Author: Pinnacle Center - Dental Implants Periodontics

Bad breath and dry mouth are two common oral health issues that many people experience. Both conditions can be uncomfortable, embarrassing, and may impact one’s overall quality of life. Furthermore, they can potentially signal underlying dental or health problems that need to be addressed. Today, we will explore the causes of bad breath and dry mouth, as well as provide helpful tips for managing and preventing these issues. We hope that we can help you maintain optimal oral health and enjoy a more confident smile.

Causes

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is an unpleasant odor that emanates from the mouth. Dry mouth, or xerostomia, is the condition in which there is an insufficient amount of saliva production, leading to a dry, sticky sensation in the mouth. Understanding the causes behind these issues can help you take the necessary steps to alleviate and prevent them. Some common factors that contribute to bad breath and dry mouth include:

• Poor oral hygiene: Inadequate brushing and flossing can lead to the buildup of plaque and bacteria in the mouth, resulting in bad breath. Additionally, food particles left behind after eating can also contribute to this issue. A lack of saliva, which helps to clean the mouth and neutralize acids, can exacerbate the problem.
• Oral infections: Gum disease, tooth decay, and abscesses can all cause bad breath due to the presence of bacteria and infection. A dry mouth may also increase the risk of these conditions, as saliva plays a crucial role in preventing the growth of harmful bacteria.
• Dehydration: Insufficient water intake can lead to both bad breath and dry mouth. Water helps to flush out food particles and bacteria from the mouth, and a lack of hydration can disrupt the normal production of saliva.
• Medications: Certain medications can cause dry mouth as a side effect, which may indirectly contribute to bad breath. It is essential to discuss any medications you are taking with your periodontist, as they may be able to recommend alternative treatments or strategies to help alleviate these side effects.
• Lifestyle choices: Smoking, alcohol consumption, and a diet high in sugary or acidic foods can all contribute to bad breath and dry mouth. These lifestyle choices can also negatively impact your overall oral health, leading to a higher risk of developing dental issues such as tooth decay and gum disease.

Treatment Options

There are various treatment options available for addressing bad breath and dry mouth. By understanding the root causes behind these issues, we can tailor a personalized treatment plan to effectively manage and alleviate your symptoms. Some treatment options include:

• Improving oral hygiene: Ensuring that you practice good oral hygiene is essential for combating bad breath and dry mouth. This includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing daily, and using a fluoride-containing toothpaste. Regular dental cleanings and checkups can also help keep your mouth clean and healthy.
• Addressing underlying dental issues: If your bad breath or dry mouth is caused by an oral infection, tooth decay, or gum disease, it is crucial to seek treatment from a dental professional. At Pinnacle Center – Dental Implants & Periodontics, our team is experienced in diagnosing and treating a wide range of dental issues, ensuring that you receive the appropriate care to restore your oral health.
• Using specialized products: There are many over-the-counter products available that can help alleviate the symptoms of bad breath and dry mouth. These include mouthwashes specifically designed to target odor-causing bacteria, as well as saliva substitutes and oral moisturizers to help combat dry mouth. It is essential to consult with us before using these products to ensure they are appropriate for your specific needs.

Prevention Tips

Preventing bad breath and dry mouth involves maintaining good oral hygiene and making conscious lifestyle choices that promote optimal oral health. Some helpful tips for preventing these issues include:

• Staying hydrated: Drinking water regularly throughout the day can help keep your mouth moist and flush out food particles and bacteria that can contribute to bad breath and dry mouth.
• Using a tongue scraper: Cleaning your tongue with a tongue scraper can help remove bacteria and food debris that can cause bad breath. Incorporating this into your daily oral hygiene routine can help keep your breath fresh and clean.
• Chewing sugar-free gum: Chewing sugar-free gum can help stimulate saliva production, which can help alleviate dry mouth symptoms and freshen your breath. Opt for gum containing xylitol, as it has been shown to help prevent tooth decay.
• Avoiding tobacco and alcohol: Both smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can contribute to bad breath and dry mouth. Reducing or eliminating these habits can significantly improve your oral health and help prevent these issues.
• Adopting a healthy diet: Consuming a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help support good oral health and reduce the risk of developing bad breath and dry mouth.

Conclusion

In conclusion, bad breath and dry mouth are common oral health issues that can be caused by various factors, including poor oral hygiene, oral infections, dehydration, medications, and lifestyle choices. Fortunately, there are numerous treatment options available to help manage and alleviate these conditions, such as improving oral hygiene, addressing underlying dental issues, and using specialized products. Additionally, adopting preventive measures like staying hydrated, using a tongue scraper, chewing sugar-free gum, avoiding tobacco and alcohol, and maintaining a healthy diet can significantly improve your oral health and reduce the risk of developing bad breath and dry mouth.

Seeking professional care is crucial in addressing and preventing these issues. At Pinnacle Center – Dental Implants & Periodontics, our experienced team, including Dr. Roll and Dr. Williams, is dedicated to providing personalized, comprehensive care to help you achieve and maintain optimal oral health. We invite you to make an appointment with us to discuss your concerns and develop a tailored treatment plan that addresses your unique needs.

Don’t let bad breath and dry mouth impact your confidence and quality of life. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and start your journey towards a healthier, more radiant smile.

Gum disease is a common dental problem that affects millions of people worldwide. It is caused by the buildup of plaque and bacteria on the teeth and gums, which can lead to inflammation, bleeding, and eventually tooth loss. Traditional treatments for gum disease include scaling and root planing, which can be invasive and uncomfortable for patients. However, there is a less invasive option available: laser gum treatment.

At Pinnacle Center – Dental Implants & Periodontics, we offer laser gum treatment as a safe and effective alternative to traditional gum disease treatments. This innovative procedure uses a special laser to remove bacteria and infected tissue from the gums, without the need for incisions or sutures. Laser gum treatment is a great option for patients who want to avoid the discomfort and downtime associated with traditional gum disease treatments.

In the next section, we will discuss the benefits of laser gum treatment and how it compares to traditional treatments. If you are experiencing symptoms of gum disease, such as bleeding gums or bad breath, we encourage you to schedule a consultation to learn more about laser gum treatment and determine if it is right for you.

Benefits of Laser Gum Treatment

Gum disease is a common dental problem that affects millions of people worldwide. Traditional gum disease treatments involve invasive procedures such as scaling and root planing, which can be painful and require a longer recovery time. However, laser gum treatment is a less invasive option that offers several benefits.

Laser gum treatment works by using a specialized laser to remove infected gum tissue and bacteria from the gums. The laser also stimulates the growth of healthy tissue, which helps to promote faster healing. Compared to traditional gum disease treatments, laser gum treatment is less painful and requires less downtime.

One of the main benefits of laser gum treatment is that it reduces the risk of infection. Traditional gum disease treatments can leave the gums vulnerable to infection, which can lead to further complications. However, laser gum treatment is a sterile procedure that minimizes the risk of infection.

Another benefit of laser gum treatment is that it promotes faster healing. Traditional gum disease treatments can take several weeks to heal, while laser gum treatment typically only takes a few days. This means that patients can return to their normal activities sooner and experience less discomfort during the healing process.

Who is a Good Candidate for Laser Gum Treatment?

Gum disease is a common dental problem that affects millions of people worldwide. It is caused by the buildup of plaque and bacteria on the teeth and gums, which can lead to inflammation, bleeding, and eventually tooth loss. While traditional gum disease treatments such as scaling and root planing can be effective, they can also be invasive and uncomfortable for patients. This is where laser gum treatment comes in as a less invasive option.

Laser gum treatment is suitable for patients with mild to moderate gum disease. It is particularly effective for patients who have pockets of bacteria and plaque that are difficult to reach with traditional cleaning methods. Patients who have bleeding gums, bad breath, or loose teeth may also benefit from laser gum treatment.

Factors that may make a patient a good candidate for laser gum treatment include their age, overall health, and the severity of their gum disease. Patients who are in good overall health and have good oral hygiene habits are more likely to have successful outcomes with laser gum treatment. Additionally, patients who have early-stage gum disease may be better candidates for laser gum treatment than those with advanced gum disease.

If you are interested in laser gum treatment, it is important to consult with a periodontist who has experience with this procedure. At Pinnacle Center – Dental Implants & Periodontics, our team of dental professionals is dedicated to providing personalized care to each of our patients. We will work with you to determine if laser gum treatment is the right option for your individual needs and help you achieve optimal oral health.

What to Expect During and After Laser Gum Treatment

Laser gum treatment is a minimally invasive procedure that can effectively treat gum disease. During the procedure, a periodontist will use a laser to remove infected tissue and bacteria from the gums. The laser also stimulates the growth of healthy tissue, promoting faster healing and reducing the risk of infection.

Before the procedure, your periodontist will numb the area with a local anesthetic to ensure your comfort. During the procedure, you may feel some slight discomfort or a sensation of heat, but most patients report minimal pain. The procedure typically takes less than an hour, and you can return to your normal activities immediately afterward.

After the procedure, you may experience some mild discomfort or sensitivity in the treated area. We may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers or prescribe medication to manage any discomfort. You should also avoid eating hard or crunchy foods and stick to a soft diet for a few days.

It’s important to follow our post-treatment instructions carefully to ensure proper healing. You may need to schedule a follow-up appointment to monitor your progress and ensure that your gums are healing properly.

Choosing a Periodontist for Laser Gum Treatment

Choosing the right periodontist for laser gum treatment is crucial to ensure the best possible outcome. Here are some tips to help you find a qualified periodontist who offers laser gum treatment:

1. Look for experience: Choose a periodontist who has experience with laser gum treatment. Ask how many procedures they have performed and what their success rate is.

2. Check credentials: Make sure the periodontist is licensed and certified to perform laser gum treatment. Look for additional training or certifications in laser dentistry.

3. Personalized care: Choose a periodontist who provides personalized care and takes the time to understand your unique needs and concerns. They should be able to answer all your questions and explain the procedure in detail.

4. Technology: Look for a periodontist who uses the latest technology and equipment for laser gum treatment. This can ensure a more precise and effective treatment.

5. Reviews: Check online reviews and testimonials from previous patients to get an idea of their experience with the periodontist and the procedure.

At Pinnacle Center – Dental Implants & Periodontics, our team of experienced periodontists, including Dr. Roll and Dr. Williams, are dedicated to providing personalized care and using the latest technology for laser gum treatment. We have a proven track record of successful procedures and satisfied patients. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how laser gum treatment can benefit you.

When plaque builds up on teeth, it can harden into tartar and cause several complications for your oral health, even advancing to periodontal disease as it worsens. At Pinnacle Center – Dental Implants & Periodontics, we recommend a scaling and root planing procedure for many cases of chronic periodontal disease, allowing our professional team to restore your smile in all its glory. This procedure is an effective way to manage periodontal disease by providing a deep cleaning to your teeth and gums, preventing the disease from worsening. If you have chronic periodontal disease, it’s our team’s goal to help you regain a healthy mouth, retain your teeth and boost your confidence.

What are Scaling and Root Planing?

The process of removing tartar from the teeth is called scaling and root planing. This is the initial treatment offered for gum disease, designed to clean and smooth the root surface so the gums can heal. This prevents them from receding further and protects your mouth from infection.

Scaling is used to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth. Once this is complete, root planing smooths out the root, creating a healthy and clean root surface that the gums can reattach to. However, because we cannot see all of the plaque and tartar deposits underneath the gum line, this process may not remove all of the buildup and other treatments may be required to remove the remaining deposits. In some cases, surgery may be needed to complete the process and leave the gums healthy.

Why Patients May Need Scaling and Root Planing

The tooth scaling and root planing procedure is often recommended for patients with signs of periodontal disease because it can stop the effects and prevent progression. Chronic periodontal disease is a condition in which plaque builds up and forces the gums to detach from the teeth. When left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to loose teeth, tooth loss or bone and tissue loss.

Chronic periodontal disease causes more than just deep pockets between the gums and teeth. It can also present with symptoms such as red and inflamed gums, bleeding gums, bad breath, changes to the bite or shifting permanent teeth.

If you’ve noticed these symptoms or if you have concerns about chronic periodontal disease, the best thing you can do is schedule an appointment with a periodontist as soon as possible for an examination.

Benefits of Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling and root planing is used as the primary treatment for chronic periodontal disease. It can reduce the pocket gaps between gums and teeth by an average of 0.5 millimeters, thus reducing the risk of loss of bone, tooth and tissue that typically occurs with untreated chronic periodontal disease.

The Scaling and Root Planing Process

Prior to treatment, a diagnosis of chronic periodontal disease is made during a dental check-up or with x-rays to identify bone loss. If necessary, a future appointment will be scheduled for the procedure.

At the appointment, your gums and below the gum line will be cleaned to remove as much tartar as possible, all the way down to the roots. This is typically an outpatient procedure, meaning you will be awake during it, but your provider will numb your mouth using local anesthetic.

When the mouth is numb, your periodontist will use an ultrasonic scaler, a tool that vibrates a metal tip to chip away at tartar from your teeth above the gum line. Using a water spray, the chips of tartar will be washed away and plaque will be flushed from the gum pockets. Any pieces of tartar that were not removed with the ultrasonic scaler will be manually removed with a manual dental scaler and scraping device to leave your teeth free of tartar above the gumline.

Once the scaling is complete, a similar process is completed below the gum line to remove any tartar or plaque from the surface of your roots. A tool is used to expose the roots by pushing aside gum tissue and the same tools are used to smooth out the roots. Your periodontist may also choose to inject antibiotic medication into any developed gum pockets.

Depending on the severity, this may occur over the course of two or three appointments before your mouth has the chance to heal. Once the procedure is completed, you will need to be seen again 4 to 6 weeks later for an examination to determine if it was successful. If all sites are healthy, then you will move into the periodontal maintenance phase, in which you will prevent the buildup of plaque to keep your gums healthy and prevent the progression of periodontal disease. If there are still unhealthy sites, you may need further treatment, which may include osseous surgery in some cases.

Risks of Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling and root planing is a safe treatment option with minimal risks. There is a small risk of infection following the procedure and you may be prescribed an antibiotic or mouthwash to use while your gums heal to prevent it.

It is normal to experience pain, sensitivity and tenderness in the gums while your mouth heals, but these side effects should clear up quickly and many patients find that their mouths feel better as the discomfort subsides.

If you experience worsening pain, a fever or if the area is not healing as expected, it’s important to contact your periodontist immediately to be evaluated for potential infection. Mouth infections should be treated promptly to minimize health effects.

Caring for Your Mouth After Scaling and Root Planing

After scaling and root planing, you will likely notice swelling and tenderness in your gums or tooth sensitivity. Your periodontist will provide you with instructions for your recovery, which often includes using antimicrobial mouthwash, taking over-the-counter pain relievers and eating softer foods.

You may eat after your procedure once the anesthetic has worn off, usually within 1 to 3 hours so you don’t bite or burn your tongue. It’s also generally recommended to use saltwater rinses every few hours to treat tenderness or sensitivity in the gums after the procedure.

Because there is no cure for gum disease since plaque will constantly continue to form, the best way to protect your teeth once they heal is to keep up with daily oral hygiene. Brushing, flossing, using mouthwash and attending regular dental checkups is a crucial part of caring for your mouth after the procedure to prevent the buildup of tartar again and to hopefully minimize the risk of needing to have the procedure completed again in the future.

Contact us to schedule an appointment today!

If you have too much pink in your smile, you probably have an excessive gingival display, otherwise known as a “gummy” smile. Around 10% of the population has this aesthetically unappealing dental condition, affecting women slightly more than men. Fortunately, dental procedures like crown lengthening reduce unsightly gum lines for an upgraded smile you’ll love to show off.

Lengthening your front teeth isn’t the only reason for seeking crown lengthening. Cracked and chipped front teeth benefit from this procedure because it saves existing teeth from further damage and decay. Although crown lengthening is a surgical procedure, it usually takes an hour or less.

Crown Lengthening Defined

In dental procedures, crown lengthening provides aesthetic appeal and motivation for oral hygiene. Like all other crowns, the underlying teeth must be strong enough to support the crowns. Consequently, a face crown for a front tooth must perform differently from a crown placed on a molar.

If you care enough to worry about what your smile looks like in the mirror, you’ll also want to do things that improve your smile. Oral hygiene motivation comes from keeping your front teeth clean and healthy so that the face crown doesn’t fail. Crown lengthening is a specialized cap designed to expose more teeth and decrease how much gum shows when you smile.

What You Should Know Before Crown Lengthening

Crown lengthening requires special skills to re-contour gum lines and even shave bone if necessary. That said, you should know the cause of your excessive gingival display so that we know how to proceed with the right treatment. Common causes include:

• Altered passive eruption – Caused by abnormal teeth growth, this condition is often genetic. It happens when the gum grows too far over the teeth causing “short teeth.”
• Excessive grinding and teeth clenching – Sometimes, front teeth can wear down because of bruxism.
• Irritated gums and braces – If you notice too much gum after getting your braces off, you probably had short teeth before getting orthodontic work done. Patients get braces to improve their smiles, so crown lengthening after the braces come off is a common next step if there is too much gum line.
• Skeleton problems – In less common cases, gummy smiles are caused by skeletal issues, with treatments beyond a periodontist’s or oral surgeon’s expertise. This should be determined before undergoing crown lengthening. A separate surgical procedure can be completed, but it’s outside the scope of a dental professional.

As you prepare for crown lengthening for your gummy smile, your dental history outlines anything that applies to the current procedure.

Other Conditions that Require Crown Lengthening

This is a surgical procedure that might catch some people by surprise if their dentist recommends it. Notably, patients don’t associate crown lengthening with healthy living. This procedure helps anyone with front teeth that don’t work as they should. For example, front teeth can crack and chip, weakening your teeth and forcing you to eat differently, putting unnecessary wear on other teeth.

When you fix your front teeth, you reduce the risk of decay and potential tooth loss. Waiting too long increases the risks of later complications, which is why your dentist might recommend crown lengthening for your front teeth. They see a bigger picture of oral hygiene to overall health. Crown lengthening usually takes about an hour and can be done as an outpatient with little risk.

Crown Lengthening Initial Consultation

At the first visit, patients should discuss with us all the steps for completing the procedure. Always ask questions, so you aren’t surprised during and after the procedure. Tell us about specific medications you already take just in case of conflict. When you are ready, we will tell you about your options, including crown lengthening. The more information you offer about your dental and medical histories, the happier you’ll be with the end results.

Crown Lengthening has an aesthetic purpose, making the look of the crown essential to patient satisfaction and something that should not be rushed. The patient should be able to approve the color shade the crown puts into their mouths. The shade must match the existing teeth perfectly or risk an abnormally looking smile.

What to Expect During the Procedure

You’ll receive a local shot to numb the pain. Sometimes we will provide a mild sedative for more comfort. For many, the first shot of novocaine hurts the most. We make an incision and fold back the gums to expose the roots and bone. In many cases, this is all that’s needed to fix a gummy smile. In other cases, there isn’t enough tooth for lengthening, which is why a crown is very useful.

The doctor prepares the tooth for the crown, adjusting the gum tissue to reveal a larger portion of the crowned tooth. Sometimes, you may need to give the bone and roots time to heal before attaching the final crown. For example, it isn’t uncommon to receive stitches inside your mouth at the gum line. In these cases, you’ll need to keep the sutures clean. In these cases, the doctor attaches a temporary crown until your next appointment, when you finally see your brand-new smile.

Post Care

After the crown lengthening procedure, taking care of yourself is crucial for post-care. Get used to a regular routine of mouth washing and cleansing. While healing can take up to three months, you can resume normal activities after three days. If you need stitches in your gums, you’ll need to be extra careful about infection and don’t do any strenuous activity for three days. Your teeth might be sensitive to cold and hot temperatures, but this should ease with time.

Long Term Care

Dental crowns aren’t permanent and have an average lifespan of around fifteen years. However, you’ll likely get more years out of your crowns with careful oral hygiene. Thankfully, most insurances pay for replacement if they fail after five years.

Contact us to schedule an appointment for crown lengthening today!

If you’re a periodontal patient, it’s important to understand the importance of regularly scheduling appointments with your periodontist to keep your teeth healthy.

Periodontal maintenance is one of the best ways to prevent gum disease and tooth loss, but it requires a commitment from both the patient and their dental professional.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss some tips for planning your periodontal maintenance for 2023.

Let’s start with the basics.

What Is Periodontal Maintenance?

Periodontal maintenance is an important part of your oral health care. Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is a serious condition that can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. It is caused by plaque buildup along the gum line, which creates an environment that allows bacteria to thrive.

Periodontal maintenance is a preventive process that helps protect against periodontal disease. It involves regular checkups and cleaning to remove plaque and tartar buildup, which can lead to more serious oral health problems.

What Are the Symptoms of Gum Disease?

Gum disease is a serious condition that can affect your overall health and well-being. While gum disease doesn’t typically cause symptoms in its early stages, you may start to notice signs as it progresses.

The following are some of the more common symptoms of gum disease:

• Red, swollen or bleeding gums
• Gums that are pulled away from the teeth
• Bad breath (halitosis)
• Receding gum line
• Pus around the teeth or between the teeth (pockets)
• Tenderness or pain when eating or brushing your teeth
• Loose teeth

If you notice any of these symptoms in your mouth, it’s important to schedule an appointment with your periodontist right away.

Choosing the Right Treatment Option for Your Periodontal Needs

When it comes to periodontal care, choosing the right treatment option for your needs is an important decision that can have a big impact on your oral health. There are several different treatments available for gum disease, and the right option for you will depend on the stage of the disease and your personal preferences.

• Dental cleanings: This is the most common treatment for early-stage gum disease, also known as gingivitis. A dental cleaning involves removing plaque and tartar from the teeth and gums and can help to reverse the effects of gingivitis. In some cases, your dentist may also recommend using a medicated mouthwash or toothpaste to help control bacteria and reduce inflammation.
• Scaling and root planing: If your gum disease has progressed to a more advanced stage, known as periodontitis, your dentist may recommend scaling and root planing. This involves a deep cleaning to remove plaque and tartar from below the gum line, as well as smoothing the roots of the teeth to prevent bacteria from accumulating. This treatment can help to reduce inflammation and promote the regrowth of healthy tissue.
• Flap surgery/pocket reduction surgery: In severe cases of gum disease, your dentist may recommend flap surgery or pocket reduction surgery. This involves making an incision in the gum tissue to expose the roots of the teeth and then removing infected tissue and bone. The gum tissue is then repositioned and sutured in place to reduce the size of the pockets between the teeth and gums, making it easier to keep the area clean.
• Bone grafts: In some cases, the damage caused by gum disease may be so severe that the bone supporting the teeth is lost. In these situations, your dentist may recommend a bone graft to help restore the bone and support the teeth. This involves using bone from another part of your body, or synthetic material, to fill in the gaps in the jawbone and promote the regrowth of healthy bone tissue.

When choosing a treatment option, it’s important to consider your overall health and any potential risks or side effects. For example, if you have a compromised immune system or are pregnant, your dentist may recommend a less invasive treatment to avoid complications. It’s also important to consider the cost of treatment and whether it is covered by your dental insurance.

Overall, the key to choosing the right treatment option for your periodontal needs is to work closely with your dentist and discuss all of your options. By taking the time to understand your condition and the available treatments, you can make an informed decision that is best for your oral health.

When Should You Start Periodontal Maintenance?

It’s important to start periodontal maintenance as early as possible, especially if you have had any issues with your gums or teeth in the past.

The earlier you start this process, the better off you will be in the long run. If you wait until later on down the road when things start going bad, then it may be too late for us to help improve your situation.

What to Expect at the Periodontist

If you’re considering seeing a periodontist for treatment of your gum disease, you may be wondering what to expect during your appointment. Here’s a brief overview of what you can expect at the periodontist:

• First, you’ll likely be asked to fill out some paperwork, including your medical and dental history and any medications you are currently taking.
• Next, the periodontist will conduct a thorough examination of your teeth and gums. This may include taking x-rays to get a better view of the underlying bone structure, and measuring the pockets between your teeth and gums using a tool called a periodontal probe.
• Based on the findings of the examination, the periodontist will discuss your treatment options with you and recommend a course of action.
• If you decide to proceed with treatment, the periodontist will explain the details of the procedure and any potential risks or side effects. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.
• Finally, the periodontist will schedule a follow-up appointment to check on your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.

In general, the goal of a visit to the periodontist is to diagnose and treat your gum disease and to help you maintain good oral health. By working closely with your periodontist, you can take control of your oral health and improve the health of your gums.

Get Your Teeth Checked By A Professional

To sum up, we highly recommend getting your teeth checked by a professional dentist or periodontist every year. The cost of getting your teeth checked professionally is significantly less than the cost of oral surgery or other procedures that can be done to fix dental problems.

At Pinnacle Center – Dental Implants & Periodontics, we can help. Our team is dedicated to helping patients maintain healthy smiles through preventative care and treatment. We believe that everyone deserves to live life with confidence—and that starts with good oral hygiene.

Book an appointment online today and take the first step towards a healthier, more confident smile.

Dental implants are a modern innovation that allows dentists to stabilize a replacement tooth and restore a patient’s full mouth function and appearance. These oral appliances consist of a crown and titanium rod that fuses to the jawbone, creating a durable and aesthetic replacement for a missing natural tooth.

Unfortunately, successful dental implant installation hinges on your jawbone’s ability to accommodate the prosthetic root. For patients with severe bone tissue loss, a sinus lift (also known as sinus augmentation) is needed to bolster the height and thickness of the upper jaw.

This article looks at how a sinus lift can add extra bone volume in the area underlying the sinus membrane, preparing your jaw structure to accommodate dental implants that restore your confidence to smile.

Identifying the Need for Sinus Augmentation

A study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) shows that within weeks of losing a molar or premolar in your upper jaw, the bone mass deteriorates and resorbs due to lack of physical stimulation. Consequently, the vacant tooth socket collapses, causing the floor of the maxillary sinus to expand into the roots of your teeth. Without a timely replacement of a knocked out or damaged tooth, too much of the underlying bone mass can be lost, leaving insufficient levels to support a dental implant.

Sinus lift surgery is appropriate for patients with missing teeth who need a bone graft on their upper jaw to support an artificial tooth. Besides tooth loss, the following factors can also cause massive bone resorption between the sinus and the mouth, necessitating an introduction of bioactive tissue to stimulate bone production in the area.

Sinuses Are Too Close to the Jaw

Older adults are often prone to gradual bone loss on their upper jaw as their sinuses enlarge with age. This bone thinning often leaves an insufficient gap between the maxillary sinus and cheeks to accommodate a tooth replacement for a lost premolar or molar. To correct this problem and ensure implant success, your periodontist can recommend a sinus augmentation procedure.

Periodontal Disease

Gum disease treatment prevents progressive damage to soft tissue and tooth enamel. If left unchecked, the condition can damage the underlying jaw structure and enlarge the sinus cavity, necessitating a sinus lift to recover the lost bone volume.

Ill-fitting or Damaged Dental Appliances

Dental bridges and dentures can get loose or damaged over time, reducing their capacity to support the teeth and gums. Without replacement, these dental appliances will eventually fail to stimulate your teeth and jaw, resulting in bone loss.

The Benefits of a Sinus Augmentation

A sinus lift surgery allows dental professionals to replace missing teeth and enhance the look, feel, and function of your mouth. Read on to learn the key benefits of undergoing sinus augmentation surgery.

Aids in Dental Implant Placement

The main benefit of a sinus lift is that it allows the body to replenish lost bone mass in the upper jaw. The installed bone graft stimulates bone production on the upper jaw, creating enough height and mass to support the implantation of an artificial prosthetic root and crown.

Sinus augmentation has emerged as the go-to solution for many patients who had previously been ruled out of dental implant surgery. The procedure allows periodontists to create extra space and bone so an artificial tooth replacement can be safely installed.

Halts Further Bone Resorption

The loss of natural teeth and the onset of gum disease continue to cause bone tissue resorption until treatment is administered to halt the deterioration in its tracks. A sinus lift not only stimulates bone production but reverses bone loss and enhances the strength of the underlying jaw structure. Bone grafting material also helps reverse damage to the teeth and gums, restoring chewing function and the appearance of your smile.

Protects the Sinus Membrane

Several complications can occur when the sinus wall is too close to the upper jaw. Essentially, the lack of space between the sinus and mouth places the thin sinus membrane at risk of being punctured by dental appliances. A sinus lift heightens the sinus bone, protecting the membrane lining from damage.

Steps in the Sinus Augmentation Procedure

Maxillofacial surgeons recommend a sinus lift graft to correct upper jaw bone loss caused by trauma to the teeth, ill-fitting dental appliances, or multiple oral diseases. The procedure involves lifting the maxillary sinus membrane to make room for a bone graft that accommodates a prosthetic root of a long-lasting artificial tooth.

Before the surgery, we will take a series of 3D images to examine the extent of bone resorption around the missing natural tooth. During the surgery, Dr. Roll numbs your gums and jaw tissue with a local anesthetic before making a small incision in the gum tissue. This opening allows her to expose the underlying jawbone and lift the sinus membrane lining near the missing molar/premolar.

Next, bioactive gels and bone grafting materials are carefully inserted between the sinus cavity and the jawbone. The surgical site is then closed with stitches, kick-starting the healing process in which the graft material fuses with the jaw to create a new bone mass.

Depending on the extent of bone loss, Dr. Roll can opt for a ‘vertical’ or ‘lateral’ sinus lift procedure. The result is the growth of a new sinus bone that will anchor a durable, beautiful implant. Most patients need between 4-12 months for the bone graft to augment into the jawbone and the sinus lift to heal.

Sinus Lift for Successful Dental Implant Surgery

A sinus lift can provide the sufficient mass and quality of jawbone required to qualify you for successful dental implant surgery. Having an experienced periodontist perform your sinus augmentation procedure can reduce the risk of complications such as sinus membrane perforation and chronic sinusitis. Contact us today!

Periodontal disease, also referred to as gum disease, is a leading threat to dental health, affecting around two out of every five adults in the United States. In its earliest stages, gum disease can be treated, but as it advances, it cannot be reversed—a fact that underscore the need for regular dental checkups and early intervention. Gum disease treatment depends on the disease’s stage, the overall health of the patient, and how the patient responded to previous attempts to treat the disease.

Gum disease is more complex than just inflammation or infection in the soft tissue of the gums. Periodontal disease can have repercussions not just on your oral and dental health and the beauty of your smile, but also on your overall general well-being and wellness. In fact, gum disease and the bacteria that comes with it have been linked to diabetes, heart disease, and some types of cancer.

A Progressive Disease

Gum disease progresses in four stages, with dental professionals classifying a patient’s current stage based on the symptoms experienced and an examination of the gums. The gum disease treatment options available to a patient with gum disease depend largely on the stage of the disease. Gum disease can be quite serious, since it progresses from minor gum irritation to a disease that affects the bones and supporting ligaments of the mouth.

Nonsurgical Treatments for Gum Disease

The first stage of gum disease is known as gingivitis, and it is gum disease in its mildest form. The hallmarks of gingivitis include minor irritation of the soft tissue, redness of the gums, inflammation, swelling, and some minor bleeding during brushing or flossing. A diagnosis of gum disease when it is in this first stage usually leads to a full reversal of the disease process. Still, because side effects of gingivitis and its symptoms are quite mild, many patients do not notice them, and it is only when the patient comes in for a dental checkup and/or dental cleaning that the dentist recognizes the onset of gum disease.

If your dentist determines that you have gum disease during a checkup or cleaning, then they may recommend that you have your teeth cleaned more often than the standard recommendation of every six months. While dental cleaning does not treat active gum disease, it is a critical preventive procedure that may help keep the disease from progressing as quickly.

When periodontal disease reaches its second stage, early periodontitis, the disease is not completely reversible, but it can be managed. At this stage, the patient’s soft tissue has sustained damage and there is a weakening of the smile’s supportive bone structure.

Scaling and root planning procedures may be recommended for gum disease after this point. This nonsurgical remedy—performed under a local anesthetic—removes tartar and plaque from below and above the gum line and involves planing away rough spots on the teeth. For some patients, scaling and root planning may be enough to treat their periodontal issues and avoid surgery.

At-home therapies such as antibiotic rinses may help, as can special nonprescription toothpastes containing triclosan. There are also in-office therapies to treat the disease at this point that can be effective at managing it. All nonsurgical treatments for gum disease have one main goal: helping to stop or slow-down bacterial growth.

Surgical Gum Disease Treatment

Nonsurgical treatment of periodontal disease is not always possible or effective to manage the disease or repair the problems that it has caused. Because of that, surgical intervention for gum disease is sometimes necessary to treat the problem and prevent further tooth loss and other issues. The main goal of a surgical gum disease treatment approach is to restore the gum tissue that surrounds and supports the teeth.

The most common type of surgical intervention for gum disease is osseous surgery—sometimes called flap surgery or pocket-reduction surgery. This surgery involves lifting the gums back, removing tarter, and sometimes smoothing irregular areas of bone, effectively limiting the number of places where bacteria can thrive. Next, the gums are restored to their natural position, which involves fitting them in a natural way around the teeth but in a way that decreases the amount of space that bacteria have available to develop.

Depending on the patient’s treatment plan, a periodontist may place a gelatin-filled chip containing a special antibiotic in the periodontal pocket during osseous surgery. These antibiotics such as chlorhexidine and minocycline HCI, help control inflammation and plaque, and feature a slow-release formula that delivers the antibiotics over the course of a week or so. Oral antibiotics, including minocycline, tetracycline, and doxycycline, are also sometimes prescribed to combat the ill effects of gum disease.

This type of surgery for gum disease benefits the patient in myriad ways. First and foremost, it helps to reduce the spread of bacteria that can enter the blood stream and result in inflammation, so your whole body is healthier. The procedure also halts bone loss that results from the bacteria-inducted inflammation that can otherwise destroy bone tissue. The result is a more natural-looking jawline and the ability to save your natural teeth.

Recovery time from this type of dental surgery for gum disease is relatively simple and uncomplicated. The majority of patients undergoing osseous surgery experience a fast recovery, with the biggest side effect being mild swelling. Generally, over-the-counter NSAID pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, for example, are recommended following the surgery.

Professional Treatment for Gum Disease

The time needed to treat gum disease, the level of discomfort involved, and the healing time for any procedure depends on the patient’s individual circumstances and severity of disease. Dr. Roll and the team at Pinnacle Center – Dental Implants & Periodontics are among the best when it comes to treating periodontal disease, with most procedures performed in the office. Schedule an appointment to discuss your treatment plan now.