gum disease - Total Implants and Periodontics

August 27, 2021August 15, 2021 by Admin

Scaling and root planing helps to clean the teeth and remove plaque on both the tooth and root surfaces. This periodontal procedure is done to deep clean and remove plaque buildup from the gums and teeth. If you have periodontal pockets or swollen gums, scaling and root planning can help restore your gums and prevent tooth loss.

What Can I Expect Before My Treatment?

Before your treatment you may be required to take antibiotics. There is risk of infection with scaling and root planing because of the bacteria that is cleaned out during the procedure. With a deep cleaning treatment, sometimes bacteria can be released into the bloodstream during the process.

Scaling and root planing may cause some discomfort. To keep patients relaxed and comfortable, we may apply topical or local anesthetic to the area. This numbs the gums where we are working. Minor bleeding and swelling may occur, but this should subside after a few days.

Other risks include issues with gum reattachment, gum recession, or nerve damage. These side effects are rare, and most patients have no issues after their treatment. The most common side effect is pain and sensitivity after the procedure.

How Is the Recovery Process?

Most patients experience pain and sensitivity after the procedure. This typically lasts between 5 to 7 days or up to a few weeks, and this varies per patient. To help with sensitivity we recommend eating a soft food diet, and avoid drinking any hot or cold beverages. Over the counter medications can be taken, and we recommend brushing and flossing regularly to keep up with your oral hygiene at home. Patients can rinse with warm salt water to ease the pain during recovery. Overall, the healing process is quick, and patients can return to normal activity soon after their treatment.

Scaling and root planing helps to stop gum disease, and promotes healing where your gums are inflamed. This procedure can eliminate bad breath and protect the roots of your teeth.

Interested in Finding Out More?

At Total Implants & Periodontics, we have years of periodontal experience, and love to help our patients. Taking care of your teeth and gums is important, and our team is here to help. Gum disease should always be treated, and can lead to more serious issues in the future if it is not addressed properly.

If you are interested in finding out more about how scaling and root planing can benefit you, contact Total Implants & Periodontics, and our friendly staff will assist you.

August 27, 2021August 1, 2021 by Admin

Decay can deteriorate our teeth and over time if not treated, the teeth can become loose and even fall out. Decay damages teeth and can cause dental abscesses that can become serious if not treated. When you have plaque build up the plaque uses the sugars in the food you eat to create acids. These acids are what damages and eats away at the enamel on our teeth.

During the decay process there are various phases that happen. These signs can indicate that you need to see your dentist to try and remove the plaque before it is too late. At Total Implants & Periodontics, we focus on prevention and teach our patients how to practice good oral hygiene habits at home. Taking care of our teeth from children through adulthood is important, and can prevent many serious issues as we get older.

What Are the Stages of Tooth Decay?

Plaque buildup can cover the surfaces of your teeth, and if you do not have your teeth cleaned regularly this plaque can turn into hard tarter. Once the tarter develops this makes it difficult to remove the bacteria that are causing the plaque.

Enamel Breakdown

The outer layer of your teeth is made up of enamel. Enamel is very durable and made of many minerals. When your teeth are exposed to plaque bacteria, the acids attack the enamel and break down. Some patients may notice white spots developing on their teeth. This indicates the decay has reached the enamel.

Decay of Enamel

Once the decay begins to attack the enamel of the tooth, the enamel will just continue to break down. If you notice a white spot on your tooth, this may turn darker or brown at this stage of decay. Eventually, cavities develop, and you must visit your dentist to have the area filled.

Effects on Dentin

Dentin is the layer beneath the enamel. This layer is a lot softer and not as durable as enamel. If acid reaches this layer, it can really cause damage quickly. Once the bacteria and decay reach the dentin of your tooth you may develop sensitivity to hot or cold.

Damage to the Pulp Area

If you notice swelling in or around a tooth this may indicate you have damage to the pulp area of the tooth. This area contains many nerves and blood vessels. When the pulp area swells, this can push on the nerves and cause severe pain.

Abscessed Tooth

If the decay has reached the pulp area of the tooth, the bacteria can cause an infection. You may notice pus around the area. Abscesses can cause severe pain in the mouth and jaw. Swelling may be present in the gums, face, or neck. If you think you have an abscess, we recommend calling our office right away. At this point treatment may require removing the tooth, or the tooth may fall out on its own.

What Treatment Is Available?

Depending on the level of decay and severity of damage will determine what treatment is required. Our doctors have years of experience in periodontics, and always have our patients’ best interest in mind. Our team will evaluate the area, and develop a customized treatment plan. We will discuss treatment options, and always try and save the tooth before we resort to removal.

If the patient only has decay in the enamel layer most likely a filling can correct the issue, and preserve the tooth. For teeth that have decay on the dentin layer, this may require a filling and a crown. When patients come in with pulp damage, a root canal may be needed to help save the tooth and clean out any infection. If the patient has an abscess and the damage is so severe that saving the tooth is not possible, we may resort to removing the tooth completely. If tooth removal is required, our team will discuss tooth restoration options to restore your smile.

At Total Implants & Periodontics your oral health is our priority, and we strive to provide the highest level of care to all of our patients. We use state of the art equipment, and use the latest tools and techniques in the dental industry. Our doctors and staff have specialized training for dental emergencies, and can handle any type of emergency that comes our way.

Interested in Making an Appointment?

If you are in severe pain and think you have an issue with a tooth due to decay, contact Total Implants & Periodontics, and we can rid you of pain, and get you on the road to recovery. We provide quality and affordable dental care you can trust.

To schedule your appointment contact Total Implants & Periodontics, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

July 15, 2021 by Admin

Gum disease or periodontal disease is when you have inflammation of the gums. Gum disease breaks down the tissue around our teeth and gums, and if not treated can lead to tooth loss. In recent studies doctors have looked at the correlation between gum disease and heart disease. Heart disease is when the blood vessels around the heart are narrow or blocked.

What Is the Correlation Between Gum Disease and Heart Disease?

According to a research study in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine, people who treated their gum disease had less cardiovascular issues compared to other people that did not seek oral treatment. This indicates that gum disease does affect our heart health. Other studies have found that there is a direct link between our oral health and our heart health. Gum disease can increase a person’s risk of heart disease by 20 percent. The inflammation in the gums can cause narrowing of the arteries, and can result in heart conditions.

Gum disease is also linked to other conditions if not treated. These conditions include respiratory disease such as pneumonia, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoporosis. If you have diabetes, research suggests that you may have a greater chance of developing gum disease in the future. This is due to the inflammation and the risk of infection.

How Can We Help?

At Total Implants & Periodontics, we focus on prevention and help patients take control of their oral health. If you notice inflammation of the gums, and think you may have gum disease, we encourage you to call our office. Gum disease can progress and lead to unstable teeth, or even tooth loss if not treated.

Taking care of your oral health is important because the health of your mouth is directly linked to your overall health. Our team has years of experience in treating gum disease, and we give patients advice on how to take care of their teeth and gums at home. Practicing good oral hygiene is important as well as attending your regular visits to our office. Dental exams can ensure your gums look healthy, and allow our team to get in front of any issues before gum disease develops.

Ready to Schedule Your Appointment?

If you are due for your regular dental exam and cleaning, or are concerned you may have gum disease, contact Total Implants & Periodontics, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you. We provide honest and quality dental care you can trust, and we look forward to you joining our dental family.

October 19, 2022May 15, 2021 by Admin

Gum disease is a serious problem, and if not addressed can cause many different health issues in the future. One of the most important things in life is to take care of your teeth and gums. Our mouths are linked to many other parts of our body, and the health of the oral cavity is important in keeping your body healthy.

We are proactive about your oral health. Attending regular visits to our office for your exam can prevent serious issues, and allows our team to monitor your oral health. Gum disease should never ben left untreated. If you think you may have gum disease or inflammation, we encourage you to contact our office.

Is There a Link Between Gum Disease and Risk of Death?

Gum disease involves inflammation and infection. This requires your immune system to attack the infection and work overtime. The constant inflammation can cause damage to your body over time. Inflammation is dangerous and is linked to cancer and other medical conditions. Medical conditions such as heart disease or diabetes are serious, and can develop in patients that suffer from gum disease.

Our teeth are used for eating and allow us to consume nutrition. If you are missing your teeth due to gum disease, you may miss out on the vital nutrition needed to stay healthy. Patients that can not eat normally may resort to foods or drinks that are not as healthy, or have a higher sugar content.

The best way to prolong your life is to keep your body healthy. This starts with prevention and good oral and overall hygiene. Brushing and flossing each day along with visiting your dentist can get in front or any issues with gum disease early, and prevent future medical conditions that may jeopardize your life.

Dentist X offers many periodontal treatments as well as tooth replacement, and restoration options for our patients. Take charge of your oral health and schedule your consultation today. We will give you thorough exam, and create a customized treatment plan that works for you.

Our facility provides a comfortable and relaxing setting using state of the art technology. Our doctor shave years of experience in periodontics and restoration, and can help restore your smile.

Let us help you take charge of your oral health and get you on the road to healthier gums!

Interested in Finding Out More?

If you think you may have the start of gum disease, or would like to find out more information on gum disease treatments, contact Total Implants & Periodontics, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

October 19, 2022May 1, 2021 by Admin

If you suffer from periodontal disease good oral hygiene is extremely important at home. If a patient has periodontal disease, they may have periodontal pockets which are areas under the gum where bacteria can collect over time. This can cause inflammation, infection, bone, and tooth loss.

At Total Implants & Periodontics, we provide many periodontal services for patients that have periodontal disease. Scheduling a consultation in our office allows our doctors to look at your teeth and gums, and determine the best course of treatment. Depending on the severity of your gums, will determine what treatment is needed.

Can Using a Water Flosser Help?

If you have periodontal disease traditional cleaning methods at home can not reach the bacteria properly. These methods are not able to clean deeply enough where the gums are inflamed. To help your oral hygiene routine at home and treat periodontal disease, using a water flosser can make a difference. Water flossers are easy to use and can reach up to 90% of your gum pocket.

A water flosser can remove plaque and improve your gum health. The flosser has a soft rubber tip that is gentle and does not irritate the gums. If you have severe periodontal pockets, we may recommend gum surgery in our office. Our periodontal pocket reduction procedures help to remove bacteria from those deep pockets, and eliminate areas where bacteria can collect in the future. Our procedures also promote healthy bone growth.

We recommend scheduling a consultation in our office for an exam to determine what treatment is best for you. During your consultation our staff will take x-rays, discuss your health history, and create a customized treatment plan. This allows the patient to ask any questions, and discuss concerns they may have with our team.

If you notice inflammation or have receding gums this should be treated. Gum recession that is left untreated can develop into more serious issues in the future.

Interested in finding Out More?

If you are interested in finding out more about treating periodontal disease at home, or what in-office treatments are available, please contact Total Implants & Periodontics, 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.

What Can I Expect Before My Treatment?