Be On The Lookout For Warning Signs Of Gum Disease

Would you know how to spot warning signs of gum disease in your periodontal tissue? There are several different issues that can tip you off to a possible problem. Some patients will see that their gum line has receded, exposing areas of their teeth that were previously covered. If this has occurred, it can also lead to issues of sensitivity, as these portions of your teeth can be more vulnerable to heat and cold. Other signs include redness, swelling, and a sensitivity to bleeding. If you see evidence of a periodontal infection, it is important that you take action quickly. If you do nothing, you run the risk of developing advanced gum disease, which can seriously jeopardize your smile. A scaling/root planing can help you stop the development of an infection. (more…)

Relief For Anxious Patients Is Available With Nitrous Oxide

When you suffer from dental anxiety, it can feel like there is no way to avoid having an unpleasant experience at the dentist’s office. Anxious patients can suffer different degrees of discomfort; for some, the thought of a routine dental appointment will be enough to feel distressing. What you should know is that your dentist can help alleviate your condition by supplying you with nitrous oxide to help you with your dental anxiety. Nitrous oxide is safe, and its effects wear off quickly. Breathed during your treatment, the gas can create a relaxed sensation, and make your visit a more comfortable one. (more…)

3 Things You Miss When You Skip Dental Checkups

What are you missing out on when you leave dental checkups off your schedule? The simple answer is that missing appointments leaves you vulnerable to dental problems, and to missing signs of oral health trouble. At every appointment, you receive the combined care of a professional dental cleaning, and an evaluation. The cleaning removes tartar and other debris from your teeth, and helps protect them from a future buildup of harmful materials. The review makes it possible for your dentist to identify trouble, and recommend any necessary restorative dental care while an issue is in its early stages. (more…)

Quiz: Restorative Treatment Using A Dental Crown

You may know someone who has a dental crown, or several crowns, and have no idea – even if the crown is located in a prominent part of their smile. This is possible because your dentist is able to make crowns with ceramic, and those restorations can pass for natural teeth. Crowns are used for restorative dental care when a tooth is affected by damage too large for a dental filling to correct. The type of crown you receive will depend on the demands that will be placed on it, and on the impact its presence will have on your smile. In addition to ceramic, zirconia can also be used to make a convincing restoration. Metal and porcelain fused to metal crowns may look less natural, but they can provide you with superior protection. (more…)

The Link Between A Scaling/Root Planing And Gum Disease

When is it appropriate to undergo a scaling/root planing? This procedure goes beyond the standard professional cleaning you undergo during a routine dental checkup. This preventive treatment involves the accessing of your teeth under your gum line. Bacteria found under your gums will be removed, and the surfaces of teeth will be polished in order to make it harder for future bacteria to take hold. This is recommended for patients who have gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease. Without intervention, gingivitis can turn into the more severe periodontitis, which is not reversible, and will create serious oral health threats. (more…)