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Ronald Watkins, DDS, MS has created this informative blog to help educate the community.

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Latest Posts:

The Difference Between Gingivitis and Periodontitis

Posted on 2/6/2023 by Ronald Watkins

The two words that a person never wants to hear from their dentist is Gingivitis and Periodontitis. Just hearing either of the two words are enough to scare someone. But one is scarier than the other. This is because gingivitis is reversible, but periodontitis isn't. Gingivitis Plaque that contains bacteria can accumulate between the teeth early on in gingivitis. When someone that has gingivitis brushes their teeth, their gums can become swollen and bleed easily. Even though this happens, and the gums are irritated, a person's teeth are still firmly in place. If your gums are swollen, red, or bleed easily during or after your brush your teeth, you could have gingivitis. But the good news is that no bone damage has been done. Gingivitis is only a mild form of gum disease and isn't too big of a deal because it can be reversed. But, if it goes untreated long term, it can advance and become periodontitis. Brushing your teeth two times a day, going to regular checkups at the dentist, and flossing and using mouthwash daily are good oral hygiene habits to have. These habits aid in reversing and preventing gingivitis. Periodontitis The inner gum layer and bone both pull away from your teeth and pockets are formed when periodontitis develops. Small spaces between the gums and the teeth collect bacteria and end up becoming an infection in them. As the plaque grows and spreads, your body's immune system response fights the bacteria, but the fight is not an easy one. The poisons and toxins that are created by the bacteria containing plaque break down our collective tissue and bone that hold the teeth in their place. The teeth are no longer firmly in place in the case of aggressive periodontitis and become lose and often fall out completely. Bleeding, swollen, or red gums are a symptom of periodontitis along with poor tooth alignment, pain, and receding gums. When you experience any of these serious symptoms, it is vital to see a hygienist or dentist as soon as you can....
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Aftercare Tips For Periodontal Disease Treatment

Posted on 1/23/2023 by Ronald Watkins

Periodontitis is a gum disease that has advanced to serious levels. Its hallmark symptoms include tender gums, bleeding or red gums, bad breath, loose teeth, and receding gums. Periodontitis isn't curable, however, you and the dentist can manage it with proper oral care and maintenance programs. You will need good oral hygiene with regularly scheduled cleanings at timings determined by the dentist. Treatment of Periodontitis A dentist considers nonsurgical treatments at first, which include oral antibiotics aimed at fighting the infection and deep cleaning. In a deep cleaning, the dentist conducts scaling and root planning to help sweep away bacteria lodged deep underneath the gumline. The dentist smoothens out the teeth root to avert the further formation of plaque and bacteria. When periodontitis is severe, surgical treatments may include flap surgery to clean the teeth roots. A dental bone graft is needed if too much bone loss has occurred. Gum grafts help rebuild gums that have pulled away. Aftercare Tips Following the treatment of gum disease, you may encounter gum tenderness. Again, you may have pain and discomfort, which you can manage with painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications. If using medication does not eliminate the pain, make an effort to call our office. It is essential you rinse the mouth thoroughly with warm salt water. Since inflammation and tenderness contribute to pain, you should avoid things that worsen the situation. Steer clear of crunchy, hard, and spicy foods until you have the tenderness subside. Besides, brush your teeth twice daily even when the gums are slightly red or tender. You cannot allow bacteria to continue forming, so you have to ward them off with routine oral hygiene at home. As you adhere to the home care instructions that a dentist or dental hygienist has provided you, it is crucial you keep your recall appointments. That way, you will ensure the success of the gum disease treatment. Remember that, based on the kind of treatment you received, there may be additional aftercare instructions. Talk to our dentist regarding gum disease treatment and how you can hasten the healing process and avert a re-infection, which could present with much more damaging outcomes....
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Do Extractions Eliminate Gum Disease?

Posted on 1/9/2023 by Ronald Watkins

When you have gum disease that has advanced, you might think the only solution is to have your teeth removed to effectively alleviate the discomfort, bleeding, and inflammation. Since plaque and bacteria cannot attack tooth structures that aren't there, then you are safe, right? Not exactly. Stopping Gum Disease Progression Will tooth extraction stop the progression of gum disease? The short answer is no because gum disease wreaks havoc on the soft gingival tissue and bone structures that support your teeth. The loss of teeth does not exclude the risk of infection. It can spread and cause other teeth to become loose and fall out or need to be removed as well as jawbone deterioration if left untreated. It can also access the bloodstream and cause damage to your brain, heart, kidneys, gastrointestinal health, lungs, and other organs. Why Would Extractions Be Required? Periodontal disease in its severe stages may need a tooth extraction. When plaque, tartar, and bacteria become trapped in gum pockets, they destroy the bones and tissue, causing teeth to loosen. If a periodontist determines that these teeth are not viable anymore, they will need to be removed. Without a replacement of the teeth, the bone will deteriorate. If you want your new teeth to help you achieve your goals, you must first address your periodontal disease. Available Types of Treatment Having your teeth extracted isn't your only option. However, you may avoid this by taking the necessary precautions to maintain good dental health. Brushing, flossing, rinsing, and six-month dental examinations and cleanings are all part of maintaining your teeth. You may also require bone or gum grafting. Many people have to deal with gum disease, however, tooth extraction is not always the outcome. If you notice anything abnormal with the tissues in your mouth, you should get treatment as soon as you can. You can avoid serious treatments by opting for non-surgical options. Call us now to learn more about your gum disease treatment options!...
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All Posts:

The Difference Between Gingivitis and Periodontitis
2/6/2023
Aftercare Tips For Periodontal Disease Treatment
1/23/2023
Do Extractions Eliminate Gum Disease?
1/9/2023
What Stages of Gum Disease Can be Cured?
12/19/2022
Taking Care of Your Implants
12/5/2022
What Happens If Periodontal Disease Isnt Treated?
11/21/2022
Why Is Dry Mouth A Problem For My Teeth And Gums?
11/7/2022
Risks Involved with Periodontist Treatments
10/24/2022
Why is sedation dentistry needed?
10/10/2022
Treatment Options for Periodontitis
9/19/2022
Gingivitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
9/5/2022
Periodontal diseases.
8/22/2022
What Causes Gum Disease
8/8/2022
Here are ways to maintain healthy gums
7/18/2022
Always ask these 3 questions when going to a new dentist
7/4/2022
Can Gum Disease Affect Infants
6/20/2022
When Do You Need Gum Rejuvenation
6/6/2022
Is Flossing Too Difficult? Try a Water Flosser
5/23/2022
Frequently asked questions about periodontology
5/9/2022
What is Sedation Dentistry?
4/25/2022
Tips for a Cleaner and Healthier Gums and Teeth
4/11/2022
Oral or IV Sedation: Which One is Right for You?
3/21/2022
Here are things every person with dentures needs to know
3/7/2022
Dental Implants Placement And Age Limits
2/21/2022
Brush or Floss First: Here is What You Need to Know
2/7/2022
Tooth Replacement Options Using Dental Implants
1/24/2022
The Hidden Link Between Dum Disease and Alzheimers
1/10/2022
Can Hormonal Imbalance Cause Oral Health Problems?
12/23/2021
What is Peri-Implant Disease?
12/10/2021
Four Frequently Asked Questions About Cosmetic Gum Surgery
11/22/2021
The Most Common Early Signs of Gum Disease
11/8/2021
What Is the Difference Between Dentures and Dental Implants?
10/25/2021
5 Benefits of Consulting a Prosthodontist
10/11/2021
It Is Possible to Ease the Symptoms of Diabetes with Gum Disease Treatment
9/21/2021
Types of Services We Can Offer
9/6/2021
How Does the Root of Your Tooth Become Exposed?
8/23/2021
When May You Need a Perioscopy?
8/9/2021
How Aggressive Flossing Could Lead To Gum Damage
7/26/2021
Foods That You Can Eat as Snacks To Help Clean Your Teeth
7/12/2021
How Gums Change as You Get Older
6/21/2021
Understanding Denture Stomatitis and What It Means
6/7/2021
Signs the Pain You Feel Could Be a Dental Abscess
5/24/2021
Alcohol Leaves a Lasting Impact on Your Gums When Consumed Regularly
5/10/2021
Preparing for Your First Visit to a Periodontist
4/26/2021
How To Reverse Periodontitis
4/12/2021
4 Things You Can Do to Avoid Damage From Gum Recession
3/22/2021
Why Smile Makeover Is Needed for Senior Citizens?
3/8/2021
What is Periodontal Disease?
2/22/2021
How Do You Develop Plaque?
2/8/2021
What is Trench Mouth and How Is It Treated?
1/25/2021
Brushing Too Aggressive Can Cause Damage to Your Gums
1/11/2021
How Can We Tell When Gums Require Grafts?
12/21/2020
Lasers Make Treating Gum Trouble Easier
12/7/2020
Are Gum Pockets a Problem?
11/16/2020
Why Do So Many Athletes Have Gum Disease?
11/9/2020
Is Your Oral Health Connected to the Health of Your Prostate?
10/19/2020
Dry Mouth Can Increase Gum Disease Problems
10/5/2020
How Same-Day Dentures Work
9/21/2020
What Options Do You Have with Periodontal Plastic Surgery?
9/7/2020
Can Your Regular Dentist Treat Your Gum Disease?
8/24/2020
Ways of Treating Gums that Do Not Stay Tight Against Your Teeth
8/10/2020
Can You Eat Right After a Gum Graft?
7/23/2020
People of All Ages Need to Be Aware of Their Gum Health
7/7/2020
What to Do to Improve the Health of Your Gums
6/22/2020
What is the Diagnosis Process for Gum Disease?
6/8/2020

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(480) 504-0506

Implant and Periodontal Wellness Center of Arizona, 4455 E. Camelback Rd #E-100, Phoenix, AZ 85018 ^ (480) 504-0506 ^ azimplantsolutions.com ^ 2/7/2023 ^ Related Terms: Periodontist Phoenix AZ ^