Local Dental Care - Dental Surgery
A.I.R. Dentalplex
Appointments: (412) 931-7900
Brian Borodaty D.M.D.
A.I.R. Dentalplex
101 Bellevue Rd Suite 101
Pittsburgh, PA 15229-2132
A.I.R. Dentalplex welcomes emergency appointments. We know that dental emergencies can occur at any time. Our 24-hour voice mail alerts Pittsburgh area dentist Dr. Brian Borodaty to your need. We are here to help you at any time.
For natural-looking prosthodontics, Pittsburgh area dentures dentist Brian Borodaty, D.M.D. has extensive experience. Our team uses quality materials and current techniques to deliver the results you want.
We'll assess your situation and design a treatment plan to replace your missing teeth. You'll be able to smile again with confidence and ease.
If you prefer home teeth whitening for convenience, set up an appointment with Brian Borodaty, D.M.D. at his practice in the Pittsburgh, PA area. You'll be able to whiten your teeth in the privacy of your home, and on your own schedule, even while you watch television or read a book. You'll be very pleased with the results of Dr. Borodaty's natural home tooth whitening process.
Did you know that trusted Pittsburgh area TMJ/TMD dentist Brian Borodaty, D.M.D. offers treatment for jaw pain relief? If you're experiencing discomfort when you move your jaw, or you hear clicking and popping when you chew, we want to help.
Our friendly team is happy to answer questions. There's no need to continue to live with pain. Relief is just a phone call away.
If you're interested in natural-looking bridges and dentures, look no further than Brian Borodaty, D.M.D. who practices in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area. Using modern materials and techniques, Dr. Borodaty can achieve the natural look you seek. You will be very pleased with the comfortable, long-lasting results.
Long Island Dental Excellence
Appointments: (516) 766-0122
Michael Rechter D.D.S.
Long Island Dental Excellence
100 N. Centre Ave. Suite 402
Rockville Centre, NY 11570
Long Island Dental Excellence is a trusted Rockville Centre area dental implants practice providing natural-looking, comfortable tooth replacement. We make it our mission to use a gentle touch during the process.
We hold ourselves to the highest standards to replace missing teeth and provide you with natural-looking results. Our goal is to restore your confidence and your bright, healthy smile.
Would you like your smile to be a bit brighter than it is right now? We can make it happen at Long Island Dental Excellence, with professional tooth whitening for brighter natural looking teeth. Dr. Michael Rechter's Rockville Centre, NY area office can effectively lighten your stained or discolored tooth enamel. Whiter teeth not only look great, they improve your self-confidence.
Safe, anxiety-free dentistry with Rockville Centre area dentist Dr. Michael Rechter means you can have dental treatments done quickly while you're lightly sedated, with little or no discomfort.
You no longer have to tolerate feeling uncomfortable, hiding your smile, or putting off dental work because of a busy schedule. You'll feel relaxed during your dental appointment, and relieved that your oral health is in good hands.
A beautiful smile can brighten your life! If you are continuously hiding your chipped, stained, or cracked teeth from others, it's time for a change! Michael Rechter, D.D.S., a trusted Rockville Centre area dentist, can fix chips, cracks, and stains to reveal a great new smile - and a new you. You'll look so good you'll wonder why you waited so long!
New and safe sedation dentistry with Rockville Centre area sedation dentist Dr. Michael Rechter means you can have years of dental treatments done quickly while you're lightly sedated, with little or no discomfort. If you've been putting up with discomfort, hiding your smile, or delaying scheduling dental work because you're too busy, your life is about to change. Make a sedation dentistry consultation appointment today with Dr. Rechter.
Pacific Dental Group
Appointments: (510) 601-6500
Cynthia Cox D.D.S.
Pacific Dental Group
485 34th Street
Oakland, CA 94609
Cynthia Cox, D.D.S., provides general dentistry for people of all ages. Dental health is important during your entire life. When your teeth are healthy, it follows that you will be healthier, and your quality of life increases. No matter what your age, Pacific Dental Group is here to serve your dental needs in the Oakland, California area.
For comfortable dental hygiene treatment in the Oakland, California area, Dr. Cynthia Cox is known for having a gentle touch. The friendly team at Pacific Dental Group provides teeth cleaning for a whiter smile.
Maintaining good dental hygiene is the foundation for healthy teeth and gums. We're committed to helping you have a lifetime of oral health.
If you are missing one or more teeth, you'll want to talk with Oakland area dental implant dentist Dr. Cynthia Cox about replacements that look and feel as natural as your own teeth. If dentures are causing you problems, you may consider dental implants. Unlike dentures, which can be removed, Dr. Cox offers dental implants that are permanently anchored into the jaw itself.
Dr. Cynthia Cox at her Oakland area dental implants practice offers extensive experience restoring your dental implant crown.
Our dedicated team uses state-of-the-art materials and techniques for stability and longevity. You'll enjoy the comfort and confidence of natural-looking teeth.
If you're interested in natural-looking bridges and dentures, look no further than Cynthia Cox, D.D.S. who practices in the Oakland, California area. Using modern materials and techniques, Dr. Cox can achieve the natural look you seek. You will be very pleased with the comfortable, long-lasting results.
More Gum Disease Dentists in the Oakland, CA Area Near You
DIGITAL DENTISTRY AT SOUTHPOINT
249 E NC HWY 54 STE 220
DURHAM, NC, 27713
(919) 361-5740
Dental Associates
204 3rd Ave Nw
Mandan, ND, 58554
(701) 663-7545
Doctor - Activate Your Free 1stGumDisease Directory Listing
FAMILIES FIRST OF THE GREATER SEACOAST
100 CAMPUS DR STE 12
PORTSMOUTH, NH, 3801
(603) 422-8208
PERCY JESSUP D.D.S.
1647 OWEN DR
FAYETTEVILLE, NC, 28304
(910) 485-8821
Risk Factors For Gingivitis and Periodontitis
It is well established that the main cause of gingivitis, or periodontal disease, is bacterial plaque. But not everyone responds the same to the same bacterial infection. There are many factors that can contribute to making someone more or less susceptible to the progression of periodontitis. These factors are called risk factors. They can increase the risk, severity, and speed at which the disease develops. Some risk factors can be modified. If they are, gum disease and tissue destruction can be controlled and maybe even prevented with periodontal treatment.
There are several factors that can put individuals at greater risk for gingivitis or periodontal disease.
1. Poor Oral Hygiene: The bacterial plaque that continuously forms on the teeth is the main cause of periodontal infections. Without bacterial plaque there cannot be periodontitis. But as the amount of plaque increases, so does the risk for the disease. There is a shift in the bacterial population of plaque from one that is compatible with health, to one that is responsible for the disease. The best way to help control or prevent the progression of periodontal diseases is to follow a diligent plaque control program that includes daily brushing and flossing.
2. Crowded Teeth: Crowded teeth can contribute to plaque retention and interfere with oral hygiene. If this becomes a problem, it may be necessary to reshape the teeth or move them to a better position with the use of dental appliances or braces.
3. Poor Fitting Dentures, Fillings, or Crowns: These factors also may contribute to plaque retention and interfere with oral hygiene methods. If this is the case, the restorations may need to be reshaped, polished, or even replaced.
4. Occlusion (the way the teeth bite or come together): The forces created by an unbalanced bite, by clenching, or by grinding of the teeth, can accelerate the progression of bone destruction and periodontal disease. These forces can also contribute to excessive wear of the teeth, fractures, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems, or root canal problems. People who clench or grind their teeth may not be conscious of it, but may experience sore jaw muscles, TMJ problems, headaches, and neck or shoulder pain. Most people are more susceptible to clenching or grinding during periods of high stress. These habits can be controlled and treated with specially made dental appliances (night guards), braces, reshaping of the biting surfaces of the teeth, exercises, medications, or a combination of the above.
5. Tobacco: People who smoke or chew tobacco are more likely to have periodontitis. They also are more likely to have a poorer and slower response to periodontal treatment. The risk of acquiring periodontal disease decreases after smoking cessation and former smokers and non-smokers respond the same to treatment from a periodontist. Smoking cessation is beneficial to periodontal and overall health.
6. Poor Nutrition: Although periodontal disease is not caused by nutritional deficiency, a diet low in nutrients can diminish the effectiveness of the body's immune system. This reduces the resistance to infections such as periodontitis. To aid in the body's capacity to fight infections, maintain a well-balanced diet and avoid fad diets that exclude entire food groups and limit nutrients.
7. Stress: Stress reduces the immune response and makes it hard for the body to fight infection. A study has shown that people who are under financial stress and have poor coping ability have a two-fold increase in the incidence of periodontal disease.
8. Pregnancy and Female Hormonal Changes: The hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, puberty, and menstruation can make the gums more sensitive to bacterial plaque and increase the risk for periodontal disease. Pre-existing periodontal problems can become more severe if plaque is not controlled. So an efficient and consistent plaque control program is essential in maintaining periodontal health through pregnancy and all stages of life.
9. Systemic Diseases: Certain systemic (general body) diseases, such as AIDS and diabetes, may decrease the body's ability to fight infection and can result in more severe periodontal disease. Always keep your dental care provider informed of changes in medical status.
10. Medication: Drugs such as birth control pills, immunosuppressants, anti-depressants, and some heart medications can also increase the risk for periodontal disease. Patients should inform their dental care provider of any changes in the medications that they may be taking.
11. Genetics: Up to 30% of the population may have a gene that is linked with an increased susceptibility to periodontal disease. Although genetics is not modifiable, knowing one's genetic profile puts individuals in a proactive position regarding dental health. Through proper home care, periodontal maintenance visits, modification of known risk factors, and early intervention, individuals have an excellent chance of keeping their teeth for a lifetime.
By Laura Minsk, DMD
Dental Procedure, Pocket Depth Reduction
As the bacteria that cause periodontal disease release toxic substances, they trigger the breakdown of gum and bone. The gum then separates from the teeth, forming gaps that are called periodontal pockets. Bacteria settle in these pockets and because they cannot be removed by the patient's daily oral hygiene, they continue to accumulate and reproduce. Without proper treatment, the bacteria will continue to populate these pockets, creating further gum and bone destruction.
The first step in the treatment of periodontal disease involves the removal of the bacteria that inhabit the periodontal pockets in the form of plaque and tartar. The removal of the pocket irritants, scaling and root planing is combined with oral hygiene instructions that are aimed at improving the patient's ability to control plaque and avoid bacteria from re-infecting the periodontal pockets. Several weeks after completion of scaling and root planing, a periodontal re-evaluation should be completed to assess the healing response. If the periodontal pockets do not reduce to below 4 mm and the gums are still unhealthy, surgical treatment may be indicated.
Pocket depth reduction is a term used for a series of different surgical procedures (gingivectomy, flap surgery, osseous surgery). The purpose of these procedures is to gain access to the root surface to effectively remove calculus and to reduce the size of the pockets to help prevent bacteria from settling in.
What to Expect
Pocket depth reduction is done in the dentist's office with local anesthesia (lidocaine). After lifting the gum back, the bacterial plaque and tartar are removed from the root surfaces. It also may be necessary to remove the infected gum tissue and to smooth the bone surface. Stitches (sutures) are placed to aid in healing. The stitches are usually removed five to ten days after the surgery. Follow-up appointments are scheduled as necessary to evaluate healing and plaque control.
Post-surgical discomfort may last a few days and is usually minimal. It can be easily managed with commonly available over-the-counter medications such as aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen. Patients can expect to follow their normal routine the day after surgery. A dentist will provide special instructions related to diet, exercise, and medications.
After pocket depth reduction, patients may experience heightened tooth sensitivity. This is temporary and usually resolves within a few weeks. There are chemical aids available that help reduce sensitivity.
Some people also may experience looser teeth after periodontal surgery. This also is a transient finding that occurs as part of the normal healing process. With proper plaque control and bite adjustment, the teeth usually tighten up in a few weeks.
Another concern after pocket depth reduction is that the teeth may appear longer and that there are spaces in between the teeth. Actually, longer teeth are the result of periodontal disease, not of periodontal surgery. As periodontal disease infects and destroys the bone that encases the roots, the root surfaces become exposed. They do not appear exposed because they are covered by the inflamed, swollen gums that form the periodontal pocket. Without proper treatment, the periodontal pockets continue to deepen, giving way to more infection, bone loss, and eventually tooth loss and systemic complications.
There are treatments that can help improve esthetics after periodontal treatment. In addition to periodontal plastic surgery procedures, orthodontic tooth movement (braces) or restorative treatment (crown and bridges) can help create a more pleasing smile line.
Benefits
If periodontal pockets do not resolve after scaling and root planing, a dentist may recommend pocket depth reduction. Whether a dentist performs a gingivectomy, periodontal flap surgery, or osseous surgery, the patient will benefit from the reduction in pocket depth and the reattachment of the gums to the root surface. Pocket depth reduction, when followed by supportive periodontal treatment, is a predictable procedure that can help keep teeth healthy and reduce the risk of serious health problems related to periodontal disease. If a general dentist does not frequently do surgeries, he or she may refer the individual to a periodontist that specializes in this technique.
By Laura Minsk, DMD
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