Preventative Dentistry and Gum Disease

Gum or periodontal disease involves the gradual build up of plaque and its subsequent hardening to form a layer of tartar, providing a perfect breeding ground for bacteria.  This bacteria is the primary cause for infection to the immediate areas of gum and surrounding teeth. As infection progresses through the gums, the tooth enamel can become loose around the teeth and gums and cause the gums to recede.  This can result in a pocket developing, in which more bacteria can multiply exasperating the problem.

Bleeding gums, pain and inflammation in the gums, bad taste and breath as well as a discomfort in chewing, bite and an increase in sensitivity to temperature can all become regular problems for individuals that suffer from the effects of gum disease.

Gingivitis is one of the most commonly experienced signs of mild gum disease, which left untreated, can develop into the more serious periodontal disease. Periodontitis can cause severe damage to the tissues of the gums and also result in bone loss.

Periodontal gum treatments involve a range of procedure options, from the basic removal and cleaning of the teeth and gum area by your qualified hygienist, to more extensive treatment by a qualified Periodontist.

Specialist Periodontists are advanced dentists who have spent an additional three years of university study in the area of gum condition and dental implants. They’re concentrated attention to your gum disease treatment is of great benefit to your overall oral health and hygiene and can help to equip you with the happy and healthy mouth that you ultimately need to shine.

Practicing preventative dental health and hygiene is the most effective way of both avoiding and eliminating the occurrence of gum disease, as well a wealth of other oral problems.

Through regular checkups with your dentist, and the correct level of care and attention taken to your cleaning routine, you can drastically reduce the chances of developing future gum problems and avoid the associated problems of impaired health and cosmetic appeal in your smile.

Your basic hygiene routine should include:

• Brushing teeth twice daily, or after food, with a fluoride toothpaste
• Floss daily after tooth brushing
• Replace your toothbrush every three to four months, or after illness
• Visit your dentist and hygienist at least every six months

The Role of Dental Implants and Fixed Dentures

The effects of tooth loss can be numerous and highly disabling in allowing you to maintain a healthy and happy smile. Not only can oral health, hygiene and ability to function normally suffer from the loss of a tooth, but your sense of confidence and esteem can become increasingly inhibited.

Eating, drinking, talking and laughing can all develop into major issues that, once taken for granted, suddenly become a cause of pain and embarrassment. Luckily, with the options available in today’s dental treatments, there exists a range of elegant solutions to overcome the problem of missing teeth.

Dental implants and fixed dentures treatments provide a means of replacing lost or damaged teeth and serve to effectively combat the negative effects made to both your health and confidence.

Dental implants procedures involve the substituting of the original tooth root and therefore recreating the strength and stability of your natural teeth. The overall benefit of reinstating core strength to your mouth acts as a support to the remainder of your mouth, assisting in the health and  longevity of your teeth and gums, while supporting the muscular structure of your whole face, preventing the aging effects of muscular sagging and deterioration that can occur after tooth loss.

Dental implants and fixed dentures are composed from a combination of biocompatible materials, including a durable titanium metal for the root, which is secured to the underlying jawbone by your dental implant dentist. In the event of a single implant being administered, a porcelain artificial tooth that complements the natural appearance off your existing teeth is then attached to the root.

Fixed dentures work on a similar principle to the single implant, but accommodate a larger area of the mouth, and are composed in a similar way to the traditional denture – as a group of teeth.

The greatest advantage of fixed dentures over their removable counterparts is in their level of stability. A fixed denture can effectively remove the associated discomfort and trauma of shifting and unstable dentures that can cause both pain and inconvenience. Trapped food, sores and affected speech are all eliminated through the use of fixed dentures, which act to effectively replace the natural state of your original teeth.

Dental implants and fixed dentures are custom made to suit the individual patient and are designed to replicate both the visual nature and sensation of your natural teeth.

In both cases, dental implant surgery is a long term, effective solution to missing teeth, offering full restoration of a radiant smile. The durability and the strength of the artificial teeth enable you to once again function and communicate with comfort.