Your six-month dental hygiene appointment likely includes a ‘cleaning,’ which, among other things, removes plaque buildup that has formed around teeth between visits. This buildup typically occurs when daily brushing and flossing fails to remove bacteria accumulation in the mouth.

When bacteria multiply in the mouth, they soon form a sticky film that hardens on teeth. This hardened form of bacteria is ‘plaque.’ It eats away at tooth surfaces, gum tissues and eventually the bone that supports teeth. When plaque is above the gum line, a hygienist uses special tools to scrape it off. However, when bacteria get below the gum line, a more rigorous line of treatment is required.

To rid bacteria below the gum line, one treatment is “soft tissue management.” This is a process of cleaning below the gums where oral bacteria now thrive. Although you may not perceive the presence of gum disease, this stage requires a more aggressive form of ‘cleaning’ beyond what a standard cleaning appointment can help, yet, not so severe that a more advanced level of treatment is needed.

Untreated gum disease will worsen and lead to severe tenderness, persistent bad breath, bleeding gums, pockets of pus that form around the teeth, and eventual tooth loss. At this stage, teeth may be saved with intensive, surgical periodontal treatment.

Gum disease will not go away without treatment. Brushing and flossing cannot remove plaque, nor will a basic cleaning remove bacteria that exists below the gums. Of course, the best way to deal with this problem is to avoid it in the first place. However, if you’re dealing with the consequences, the sooner you have treatment, the less cost and treatment time will be required. Keep in mind that the resulting tooth loss creates an entirely new round of expenses and appointment times.

Early treatment also helps to reduce the risk of oral bacteria contributing to serious health problems. Through tears in gum tissues, oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream. This bacteria has been associated with increased risks of heart disease, stroke, memory loss, diabetes, some cancers, impotency and preterm babies. Without a doubt, this bacteria is nothing to ignore for many reasons.

A Periodontist has specialized skills to successfully treat all stages of periodontal problems, comfortably and efficiently. Call (828) 274-9440 to learn more or arrange a consultation appointment.

If someone special in your life has a ‘gummy smile,’ you probably have noticed they tend to hold back on a really full smile. They may put their hand in front of their mouth when smiling or look down when laughing. In photos, they tend to resist a full smile.

This is a shame for so many people who are precious to us. Perhaps it is a mother or wife. Maybe it is a bride who knows all eyes (and photographs) will be on her. Maybe it’s a child preparing for college and feels uneasy about making new friends.

Repairing a gummy smile is, quite frankly, a fairly simple procedure. Often, excess gum tissue is removed in a single procedure. The gum line is evened out so the smile has a more balanced and appealing appearance. The patient is very comfortable throughout the procedure and healing time is quick.

If you have, or know someone who has, a gummy smile and would like to feel more confident smiling, laughing and enjoying social gatherings, begin with a consultation appointment to discuss the procedure. Your smile should reflect YOU at your very best! Call (828) 274-9440 to learn more.

The term “gummy smile” is often used to describe having too much gum tissue visible in a full smile. This may occur with a single tooth, several teeth, or all teeth. Regardless, the disproportion of gum-to-tooth or uneven gum line can cause people to feel self-conscious about smiling. Some feel so awkward about this that they put their hand in front of their mouth when smiling or laughing.

Having a gummy smile may be the result of lengthy orthodontic treatment, developmental influences or genetics. Fortunately, correcting a gummy smile can be performed simply using modern techniques and technology. Most treatments are completed in just one or two visits with a quick recovery time.

The most common method of correction is through a gingivectomy.  This is performed with a minimal amount of gum reduction necessary. This procedure removes excess gum tissue in a comfortable process. The tissue is typically fully healed in 2 weeks.

This procedure is also a common way to create a more aesthetic gum line for crowns and other restorative procedures.

Want to feel terrific about your smile? If you feel your gum line detracts from the appearance of your smile, call (828) 274-9440 for a consultation.

I recently read an article about an Oklahoma City oral surgeon who has put over 7,000 patients at risk for Hepatitis B and C as well as HIV. This is shocking, especially since the majority of dentists adhere to very strict guidelines in the prevention of exposure to any and all risk factors.

Although the patients (all since 2007) were told by the Tulsa Health Department, “It should be noted that transmission in this type of occupational setting is rare,” this is very upsetting. This sends an alarm of worry out to people, many who are already terribly frightened of dental visits.

Please know that our heat sterilization process exceeds guidelines set forth by OSHA and the CDC. Additionally, all staff members are trained to administer patient care to the highest safety standards at all times, regardless of your procedure.

It is our goal to provide an exceptional experience at every visit. You can rest assured that your safety and comfort are top priorities at our office.