Periodontics 4 - Total Implants and Periodontics

June 2, 2021July 28, 2020 by Admin

Switching dentists can be a hard decision, but patients need to make a change if they notice things aren’t working out with the current practice. Knowing when to make the move can be hard, but there are some tips you can follow to help you find your new dental office or dental clinic in the Fort Mill area.

There are signs you can look out for that indicate it may be time to start your search to find your next dental practice. At Total Implants & Periodontics, we welcome new patients to our practice, and strive to provide exceptional service to patients of all ages. We know how important finding the right dentist is, and we go above and beyond to provide the highest level of service and care for our patients!

What Are Some Signs That Indicate it May Be Time to Switch Dental Practices?

Your dentist has retired or moved
You have decided to move away from the area
Appointments tend to be at inconvenient times
Getting to your dentist is difficult, and the practice may be in an inconvenient location
The practice does not offer the dental procedures you need
Your friends or family have recommended another practice that sounds like it may be a better fit
You have had to call the billing department and dispute charges multiple times
Your dental insurance has changed
You do not feel comfortable with the recommended treatment plan at your current dentist

How Should I Go About Switching Dentists?

Once you have made the decision to switch dentists you can focus on finding your new practice. Making sure the new dentist is a good fit is important, and there are many things to consider. Think about what type of dental practice you would like for you and your family. Would a family practice work better and if so, make sure the new practice can provide all of the necessary services for your entire family. Research if the practice offers orthodontics if you have teenagers, should you need that type of treatment. This will help to eliminate the need for switching dentists again in the future.

Do your research and check out some online reviews to read about the dentist’s certifications or background. Read about the mission statement to understand the practice values, and how the practice is run. Make sure the facility is updated, and has the latest technology and advanced procedures available.

Once you have done your research and have found a dentist you think may be a good fit, schedule a visit to check out the practice. This way you can see firsthand if you are comfortable, and if your family would benefit from joining the practice.

When visiting the office take mental notes of important things such as how you are treated during your visit, and how long it takes you to get to and from the practice. Ask the staff if you can have a tour of the office to ensure the practice meets your expectations.

Looking for a quality Dentist Near You?

If you are looking for a family friendly dentist near you, contact Dr. Samir Patel for your next dental cleaning. Our goal is to provide exceptional service in a family friendly environment. Our staff is available to answer any questions you may have, and we welcome all new patients to our office.

If you are interested in scheduling your next dental cleaning with us, please contact Total Implants & Periodontics in Fort Mill, SC, and one of our staff members will be happy to assist you.

June 11, 2020 by Admin

Dental cleanings are integral part of our oral health, and are typically recommended twice a year. Keeping our teeth and gums free and clear of harmful bacteria is important. At Toatl Implants & Periodontics, our team is proud to offer general dental treatments like dental cleanings in Fort Mill, SC. We strive to provide quality services for our patients, and always make sure our patients are relaxed and comfortable during their visit.

However, some patients have asked us if having their teeth cleaned regularly can damage the enamel on our teeth. We hope that this article can help address this common concern.

Can Dental Cleanings Damage Enamel?

Dental cleanings do not damage the enamel on your teeth! Cleanings safely remove the plaque and bacteria that builds up over time on the teeth and under the gums. If teeth are not cleaned regularly inflammation can occur, and this can lead to gum disease. Brushing at home is a great way to remove bacteria from the teeth, but brushing cannot clean our teeth like a professional cleaning. Our certified hygienists provide quality cleanings to keep your teeth and mouth healthy.

If teeth are cleaned improperly at home or by a non-professional, damage can occur to the enamel. Enamel is extremely durable, and it is hard to chip or damage during cleaning exams. Enamel can wear off if patients suffer from bruxism, or use harsh brushing strokes while brushing their teeth at home. Acidic foods or drinks can also cause erosion to enamel on our teeth.

If you have concerns about the condition of the enamel on your teeth, please let our team know when you schedule your appointment.

What Should I Expect During my Cleaning Appointment?

Dental cleanings in our office typically take anywhere from 30-45 minutes. X-rays are taken if needed, and carefully reviewed during your exam to help our team to provide a customized treatment plan for each patient. Our skilled hygienists use special tools to carefully remove the hard layer of plaque from a patient’s teeth, and we ensure your mouth is free of any plaque or bacteria. Our staff will discuss the health of your teeth and gums, and will recommend further treatment if needed.

Your oral health is extremely important to us, and we encourage our patients to keep up with regularly scheduled dental cleanings to keep their teeth looking and feeling great. Regular dental cleanings are a great way to prevent future issues. Dental exams give us the opportunity to catch any potential issues early, and prevent serious issues from developing.

Looking for a quality Dentist in Fort Mill for your next Dental Exam?

If you are looking for a family friendly dentist in Fort Mill, SC contact Dr. Samir Patel for your next dental cleaning. Our goal is to provide exceptional service in a family friendly environment. Our staff is available to answer any questions you may have, and we welcome all new patients to our office.

If you are interested in scheduling your next dental cleaning with us, please contact Total Implants & Periodontics, and one of our staff members will be happy to assist you.

June 2, 2021June 11, 2020 by Admin

Dental Veneers and Dental Implants both can give patients a beautiful white smile. Deciding what restorative or cosmetic option works best for you depends on the condition of your teeth. Our staff at Total Implants & Periodontics in Fort Mill, SC provides cosmetic and restorative consultations to all our patients to take a detailed look at your mouth and determine a customized treatment plan that works for you. We listen to your goals and look at all options to give you the opportunity to choose the best one.

So, what is the difference between the two? Typically, Dental Veneers and Dental Implants are used for different reasons. This all depends on how much damage a patient has to their teeth.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental Implants are the leading restorative solution for many patients and one of the most common procedures done today. Implants are permanent and reliable giving patients the feeling that they have natural teeth. Implants are used for patients that have lost a tooth or teeth, have suffered from periodontal disease, or an injury. Dental implants take multiple appointments across a few months to complete.

Implants last upwards of 25 years or a lifetime if taken care for properly. They provide many benefits to patients, and are comfortable in the mouth. Implants allow patients to speak, eat, and function just like they would with natural teeth.

As part of our evaluation process, Dr. Samir Patel will determine if the patient has enough bone present in the jaw to support the implants. If needed, bone grafting can be done to provide the additional support. During the implant procedure metal posts are placed in the jaw, and these act similar to artificial tooth roots. These posts provide the required support needed for the implants. Once the healing process is complete, an abutment or connector is secured on top of the implants. This allows the crown to be secured on top of the implant.

Crowns are custom made to match the color, size, and shape of your teeth. Temporary crowns are used while the patient waits for the permanent crown to be placed. Practicing good oral hygiene habits and visiting our office regularly will help to keep your implants looking and feeling great.

Looking for Dental Implants in Fort Mill, SC

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 Dental Veneers or are looking to get dental implants in Fort Mill, SC please contact Dr. Samir Patel to schedule your consultation.

April 1, 2020 by Admin

Total Implants Gingivitis Image Compress 1886x1536 Min

Dealing with periodontal disease, you need to know exactly what it is. Another name for periodontal disease is ‘periodontitis. The disease is related to your connective tissues that are holding your teeth in. Once the disease has been diagnosed, it is recommended that no time is wasted otherwise, it can lead to teeth loss and can also lead to other gum issues in the future.

Periodontitis takes place when there is excessive growth of bacteria in the gums and if left untreated, can get worse with time. At first, the teeth will start getting lose and then as time goes by, there will be no teeth left. Periodontitis is a common gum disease all over the world, but in the United States, it is very common among people over the age of thirty.

What is Periodontitis?

Periodontitis is a disease of the mouth that causes inflammation and destruction of the supporting tissues of the teeth. Teeth lose the tissues that support them, like the gums and bones of the jaws. Tooth pain or increased sensitivity to the gums accompany the loosening of the teeth, which they no longer have their support tissues. Periodontitis occurs in three stages, mild, moderate, and advanced.

The first stage of the development of periodontitis is called gingivitis. Gingivitis is defined as inflammation of the gums. They are red, sensitive, and often swollen. Gingivitis is easily detectable: inflamed gums bleed when brushing teeth or flossing. Does that remind you of something?

The other two stages of periodontitis include inflammation of the bone and irreversible destruction of the gingival and bone tissues, respectively.

I absolutely love this office! Although, the distance is far, I am willing to travel. The staff is extremely welcoming and the office is nicely decorated and very clean.

Kaylee N

What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Gum Disease?

If you have ever had gingivitis, then there is a strong chance that you are going to have Periodontitis at some point. As most people already know, gingivitis is a gum disease that can cause inflammatory gums.

Another reason why people have Periodontitis is because of smoking, and it can also be inherited. Gum diseases can also take place if an individual has diabetes and if left untreated.

The most common symptom for Periodontitis is hard deposits formed on the gums that are also called bacterial plaques. This takes place due to the influence of microorganisms which slowly build themselves.

While these plaques are considered as the common symptoms, there are many others that can indicate you have Periodontitis. For example, halitosis, bleeding gums, swelling and redness. You can notice these symptoms around the teeth area where the bone shrinking has started to take place.

How Can I Prevent Gum Disease?

Precaution is better than cure and those are the words to live by, especially when you want to take care of your teeth. Having a great and disease-free smile can make all the difference in the world, but you need to have some prevention tactics against Periodontitis to make this happen.

When dealing with such mouth diseases, it is recommended that you make suitable prevention tactics before the situation gets any worse. Brushing twice a day, flossing and using mouthwash are some of the few home remedies that will not cost you much.

Another recommendation is to visit a dentist or a dental surgeon regularly. Visiting an experienced surgeon and dental expert can ensure healthy teeth for you. Make sure you also have a good paediatric dentist so that your kids at home can have healthy teeth and avoid any future damages and deformation in their teeth.

Contact Total Implants & Periodontics in Fort Mill, SC

Dr. Samir Patel & his friendly team at Total Implants & Periodontics are trained, skilled, and eager to assist patients with gum disease treatments in Fort Mill, SC. If you would like a consultation or are ready for an appointment, please contact our office today! We look forward to helping you improve your oral health.

March 1, 2020 by Admin

What Makes You A Good Candidate For Soft Tissue Grafting

One of the more common dental problems that patients will mention during their appointment at our dental office in Fort Mill, SC are itchy gums. Patients often will ask how their gums became itchy in the first place or how they can treat this ailment.

This article will explore itchy gums, it’s causes, and possible treatments that you can pursue.

What Causes Itchy Gums?

Itchy gums might be a product of viral, bacterial infections, or fungal, nutritional deficiencies, certain medications, teeth grinding, improperly fitting dentures, stress, allergies, or periodontal diseases.

That’s why you schedule your visit to your dentist as soon as possible. Tell your dentist every single detail like, what symptoms started, what kind of home remedies you have been tried, and what makes this problem worse. If you have any other medical problem, tell your dentist about that and what sort of medicines you’re taking to resolve them as well.

Meet Dr. Samir Patel !

Our Fort Mill periodontist, Dr. Samir Patel, has extensive education & experience in the field of periodontics!

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What is Periodontitis?

The other two stages of periodontitis include inflammation of the bone and irreversible destruction of the gingival and bone tissues, respectively.

Professional Dentist and staff. I was very nervous before getting oral surgery, they answered all my questions and were very responsive to my concerns

Jennifer J

How Can I Treat My Itchy Gums?

Just as there are several causes for itchy gums, so too are there several different options that you can pursue for correcting your gums. Here are some common methods that our patients pursue:

Get a Diagnosis or Test

First, your dentist may test or check for gingivitis, which is a slight form of gum disease for various reasons. The dentist is able to diagnose gingivitis or the other causes of your itchy gums by examining gums, oral cavity, and teeth. Your dentist will check the gums for puffiness, easy bleeding, and redness, which are gingivitis symptoms.

Have Your Teeth Cleaned

In the majority of the cases, gingivitis and itchy gums are led by a buildup of tartar or plaque. Deep cleaning can remove the cause of the itchy gums as well as promote overall oral hygiene. Your dentist will clean your teeth by following one of these procedures.

For instance, scaling that removes tartar below or above your gum line and root planning, in that your dentist scales the root surface of your tooth, you will get rid of infected areas and bacteria. This easy surgical process is done with local anesthesia.

The laser is another way to remove tartar with less bleeding or pain than root planning, as well as scaling.

Antibiotics or Antibiotic Mouthwash

Your dentist can also prescribe you an antibiotic. May those treat persistent inflammation as well as protect your teeth against tooth decay. On the other hand, your dentist may prescribe you an antibiotic mouthwash, which will disinfect the mouth as well as give you relief from itchiness. Rinse your mouth at once or twice a day with antibiotic mouthwash.

Periodontal Surgery

If you are experience itch on your gums due to severe gum disease, then you might need surgery. Only consider this option if the dentist diagnoses you in the future phases of periodontal disease. There are different kind of procedures that may assist you:

Such as flap surgeries that involve detaching your gums from the tooth as well as bone, remove the plaque, and suturing the gums to fit cozily around the teeth. You will not feel anything during the procedure because this surgery performs with local anesthesia.

There are other different ways you get rid of the itchiness. It depends on your severity as well as your overall oral health.

Looking for a Periodontist in Fort Mill?

Dr. Samir Patel has extensive experience providing gum disease treatments in Fort Mill, SC! If you have any additional questions about periodontics or would like to learn more about us, please contact our staff today! We look forward to improving your oral health!

February 1, 2020 by Admin

While oral problems can arise for anyone at any age, older individuals are often suspetible for certain types of oral diseases.

This article will tell you more about the subject and we give you some tips to avoid those inconveniences that arise in the teeth and mouth with aging.

Dr. Patel is caring, professional and knowledgable. I’ve had to have a lot of dental work done recently and I’m so glad to have found him. He works well with my dentist to come up with the best plan for me.

Amy DZ

What Oral Problems Exist in the Elderly?

There are several oral problems that occur frequently in the elderly. Since the body and the oral cavity also undergo changes. 

Some of the most common diseases include:

Tooth Sensitivity

There are many causes of tooth sensitivity and one of them is aging. This is because the gums begin to contract. That is, they go down and move away from the teeth. This exposes the teeth much more, especially in areas that are not protected by enamel. This causes the mouth to be more sensitive to external stimuli such as cold, hot foods or drinks and even sugar. To solve it, you can use toothpaste, specially created for sensitive teeth. But if the problem persists it is advisable to go to the dentist.

Tooth Loss

About 20% of the elderly suffer from this problem. The loss of teeth not only affects confidence, but makes it difficult to do everyday things like chewing or talking.

This occurs because the teeth have less protection and eventually become damaged or worn. That is why many older adults choose to use dentures or implants. That way, they can carry on their daily activities easily.

Dry Mouth

As we mentioned, over the years, saliva production decreases. This is further enhanced because that many elderlies take medications that could cause dry mouth leaving the teeth a little more unprotected.

Cavities

Other oral problems that elderly people may have are cavities. Enamel wear allows teeth to be more prone to them. This can be aggravated if there is no good hygiene.

The oral health in older people must go hand in hand with a more complete hygiene routine. Especially since tooth decay can become bigger problems for the elderly.

Periodontal Disease

This problem can begin to manifest from the age of 40. The most common signs are bleeding, inflammation of the gums, bad breath and bad taste in the mouth. Periodontal diseases can be prevented with good dental hygiene. It should be noted that gum problems can lead to gingivitis or periodontitis. So, it is always important that if you bleed easily go to the dentist for a review.

Looking for a Great Dentist in Fort Mill, SC?

Dr. Samir Patel, our periodontist in Fort Mill, SC, provides comprehensive periodontal treatments & dental care. If you would like to learn more about how to prevent oral problems from arising in the elderly or are looking to schedule an appointment, please reach out to our staff today! We pride ourselves on our friendliness!