Gum disease is an infection of the gums that occurs as plaque builds up along the gumline. Bacteria works down under the gums and causes damage to the tissues below the surface. At first, the infection will be undetectable to you. If left unchecked, gum disease will lead to the weakening of your bone structures and the loss of teeth. In fact, gum disease is the number one cause of lost adult teeth.
At first, you won’t know that you have gum disease. This is one reason that three-month dental cleanings and exams are so important. Your hygienist will notice the infection before you can! As gum disease progresses from gingivitis to periodontitis, you might notice your gums turning bright red instead of remaining their normal pink. You might also notice bad breath, loose teeth, a changing bite, or even the loss of teeth.
The only sure way to know that you have gum disease is to visit the office and have a thorough exam completed. If caught early, a professional cleaning is enough to remove the infection. We can then work with you to prevent further problems from occurring.
Bad breath is most often a result of bacteria buildup in your mouth and the sulfur compounds that they produce. It can also be caused by your diet or certain medications you may be taking. In order to improve your bad breath, we must first determine the problem!
Bad breath can often be corrected with thorough cleaning. Maybe the answer is simply knowing how to properly clean your tongue, for example. More often, chronic bad breath is a result of gum disease or decay that needs to be taken care of. A quick trip into our office can help us determine which approach is best for you.
A dental implant is a small titanium post that is inserted into your jawbone as a replacement for a missing tooth root. The titanium works well with your body. Your bone will actually fuse with the implant in a process called osseointegration. This fusion creates a foundation that is strong enough to support dental restorations, like crowns, bridges, or even dentures!
Dental implants are an option for most patients we see. There are rare instances where your health may inhibit your ability to get an implant, but most patients are able to receive the implant they need to restore a missing tooth or teeth.
Some offices will turn you away based on your bone mass, but we have the ability to perform bone grafting surgery to build up your jawbone in preparation for a dental implant placement. If you are unsure about your chances for a dental implant, simply come in for a consultation to learn more about dental implants and their benefits.
Are you ready to get your questions answered in person by our very own Dr. Komarnyckyj? Call us at 602-842-6841 to set up your free consultation or exam. You can also contact us through our online form. We can’t wait to see your smile very soon!
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