Frequently Asked Questions

Gum Disease FAQs

How common is gum disease?

Most people don’t realize that periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss among adults. According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one out of every two adults over the age of 30 in the United States has periodontal disease.

Why are healthy gums so important?

Your gums and teeth have an interdependent relationship, which means healthy teeth depend on the support of healthy gums. Also, taking care of your smile does more than keep your teeth and gums in optimal condition; good oral health also supports systemic health. In addition to being the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, researchers are finding more and more links between periodontal disease and a number of medical problems, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory problems, and adverse pregnancy outcomes such as pre-term and low birth-weight babies.

What are the best ways to manage and treat gingivitis and periodontitis?

Although gingivitis can often be reversed with improved oral hygiene and professional cleanings, as periodontal disease advances, more extensive procedures are required to halt its progression. Based on a complete assessment of your periodontal health and a review of possible contributing factors, our office will recommend your best options in care. Treatment for periodontitis may involve a series of deeper cleanings, surgical procedures to reduce pocket depth, bone or tissue grafts, laser procedures, or antimicrobial medications.

Remember, prevention is the key to ongoing dental health. With routine dental care, good oral hygiene at home, and eating a nutritious diet, you can keep your smile in tip-top shape and protect your overall wellbeing.

Is it possible to improve the look of a gummy smile?

In addition to the prevention and treatment of gum disease and the placement of dental implants, periodontists are trained to perform cosmetic procedures that enhance the look of a patient’s smile. For people showing an excessive amount of gum tissue when they speak or smile, periodontal procedures to reduce the amount of excess tissue while exposing more healthy tooth structure may offer significant cosmetic improvements. Our periodontist will analyze all aspects of your smile to determine your best options in care.

Replacing Missing Teeth With Dental Implant FAQs

What causes missing teeth?

The most common reasons for tooth loss include advanced gum disease, extensive tooth decay, or trauma. According to the numbers, gum disease is responsible for close to 70% of the cases of tooth loss in adults. While the percentage is lower, it should also be noted that certain diseases, drugs, smoking, and poor nutrition also contribute to the risk of tooth loss.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants represent the most advanced method for the replacement of missing teeth. As small, biocompatible surgical posts, dental implants behave in much the same way as the roots of natural teeth. Used to replace a single tooth or multiple ones, including all of the upper or lower teeth, dental implants can support a range of prostheses from an individual crown to fixed bridges and dentures. Dental implants offer satisfying, long-lasting, functional solutions for rebuilding a complete smile.

What are the benefits of getting dental implants?

Dental implants offer several advantages over traditional methods of tooth replacement. Out of all the tooth replacement methods available today, dental implants come the closest to replicating the look, feel, and function of a natural smile. Dental implants offer a range of solutions to replace individual teeth, multiple ones, and even rebuild a complete smile when all the teeth are missing. With dental implants, it’s completely unnecessary to prepare or involve the surrounding natural teeth to establish support. Dental implants are also not susceptible to tooth decay. And, much like the roots of natural teeth, dental implants provide ongoing stimulation to the surrounding bone and soft tissues to prevent bone shrinkage and the sagged-in facial contours that develop with tooth loss.

Why might I need a bone graft to get a dental implant?

The long-term stability and success of a dental implant depend on precise placement and the presence of sufficient bone. In cases of periodontal disease or following the extraction of a tooth, there is a loss of bone volume. By placing a bone graft in the extraction site, or prior to the placement of a dental implant, sufficient bone support for a sturdy and stable dental implant can be established

What is All-On-4®?

The All-On-4 treatment concept offers an implant-based solution to patients who have lost all of their upper and/or lower teeth. This remarkable method of care helps patients quickly rebuild complete and beautiful smiles. With All-On-4, your new and complete set of implant-supported replacement teeth feel secure, stable, and much like your very own.

What is Teeth-in-a-Day?

Teeth in a Day offers patients a convenient and highly satisfying implant-based solution for the replacement of missing teeth. In just a single visit, a complete and beautiful smile can be reestablished! Thanks to advanced 3-D imaging systems and integrated software, the entire procedure can be preplanned and executed with the ultimate precision and efficiency. This sophisticated approach to care not only eliminates the need for multiple trips to the dentist but it also supports quicker healing and recovery time.