dental team always put our patients first, and complete a thorough exam of your teeth and mouth to ensure everything is looking and feeling great. If we do have concerns, we will discuss those with you and develop a customized treatment plan to take care of any issues right away.

Tips for Good Oral Hygiene

Brush and floss your teeth daily
Avoid smoking or using any tobacco products
Use mouthwash that contains fluoride
Try and stay away from food and drinks that contain lots of sugar
Eat a well-balanced diet
Exercise and take care of your overall health

If you take care of your oral health, you take care of your body. Good oral hygiene can help prevent problems such as gingivitis or periodontal disease, as well as prevent more serious health issues in your body.

Looking for a Family Dentist Near You?

At Total Implants & Periodontics, we provide the highest level of dental care for patients of all ages. We welcome all new patients, and use state of the art technology to ensure our patients have an exceptional experience when visiting our office. If you are looking for a dentist near you, contact Dr. Samir Patel’s dental office in Fort Mill, SC to schedule your next dental exam and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you!

June 2, 2021August 25, 2020 by Admin

If you have inflammation in your mouth or gums it may be time to consult with a Periodontist. Gum disease is one of the most common disease patients face today. This condition must be treated promptly to avoid receding gums, or even tooth loss. Attending regular visits to our office can help to prevent gum disease and get in front of any issues with your gums or teeth before they become worse. At Total Implants & Periodontics, we provide many periodontal treatment services for our patients including scaling and root planing in Fort Mill, SC.

If you have had previous treatment for gum disease, you may have had great results, and your gums have improved or stopped bleeding. Once you have suffered from gum disease, it is important to keep up with your oral hygiene and gum treatments, because gum bleeding and disease can reoccur. Brushing and flossing around the gums carefully at home help continue to keep your teeth and gum free of disease.

How Do I Care for My Gums and Prevent Gum Disease from Returning?

Routine dental cleanings and periodontal treatment help to get rid of plaque and bacteria that cause gum disease to return or get worse. Scaling and root planing is a great technique to remove plaque and tarter, and also helps to smooth out the surface of your gums. This procedure shrinks periodontal pockets to prevent future bacteria from entering the area. Dr. Samir Patel, our dentist in Fort Mill, SC recommends that patients come in for their regular dental exams twice a year, and for periodontal treatment at least once a year.

Keeping up with good oral hygiene is the most important part of preventing gum disease. Dr. Patel also recommends patients brush twice a day, and floss once a day. If you keep up with your oral hygiene you can reverse gum disease, and never have to deal with painful bleeding gums again. Attending your regular dental exams can help keep an eye on any developing periodontal pockets, and stop gum disease in its tracks.

Staying on top of your general health is also important. This includes avoiding alcohol or smoking, and staying away from sugary drinks. Taking care of both your oral and general health is imperative, to ensure your teeth and gums will last you a lifetime.

Our team at Total Implants & Periodontics provides a detailed consultation process to examine your teeth and gums and determine if you can benefit from periodontal treatment. Our creates a customized treatment plan to help restore your gums and teeth and keep any signs of inflammation or gum disease from progressing further.

Looking for Gum Disease Treatment Near You?

Choosing the best option is important, and our team at Total Implants & Periodontics is here to help give you all of the options available to achieve that bright white smile. We welcome all patients, and strive to always provide quality service our patients can count on.

If you are interested in finding out more about gum disease treatments in Fort Mill, SC, please contact Dr. Samir Patel to schedule your consultation.

The Procedure

The Recovery Period

Looking for Gum Grafts Near You?

What Is Dental Surgery?

Should You Expect Scarring From Dental Surgery?

Best Ways to Heal From Dental Surgery

Getting Dental Surgery in Fort Mill

What is Gum Graft Surgery?

What Causes Gum Recession?

Recovery from Gum Graft Surgery

How Can I Schedule an Appointment?

What Can I Do About Receding Gums?

What Are Symptoms of Receding Gums?

What Causes Gum Recession?

Other Causes of Gum Recession

What Are My Treatment Options for Receding Gums?

How Can I Schedule an Appointment?