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Healthy gums combine with healthy teeth to provide good oral health, and good oral health is essential to good overall health.
According to statistics released by the CDC, or Centers for Disease Control, almost 50 percent of adult Americans have recurring gum disease. Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, begins as gingivitis. The gums are usually inflamed or swollen and they may also present as red, and can bleed when you floss or brush. Gingivitis, if left untreated, can ultimately cause your teeth to loosen and fall out because the ligaments that hold them in place begin to weaken, and your jawbone begins to deteriorate.
Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, but it can be completely cured if caught at an early stage, and it can be completely prevented through proper oral hygiene. If you have bleeding gums or if they’re inflamed or swollen, call Valley Dental Associates and we’ll schedule an appointment with one of our gum disease experts. Don’t delay and risk losing your teeth, call us today.
How Is a Periodontist Different than a General Dentist?
A periodontist has completed general dentistry training and an additional two to three years of specialty training in the areas of gum disease management, cosmetic dentistry, and dental implants. The word periodontic is from the Greek words “perio” and “dontic.” It means around and teeth, respectively. Periodontists are gum disease experts and they can help you save your teeth if you have the early stages of gingivitis, so call our office to schedule a consultation. Although we provide many periodontal services to our patients, the following are the most common procedures that we perform:
Periodontal Disease Treatment
Plaque is the sticky residue that remains on your teeth after eating or drinking. If it’s not removed through brushing or flossing, it can begin to erode the enamel on your teeth and precipitate the formation of decay or cavities. Plaque is filled with bacteria and if left indefinitely, it can destroy the ligaments that secure your teeth and cause your jawbone to erode. READ MORE
Dental Implant Placement
Dental implants are popular as replacements for natural teeth as well as for anchoring dental appliances. Each periodontist at our Owings Mills office can install implants for you, whether you want them for cosmetic reasons or as anchors for artificial teeth or dental appliances. Your gum disease specialist will install a metal implant into your jawbone that will function the same as the root of a tooth. The implant provides a secure base for attaching a denture, artificial tooth, bridge or crown, and it helps provide structural support for your remaining natural teeth. Otherwise, your jaw and tooth alignment can deteriorate, and you can develop unsightly wrinkles that can form around the mouth when teeth are missing. READ MORE
Crown Lengthening
The area of your tooth that’s visible above the gum line is called the crown, and on some people, it’s not very long. Some of our patients want more of their teeth to show, so a periodontist in Owings Mills can remove some of the excess gum tissue so that more crown is visible. Some of our patients feel that this procedure provides a more flattering smile. Other reasons for needing a crown lengthened include the installation of braces or for attaching a dental appliance, such as a bridge or crown. If you need longer crowns, call our office in Owings Mills to schedule a consultation with a gum disease specialist.
Gummy Smile Surgery
If you have excess gum tissue around your teeth and they’re shorter than you want them, call our office for a consultation with a gum disease expert. We can trim some of the excess tissue so that you have a toothier smile and a more even gum line.
Soft Tissue Graft / Gum Grafting
If your gums have receded from your teeth, the roots may be exposed. This is painful, and you risk infection and bone loss. Call our Owings Mills periodontics office to schedule an appointment with a periodontist who can graft tissue into the open area.
Oral Pathology and Oral Cancer Diagnosis
Oral cancer has dramatically increased in the past several years and it’s due, in part, to the rise in human papillomavirus infections. If you have HPV or you think you may have oral cancer, call our Owings Mills office to schedule a consultation. Our gum disease expert will take tissue samples and send them to our lab, and we’ll notify you of the results when we get them. If they’re negative, we’ll show you how to properly maintain your gums and teeth so that you reduce your risk. If the results are positive, we’ll help you establish a treatment regimen that fits your lifestyle and preferences. We realize that the prospect of oral cancer is scary, but you don’t have to face this alone. Call us immediately if you think you need to be tested and we’ll help you as soon as possible.
Regardless of the procedure you have done in our office, we’ll do our best to ensure your comfort. We offer several types of sedation, including nitrous oxide, and your periodontist in Owings Mills will discuss them with you during your consultation.
How Soon Can I Get a Consultation at Valley Dental Associates?
We try to schedule each patient as quickly as possible, but if you have an urgent need for periodontics in Owings Mills, be sure to let us know when you call. If you’re having any issues with your gums, call us right away and don’t delay. We’ll answer all of your questions and help you get your gums back to a healthy state. Call us today at (443) 898-1240 and let’s get started on getting your smile back.
CareCredit
CareCredit is a healthcare credit card designed for your health and wellness needs. Pay for the costs of many treatments and procedures through convenient monthly payments.
