Your Guide To Maintaining Healthy Gums

Gums are vital contributors to the overall quality of our physiological health and quality of life. Healthy gums simply equate to healthy you. Medically called gingiva, the gums act as a barrier to prevent infections from breeding. Thus, unhealthy gums become vulnerable to periodontal diseases, and the bone follows. This is why seasoned periodontists in Michigan emphasize maintaining optimal oral health as the best way to prevent diseases and keep a dazzling, healthy smile. Outlined below are some techniques to incorporate into your routine for healthy gums. 

            A Disciplined Routine.

Good oral health begins with consistent habits when brushing your teeth. As we’ve all been taught since childhood to always brush twice daily, the habits tend to falter as life gets hectic. This can bring unfavorable outcomes for your teeth and gums with all the caffeine and sugary foods one consumes all day. Thus, dentists recommend using fluoride toothpaste and brushing after eating meals for better cleaning and long-lasting freshness. 

            Do It Well.

Only brushing regularly is not enough if you don’t put thought and effort into it. And by effort, we don’t mean aggressive scrubbing. Please note, be gentle with your teeth and use a soft-bristle toothbrush. Practice brushing mindfully by not rushing through it and using the brush at an angle to get the food deposits and plaque out from the place where your teeth meet the gums. 

            Consult The Experts.

Getting regular checkups is just as important for anyone with a dedicated brushing routine as anyone undergoing dental treatment in Plymouth. Hence, schedule the oral exam that is due and get your cleaning done promptly. Your orthodontist can also use this visit to inform you about any development in your teeth, like cavities or rapid yellowing, so you can make necessary changes in your lifestyle to curb the issue before it worsens. 

In essence, the key to healthy gums lies in your daily habits. So, follow these simple instructions like flossing daily, start using mouthwash and quit smoking to enjoy refreshing oral health and dazzling white and strong teeth. However, if you’re experiencing any discomfort despite healthy oral habits, consult with the dental specialists at Advanced Periodontics & Implantology for a comprehensive exam. We specialize in periodontal diseases and dental implants in Michigan. Book an appointment now!

5 Common Dental Procedures You Might Need

Dental checkups are an integral step in maintaining proper dental health. According to dental experts, there are some preventive measures that an individual can take for good oral health. However, for some, achieving better dental health may require a basic or major dental implant treatment in Plymouth. 

Dental treatments are distinguished between basic and major based on the severity of a patient’s oral condition. Basic treatments comprise regular procedures that are only a step further from preventive dental maintenance such as monthly cleaning, check-up, and occasional cavity filling, etc. However, major dental care refers to the procedures carried out for teeth restoration caused by cavities or injuries. Therefore, there are several major dental treatments that you may require at some point based on your dental health, including:

• Crowns. Dental crowns have been used as a means of teeth restoration for damaged, chipped, or decaying teeth for a long time. Crowns are usually recommended by a dentist after thoroughly assessing dental issues with X-rays. Natural wear and tear cause teeth to get damaged. As a result, dental crowns provide a natural functionality and satisfy aesthetic needs as they can be custom-designed to match the color and size of a natural tooth.

• Tooth Extraction. The fundamental goal of modern dentistry remains to preserve natural teeth. However, in some conditions, severely decayed or damaged teeth can cause more trouble if not removed and replaced with an artificial substitute. For example, wisdom teeth can cause dental and other health problems if they interfere with the growth and setting of the adjoining teeth. Hence, it becomes paramount to have the teeth extracted.

• Root Canal. When the pulp inside the roots of the teeth becomes infected or starts to swell, it may cause chipping of the tooth due to weakness or decaying. This problem is addressed with a root canal treatment. Root canal-treated teeth have been reported to last an additional 8 to 10 years with proper care.

• Implants. Dental implants, bridges, or dentures are safe solutions to replace missing teeth. Missing teeth can significantly affect the look and functionality of your teeth. Therefore, titanium screws called implants are inserted in the jawbone that mimics the function of natural teeth and is covered up with a crown. Although dental bridges and dentures are relatively temporary solutions to chipped or missing teeth, dental implants in Michigan are a popular long-term solution to missing teeth. 

• Veneers. Teeth discoloration and staining are common dental problems that can be fixed with cosmetic dental procedures. Porcelain veneers are a common choice to repair teeth beautifully, fading out any stains, discoloration, and even fix minor misalignments and malformations. 

 So, contact your dentist with your dental concerns to find the perfect dental treatment in Plymouth, Michigan to achieve optimal oral health. Schedule your appointment with the specialist at Advanced Periodontics & Implantology today.

Importance of Supportive Periodontal Therapy

Healthy gums are imperative for a healthy smile. Unhealthy gums affect overall oral health and also puts one at risk of other health conditions. Gum health is dependent on various factors, like oral hygiene, genetics, diet, etc. Therefore, it becomes imperative for a person undergoing dental implant treatment in Plymouth to regularly visit their dentist for periodontal maintenance. 

What is periodontal maintenance?

Periodontal maintenance is a general term used to refer to Supportive Periodontal Therapy, which is an important part of the preventive dental care routine. Also known as periodontal scaling and root planing clinically, SPT is a crucial method employed in the upkeep of periodontal treatment.

Periodontitis is a bacterially-induced, chronic dental disease that degenerates the connective tissue and bone that support teeth. As periodontitis is a leading cause of tooth loss, SPT acts as a necessary intervention to ensure a healthy and successful dental implants treatment can be done post the diagnosis of dental disease.

SPT is followed after the completion of periodontal treatment to maintain regular checks on the progression and probability of re-infection of the disease. Your orthodontist may even recommend SPT as a method of prevention of further tooth decay and other conditions. 

Why is Supportive Periodontic Therapy necessary?

Supportive Periodontal Therapy is an advanced step in the maintenance of oral health and minimizing the risks of re-infection. Although daily brushing and flossing are effective methods of maintaining oral hygiene, these routine habits do not completely prevent or delay periodontal disease.

Hence, periodontal maintenance becomes a necessary step that involves the removal of plaque and calculus clinically. It is also an important maintenance check used by the dentist to evaluate and identify factors that may interfere with the ongoing periodontal treatment. 

Through a predetermined frequency of the visits, the orthodontist schedules supportive periodontal therapy to reassess the issues in order to achieve the following results:

• Maintaining overall health with deep cleaning. One of the major steps in SPT is the evaluation and maintenance which includes removal of tartar and plaque from the teeth to prevent bacterial infestation.
• A fresh breath and stronger teeth. During these revaluation and maintenance visits, the deep cleaning is done by the dentist to ensure no calculus deposits remain in the dental pockets which aids in achieving fresh breath and better oral hygiene.
• Gum disease prevention. The main purpose of SPT, including deep cleaning, is to maintain a close check on the re-infection. Hence, it is important for your dentist to have a regular revaluation assessment of your dental health to ensure there are no new signs of periodontitis. 

Therefore, periodontal maintenance is just as important as periodontal treatment for any gum condition. Among many benefits, SPT is also a sought-after intervention to make dental implants in Michigan possible. So, consult with Advanced Periodontics & Implantology experts to get a comprehensive evaluation of your dental health. Schedule your appointment at the earliest to restore your smile.

 

What No One Tells You About Cosmetic Gum Surgery

Gum surgery is one of the best procedures to restore your smile. Cosmetic gum surgery in Livonia may be popular for its beautification and feature enhancement, however, the reason for undergoing the surgery may vary from patient to patient. While many people opt to get a cosmetic treatment done to improve their physical features, like the smile, others choose it to improve an oral health issue. 

Despite the multitude of benefits that cosmetic gum surgery brings, it also carries some risks that may be overlooked at times. So, here are a few risks as well as some benefits of cosmetic gum surgery that you should be aware of.

• A gum contouring surgery or gingivectomy improves the look of the teeth by reshaping the gums. Some benefits that these procedures provide are the instant results which can be seen right after the procedure. In addition, the surgery doesn't take too long and is relatively painless. However, since there will be relative scarring with the tissue grafting, your teeth may be sensitive to hot and cold foods for a while.
• One of the lesser-known risks of cosmetic treatments is the allergic reactions that may occur in some patients. As it is a surgical procedure, a local anesthetic is administered to numb the area. Unfortunately, some patients may not be able to accept the drugs used during the treatment and may show some allergic reaction to the medication administered. Therefore, it is recommended to consult with your surgeon first regarding any allergies you may have. 
• A major benefit that most gum treatments provide is the reduced risk of periodontal diseases. When a gum grafting surgery is performed on a weakened tooth root, it prevents further deterioration of the gum and the tooth root. However, this procedure carries a minimal risk of gum relapse. Hence, it is vital for a successful treatment that your surgeon is prepared for any complication in case it arises. 

Cosmetic gum treatments in Plymouth are quite popular among the aging population who have suffered tooth loss due to periodontal disease. Advanced Periodontics’s experienced team of periodontists strives to provide comprehensive gum treatments for all dental problems helping you restore your natural teeth and a perfect smile. Call us to schedule a consultation.

 

Why Dental Implants are the Right Fit for You?

 Tooth loss can happen to anyone and at any age. Fortunately, thanks to ever-advancing technology, there are many remedial approaches to fix such problems. Dentists come across many patients daily seeking a quick and natural-looking solution to the gap created by a missing tooth. Some opt to take the easier path of bridges and dentures. But, with rising awareness, people are choosing to get dental implants in Plymouth, and for the right reasons.

If you are in a similar dilemma, the following are some reasons in favor of dental implants:

1. Comfort and Fit. Implants replicate the structure of your natural tooth. Since an implant takes root in your bone without any wire on other teeth, it feels completely natural. As an additional benefit, it doesn’t harm your surrounding teeth or pinches your tongue as it doesn’t need additional support.
2. Oral Functions. Daily essential activities such as chewing and talking are severely affected when you lose a tooth. Unfortunately, dentures and bridges don’t help. However, there is no fear of slippage with good dental implant treatment in Michigan. It stands on its own, behaving as a natural tooth, helping you restore perfect speech and enjoy your favorite foods.
3. Low Maintenance. After investing in dental implant services in Plymouth, there is essentially zero upkeep of your implants. As they need not be removed for cleaning or changing, a basic brushing-flossing routine is sufficient to maintain an implant. As an added benefit, you’re free from worries of cavities as implant material cannot decay.
4. Permanent Solution. Dental implants can last you for years to come. Owing to its compositional element – titanium, there are minimal risks of infection. An average dental implant treatment can guarantee to serve you for 20-25 years given you maintain good oral hygiene.

Most periodontics specialists in Plymouth, Michigan, recommend their patients to invest in dental implant services. It is a suitable treatment option for many patients not only due to its longevity but mainly due to its low-risk adaptability to the jawbone.

Cosmetic gum surgery - here is what you should know!

Who doesn’t want a radiant, perfect smile? Everybody does! But not everyone is blessed with one. According to a survey, the vast majority of Americans are dissatisfied with their smiles due to some oral problems related to their teeth, gums, and facial injuries. Fortunately, it is now possible to enhance your smile’s appearance while restoring your oral health. Cosmetic dentistry focuses on enhancing the aesthetic appearance and improves an individual’s smile as well as the overall oral functions such as chewing and speaking. Cosmetic gum surgery in Livonia is one such popular cosmetic dentistry treatment that allows people with gum recession to reshape their smile.  

What is cosmetic gum surgery?

Cosmetic gum surgery is a procedure that is performed to reshape or resculpts your gumline. Everybody’s gumline is different. Some have excessive gum tissues, some have receded (pulled back) gum tissues, exposing tooth-root surfaces. If you are not happy with your gumline, you can opt for cosmetic gum surgery to reshape it. The procedure involves removing or cutting away excess gum tissue around your teeth. Usually, it is an elective procedure, which means it is not medically required. Instead, it is a cosmetic procedure that is performed to improve the appearance of your teeth, gums, or smile. That said, there are times when your dentist may recommend cosmetic gum surgery for oral health reasons.  

When is cosmetic gum surgery medically necessary?

Even though cosmetic gum surgery is performed for cosmetic purposes, there are times when you may need to undergo this procedure for medical reasons.  

Cosmetic gum surgery is recommended if you have periodontal diseases. However, it is first treated with non-surgical treatment options. You will be prescribed antibiotics to kills the bacteria and infection. However, if that does not work, your dentist may recommend undergoing periodontal treatment in Plymouth, which is one of the cosmetic gum surgeries. And if it is medically necessary, your insurance may cover the cost of the procedure. However, you need to first consult with the insurance company.  

How much does it cost?

The cost of cosmetic gum surgery varies from one person to another. There are various factors that determine the overall cost of the procedure. For instance, is it for cosmetic purposes or medical? It also depends on the amount of gum tissue removed or restored. Moreover, the specialist you choose also plays an integral role in evaluating the cost. Basically, it ranges anywhere between $50 to $3,000.  

Today, cosmetic dentistry has made it possible to improve your smile. Whether you have a missing tooth or receding gums, there are different cosmetic dental treatment options you can consider undergoing, including dental implant treatment in Michigan and periodontal treatment. 

When and why you should consider getting dental implants!

People with missing teeth often are too self-conscious to smile in public or talk confidently. Moreover, they develop poor eating habits since it gets difficult to chew food, leading to secondary health problems. Dental implants are today’s advanced tooth-replacement method that helps in replacing missing, damaged, and decayed teeth. A dental implant consists of a small titanium post that is attached to a dental crown, which is the only part visible in the mouth after the procedure. The titanium post (the actual implant) is implanted beneath the gum line where you had your missing tooth. Whether you have one missing tooth or multiple teeth, you can get multiple implants with crowns.

 Those days are gone when bridges and dentures were the only options to replace missing teeth. Dental implants in Plymouth have become the most preferred tooth replacement option by doctors and patients alike. They not only restore your teeth but also your smile and self-confidence affected by losing a tooth. 

 Here are the top reasons to choose dental implants.

• They look and act like natural teeth 

Dental implants may be considered artificial teeth but they look and act like your natural teeth. After a titanium post is implanted beneath the gum line, it bonds with your jaw bone, making it sturdy and durable. Once the titanium post fuses with your jawbone, it will feel completely natural. You will not experience any discomfort and awkwardness with a dental implant. 

• The longest-lasting tooth replacement option 

Since dental implants fuse with your jawbone, they become a permanent part of your mouth. Whereas other tooth replacement options such as bridgework and dentures need replacement after every few years. Moreover, these replacement options need to be properly cared for to extend their lifespan. However, dental implants do not need any extra care. Maintaining them just like you maintain your other natural teeth should be enough to improve its lifespan. 

• They prevent bone loss 

Bone loss is inevitable when you lose a tooth. Bone is a living tissue that always requires constant support to stay healthy and rebuild itself. When it comes to your jawbone, the stimulation comes from teeth. Thus, when there is no tooth to support the bone, it starts to melt away or resorb. This can make your face look old and vulnerable to fractures. Getting dental implants prevents bone loss and improves your facial appearance as well. 

So if you have lost a tooth due to decay, accident, or age, it’s best to get dental implant treatment in Michigan to restore your dental health and smile. 

How can tooth loss affect your health?

It is a fact that human teeth are stronger than the bones in the human body. But unlike bones, if a tooth gets cracked or broken, it cannot heal by itself. Therefore, maintaining excellent oral health is essential to keep your teeth in the best condition. Without proper oral hygiene and teeth maintenance, your teeth are vulnerable to infections and gum diseases. Gum problems can often result in tooth loss if not treated for a long time. It is essential to get the proper dental treatment if you have a missing tooth to prevent any complications associated with tooth loss. Tooth loss not only affects your smile’s aesthetics but also your ability to chew. Many people opt for dental implants in Plymouth, MI, as it is one of the best ways to replace missing or damaged teeth.  

Tooth loss can affect your health in the following ways:

1. Reduced ability to chew 

If you have any missing teeth, your mouth’s ability to chew would be significantly reduced. It can also restrict you from eating your favorite foods as you need to be conscious about chewing while eating. 

2.                  Bone loss 

The bone in the area with a missing tooth starts to shrink immediately after you have lost the tooth. Without the proper support, it affects the shape of your jawbone and face. Getting dental implants is the best way to stimulate bone growth and prevent the bone from shrinking and.

3.                  Risk of malnutrition 

Tooth loss usually affects your ability to consume solid food. You may also need to restrict your diet to soft foods, especially if you have more than one missing tooth. Only consuming soft foods may not be able to provide your body the proper nutrition it needs. Therefore, there is always a risk of malnutrition, which may affect your face and body’s appearance.

4.                  Risks for adjacent teeth 

Tooth loss does not only affect the bone underneath the missing tooth, but it also affects the adjacent teeth in that area. Your teeth uniformly use pressure on the teeth on either side of them. This allows all of the teeth in your mouth to depend on support from the adjacent teeth to stay intact in the soft gum tissue. When that support is missing due to the missing teeth gap, the neighboring teeth become loose and start to drift inward. It increases the risk of gum problems and may even lead to further tooth loss of the adjacent teeth.

5.                  Effects on socializing skills 

Your smile is the first thing that people notice. When you have a missing tooth, it is very natural to feel conscious when smiling in public. So if you have a missing tooth, you may start to refrain from smiling and talking much in public to save yourself from the embarrassment or the fear that people might notice your missing tooth. It can adversely affect your socializing skills.

6.                  Adverse effects on mental health 

Smiling and socializing are integral parts of mental health. Some people may develop an inferiority complex, low self-esteem, and low confidence if they have missing teeth, leading to a negative impact on the mental health of the person.  

Tooth loss can affect a person both physically and psychologically in many ways. Therefore, it is recommended to maintain good oral hygiene and get proper treatment for any developing gum problems. The best way to prevent tooth loss would be to schedule regular dental examinations with a dental expert in Plymouth, MI. However, if you have a missing, cracked, or damaged tooth, it is best to consult with a dentist regarding your various dental treatment options.  

Schedule a dental assessment today to know whether you would be an ideal candidate for dental implants in Michigan.

 

Tips for Speedy Recovery After Cosmetic Gum Surgery in Plymouth, MI

The cosmetic gum surgery in Plymouth, MI, is the ideal solution for eliminating excessive gums and achieving a perfect smile. If you have been treated with cosmetic gum surgery, it is essential to follow the proper precautions after the surgery for a speedy recovery. The recovery period may vary depending on which gum treatment was used to remove excessive gums and gum contouring. As the Laser gum treatment involves minimal bleeding, and more precise treatment using laser techniques, the recovery rate is much faster in this case than traditional gum surgery. Patients usually don’t feel any pain or discomfort during the surgery. However, it is natural to feel sore after the surgery. 

Here are a few tips to help you recover faster after the gum treatment:

1. Patients are recommended to stick to a liquid diet for the first week after the gum surgery. 
2. You may experience slight swelling and soreness in your gums for the next 7-10 days after the cosmetic gum surgery in Plymouth, MI. It is recommended to use the prescribed pain medications to manage the pain and use a cold compressor to help with the swelling.
3. It is best to avoid brushing as your gums will still be tender during the first week, and brushing may dislodge the tiny scabs that appear on the treated area. It is essential to let the scabs disappear naturally to allow faster healing. 
4. It is advised to avoid chewing food or only eat soft or liquid foods during the first 7-10 days after the surgery. Chewing hard food may dislodge the scabs and slow the recovery process.
5. Do not eat any spicy or hot foods during the first two weeks as it may cause inflammation and slow the healing process.
6. During the second week, you can start gently brushing your teeth. Be very careful, and it is best to avoid brushing over the treated area. Clean the surrounding area gently, as harsh brushing may harm your gum scabs. 
7. Patients are recommended to continue following a soft diet for 2-3 weeks as per the doctor’s recommendation. 
8. If you feel severe pain, bleeding gums, or swelling for a prolonged duration and it does not subside by using prescribed medication, you should contact your doctor. 

It may take two to four weeks to recover fully after the cosmetic gum surgery in Plymouth, MI. If you are looking for the best cosmetic gum surgery in Michigan or have any questions, feel free to book a consultation with our experts.