As a Periodontist, I see a wide variety of mouths. Some folks have poor oral health and missing teeth because of dental fears. Some grew up not having access to good dental care or understanding its importance. Because of genetics, some were born with an oral health that would always pose challenges.

When a patient’s oral health suffers, regardless of the reason, the result, far too often, is tooth loss. No one can predict the frustration and discomfort that dentures can cause until they’ve been a long-time denture wearer. Denture problems include sore spots on tender gums, difficultly biting and chewing, embarrassment from slips, speech problems, and being self-conscious in social settings.

This is why I recommend Dental Implants. Because Dental Implants are held in the jaw bone, just as natural tooth roots, they restore stability. This means you can eat and laugh without fear of slips, chew comfortably, and feel confident in close settings with others. Plus, Dental Implants are designed to last your lifetime, making them an excellent investment.

For those who are missing natural teeth, Dental Implants provide a dependable, lasting way to have teeth that are “part of you” again. Arrange a consultation by calling (828) 274-9440. During this time, I’ll explain the types that are appropriate for your needs and answer your questions. You just may find yourself enjoying a confident new smile by Christmas!

If you learned that spending less than 5 minutes twice a day could save you hundreds of dollars, hours of time, and even prevent major diseases, it’d be foolish to NOT commit to that time. Yet, as a Periodontal Specialist, I’m privy to the vast number of adults who fail to brush and floss each day. It’s no longer just a matter of avoiding cavities. As research continues, there is more and more proof that your oral well-being affects your overall health.

Periodontal (gum) disease is now considered a medical disease. As an inflammatory disease, periodontal disease increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, kidney disease, sleep apnea, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, pneumonia, preterm births, and birth defects, to name a few.

Fifty percent of heart attacks and strokes occur in people with normal cholesterol levels. Inflammation is the key contributor to heart disease and cardiac events. Although many see a Dentist to reduce pain and restore teeth, the fact is they are also “soldiers” in protecting your overall health.

Rather than perceive a dental office as a mere ‘cleaning station’ for the mouth, think of it, also, as a heart attack, stroke, and diabetes prevention center. Rethink your relationship with dental professionals as “disease prevention specialists” and be as committed to your oral care as your dental professional is to you. Their involvement in your health care regimen – as well as the advice of brush, floss, swish, etc. – could save your life.

Instead of having one dental professional for optimal oral health, general dentists regularly team with periodontists. General dentists often refer patients to periodontists to treat more problematic periodontal cases, such as severe gum disease or intricate periodontal procedures, such as tissue grafts. Together, they are able to help patients achieve good oral health and maintain this on an ongoing basis. This team approach with your general dentist helps to create a treatment plan that best conforms to your individual needs and goals.

All periodontists must complete an additional two to three years of specialized training in periodontics following four years of undergraduate school and four years of dental school. Periodontists offer a wide range of treatments, such as scaling and root planing (which is the repair of an infected tooth root) or root surface debridement (removal of damaged tissue). While familiar with the latest techniques for diagnosing and treating periodontal disease, they are also trained in performing cosmetic procedures involving gum tissue.

Periodontists typically spend the majority of their time diagnosing and treating periodontal (gum) disease. However, they perform a wide range of procedures that involve soft tissues of the mouth. For example, they are skilled in cosmetic procedures to help create a beautiful smile, such as crown lengthening and repair of a ‘gummy smile.’ Since periodontists are dental pros when it comes to working with gum tissues, they can place dental implants skillfully without compromising gum tissues surrounding surgical site(s). They also correct gum recession by covering exposed root surfaces to prevent sensitivity to hot and cold as well as for esthetic reasons.

Periodontists are also experts in the treatment of oral inflammation. Because periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease are chronic inflammatory diseases, researchers believe that gum disease can increase inflammation in the body. This can lead to an increased risk for developing more severe health complications, including cardiovascular disease as well as diabetes and other problems. Periodontal disease has been linked to preterm babies, memory loss and stroke as well.

Ice-cream, hot coffee, steamy cocoa, or chilly chocolate pudding. If any of these send a shiver down your back from anticipating a jolt of pain in your mouth, then you likely have tooth sensitivity.

Some sensitivity is caused by exposed tooth roots. This often occurs from over-zealous brushing or using a toothpaste that is too abrasive (such as baking soda – NEVER use this on teeth!). If you use a whitening toothpaste, a key ingredient – sodium pyrophosphate – can increase tooth sensitivity. Sensitivity can also occur from receded gums caused by periodontal disease.

Another cause of sensitive teeth is the development of tiny fractures. When hot or cold seeps through these fractures to a tooth’s interior, nerves in the inner pulp react, painfully.

To lessen or halt tooth sensitivity, use a toothpaste made especially for sensitive teeth. You should also use a soft bristle toothbrush to avoid the wearing away of tender gum tissues around teeth.

It’s time to seek treatment when a tooth is sensitive for 3 – 4 days. Because sensitivity can occur for different reasons, it is important to have a tooth (or teeth) checked to determine the true cause.

If you have questions about tooth pain, call (828) 274-9440. Because EVERYONE should be able to enjoy ice-cream!