Quality Gum Disease Treatment in Anchorage, AK Offered By Top Dentists – Dr. Newman & Dr. Weaver
Drs. Jon S. Weaver and Andrew K. Newman of Huffman Family Dentistry invite new patients interested in periodontal treatment to Anchorage practice.
Delaying gum disease treatment can result in tooth loss and lead to other health problems such as strokes and even heart disease. Avoiding resolving one’s gum issues can lead to much more serious health problems. If a person keeps their smile healthy, the rest of their body will stay healthier, as well.
Periodontal treatment is crucial for adults because periodontitis is the number one cause of tooth loss. To treat it, the dentists at Huffman Family Dentistry first conduct a comprehensive exam to check for gum disease. If they discover that a patient has periodontitis, they will consider gum disease therapy.
The inflammation of periodontal disease, also known as periodontitis and gingivitis, results from bacterial growth around the tooth and along the gum line in the mouth.
- Gingivitis is what dentists call the early, reversible stages of gum disease, which involves red, swollen gums that may bleed readily when brushed or flossed. To reverse gingivitis, a person should have a professional cleaning at least twice a year.
- Periodontitis is when gingivitis has progressed to a more serious and non-reversible level. At this stage, the disease attacks gums and bone, as well as the connective tissue that holds one’s teeth in place. Teeth eventually loosen over time and sometimes fall out.
What Are the Signs of Periodontitis?
The best way to determine if a person has gingivitis or periodontitis is through an examination at Huffman Family Dentistry. Otherwise, many people may notice one or more of the following symptoms:
- gums bleeding
- bad breath
- loss of teeth
- food getting caught in between the teeth
- spaces between the teeth
- bad taste in the mouth
Other signs include red, blue, or purple-colored tissue, visible tartar buildup, and receding gums.
In some cases, patients can use brushing and flossing to reverse gingivitis. When the plague spreads and becomes difficult to reach in certain areas, it is time to book an appointment at Huffman Family Dentistry for professional cleaning and examination.
Left untreated, periodontitis may start as mild inflammation and gum bleeding, but then it becomes a full-blown gum disease. The teeth’s supporting structures will deteriorate if plaque remains, and teeth may fall out if mild bone loss becomes more severe.
Periodontal Treatment
With some patients, routine therapy may not get rid of the gum disease. In those cases, the dentists at Huffman Family Dentistry will suggest that a Perio Protect as part of the periodontal treatment. To fight gum disease, patients can wear these customized trays, which apply prescription-strength medication and hold them in place for several minutes at a time.
The trays are necessary to prevent the body’s own cleansing mechanism from flushing the medication away. Perio Protect eliminates gum disease by keeping the optimal medication on the gum pocket.
To avoid losing their teeth, patients should contact the Huffman Family Dentistry office for an examination. The doctor may prescribe routine therapy and a Perio Protect, which they can use at home. The dentists will provide a customized treatment plan since every case is different.
Rejuvenating Gums Through the Pinhole Surgical Technique
Besides offering periodontal treatment and Perio Protect trays, Huffman Family Dentistry also provides gum rejuvenation through the pinhole surgical technique. Dentists use this technique to prevent tooth loss and to improve gingival recession. Patients who find the gingival grafting technique to be uncomfortable will prefer this method.
For the pinhole surgical technique, the dentist moves the gum tissue without using scalpels or gingival grafts. Instead, the dentist uses specialized equipment to ensure that the patient feels minimal postoperative discomfort.
Anyone seeking periodontal dentistry can contact Huffman Family Dentistry, located at 12350 Industry Way Suite 210, Anchorage, AK 99515. Their phone number is 907-345-7722.
