Local Dental Care - Hole In Gum
Paul E Dugas DDS
Appointments: (985) 641-3245
Paul Dugas D.D.S.
Paul E Dugas DDS
59070 Amber St
Slidell, LA 70461
The friendly, caring staff of Paul E Dugas DDS in the Slidell, Louisiana area strive to make you feel comfortable and well-cared for at your dentist appointment. Paul Dugas, D.D.S. is committed to serving you and your family's dental needs, year after year. Come and see what we have to offer in a professional setting where top-notch customer service still matters.
You're unique, and you deserve quality, individualized care. Dr. Paul Dugas believes your dental experience should blend the best of the personal and the professional. At Paul E Dugas DDS in the Slidell, Louisiana area, we take the time to get to know you and understand your dental needs. Dr. Dugas and his staff are dedicated to providing you with top-quality dental care designed exclusively for you.
If you are missing one or more teeth, you'll want to talk with Slidell area dental implant dentist Dr. Paul Dugas 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. Dugas offers dental implants that are permanently anchored into the jaw itself.
Dr. Paul Dugas has a gentle touch and provides comfortable cleaning for a whiter smile. Offering gum disease in the Slidell, Louisiana area, Dr. Dugas assures you that a bright, healthy smile is the result of regular, preventative, professional dental cleanings.
We understand you have a busy life, and "going to the dentist" is one more task you need to check off your ever-growing "to-do" list. That's why here at Paul E Dugas DDS, located in the Slidell, LA area, we offer people hours, not office hours. Dr. Dugas and his staff put your needs first by providing flexible scheduling options to ensure you obtain an appointment that is convenient and workable for you.
Lincoln Dental
Appointments: (508) 754-5891
Frank Voci D.M.D.
Lincoln Dental
129 Lincoln St
Worcester, MA 01605
Would you like your smile to be a bit brighter than it is right now? We can make it happen at Lincoln Dental, with professional tooth whitening for brighter natural looking teeth. Dr. Frank Voci's Worcester, MA area office can effectively lighten your stained or discolored tooth enamel. Whiter teeth not only look great, they improve your self-confidence.
If you need gum disease treatment, Worcester area gum disease dentist, Dr. Voci offers extensive experience. Unhealthy gums can be a risk factor for more serious health problems if not treated promptly.
Our professional team will assess your situation and create a personalized treatment plan. We're committed to your life-long healthy gums and teeth.
Worcester area restorative dentistry at Lincoln Dental can produce natural-looking results. If you have a damaged or missing tooth, we can help.
Our highly skilled team will assess your need for a crown, bridge, implant or other procedure to restore or improve your smile. Our goal is to provide quality dental care for your life-long oral health.
We understand you have a busy life, and "going to the dentist" is one more task you need to check off your ever-growing "to-do" list. That's why here at Lincoln Dental, located in the Worcester, MA area, we offer people hours, not office hours. Dr. Voci and his staff put your needs first by providing flexible scheduling options to ensure you obtain an appointment that is convenient and workable for you.
Frank Voci, D.M.D., 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, Lincoln Dental is here to serve your dental needs in the Worcester, Massachusetts area.
Valhalla Dental Care
Appointments: (502) 420-2480
Jeffrey Kessler D.M.D.
Valhalla Dental Care
10515 Meeting St. #104
Prospect, KY 40059
There are a variety of payment options available to our valued patients. Valhalla Dental Care accepts debit cards, credit cards, checks and cash, and even offers convenient monthly payment plans for those who qualify. Call our Norton Commons area dental office today to discuss the right financial options for you.
Minimal sedation dentistry with Norton Commons area dentist Dr. Jeffrey Kessler means you can have dental treatments with little or no discomfort. They'll be done quickly while you're lightly sedated.
You can let go of feeling uncomfortable, hiding your smile, or putting off dental work due to a busy schedule. You'll feel relaxed and stress-free during your dental appointment, and reassured that you've taken care of your oral health.
At Valhalla Dental Care we aim to maximize your insurance benefits and make any remaining balance easily affordable. Norton Commons area dentist Dr. Jeffrey Kessler and his knowledgeable staff can help answer any of your insurance questions.
We accept most insurance carriers. Please check with us prior to your appointment, but it's safe to say we likely accept the type of insurance you carry.
If you have older dentures or think you may need dentures, you're in luck. As people age, dentures can make them look older than they really are and can cause discomfort when chewing. Norton Commons area dentures dentist Dr. Jeffrey Kessler can replace worn out dentures with top quality custom made, state-of-the-art dentures that blend with your skin, hair and even eye color. Your new dentures will look as natural as possible, and you'll look and feel younger, too.
Valhalla Dental Care offers natural-looking partial dentures. Norton Commons area dentures dentist Dr. Jeffrey Kessler uses the latest technology to produce materials custom-blended to your skin, hair and eye color. You'll look like you were born with perfect teeth.
More Gum Disease Dentists in the Prospect, KY Area Near You
DENTALWORKS
5075 MORGANTON RD STE 12
FAYETTEVILLE, NC, 28314
(910) 864-5100
PATRICIA D THOMAS D.D.S.
5505 F ADAMS FARM LANE
GREENSBORO, NC, 27407
(336) 297-9777
Doctor - Activate Your Free 1stGumDisease Directory Listing
KAYSER CLARK & LEIGHTON PC
102 PONEMAH RD UNIT 2
AMHERST, NH, 3031
(603) 673-7950
RAWLEY H FULLER IV D.D.S. PA
3450 FORESTDALE DR
BURLINGTON, NC, 27215
(336) 226-0855
Increasing Gum Around a Tooth with Soft Tissue Grafts
If an individual has gum recession as a result of periodontal disease, or has thin gums that need to be augmented before dental procedures, their dentist may recommend a soft tissue (gum) graft. The purpose of the gum graft is to cover exposed root surfaces and to increase the amount of gum around a tooth. It can be done to improve the esthetics of the gum line, prevent further recession, as preparation for other dental procedures (restorations or orthodontics), or to protect the tooth from root sensitivity and cavities.
A graft is the transplantation of living tissue from one part of the body to another. In the case of a gum graft, the tissue is usually taken from the roof of the mouth and placed on the exposed root surface. In some instances, it may be possible to move gum tissue from a site right next to the root surface or to use tissue donated from a different source. One or several teeth can be treated simultaneously.
Gum grafts have been done since the 1960's with exceptional success. The techniques have changed since then, making the procedures even more predictable, comfortable, and esthetic. Today it is possible to match the texture and color of the gum tissue with minimal scarring.
What to Expect from Periodontal Gum Grafts
Soft tissue (gum) grafts are done in the dentist's office with local anesthesia (lidocaine). After obtaining the donor tissue, it is secured on the recipient site with stitches (sutures) or tissue glue. The donor site (usually the roof of the mouth) may also require stitching, bandages, or tissue glue. Post-surgical discomfort is usually minimal and 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 oral surgery. The dentist will provide special instructions related to diet, exercise, and medications.
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.
Benefits of Gum Grafts
Soft tissue (gum) grafts are beneficial to help reduce further gum recession and bone loss as well as to help protect the root surface from decay and sensitivity. In addition, a dentist should be consulted about gum grafting procedures if individuals have exposed root surfaces or long-looking teeth that create a cosmetic problem. If a general dentist does not frequently perform soft tissue grafts, he or she may refer the patient to a periodontist who specializes in this technique.
By Laura Minsk, DMD
Periodontists and Periodontics 101, Dental Specialties
Periodontics is one of the eight dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association. Periodontists specialize in Periodontal work. Periodontal comes from two Greek words that mean "around the tooth." The periodontium refers to the anatomical structures around teeth: the gum, bone, and the periodontal ligament that attaches the tooth to the bone.
Periodontists are dentists that have three additional years of training to specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of the diseases that affect the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. Periodontists also are experts in the placement and treatment of dental implants.
Periodontal disease is the major cause of tooth loss in adults. According to the American Dental Association, three out of four Americans over age 35 have some form of periodontal disease. Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease and the most common infection in the world. But if left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis -- the loss of bone and tissues that support the teeth.
Periodontal diseases can be localized to a few teeth or generalized, in which most of the teeth are affected. It can affect people of all ages and without proper periodontal treatment, this disease can result in tooth loss and even complications of systemic diseases.
There are several different forms of periodontal disease. Each can progress at different rates. The same disease can have periods when it develops slowly and others when it progresses quite rapidly. Most of the time, periodontal diseases are painless. But they may have acute episodes that result in severe pain and a dental emergency.
The rate of periodontal disease progression is dependent on a multitude of factors, including the presence of certain risk factors that make people more susceptible to periodontal breakdown.
All periodontal disease is caused by an accumulation of bacteria at and below the gum line. The bacteria release toxic substances that trigger the breakdown of the gum and bone. The gums become red, swollen, and bleed easily. The gum tissue then separates from the teeth, forming a gap called a periodontal pocket or exposing the root surface in what is called recession.
The body responds to the bacteria with an inflammatory response in which it essentially 'turns on itself' and destructs the bone and tissues around the teeth. This is the body's way of warding off infectious agents. The teeth can start moving and shifting and eventually if there is advanced bone loss, the teeth can be lost.
Periodontal diseases are treated in three phases by periodontists. The first is to stop the disease activity and progression of bone loss. In the early stages of periodontal disease, scaling and root planning may be the only treatment needed.
The bacterial deposits (plaque and tartar) that formed above and underneath the gums need to be removed and the root surfaces of the teeth smoothed to enhance healing and deter future plaque retention. During this phase of treatment, the periodontist will review the oral hygiene technique, and give advice on the modification of certain risk factors associated with periodontal disease.
If the periodontal disease is more advanced, surgical treatment may be indicated. The purpose of this phase of treatment is to create an environment that is more amenable to health and, if possible, regenerate some of the bone that was lost to the disease.
In some forms of periodontitis, antibiotic treatment may be indicated. If this is the case, a bacterial culture may be required to test for harmful bacteria and to establish what antibiotics they are susceptible to.
Periodontal disease is a chronic disease that, like many other chronic diseases, has to be closely monitored, even after active treatment. The maintenance or third phase is crucial to the success of any treatment.
Daily brushing and flossing is essential in controlling the ever-developing plaque. So is periodic periodontal maintenance care with a Periodontists scaling of the teeth. The periodontal status has to be closely monitored so that changes can be identified and treated as early as possible.
Everyone should be routinely screened for periodontal disease. All periodontists are qualified in detecting and treating the early stages of periodontal disease, but if you suspect that you are at risk, or you know you have periodontal disease, you may want to see a periodontist who has extensive advanced training in the diagnoses and treatment of periodontal diseases.
With today's Periodontists knowledge about periodontal diseases and the new advances in treatment, you can expect to keep your teeth for a lifetime and ward off the effects that periodontal disease may have on your overall health.
By Laura Minsk, DMD
