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Periodontal Plastic Surgery and Cosmetic Treatments

Periodontal Plastic Surgery and Cosmetic Treatments

Dental Implants
A dental Implant is an artificial tooth root that is placed into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. Dental implants are the answer for many people with missing or damaged teeth, and they are a long-term solution that look, feel and function like natural teeth.

Root Coverage
Root coverage procedures are often used to treat gums that have receded to the point that the roots of a tooth are exposed. During the procedure, your periodontist will take gum tissue from the roof of your mouth to cover the root and develop tissue where needed.

Ridge Augmentation
Ridge augmentation procedures are often performed to correct irregularities in the gums and jaw after tooth extraction. A periodontist may also perform a ridge augmentation to prevent the jawbone from collapsing after a tooth extraction.

Pocket-Depth Reduction
Bone and gum tissue should fit snugly around the teeth.  In cases of advanced periodontal disease, deep pockets can form in the spaces between the gum and tooth, providing a space for additional bacteria to fester and cause further damage to gum and bone. Your periodontist clears the pockets of any bacteria and infection and retightens the gum tissue around the tooth.

Crown Lengthening
Crown lengthening is a procedure where excess gum tissue is removed to expose more of the "crown," the white enamel-covered part of the tooth. This procedure is performed on patients who have a "gummy smile" in which teeth appear too short or gum seems uneven. This can be administered to one tooth or to enhance the entire smile.

Combination Procedures
Sometimes, you may need a few of these procedures to build the framework for the perfect smile. A combination of periodontal procedures can result in a beautiful new smile and improved periodontal health!

Preventing Childhood Periodontal Disease

Preventing Childhood Periodontal Disease
Consider these tips:

*When your child is 12 months old, you can begin using toothpaste when brushing his or her teeth. It is important to start flossing when the gaps between your child's teeth close.

*Serve as a good role model by practicing good dental hygiene habits yourself.

*Schedule regular dental visits for family checkups, comprehensive periodontal evaluations, and bi-annual cleanings.

*Check your child's mouth for signs of periodontal disease. Symptoms include bleeding gums, swollen and bright red gums, gums that are receding from the teeth and bad breath.

*Early diagnosis ensures the greatest chance for successful treatment in people of all ages. Children should receive a periodontal examination as part of their routine dental visits.

*Hormonal changes in teenagers can put them at risk for periodontal disease. During puberty, an increased level of hormones can cause a surge in blood circulation to the gums. During this time, the gums may become swollen, turn red and feel tender.

Periodontal Disease and Diabetes

Periodontal Disease and Diabetes

About the Conditions
Diabetes is one of the leading causes of death in the U.S., affecting nearly 26 million Americans. Diabetes causes the body not to produce or properly supply insulin, a hormone needed to convert sugar (or glucose) into energy.

People with diabetes are 2-4 times more likely to develop periodontal disease than those without diabetes. Additionally, people with diabetes tend to experience more severe levels of bone loss and more aggressive disease activity.

The tooth loss seen as a result of severe untreated periodontal disease can make chewing and digesting food difficult, having a negative impact on a diabetic's ability to maintain proper nutrition and control his or her blood sugar levels. Periodontal disease also raises a person's systemic inflammatory signals, which increases blood sugar.

Diagnosis and Treatment
Although a regular oral hygiene routine is important for everyone to follow, people with diabetes should be particularly diligent about how they care for their gums and teeth. People with diabetes should undergo a yearly comprehensive periodontal evaluation.
If periodontal disease is detected, a periodontist can provide treatment that can stop the disease and bring the gums back to a state of health, preventing additional bone or tooth loss. In fact, periodontal treatment has been shown to improve blood sugar levels in people with diabetes!

Tip
People with diabetes may want to schedule their dental appointments early in the morning after they have eaten a normal breakfast in order to stabilize blood sugar and prevent a severe or sudden drop in blood sugar levels.

Periodontal Disease and Reducing Inflammation

Periodontal Disease and Reducing Inflammation

Periodontal disease (also known as gum disease) is a chronic inflammatory condition in which plaque bacteria accumulate below the gum line. Over time, the inflammatory response to the bacteria can cause the erosion of the gum tissue and supporting bone. If left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss.
The good news is that through such treatments as scaling and root planing, Dr. Bass and Dr. Hall can help you reduce the inflammation in your gums. There are a few things you can do at home to help reduce inflammation in your mouth and body.
Diet
Foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidant-rich green tea!
Exercise
Regular moderate exercise may help reduce inflammation and stress.
Brushing and Flossing
Brushing twice a day and floss daily.
If periodontal disease does develop, Dr. Hall and Dr. Bass can develop an effective treatment plan for your unique needs.

Preventing Periodontal Disease

Preventing Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is caused when bacteria in plaque (a sticky, colorless film that forms in the mouth) builds up between the gums and teeth. When the bacteria begin to grow, the gums surrounding the tooth can become inflamed.

If left untreated, this inflammation can cause the gums and supporting bone structure to deteriorate. This can lead to gum recession or even tooth loss. In addition, research has shown that gum disease may be associated with other diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease.

Luckily, periodontal disease can be preventable. Adding these habits to your daily routine can help.

Brush your teeth. Brushing after meals helps remove food debris and plaque trapped between your teeth and gums. Don’t forget to include your tongue, bacteria loves to hide there.

Floss. Flossing at least once a day helps remove food particles and plaque between teeth and along the gum line that your toothbrush can’t quite reach.

Swish with mouthwash. Using a mouthwash can help reduce plaque and can remove remaining food particles that brushing and flossing missed.

Know your risk. Age, smoking, diet and genetics can all increase your risk for periodontal disease. If you are at increased risk, be sure to talk with your dental professional.

See a periodontist. Get an annual comprehensive periodontal evaluation (CPE) from a dental professional. A CPE looks at your teeth, plaque level, gums, bite, bone structure and other risk factors for periodontal disease. Identifying symptoms of gum disease early is key to protecting your teeth and gums.

Life is Less Satisfying When Living with Gum Disease

Life is Less Satisfying When Living with Gum Disease, Says New Study

Many people are aware that gum disease can lead to tooth loss and has been associated with other chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and various cancers. A new study published in the American Academy of Periodontology’s Journal of Periodontology found another reason to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Researchers found that gum disease, also called periodontal disease, can significantly impact a person’s quality of life.

The study, titled “Impact Of Periodontal Disease Experience On Oral Health-Related Quality Of Life,” found that those with periodontal disease (as indicated by bone loss) experienced a worse oral health-related quality of life, including functional limitation, psychological discomfort, and social disability. Many had difficulty pronouncing words, and experienced a decline in tasting the flavor of and eating foods. In addition, sufferers of periodontal disease reported feeling insecure, tense, embarrassed, and irritated, often finding it difficult to relax and do normal daily activities.

“We have long known that gum disease can lead to tooth loss and is linked to other diseases. However, this study demonstrates that periodontal disease can affect a person’s overall quality of life,” says Nancy L. Newhouse, DDS, MS, President of the American Academy of Periodontology. “These is why periodontists strongly encourage everyone to brush twice a day, floss at least daily, and receive a comprehensive periodontal evaluation from a periodontist or dentist annually to prevent gum disease,” urges Dr. Newhouse. “If improving your quality of life isn’t motivation enough, preventing gum disease may also reduce your risk of other chronic diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and even various forms of cancer.”

Gum disease is defined as a chronic, bacteria-induced inflammatory condition that attacks the gum tissue and in more severe cases, the bone supporting the teeth. If left untreated, gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, can lead to tooth loss.

Implant Supported Dentures

Implant Supported Dentures

Millions of people have experienced the benefits of implant-supported dentures.  In fact, dental implants continue to be one of the most desired dental procedures based on their ability to increase chewing efficiency, reduce bone loss and improve facial esthetics and quality of life.  For more than 30 years, implant supported dentures have improved the quality of life of patients.

An implant-supported denture differs from a regular denture in that it is attached to a cover screw that has been placed in the bon of the jaw.  A more traditional denture rests on the gums.  When patients lose teeth, surrounding bone in the jaw shrinks, causing facial structure alternations.  Implants inserted directly into the jaw help to keep those bones from shrinking. -the implant fills the gap that the roots previously occupied.  The dentures are fastened to the implant, providing a much more secure attachment.

What are the different types of implant-supported dentures?

Bar-retained:  A thin metal bar is attached in two to five areas to follow the curve of the jawbone.  Attachments are fitted to the bar and securely clipped into place

Ball-retained:  Also know as stud-attached dentures, each is fitted and attached to an implant that is placed in the jawbone.  In most cases a ball-shaped attachment is fitted into a “socket” on the denture

How stable are implant-supported dentures?

Implant-supported dentures are more stable than a regular denture.  It is easier to speak and the worry of the denture coming loose or falling out is eliminated

Are patients happy with the result?

Patients report improved function, comfort and much greater satisfaction with implant overdentures than with traditional dentures.

What causes Dry Mouth? (Xerostomia)

What causes Dry Mouth? (Xerostomia)

We all need saliva to moisten and cleanse our mouths, keep bacteria under control and to help us digest our food properly.  If we don’t produce enough saliva, we experience a dry mouth, which can be uncomfortable.  It is normal to experience a dry mouth occasionally, but if it becomes a frequent chronic problem then something may be an underlying cause.   There are several causes for dry mouth, also know in medical terms as Xerostomia.  Causes range from:

  • A side effect from prescription and non-prescription drugs used to treat everything from depression and anxiety, colds and allergies, acne, diarrhea and asthma.
  • A side effect of certain diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s, Diabetes, Sjogren’s syndrome and Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • A side effect of muscle relaxants and sedatives
  • A side effect for medical treatments that may have damaged the salivary glands, such as radiation and chemotherapy treatments.
  • Dehydration from excessive sweating, fever, blood loss or burns

Besides being uncomfortable, dry mouth can lead to more serious problems, such as increasing a person’s risk of gingivitis and gum disease

Treatments include:

  • Drink more water to keep you mouth moist
  • Suck on sugar free candy to help increase saliva
  • Protect your teeth by visiting your dentist regularly
  • Add moisture to your bedroom with a room vaporizer
  • use an artificial saliva substitute

Lasers to Treat Gum Disease

Lasers to Treat Gum Disease

In 2004, the US. Food and Drug Administration approved the LANAP (Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure) for the treatment of periodontitis or gum disease.  In LANAP periodontal surgery, a dental laser is used to treat the periodontal pocket.  The laser energy selectively removes diseased or infected pocket epithelium from the underlying connective tissue.  Since the laser energy is quite selective for pocket epithelium, it allows for healing and regeneration of the tissues.  After the LANAP procedure, most patients experience new root surface coating (cementum) and new connective tissues (periodontal ligament) formation (collagen) on tooth roots, preventing tooth loss.  Pocket depth reduction is comparable to that achieved by conventional respective surgery.  Significant post-operative reduction in gingival inflammation and bleeding on probing are the desirable results seen with the LANAP protocol.  Minimal pain is easily controlled with the use of over the counter NSAIDs such as ibuprofen.  With normal three-month periodontal recall and maintenance, the LANAP-provided new attachment is stable and has proven resistant to future periodontal breakdown.

New Reports Confirm Perio-Systemic Connection and Outline Clinical Recommendations

New Reports Confirm Perio-Systemic Connection and Outline Clinical Recommendations

The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), in collaboration with the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP), recently published a series of consensus reports that analyze the scientific evidence linking periodontal disease to other systemic diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease and adverse pregnancy outcomes.  There is strong evidence that periodontitis provides an increased risk for future cardiovascular disease.  Periodontal treatment may provide beneficial effects on diabetes outcomes and should be part of ongoing diabetes management.  The complete consensus reports are freely available online (https://www.joponline.org/toc/jop/84/4-s).

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