January 26, 2022 by Admin 0 Comments

Periodontal Disease: Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

Periodontal disease

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is caused by a disease that develops in the gum pockets of the teeth. It is a major risk factor in tooth loss, and if not treated, can eventually lead to tooth loss. There are no single treatments for periodontal disease that will cure it. You need to follow a preventative regimen that will help reduce the rate at which the disease develops and progresses.

It will be more difficult for you to recover from periodontal disease if you are a smoker. It could be difficult also if you suffer from diabetes or have other medical conditions that weaken your immune system.

Early Signs And Symptoms

This condition is characterized by gum inflammation and bone loss around the teeth. The gums are the soft tissue covering the teeth and jaws and help hold the teeth in place. One of the first signs of gum disease is a pain when biting down on food. This is called periodontitis.

In other words, if you can’t bite down on a piece of bread or a sandwich without feeling the pain, that’s a sign that your gums are inflamed. And if you feel pain when brushing or flossing, that’s another sign. If this is happening, it’s time to get to the dentist.

If you notice any of these common signs and symptoms, you may be experiencing periodontal disease. The early signs are often painless, and you may not notice that your gums have become red, swollen, and bleeding. But, if you pay close attention to your teeth and gums, you might discover that they are starting to shift around or that your teeth and gums have started to loosen.

Causes Of Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection that affects your gums and your teeth. There are several causes for periodontal disease, one of the most common forms of gum disease. Causes of periodontal disease include smoking, diabetes, poor oral hygiene, and aging.

Your bone and connective tissue begin to recede from the gum line as you get older. This means there’s more room for bacteria and plaque to cause damage. Bacteria can also enter the tooth through dental fillings, crowns, bridges, root canal therapy, and even chewing gum.

If you’re a woman, you’re much more likely to develop periodontal disease than men. This is one of the reasons why the U.S. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) states that women should be screened more frequently for gum diseases.

Types Of Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease

There are six different types of periodontal disease that are common. Let’s take a look at them in a bit more detail –

Gingivitis

This type of periodontal disease affects the gums and can be quite painful. The good news is that if it is caught early enough, then there is a chance to fix it.

Periodontitis

This is more advanced gum disease and is a serious problem. It also affects the nerves in the mouth and can be quite painful. If left untreated, this type of periodontal disease can lead to loss of teeth.

Apical Periodontitis

This is another very severe problem that can lead to tooth loss. This type of periodontal disease affects the bone in the root area.

Systemic Periodontitis

This refers to the inflammation of the supporting structures of the teeth. It is a condition that causes the bones to lose their ligamentous support and can lead to tooth loss. This ultimately leads to the loosening and loss of the teeth.

Aggressive Periodontitis

This is characterized by rapidly progressive alveolar bone loss and can cause tooth loss and even damage to the jawbone and teeth. It is a type of periodontal disease that occurs more frequently among adults, especially Caucasians between 30 and 50.

Necrotizing Periodontal

People suffering from this also suffer from other systemic diseases. All these factors make this a more complicated case to treat.

Treatment

When we talk about periodontal disease, we’re talking about gum disease. The gums line the inside of your mouth and support the teeth. Gum disease affects about 40% of Americans. If you have gingivitis, it can be reversed, but it’s very difficult to treat if it progresses to periodontitis.

The good news about gum disease is that it can be controlled and treated. If you are suffering from periodontal disease, take steps to improve your oral hygiene and seek the help of a dental professional to treat the problem. Your dentist or a periodontist will provide you with a full examination of your mouth, which will help determine if you need any additional treatments.

Prevention

The key to prevention is to prevent periodontal disease from occurring in the first place. By eating a balanced diet that contains a variety of foods and limiting the consumption of sugary beverages, brushing and flossing at least twice a day, and regular dental visits, you can help prevent periodontal disease.

January 5, 2022 by Admin 0 Comments

Why Dental Implants Are the Best Option to Replace Missing Teeth

That’s the number of Americans who have lost at least one tooth. If you are reading this, you may be one among them and perhaps pondering dental implants. Hang on! We are going to tell you why you should go for dental implants than any other procedure.

Implants, also known as dental implants, replace missing teeth. They are titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone, fusing with the bone tissue. The posts then hold a prosthetic tooth or denture made of porcelain or ceramic.

Implants can be fixed with a single implant to restore one tooth or multiple implants to replace more than one. They are an excellent way for patients with missing teeth to regain their smile.

Here, we have listed five compelling reasons why dental implants are the best to fix your teeth.

Dental implants are the best option to replace missing teeth

 

1) Dental Implants Last Long

 

Dental implants are great because they will not wear down as natural teeth do. They are posts inserted into the jawbone, and then a false tooth or bridge is attached to them. They will easily last for more than a decade, meaning there is no need for back-and-forth visits to the dentist.

This method ensures that teeth will not shift, unlike dentures or braces. If maintained well, it can last upwards of 20+ years.

A way to maintain dental implants is to brush and floss regularly. In addition, if the patient has a problem with bacteria in their mouth, it may be necessary to take antibiotics. Not to mention the necessity to get regular check-ups at your dentist’s office.

 

2) Dental Implants Give Holistic Benefits

 

They come with many benefits, including improved aesthetics, jaw bone preservation, and pain relief. Dental implants are also less intrusive than traditional procedures. They also possess a lower risk of complications compared to other alternatives.

Implants are a convenient and safe way to replace missing teeth. They also improve health, rehabilitate oral function, and hold a fixed position to help prevent the bone from shrinking. It is a go-to option for patients who are allergic to metal or have chronic gum disease, as it is made of titanium.

They also provide added stability for dentures or partials that won’t stay anchored on their own. And they look like natural teeth! Voila! Isn’t that what you want exactly?

 

3) Implants Mimic the Functionalities of Teeth

 

“Why should I go for dental implants over other procedures?” you may ask.

The Answer: They are the only way to replace missing teeth with something that looks, feels, and functions just like your natural teeth.

Most of the time, dental implants function identically to natural teeth. The new tooth will have the same feel as a natural tooth and help with chewing food, biting down, and will not be sensitive.

Those who like the look of natural teeth can coat the implant with a material that mimics tooth enamel. On the functionality side, implants can withstand the pressure without breaking or shifting out of place.

This is because implants are made of titanium, a metal that has the strength to hold up against the forces of chewing. Unlike dentures, which sit atop the gums and can cause sores, dental implants integrate with the bone structure and provide a more natural feeling.

 

4) Implants Have a Higher Success Rate

 

Implants are more popular because it has been proven to have a higher success rate than dentures or bridges, and patients can go back to enjoying all their favorite foods again. Dental implants were only used as a last resort due to the cost and effort required.

Ever since dental implants were made available for the masses in the 1990s, they have become a popular choice for people trying to regain their smiles.

Take a look at this data: An estimated 3 million Americans use dental implants. The success rate of dental implants is astounding. According to this study, the success rate is anywhere between 97.8 to 100%. The main factors affecting the success rates are pre-existing medical conditions, such as diabetes and gum disease.

 

5) Dental Implants Boost Your Self-esteem

 

Throughout your life, you might have experienced the loss of a tooth and the resulting mental and physical changes. These changes can include self-esteem issues and avoidance of social activities, affecting your interpersonal relationships.

Mental alterations are not the only consequences you experience when losing a tooth. Common consequences also include missing out on work or school because you are too embarrassed to show up. Implants take these risks out of the equation by effectively restoring your smile.

They are life-changing for patients because they can smile confidently and speak more clearly. Self-esteem improves tremendously after an implant, eliminating social isolation and embarrassment caused by missing teeth.

October 19, 2021 by Admin 0 Comments

Why Should You Use Cosmetic Dentistry to Restore Your Youth?

Teeth are something rarely talked about when discussing the woes of growing older. The facts are that as you age, you are at an increased risk of tooth loss, tooth decay, and gum disease due to receding gum lines and low saliva production.

 To top it off, your once pearly whites will probably begin to stain and yellow. Pair that with all of the other fun things that aging brings, and you can end up looking much older than you really are. Enter, cosmetic dentistry.

Cosmetic dentistry is any dental work that is done to improve the appearance of your smile. You’ll not only leave the dentist chair feeling like a brand new person, but you’ll also enjoy the relief of not having to stress about your smile.

If that’s not enough, check out these other reasons why cosmetic dentistry can help you restore your youth.

Cosmetic-dentistry

You’ll Look Younger

Missing, stained, and chipped teeth can be telltale signs of a person’s age. On the other hand, when your teeth are in excellent condition, you look and feel more youthful.

Cosmetic dentistry revitalizes your smile and livens up your face. It also doesn’t hurt that you’ll want to smile more when you know you have a beautiful smile, which has been proven to make people appear more attractive.

It Gives You a Confidence Boost

When you have a smile you’re not proud of, it can really put a damper on your mood. What’s the saying? When you look good, you feel good.

That couldn’t be any more true when it comes to restoring your smile with cosmetic dentistry. Having an exceptional smile is much like getting a permanent makeover.

You’ll feel great knowing that you have a beautiful smile, which will naturally make you more confident, outgoing, and vibrant.

You’ll Have Stronger Teeth

Years of coffee, tea, sodas, and wine (wink) can contribute to enamel loss and weakened teeth. Your teeth can become much more sensitive and eventually lead to cracks, chips, and tooth decay when this happens.

Cosmetic dentistry will strengthen your teeth and get you back to enjoying your favorite snacks and beverages with no complications.

The Effects Are Long-Lasting

Whether you get teeth whitening or bonding treatments, the effects of cosmetic dentistry are long-lasting. Unlike other cosmetic services, you won’t have to return every couple of weeks to get touched up.

Instead, after leaving the dentist’s office, you’ll get back to life as usual, just with a more radiant smile.

Types of Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures

Cosmetic dentists provide several services to their clients that general dentists can not. General dentists are primarily concerned with preventing and treating oral diseases, while a cosmetic dentist will help you establish a more beautiful smile.

When you work with a dentist to restore your smile, you’ll be able to choose from different services depending on your needs, like bonding, teeth whitening, and porcelain veneers.

Cosmetic_dentistry_procedures

Bonding

Bonding can fill cavities and repair cracks, chips, and gaps in your teeth. Your dentist will use composite resin and shape it over your teeth and harden it to create seamless results.

This method not only gives you a beautiful smile but can also be completed in one sitting. That means no scheduling multiple appointments, no surgical procedures, and no downtime.

Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening involves removing stains and discoloration from the teeth using chemical agents. You can whiten your teeth using at-home kits purchased from your dentist or in-office. In-office treatments are much faster and more effective than at-home methods since the latter involves more potent chemicals.

You can choose to have this treatment done at your annual dental appointment or more frequently. You should consult with your trusted dentist to advise you on the best options for your teeth.

Veneers

Porcelain veneers fit over your natural teeth to give you a flawless smile. Whether you have cracked, damaged, or stained teeth, this method is sure to transform your smile. Veneers are custom-fit to your teeth, so you won’t have to worry about them being detected. When done correctly, they will feel completely natural in your mouth, so it’s like they’re not even there.

If you’re ready to take your life back and restore your youthfulness with cosmetic dentistry, then you need a licensed cosmetic dentist in Shelby Township, MI, that you can trust.

Let our team at Dr. Timothy Roney DDS & Associates help you achieve a smile you can be proud of. Book an appointment today!

September 30, 2021 by Admin 0 Comments

Want a Movie Star Smile? Time for Teeth Whitening!

Learn How Teeth Whitening Can Help Create a Stunning Smile

Shing! A good teeth whitening service can turn a yellowed grin into a smile of pearl. It’s a popular process, and the results can be stunning.

Ready for a Hollywood smile? Read on to find out whether teeth whitening is for you.

Why Get Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whitening isn’t just for the vain or wealthy, either. Severe discolorations of teeth can truly impact self-confidence for some people.

A discolored tooth isn’t necessarily an unhealthy tooth and whitening won’t fix a tooth that’s in need of a filling or other repair. But anyone who wants to feel confident when they grin can benefit from teeth whitening. With modern solutions, it’s more affordable than it’s ever been before!

How Does Teeth Whitening Work?

With a teeth whitening treatment, peroxides deliver oxygen molecules that break apart the chemical bonds that make up the stains in your teeth. Fluoride keeps the peroxide from compromising the integrity of your teeth and works to reduce sensitivity after the procedure.

Teeth whitening treatments are usually quick and minimally invasive, making it easy to get that bright smile you’ve been looking for!

Where Do Teeth Discolorations Come From?

There are two typical causes for tooth discoloration:

  • Extrinsic Discolorations: These are caused by external sources, such as smoking or drinking wine or coffee. Extrinsic stains only affect the surface of your teeth.
  • Intrinsic Discolorations: These are stains that come from the inside out. Medications, trauma, disease, or just plain aging can lead to intrinsically discolored teeth.

Teeth whitening treatments primarily deal with extrinsic discolorations.

Can I Do It Myself?

While there are lots of kits that claim to whiten teeth on the market, home teeth whitening kits just don’t do as thorough of a job as professional teeth whitening procedures.

With professional whitening you get:

  • Dental Supervision: Your dentist will be familiar with the procedure and make sure your teeth are healthy enough for whitening.
  • The Strong Stuff: Over-the-counter home whitening kits don’t have the same whitening power as what dentists use.
  • Quicker Results: The whitening process is immediately noticeable rather than delayed by days or weeks.

Home teeth whitening may work on some extrinsic discolorations, but they will be ineffective against intrinsic discolorations.

Is Teeth Whitening Permanent?

No, unfortunately, no whitening treatments are permanent. Professional teeth whitening can last anywhere from six months to three years, with one year being typical. Because you still have to use your teeth, they will get re-stained over time. At that point, you can have them whitened again.

Trust Your Teeth Whitening to an Experienced Dentist

The team at Dr. Timothy Roney DDS & Associates has the knowledge and expertise to get you that movie star smile you’ve always wanted.

Our cosmetic dentistry procedures, including teeth whitening, can give you the self-confidence you’ve always wanted from your smile.

Don’t get stuck with discolored teeth that make you hide your mouth. If you’re ready to experience the delight of a motion picture-worthy grin, contact your trusted Shelby Township dentist today.