Oral Surgery Can Be Used in Treating Gum Disease

Gum disease is a serious condition, and oral surgery is often needed in order to correct it.  Gum disease starts as gingivitis and can make gums red, swollen, and bleed slightly.  It is uncomfortable but not particularly painful.  When caught early, it can be treated by conducting a deep cleaning on and underneath the gums.  If it is left untreated, the gums can start to recede and expose more of the tooth and root structure. This can be painful and create complications.

Patients with severe gum disease may start to have pockets form in the gum tissue.  These pockets can look like little holes in the gums.  Bacteria will often gather here and can start to attack the tooth and root structure which puts teeth at risk.  If untreated, teeth can start to fall out or require additional procedures in order to save them.

Many dentists will treat the beginning stages of gum disease by performing cleanings but are not experts at treating severe gum disease.  This typically requires oral surgery and a gum graft.  In this procedure, tissue is taken from the roof of the mouth and grafted to the receding gums in order to close up the pocket and secure the gums back in place around the tooth.  This is essential for protecting teeth and preventing any additional complications like a dental abscess.  At the Perio & Implant Center we specialize in this procedure and will ensure that it goes smoothly so that patients can start to feel better quickly.

The Risks of Gum Disease

There are many risks associated with gum disease that go far beyond oral health.  This is the primary concern as gum disease can lead to teeth falling out.  There are, however, other complications to consider.  Pregnant women are in particular danger as gum disease can force pre-term labor and even make babies born at a low birth weight.  Just as regular trips to the OBGYN are essential during pregnancy, so are trips to the dentist and having any gum disease treated right away. This is a simple step that can make a big difference in the health of the child.

Every adult should be concerned with the health of their gums since scientists have found a link between gum disease and heart disease.  Statistically, 91 % of people with heart disease also have unhealthy gums.  Heart disease is the leading cause of death in both women and men with 33% of female deaths and 25% of male deaths caused by heart disease. The current thought is that inflamed gums are the primary issue, but ongoing studies are being conducted to further research how the two are connected.  What is clear is that leaving gum disease untreated is not an option for people wanting to stay in good health.

If you need oral surgery to treat your gum disease, the staff at the Perio & Implant Center is a team of experts.  Call (650) 327-4464 for your consultation or to learn more about our services.

The Perio & Implant Center Provides Dental Implants for Busy Lifestyles

At the Perio & Implant Center we provide dental implants for patients that are looking to replace one or several teeth and want to maintain their active and busy lifestyle. Tooth loss is incredibly common.  It impacts around 70% of the U.S. adult population, leaving many people to look for both temporary and permanent solutions for replacing missing teeth.

Dentures have been a common solution for hundreds of years.  Even George Washington wore dentures and thankfully they have improved over time.  They are more comfortable than ever before, but the challenge is that dentures do not feel like natural teeth.  No matter how comfortable they are, it is still a foreign object being put inside of your mouth and will often feel heavy and make it difficult to speak like normal.  A partial set can be used to replace one or several teeth instead of all of them.  Still, they are not permanently attached and could become loose.  This is not conducive for people with an active and busy lifestyle that want to maintain it.

Dental implants have made it possible to replace a missing tooth and have it feel completely natural after the fact.  This is a major improvement and the latest in dental technology.  Here is how the procedure works:

1. A metal post is implanted.  The oral surgeon places the post underneath the gums and secures it to the jawbone.  This step makes it possible for the new tooth to stand on its own without requiring support from the surrounding teeth.  Once the metal post and jawbone have fused together, it will create a synthetic root system that is as strong as a natural one.
2. The new tooth is created.  A mold is made of a patient’s mouth so that the lab can create a new-synthetic tooth in the right size, color, and shape. This ensures that the new tooth will blend in with the surrounding ones.  The goal is for the new tooth or teeth to look completely natural.
3. Tooth is attached.  After the healing process is complete, the new tooth will be secured to the metal post and positioned perfectly so that it is straight and beautiful.

The entire process takes longer than many other types of procedures because dental implants are a permanent solution to replacing missing teeth, not a temporary one.  By building in a root system, the Perio & Implant Center provides patients with new teeth that are as durable and secure as the ones they were born with.  This allows patients to enjoy life fully and without constraint.  Since the new tooth is strong, patients can eat all of their favorite foods without fear of it becoming loose or falling out.  Additionally, it is easy to speak clearly and naturally since there are no foreign objects to get used to.  This is important for people that have a busy lifestyle and no time to retrain their speech to accommodate a pair of dentures.

To learn more about this procedure, call and schedule an appointment today.

Tissue Grafting Can Treat Gum Recession

The Perio & Implant Center by Stanford Medical Center treats gum recession using a variety of modern techniques.  Dr. Pechak is an expert cosmetic dentist and oral surgeon that helps improve the health of his patients using procedures that are customized to address their specific health issues. If you feel that your gums may be receding, schedule an appointment for an examination and to discuss treatment options. 

One of the first treatment options is found in laser dentistry.  Dr. Pechak uses a dental laser to clean the gums and gum pockets in order to remove harmful bacteria.  When bacteria are left on and around the gums it can spread, making the problem worst.  Killing the bacteria is an important first step in allowing the body to start the healing process.  The laser light kills the bacteria without damaging the healthy gum tissue.  If necessary, Dr. Pechak can use an ultrasonic scaler to break up and loosen tartar that has formed around the teeth as well.  This procedure will help the gums to be in better health overall.  When gums have started to recede, simply cleaning them and keeping them bacteria free can help to stop the damage.

Gums that have receded significantly may need more in-depth treatment like tissue grafting.  This is also known as a gum graft or gum plastic surgery.  This procedure is necessary when the gum recession has become so bad that the roots of the tooth are exposed. In order to cover it, tissue is typically taken from the roof of the mouth and grafted to the existing gums.  This helps to stop the pain created by exposed roots, prevent bacteria from getting into gum pockets, and promotes overall oral health.  An experienced Periodontist should perform this procedure as it is highly specialized.  Dr. Pechak is a Board Certified Periodontist that produces superior results for patients in need of gum plastic surgery. 

He also performs a procedure called Chao Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation.  This is the latest treatment option for gum recession and is known for addressing the problem in one easy visit without extended recovery times. In fact, it can be completed over the lunch hour and patients can head back to work immediately afterwards. This is not a traditional surgery as no scalpels are used, and there are no stitches.  The results are stunning with gums being restored to their youthful smile without pain or discomfort.  Dr. Pechak is one of the few dentists that offer this new procedure. 

Gum recession can be painful and pose a serious threat to the patient’s health.  Pregnant women, for example, need to be careful not to get infected gums because it can lead to premature delivery. Diabetics are naturally at a greater risk for gum disease and gum recession can expedite the process while increasing the risk.  It is far better to receive treatment to address gum recession and reverse its course before it can cause pain or additional health issues.  To learn more call the Perio & Implant Center by Stanford Medical Center today.

How an Implant Dentist Helps Seniors

If you are a senior, visiting an implant dentist will provide you with more options for replacing your teeth.  Many seniors make the mistake of thinking that they have to wear dentures after losing a tooth or teeth. This is a common solution that has been used for centuries.  While effective at restoring appearance and the ability to eat and speak, they can be uncomfortable and inconvenient. Fortunately, there is a better way. 

Dental implants are a permanent solution to dentures that are far superior in both appearance and functionality.  They look and feel completely natural and do not rely on the strength of any existing teeth to stay in place.  Once implanted, the new tooth or teeth will stay there permanently.  This means that they do not need to be taken out, nor do they require any additional maintenance steps. Simply brush and floss like normal along with regular teeth cleanings to keep your implants looking perfect and new. 

An implant dentist has multiple ways to replace teeth.  The traditional way is to implant each tooth individually.  This is done by placing a metal piece underneath the gum line and attaching it to the jawbone.  A metal post is used in place of a natural root system and enables each tooth to stand on their own without depending on the teeth around it.  This is ideal for people that need to replace a few teeth or want to enjoy the long term stability of implanted teeth. The key is that the jawbone needs to be strong enough to support the procedure. 

Those who want a faster way to replace all of their teeth will benefit from a mini-implant procedure.  In this scenario, an implant dentist will place four to six metal posts in the upper and lower gums.  The new teeth will be created as a single piece that can be secured into place. This combines the best of implant and denture technology because the new set of teeth is created similarly to how dentures would with natural looking, synthetic teeth.  The major difference is that mini-implants take less time to install and the recovery time is reduced since there are fewer posts to implant.   They are still completely sturdy and will not move out of place, like dentures can. 

There are pros and cons to both types of procedures.  Traditional implants create a level of flexibility and durability that cannot be achieved otherwise.  Each tooth can be moved into place individually and if needed, be replaced in the future without impacting the other teeth.  With mini-implants, the teeth function as a unit so damage to one, means damage to everything as the entire unit would need to be removed and repaired.  

An implant dentist makes it possible to have a natural looking smile that functions like natural teeth.  That is by far the largest benefit. Instead of worrying about maintaining false teeth or having them become loose, seniors can enjoy an active lifestyle that does not involve thinking about their teeth.  To learn more call and schedule an appointment with the Perio & Implant Center today.

The Facts About Gum Recession

Many people suffer from gum recession.  It is a fairly common condition that impacts the majority of adults.  Similar to how more people lose teeth as they age, more people suffer from this condition as they age.  By the time someone is 65 they have an 88 percent likelihood of dealing with receding gums.  Fortunately, there are things you can do to prevent and treat it.

What is it?

This condition occurs when the gum tissue starts to pull back or wear away from the tooth.  When this happens, more of the tooth is exposed and in severe cases the roots can be exposed, as well.  During this time, a gap can form in-between the tooth and the gums, creating the perfect spot for bacteria to hide and plaque to build up.  This can lead to gum disease and tooth infections. If that bacteria isn’t removed it can start to eat away at the tooth, roots, and even bone structure, causing major oral health problems.

What causes gum recession?

There are multiple triggers for this condition, many of which can be avoided.  Gum disease is a common medical reason for gums to recede.  When bacteria are left along the gum line, it can create gum disease.  As the bacteria spreads, it will go underneath the gum line and start to cause additional issues.  This can be prevented with regular trips to the dentist where we can remove the bacteria and reverse the signs of gum disease. 

Other triggers include: aggressive brushing with a hard toothbrush, hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause, using tobacco products, and genetics.  Hormones and genetics are natural risk factors that cannot be prevented.  It is, however, easy to switch to a soft toothbrush and quit smoking.  Reducing risk factors is important for people that don’t want to become one of the 88 percent. 

How is it treated?   

The first step is to thoroughly remove the bacteria and plaque that has formed on your teeth, along your gum line, and inside of the exposed pockets.  The bacteria and any infection needs to be removed in order for the body to stay in good oral health and not deteriorate. Deep cleaning is often called tooth scaling and root planning because the dentist has to clean underneath the gum line.  Antibiotics are often given, in addition to removing the bacteria, just in case there are any bacteria left.

Patients with severe gum recession will require more than a simple cleaning.  In this case, various surgical procedures may need to be performed. Pocket depth reduction is completed when the dentist wants to remove the bacteria than place the gum securely over the tooth in order to keep it snuggly in place and eliminate the pockets where bacteria is gathering.  Soft tissue grafts take place when there isn’t enough natural gum tissue left to do this procedure.  Skin is cut from the roof of your mouth and grafted to your gum tissue to create new gums, then secured into place. 

An experienced dentist can perform these procedures and will use anesthesia to keep the patient comfortable. Once completed, it is important to maintain good oral health habits at home in order to prevent further gum recession or additional oral health issues. 

What an Implant Dentist Can Do for You

An experienced implant dentist can help to restore your smile.  The majority of adults experience some form of tooth loss over the course of their life.  The percentages start small, with only around thirty percent of adults in their thirties and forties losing a tooth or teeth.  By the time people become senior citizens, seventy percent will have lost at least one tooth.  These are staggering statistics. For the majority of US citizens the question isn’t if they will lose a tooth, rather it is when they will lose a tooth.

When a tooth falls out, or is pulled due to infection, it can cause a variety of other problems.  For example, a missing tooth can make it difficult to speak or sing clearly.  It can also make it harder to eat your favorite foods.  This is in addition to changing your appearance and being embarrassing.  People that lose too many teeth can start to have a sunken appearance as the jaw and face structures start to change.

Fortunately, an implant dentist can help to restore the full functionality and appearance of your teeth.  This is done with a permanent procedure that does not require any additional maintenance or at home care.  Once the implant is installed, simply brush and floss like normal, in addition to having regular dental, exams and teeth cleanings.

The Process

Before an implant can be installed, the dentist will conduct a thorough examination to determine if the gums are healthy enough to support it.  Any infections or cavities will need to be treated before the procedure can begin.  This is important, as the mouth needs to be in good health in order to heal quickly after the metal piece is implanted. 

A mold will be taken of your mouth so that the new tooth can be created in the lab that is the correct size and shape for your mouth.  This tooth will also be made to match the color of the surrounding teeth.  If you want to whiten your smile, do so prior to having this new tooth created since synthetic materials don’t bleach well.

On the day of the procedure, the implant dentist will give you anesthesia in order to make your comfortable and keep you pain free.  A metal piece will then be implanted underneath the gum line.  Over time, it will fuse with the jawbone to create a durable synthetic root system.  Patients will typically go home after this in order to recover.  The gum tissue needs to heal prior to continuing.  In the meantime, the dentist can provide you with a temporary denture to wear so that no one will know you are missing a tooth.

Once your gums have healed, the second metal piece will be attached the first.  This is what the new tooth attaches to.  The implant dentist will secure the new tooth into place and ensure it is perfectly straight and beautiful.  After the procedure is done there may be some minor recovery time before you can eat like normal.  This is a permanent solution that will give you the functionality and appearance of someone with a full set of natural teeth.

Gum Recession Treatment Options

We treat patients suffering from both gum recession and gum disease.  Healthy gums are extremely important for maintaining good oral health.  When gums start to recede the space between the gum line and the teeth retracts and can create pockets for bacteria to gather.  As more of your tooth and roots become exposed the entire area may become painful, and bacteria build up can lead to tooth decay, root infection, and gum disease.  If left untreated, patients can end up in pain and even losing their teeth.

We specialize in helping patients to prevent oral health issues and correct them once started.  There are several ways you can keep your gums healthy including brushing twice a day with a soft toothbrush, flossing daily, and rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash.  Additionally, you should visit the dentist twice a year for a thorough teeth cleaning.  Smokers are at greater risk for gum disease and cavities so if you are currently smoking – stop.

During your dental examination, we will determine if your gums are starting to recede or if you are at risk for this condition.  It is important to treat gum recession immediately so that your gums can be restored to good health.  Here are some of the treatment options we suggest:

·         Tooth Scaling and Root Planing.  This is a deep cleaning technique where plaque and tartar are removed from the gum line and below the gum line by the roots.  The entire area is cleaned thoroughly to remove the cause of your gum recession.  After cleaning, the roots are smoothed down again.  This should correct most minor gum recession problems.

·         Antibiotics.  Once cleaned, antibiotics may be used to eliminate any lingering bacteria.

·         Pocket Depth Reduction.  If your gums have receded to the point that there are pockets or gaps in the gum line, you may need surgery to correct it.  With pocket depth reduction, your gums are folded down; the bacteria and plaque are removed, then they are placed snugly over your tooth to eliminate most or all of the gap.  This will prevent bacteria from gathering in that area again.

·         Soft Tissue Graft.  If you don’t have enough gum tissue left, you may need a soft tissue graft.  Skin from the roof of your mouth is taken and attached to your gums in the area where roots are exposed. Once healed this new gum tissue should protect your teeth and gums.

Fortunately, there are multiple options for treating gum recession.  They key is to identify the problem early on so that it can be corrected before you need any type of surgery.  This can be difficult to do without visiting the dentist because gum recession typically won’t start hurting until too much of the tooth or the roots are exposed.  It will, however, make your teeth appear longer, and you may experience some tooth sensitivity when brushing or eating.  If you notice these signs schedule an appointment with your dentist right away.  By keeping your teeth and gum line clean and free from bacteria, you decrease your risk of developing full blown gum recession and other oral health issues.