Gum Disease Prevention and Treatment
Often going unnoticed because of its initially painless nature, gum disease is very common. Caused by the formation of plaque on the teeth and gums, it can be difficult to control once the disease progresses to its advanced stages. In its most severe form, it can lead to tooth loss. Abilene cosmetic dentist Tim Simpson and his staff provide you with oral health care tips and treatments so we can help to keep your smile healthy. With the proper attention to your dental health, you can prevent gum disease.
Preventing Gum Disease
The prevention of gum disease is vital to your dental health. By adopting these healthy habits, you can avoid dental problems such as gingivitis and gum disease:
- Brushing your teeth twice a day
- Flossing your teeth once a day
- Using mouthwash
- Regular dental check-ups
- Regular professional dental cleanings
- Eating a diet full of healthy foods
- If you are a smoker, quit smoking
Treating Gum Disease
The longer gum disease goes untreated, the harder it is to treat. Gum disease should be treated in the least invasive way possible. Most of the time, gum disease can be treated without surgery, but in the most severe cases, a surgical solution may be required. Some of the treatment options for gum disease are professional dental cleaning, scaling and root planing, flap surgery, and, if a tooth is lost due to gum disease, dental implants. To remove stubborn plaque and tartar, multiple rounds of treatment may be required.
- Professional dental cleaning: During this process, plaque and tartar are removed from the surfaces of the teeth and along the gum line. This treatment is highly recommended for every patient at regular six-month intervals.
- Scaling and root planing: Scaling scrapes off plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line. Root planing smooths the rough spots left on the roots of the teeth. This provides a bacteria-free area to which the gums can reattach.
- Flap surgery: When scaling and root planing are not enough to remove tartar buildup in the pockets of the gums, flap surgery may be required. During this procedure, the gums are lifted and tartar is removed. The gums are then sutured snugly against the teeth.
- Dental implants: A dental implant is a titanium post that is inserted into the jaw to replace the root structure of a missing tooth. Once the jawbone has grown around the implant, a bridge, crown, or denture is placed.
Dental Implants
Even with the best care, it may not be possible to save every tooth damaged by gum disease. Missing teeth can change the way you interact with the world. Where once you felt confidence in your physical appearance, you may now feel insecure when smiling and talking. Even chewing may be difficult. Dental implants offer the stability, look, and feel of natural teeth. Our Abilene dental implants patients can expect to undergo a two-step process; first the titanium post is placed, and three to six months later the replacement tooth is attached to the post. With proper dental care, dental implants can last a lifetime.
Contact Abilene Aesthetic & Cosmetic Dentistry Today
We provide a comprehensive set of services and procedures, while surrounding you in comfort. To learn more about how you can receive quality and personalized care for all your dental needs, please contact Abilene Aesthetic & Cosmetic Dentistry today.