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How Does Laser Dentistry Treat Gum Disease?

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laser teeth whitening

Laser dentistry is used for periodontal treatment when a patient has inflammation in the mouth or gums. Laser treatment is an effective way to battle gum disease and provides exceptional results. Gum disease is one of the most common diseases in patients, and if left untreated it can lead to receding gums or tooth loss.

Laser periodontal treatment removes the bacteria and tissue that is inflamed and infected. This procedure is gentle and leaves your gums intact. Laser treatment is minimally invasive, and is extremely successful in restoring the gums. This treatment helps to promote gum reattachment and promotes bone growth. In some cases, laser therapy has reversed gum disease.

Laser treatment is quick with a minimal recovery. The laser minimizes any bleeding, and helps to clot exposed blood vessels. This laser actually helps to make the treated area stronger, and healing time is faster.

How Does Laser Treatment Work?

During this treatment a laser is used to target the infected areas and remove any infected tissue and bacteria. The laser is extremely precise and does not compromise or reduce gum tissue. Once the infected are is removed, root scaling is done to scrape off any plaque that has built up around the gum line or roots of the teeth. We then smooth any rough areas that are prone to catching bacteria to prevent further infection.

Common Signs That Indicate You May Need Periodontal Laser Treatment

  • Tender, swollen or bleeding gums
  • Persistent bad breath
  • Pus surround gums or teeth
  • Gums that seem to be receding or moving away from the tooth

How Can I Schedule an Appointment?

Scheduling an appointment is your first step towards healthier gums. Our team will evaluate your mouth and teeth, and determine the proper treatment needed. Leaving swollen or infected gums untreated can cause serious issues. We encourage patients that are concerned with their gum health to schedule a visit in our office. We care about our patients and always provide the highest level of care.

To schedule your appointment contact our office, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

Is Tooth Sensitivity Permanently Curable?

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Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity is a common problem, and many patients encounter pain or discomfort when they eat certain foods that are hot or cold. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, around 40 million adults suffer from sensitivity. Usually, the pain is temporary and can be treated to improve, but not cure the condition.

At West Cobb Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, we provide many general dentistry services including treatment for patients that suffer from sensitivity. We strive to provide quality dental care in a caring and friendly environment, where patients can relax during their treatment. We welcome new patients to our practice, and look forward to you joining our dental family.

What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity can happen suddenly, and to anyone. Typically, symptoms of sensitivity include a sudden sharp pain when your teeth are exposed to cold, hot, or acidic foods. Tooth sensitivity can also come after you brush or floss your teeth. Teeth whitening can cause sensitivity after treatment, so patients should consider this when they are deciding to start a whitening regimen.

Our teeth are protected by enamel, and underneath the enamel is a layer of dentin. Dentin is soft, and if the enamel on your teeth is worn down, or your gums have receded the dentin can become exposed. Dentin can be exposed from cavities or cracks in your teeth. The dentin is connected to the nerve area, and this is what can cause pain or sensitive teeth.

Other Actions That Can Cause Sensitivity

  • Brushing too vigorously
  • Gum recession from periodontal disease
  • Gingivitis
  • Teeth grinding or clenching
  • Cracked or injured teeth
  • Plaque
  • Acidic foods or drinks
  • Dental procedures such as sensitivity after a filling
  • Teeth Whitening treatments

What Treatments Are Available for Tooth Sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity can never completely go away, but there are treatments available that can help alleviate the sensitivity you experience. If you are experiencing any sensitivity, we recommend you make an appointment for an exam in our office. We can treat sensitivity easier if we know that is what is causing you pain. Never leave pain untreated as this could lead to more serious issues in the future.

Sensitivity Treatments

  • Using a toothpaste for sensitive teeth.
  • Changing to a soft bristled tooth brush.
  • Use a mouthwash that contains fluoride.
  • Avoid acidic foods or drinks.
  • Avoid clenching or grinding your teeth.
  • Inlays or bonding can help fix a tooth and decrease sensitivity.
  • Gum grafts can help protect the root area of the tooth.
  • Fluoride gel or varnish treatment can help protect your teeth from wear and tear.
  • Root Canal therapy if needed can help with severe tooth sensitivity, but this is typically the last resort.

Taking care of your teeth and knowing when to call your dentist is important. Patients should never have prolonged pain or sensitivity to hot or cold. It is always important to take care of your oral health, and practice good habits at home. At West Cobb Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, your oral health is our priority, and we strive to provide our patients with quality and affordable dental services. Let our team help you take charge of your dental health.

Ready To Schedule Your Appointment?

If you are interested in finding out more about treatments for tooth sensitivity, contact West Cobb Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

What is the Need for a Dental Flap Surgery?

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Dental Flap Surgery

If you have receding gums and notice they are not snug around your teeth, you may have been recommended to have gum flap surgery. When our gums recede and become loose around our teeth, bacteria and plaque can enter the area and collect. The bacteria are collected in the pockets of our gums, and if not treated this can cause damage or serious issues.

When you have receding gums normal brushing and flossing is not able to clean out the bacteria that has collected in the pockets. Not treating the issue can lead to unstable teeth, or even tooth loss. Attending your regular visits to our office is important, so we can monitor any issues with your teeth and gums, and provide the necessary treatment.

At West Cobb Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, we have many periodontal services to help patients with receding gums. Gingival flap surgery is also known as gum flap surgery, and can help restore a patient’s gums. Our skilled doctors have years of experience in periodontics, and we work with each patient to develop a customized treatment plan that fits your needs. We welcome new patients to our practice, and always strive to provide quality and affordable dental care you can trust.

How Does Dental Flap Surgery Work?

When you arrive for your appointment, we will use local anesthetic to numb the area and keep you comfortable and pain free. Our doctor will gently pull back a section of your gum tissue and clean the roots of your teeth. If there is any bone damage, we will repair that as well.

Once the area is cleaned and bacteria free, your gum will be sewn back into place. During the procedure we can smooth or reshape the bone to avoid plaque from collecting in certain areas in the future. Bone grafting can be used to help repair the area, and allow the bone to grow back properly.

How Is the Recovery After Dental Flap Surgery?

After your surgery patients can expect the recovery to be a few days. Our staff will discuss at-home care instructions for you to follow while you heal. If you experience any pain or complications, we encourage you to contact our office right away. Following the instructions is important to avoid complications and allow the are to heal properly.

What Can I Do at Home To Help the Healing Process?

  • Use over the counter pain medications if needed or prescribed by our doctors.
  • Follow a soft food diet as you heal. Solid foods can be added back gradually.
  • Rinse with warm salt water a few times a day to clean out the area and aid in healing.
  • Avoid strenuous exercise for the first 24-48 hours as this can cause bleeding.
  • Carefully brush your teeth twice daily.
  • Do not use a straw. This type of sucking motion can cause issues with healing.
  • Avoid tobacco products as this can impact the healing process.
  • Take care of the area and change out the gauze as needed.

Dental flap surgery can help repair damaged gums and bone. This type of procedure has a high success rate, and your gums should become pink and healthy again. Patients may experience some sensitivity after the procedure, and antibiotics may be recommended to prevent infection.

Would You Like To Find Out More?

If you are interested in finding out more about how dental flap surgery may help you, contact West Cobb Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, and our staff will be happy to schedule your appointment.

Do People with Gum Disease Die Earlier?

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People with Gum Disease

Gum disease is a serious problem, and if not addressed can cause many different health issues in the future. One of the most important things in life is to take care of your teeth and gums. Our mouths are linked to many other parts of our body, and the health of the oral cavity is important in keeping your body healthy.

At West Cobb Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, we are proactive about your oral health. Attending regular visits to our office for your exam can prevent serious issues, and allows our team to monitor your oral health. Gum disease should never been left untreated. If you think you may have gum disease or inflammation, we encourage you to contact our office.

Is There a Link Between Gum Disease and Risk of Death?

Gum disease involves inflammation and infection. This requires your immune system to attack the infection and work overtime. The constant inflammation can cause damage to your body over time. Inflammation is dangerous and is linked to cancer and other medical conditions. Medical conditions such as heart disease or diabetes are serious, and can develop in patients that suffer from gum disease.

Our teeth are used for eating and allow us to consume nutrition. If you are missing your teeth due to gum disease, you may miss out on the vital nutrition needed to stay healthy. Patients that can not eat normally may resort to foods or drinks that are not as healthy, or have a higher sugar content.

The best way to prolong your life is to keep your body healthy. This starts with prevention and good oral and overall hygiene. Brushing and flossing each day along with visiting your dentist can get in front or any issues with gum disease early, and prevent future medical conditions that may jeopardize your life.

West Cobb Periodontics & Implant Dentistry offers many periodontal treatments as well as tooth replacement, and restoration options for our patients. Take charge of your oral health and schedule your consultation today. We will give you a thorough exam, and create a customized treatment plan that works for you.

Our facility provides a comfortable and relaxing setting using state of the art technology. Our doctors have years of experience in periodontics and restoration, and can help restore your smile.

Let West Cobb Periodontics & Implant Dentistry help you take charge of your oral health and get you on the road to healthier gums!

Interested in Finding Out More?

If you think you may have the start of gum disease, or would like to find out more information on gum disease treatments, contact West Cobb Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

How Can I Tell if I Need a Periodontist or an Endodontist?

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Dentist

Knowing which type of dentist to call can be stressful. Both periodontists and endodontists are oral health specialists, and have been trained as dentists. Each specialist has additional training, and understanding those details can help you decide which is best for you.

Periodontists

A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of periodontal disease. This type of dentist specializes in dental implants and other cosmetic procedures. Periodontists receive three additional years of education in the area of periodontal disease and treatment.

Patients that have issues with their gums or tissues in the mouth may need to visit a periodontist. Periodontists look for gum recession, pockets around the teeth, infection, and any issues around the gums. There are special treatment procedures periodontists offer to help patients that have damaged gum tissue. They can remove the damaged tissue to help preserve both your teeth and gums.

Endodontists

An endodontists is another type of dentist that specializes in any issues inside the tooth. This includes the pulp, blood vessels, and tissue. A common treatment done by an endodontist is a root canal. They can remove any infected pulp, and seal the area to help save your tooth. If you have a cracked, broken, or injured tooth, an endodontist is the specialist to visit.

General Dentists

It is important to also know when to see a general dentist and the differences between a general dentist and a specialist. General dentists focus on your teeth and oral health. This includes prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of various issues. Your general dentist takes care of your cleanings and exams, and can treat cavities. In addition, general dentists can provide veneers, crowns, and other various cosmetic treatments. If patients need specialized treatment the general dentist will typically refer that patient to the proper specialist.

What are My Next Steps in Finding a Specialist?

Talking to your general dentist is important. If you notice you have an issue with your gums, or have had a root canal and are in pain, it may be time to see a specialist. Your general dentist can typically give you a referral to a great specialist in your area that can treat the issue.

If you have been referred to our office we look forward to meeting you. Our patients are our priority and we go above and beyond to provide the highest level of care to all of our patients.

To schedule an appointment with one of our specialists contact our office, and our staff will be happy to assist you.

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CONTACT

44 Old Hamilton Rd
Suite 200
Marietta, GA 30064
United States

(770) 802-2222

info@westcobbperio.com

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