Why is Periodontal Health important?      

​​Studies have shown that periodontal disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults. However, the disease isn't just confined to the mouth.

Gum disease is shown to be associated with an increased risk of serious degenerative diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and dementia. Periodontitis (gum disease) left untreated injures bone tissue surrounding the root of the tooth and is a primary cause of tooth loss, tooth pain, loss of biting and chewing strength, inflamed and unsightly gum tissue, bad breath, and inflammation in other parts of the body.

Periodontal Maintenance      

You can prevent periodontitis for you and your family by following a routine of proper oral hygiene.

Modeling robust periodontal health begins at an early age for children and must be practiced consistently throughout life.

Good Oral Hygiene          

Good oral hygiene prevents the development of bacteria buildup that causes periodontal disease. Your oral hygiene strategy should include brushing your teeth at least twice a day, and flossing at least once a day is part of good oral hygiene. Flossing before you brush cleans away loosened food particles and bacteria.

Regular Dental Visits          

Schedule your routine cleanings every six to 12 months with Whole Dental Wellness. Several risk factors that increase your chances of developing periodontitis are a dry mouth, taking certain medications, or smoking. These factors may cause a person to need more frequent professional cleanings.

What is Periodontitis?        

Your healthy gums are supposed to be firm, pale pink, and fit snugly around teeth. Signs and symptoms of periodontitis include:

         
• Bad breath
         
• Receding gums
         
• Painful chewing
         
• Swollen or puffy gums
         
• Gums that bleed easily
       

Additional Reading                        

Periodontitis can cause tooth loss. The bacteria responsible for periodontitis enter your bloodstream through the gum tissue, affecting other parts of your body. For example, periodontitis is linked with the following severe health concerns:              

               
• Respiratory disease
               
• Rheumatoid arthritis
               
• Coronary artery disease
               
• Issues controlling blood sugar in diabetes.
             

             The American Academy of Periodontology stresses the importance of routine dental visits to maintain healthy teeth and gums. 

Periodontal Surgeries        

At Whole Dental Wellness, we offer the following periodontal surgeries.

Frenectomy            

There are three muscular attachments (frenums) inside your mouth:

             
• Maxillary labial frenum: connects the inside of your upper lip to your gums, located above your two front teeth
             
• Mandibular labial frenum: connects the inside lower lip to your gums before your two front teeth
             
• Lingual frenum: connects your tongue to the floor of your mouth
           

Additional Reading                                

In some instances, children and adults are impacted by the frenum obstructing the functions of speech, digestion, airway obstruction, or orthodontic spacing. Therefore a frenectomy is performed to remove or reposition the frenum. The removal will not affect the appearance of your lips or mouth.                

Gingivectomy            

In the case of poor dental hygiene, a gingivectomy becomes a periodontal health necessity when the gums have grown over the crowns of teeth. A gingivectomy procedure involves reshaping and removing excess gum tissue that formed pockets between your teeth and gums. After your procedure, your teeth are more visible, and with proper oral hygiene and routine dental visits, the gingivectomy is effective in stopping gum disease progression.

Crown Lengthening            

A standard surgical procedure when your tooth requires a new crown, but the decay is inaccessible because it extends below your gum line is called Functional Crown Lengthening. Typically with this condition, the gums are chronically inflamed and need treatment to preserve the affected gum tissues and bone structure. The functional crown lengthening procedure typically takes about one hour. Your dentist will expose more of your tooth's surface by adjusting the amount of gum tissue and underlying bone surrounding the decayed tooth.

Additional Reading                                

The gum and bone adjustment purpose is to provide the proper amount of tooth structure for the new crown or filling to remain secure. You may need to be fitted with temporary restorations until your final crown impression. Many patients say there is minimal downtime or discomfort.                  

A follow-up office visit is scheduled two weeks post-procedure to evaluate your healing and remove any remaining dissolvable stitches. Within four to six weeks, our dental specialist will determine if your gums have settled to make a final impression for your crown. It is vital that your gums are not swollen to ensure a proper fit.

Schedule your periodontal health consultation at Whole Dental Wellness today      

Whole Dental Wellness recommends routine visits and a periodontal treatment if there are progressing signs of periodontal disease. If you are experiencing unexplained bleeding gums, red, puffy, or recessed gums, our specialist-led dental team wants to see you. Call our Birmingham dental office to schedule your periodontal examination today.