Special Holiday Hours

With Christmas being only a few days away, we want to inform you of our special holiday hours at Lubbock Periodontics.  

Wednesday, December 23

Closed at 12pm

December 24 - January 1

Closed

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, and wish you all a blessed holiday!  As we recognize Christmas this year let's celebrate Jesus birthday and show how thankful we are to be given the gift of salvation.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Signs & Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

It is extremely important to note that periodontal disease can progress without any signs or symptoms such as pain. This is why regular dental checkups are exceptionally important. Described below are some of the most common signs and symptoms of periodontitis. 

Unexplained bleeding – Bleeding when brushing, flossing or eating food is one of the most common symptoms of a periodontal infection. The toxins in plaque cause a bacterial infection which makes the tissues prone to bleeding.

Pain, redness or swelling – A periodontal infection may be present if the gums are swollen, red or painful for no apparent reason. It is essential to halt the progression of the infection before the gum tissue and jaw bone have been affected. It is also critical to treat the infection before it is carried into the bloodstream to other areas of the body.

Longer-looking teeth – Periodontal disease can lead to gum recession. The toxins produced by bacteria can destroy the supporting tissue and bones, thus making the teeth look longer and the smile appear more “toothy.”

Bad breath/halitosis – Although breath odor can originate from back of the tongue, the lungs and stomach, from the food we consume, or from tobacco use, bad breath may be caused by old food particles which sit between the teeth and underneath the gumline. The deeper gum pockets are able to house more debris and bacteria, causing a foul odor.

Loose teeth/change in bite pattern – A sign of rapidly progressing periodontitis is the loosening or shifting of the teeth in the affected area. As the bone tissue gets destroyed, teeth that were once firmly attached to the jawbone become loose or may shift in position.

Pus – Pus oozing from between the teeth is a definitive sign that a periodontal infection is in progress. The pus is a result of the body trying to fight the bacterial infection.

If you have any of these signs or symptoms, the advice of Dr. Lisa Wentz should be sought as soon as possible.

Healthy Turkey Day Foods Fit For Teeth

It’s pretty safe to say the words Thanksgiving and Healthy don’t pair up when you think about the delicious foods flowing around the table on Turkey Day.  But, believe it or not, you’ll have reason to feel less guilty when you indulge in the feast this season because of the benefits some of these traditional foods will have on your teeth.

  

This year, we want you to know you can now be extra thankful for turkey and pumpkin pie!

Turkey

Not only is turkey the main attraction at the table on Thanksgiving day, but it benefits your body and teeth in several ways due to the high protein content. Protein helps build strong bones and healthy teeth; just another reason to keep smiling!

Pumpkin

Not only are pumpkins decorative and delicious, but they’re filled with magnesium too! Magnesium is a nutrient known for strengthening teeth. Also, pumpkin pulp is a good source of Vitamin A, potassium, and fiber, all which help build enamel.

So when it’s time to sink your teeth into your holiday meal, go ahead and grab a big helping of turkey and an extra slice of pumpkin pie, as these are great foods in achieving a healthy smile.

What is a Periodontist?

A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the soft tissues of the mouth and the underlying jawbone which supports the teeth. A dentist must first graduate from an accredited dental school before undertaking an additional three years of study within periodontology residency training program, in order to qualify as a periodontist. The primary focus of this residency training is on both surgical and non-surgical management of periodontal disease and the placement of dental implants.

Periodontists often treat more problematic periodontal cases, such as those with severe gum disease or a complex medical history. Periodontists offer a wide range of treatments, such as scaling and root planing (in which the infected surface of the root is cleaned) or root surface debridement (in which damaged tissue is removed). They can also treat patients with severe gum problems using a range of surgical procedures. In addition, periodontists are specially trained in the placement, maintenance, and repair of dental implants.

Who Is Your Periodontist?

Dr. Lisa Wentz is your provider of periodontal care. Dr. Wentz is a Diplomate of the American Academy of Periodontology, and currently the only board certified periodontist between Dallas and Albuquerque. She is a member of the American Academy of Periodontology, Southwest Society of Periodontist, and Texas Society of Periodontists. She is also a member of the American Dental Association, Texas Dental Association, and South Plains District Dental Society, where she has served in many offices, including past-president. Dr. Wentz has lectured to dental colleagues as well as the medical community on periodontal plastic surgery and the links between periodontal disease and systemic diseases.

For more information regarding periodontics and learn more about the services offered at our practice please visit lubbockperiodontics.com.

Source: Perio.org

Welcome Blog

We would like to welcome our patients, their families and their friends to our new blog! We are excited to have an outlet to keep everyone informed on all of the new and exciting things happening at Lubbock Periodontics !

Within this blog, you will be able to find office news, events, education information and all of the great things happen with Dr. Lisa Wentz along the way. So be sure to check back often.

If you haven’t noticed yet we have a brand new Website! We hope you find it user friendly as well as informative. So if you haven’t been to our new website yet make sure you check it out soon, lubbockperiodontics.com

We look forward to being able to provide you with fun and information post. Please feel free to leave comments here or on our Facebook Page, we would love to hear from you all!