Periodontal or gum disease is an infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth. In the early stage (gingivitis), gums may swell and bleed easily; in the more advanced stage, teeth can loosen and fall out. Good oral hygiene and regular dental exams are essential in gum disease prevention.
Gum Therapy
Once upon a time, patients with gum disease could expect to lose their teeth at an early age. Gum disease has also been shown to increase a person’s risk of cardiovascular disease. Surgical treatment used to be the only option to try and prevent this, but dentists were not always able to stop the disease from progressing. Now we have learned that gum disease is caused by a bacterial infection, and have developed non-surgical treatment plans to stop or slow down decay so patients can keep their natural teeth.
The key to preventing gum disease is keeping the teeth free of plaque and tartar by brushing, flossing, using mouthwash and visiting the dentist for cleanings. Non-surgical treatment is geared toward eliminating the bacteria, healing any damage present, and strengthening the immune system. Patients are usually given at-home care instructions to supplement office treatment. For some patients with advanced cases, antibiotics, deep cleaning under the gums, bone grafts or gum surgery may be required; then, after treatment, gum disease may be prevented from returning with regular brushing/flossing.
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Dental implants provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function just like natural teeth. No more need to deal with uncomfortable dentures or bridges—with permanent dental implants, a person who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat and smile with effortless confidence. Dental implants can support replacements for one tooth, several teeth, or even all of the teeth. Dental implants deliver outstanding results in both appearance and function of the new teeth. Implants also help preserve facial structure, preventing the bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing.
How do dental implants work?
The dental implants themselves are titanium cylinders that are surgically implanted in the jawbone where the missing teeth were rooted. Over time, the titanium bonds with the bone, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth.
Small posts are then attached to the implant. Protruding through the gums, these posts provide stable anchors for artificial replacement teeth.
How long does the dental implantation process take?
Dental implants are placed during several appointments over many months. For example, the titanium anchors need at least three to six months to heal. During this time, you will be fitted with dentures or individual false teeth. Once the implants have healed, natural-looking crowns can be placed on the posts.
Am I a candidate for dental implants?
The number-one requirement for dental implants is sufficient, strong bone in the area beneath the missing teeth. Without enough bone, the implants will not be able to take hold in the jaw. If you do not have the bone necessary for dental implants, your dentist may recommend bone grafting—removing bone from elsewhere in the mouth or from the hip, or using artificial bone, and placing it in the jaw until it grows into the natural bone—as a first step in the dental implant process.
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What you eat affects the air you exhale. Certain foods, such as garlic and onions, contribute to objectionable breath odor. Once the food is absorbed into the bloodstream, it is transferred to the lungs, where it is expelled. Brushing, flossing and mouthwash will only mask the odor temporarily. Odors continue until the body eliminates the food. Dieters may develop unpleasant breath from infrequent eating.
If you don't brush and floss daily, particles of food remain in the mouth, collecting bacteria, which can cause bad breath. Food that collects between the teeth, on the tongue and around the gums can rot, leaving an unpleasant odor.
Bad breath can also be caused by dry mouth (xerostomia), which occurs when the flow of saliva decreases. Saliva is necessary to cleanse the mouth and remove particles that may cause odor. Dry mouth may be caused by various medications, salivary gland problems or continuously breathing through the mouth. If you suffer from dry mouth, your dentist may prescribe an artificial saliva, or suggest using sugarless candy and increasing your fluid intake.
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