Periodontics
In addition to general dentistry, Smiles by JB provides a wide range of periodontic services to give our patients the best possible dental care. We hope you’ll discover more about what we have to offer and how we may assist you. Please contact us at (919) 484-0880 if you have any queries. We’d be delighted to hear from you!
Crown Lengthening
Dental practitioners are dedicated to preserving teeth. This is why we fill a cavity rather than pulling the tooth when necessary. Without a treatment known as crown lengthening, cavities can erode the tooth until restoration becomes almost impossible.
Crown lengthening is a common surgical operation that changes the gum line contour. Rather than lengthening the crown, the technique lowers the gum line. This is the only solution when there isn’t enough tooth structure to support a crown.
Occasionally, a tooth has been fractured beneath the gum tissue. In this situation, crown lengthening is effective in revealing more of the tooth, allowing the dentist to have with something to work with.
Crown lengthening is often completed using laser technology. This provides for faster recovery than with traditional surgery. Bleeding is no longer an issue, so the risk of infection is very low.
Anesthesia options are pain-free due to local anesthesia which numbs only the area involved in treatment. You may experience some soreness and swelling for a day or two after the operation.
Smiles by JB is happy to assist you with any periodontal queries you may have, so please contact us at (919) 484-0880. We’re looking forward to your call!
Periodontal (Gum) Disease
Gum disease is a slow-acting calamity. It’s the result of plaque, an opaque film that hardens to form tartar on your teeth. As tartar builds up, it houses germs that cause harm to the gum tissue around it. This is the early stage of gum disease, also known as gingivitis, when microscopic blood vessels in the gums begin to break down.
Gingivitis can eventually progress to Periodontitis, which reduces the tissue surrounding your teeth and can even lead to bone loss in the bone supporting your teeth. Gingivitis is characterized by a sensitivity to hot or cold food and drink, redness in your gums, and pain when chewing.
Gingivitis progresses without warning signs other than bad breath and bleeding gums. Your dentist can provide you with an individualized treatment plan that will restore the health of your gums. If untreated, Periodontitis can develop into tooth loss.
The tooth loss is the most visible sign of gum disease, but it is not the only one. Gum disease has been linked to stroke, heart disease, diabetes – and even an increased risk of pregnant moms in scientific studies. When your gums become diseased, your entire immune system is damaged.
Fear of extensive dental treatment has previously kept individuals with gum or peridontal disease from receiving the treatment they required. Those days are long gone for good.
Scaling & Root Planing
Gingivitis is a destructive illness that, if left untreated, leads to significant tooth and gum damage. The term gingivitis may give a patient anxiety. The reality is that treatment is quite easy and may be completed in your dentist’s office right away.
Plaque and tartar on the teeth provide an environment in which germs can grow and multiply. The germs cause the gums to become inflamed and hemorrhage. When you clean your teeth or when you eat, the condition becomes more apparent. These are indications of gingivitis in its early stages.
Gingivitis can be readily treated by the hygienist scaling and polishing the teeth. Gingivitis will worsen if it is not treated, and the roots will need planing. There is a difference between scaling and root planing. Scaling is the removal of dental tartar from the tooth surface. Root smoothing involves smoothing the roots of the teeth.
Root planing is required when scaling doesn’t improve or when it worsens gum disease. The term root planing means that the tooth root surfaces are smoothed, which makes them comfortable for the gums. This prevents future periodontal pockets from forming, allowing you to keep your natural teeth longer because bacterial plaque won’t be able to build up in the gums.
Root planing is accomplished with an instrument that has a sharp end and a dull end. The instrument scrapes away the rough edges of the tooth surface, removing tartar deposits and plaque buildup. There are several steps involved in root planing; it might take several visits to complete this treatment process.
Scaling and planing are a non-surgical treatments in the dental office without any anesthesia. Although the procedure is usually painless, advanced stages of gingivitis may require numbness for complete comfort. Each session of tooth root planning and expansion generally comprises one portion of the mouth. This allows for a sufficient healing period, as well as cutting down on the length of each session.
Speak to Your Dentist About Periodontal Diseases
If you notice any swelling or bleeding along your gum line, it’s a good idea to consult your dentist. They can advise on what procedures will be best for your particular situation. They can also offer advice on how to prevent the problem from happening again by improving and maintaining your oral hygiene.