Periodontal Disease Prevention

Lubbock Periodontics

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is caused when bacteria in plaque builds up between the gums and teeth. When the bacteria begin to grow, the gums surrounding the tooth can become inflamed.

If left untreated, this inflammation can cause the gums and supporting bone structure to deteriorate. This can lead to gum recession and even tooth loss. In addition, research has shown that gum disease may be associated with other diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease. 

Thankfully, periodontal disease can be prevented. Adding these habits to your daily routine can help.

• Brush your teeth. Brushing after meals helps remove food debris and plaque trapped between your teeth and gums. Don’t forget to include your tongue, bacteria loves to hide there. 
• Floss. Flossing at least once a day helps remove food particles and plaque between teeth and along the gum line that your toothbrush can’t quite reach. 
• Swish with mouthwash. Using a mouthwash can help reduce plaque and can remove remaining food particles that brushing and flossing missed. 
• Know your risk. Age, smoking, diet and genetics can all increase your risk for periodontal disease. If you are at increased risk, be sure to talk with your dental professional. 
• See Dr. Lisa Wentz. Get an annual comprehensive periodontal evaluation Dr. Lisa Wentz at Lubbock Periodontics. She will look at your teeth, plaque level, gums, bite, bone structure and other risk factors for periodontal disease. 

Identifying symptoms of gum disease early is key to protecting your teeth and gums.

How Often Should I Floss?

We all know the importance of brushing our teeth, getting checkups and taking care of our gums, yet there is one thing most people lack in, flossing. It’s time for a new year, new habits and new resolutions. January is the perfect time to create new habits that are healthy and that your teeth will thank you for in the future.

According to the American Dental Association, “The American Dental Association recommends cleaning between your teeth daily with an interdental cleaner (like floss).” Cleaning between your teeth is essential for removing plaque, which can lead to tartar around your teeth or lead to bacteria that can cause tooth decay.

So how often should you floss? You should floss once a day, either in the morning or the evening. According to the Journal of Periodontology, “flossing first and then brushing is more effective at removing plaque between the teeth and at maintaining the concentration of fluoride on the tooth enamel.”

If flossing is not part of your routine, you may want to start flossing for a healthier smile. Cleaning the visible surface of your teeth is effective with brushing your teeth, but for the places in between your teeth and for the health of your gums, flossing an important step in your oral hygiene routine.

Smoking and Gum Disease

Your smile is the extension of who you are, the first impression for mosts. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, half of the adults age 30 and older suffer from some form of gum disease. Gum disease comes with silent symptoms that often are easy to overlook.

It’s no secret the health benefits of quitting smoking and not smoking at all. Smoking increases an individual's risks of various types of cancer, such as cancer in our lungs, pancreas, stomach and anywhere else in our bodies. Smoking also can lead to respiratory diseases and other different health factors. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Cigarette smoking harms nearly every organ of the body, causes many diseases, and reduces the health of smokers in general.” It contributes to causing more than 480,000 deaths each year in the United States. This is nearly one in five deaths.

By quitting smoking, not only does your overall health can improve, your smile and gums benefit as well. Here are a few reasons why smoking impacts your gums, teeth and overall smile in a negative way.

• Stained teeth and tongue
• Slow healing after a tooth extraction or other surgery
• Difficulties in correcting cosmetic dental problems 
• Gum disease
• Oral cancer

If you have any questions or would like to set up a consultation, request an appointment here.

2 Common Questions for 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.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, half of adults age 30 and older suffer from some form of gum disease. Gum disease comes with silent symptoms that often are easy to overlook.

Here are 2 common questions you may have for a Periodontist.

My gums bleed when I brush, what should I do?

The first stage of gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) is gingivitis. Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gum tissue caused by bacteria wherein the gingival tissue becomes red, swollen and forms blood blisters inside the pockets of gum tissue surrounding your teeth (periodontal pockets). When these blood blisters are disturbed by either brushing or flossing they break open and blood rises to the top of the gingiva where you can see it.

There are many reasons gums bleed. However, almost all these problems involve plaque or bacteria that mixes with food and settles around the gum line. In most cases, bleeding gums (whether because of poor oral hygiene or tooth positioning) are exacerbated by plaque.

If your gums are bleeding when you brush, you need to see a dentist. If you're cleaning your teeth thoroughly, brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and using a mouth rinse, then your cleaning technique might be causing the bleeding, or you could have hardened plaque (calculus) on your teeth that should be cleaned out. Dr. Wentz will advise you about regular cleaning appointments and even special root-planing appointments that might be necessary to eliminate your bleeding gums.

How often should I brush and floss?

You should floss everyday and brush your teeth at least twice a day, every morning and before you go to bed. Brushing and flossing help control plaque and bacteria that causes dental disease. Establishing a healthy oral hygiene routine will help ensure your smile is always healthy and looking great.

Plaque is a film of food debris, bacteria, and saliva that sticks to the teeth and gums. The bacteria in plaque convert certain food particles into acids that cause tooth decay. Also, if plaque is not removed, it turns into calculus (tartar). If plaque and calculus are not removed, they begin to destroy the gums and bone, causing periodontal (gum) disease.

Plaque formation and growth is continuous and can only be controlled by regular brushing, flossing, and the use of other dental aids.

 If you have any questions, or would like to set up a consultation, request an appointment here.

When Should I see a Periodontist?

You may have heard of gum disease, the importance of flossing and keeping your teeth healthy.
Gum disease (or periodontal disease) affects millions of people every year, it’s the leading cause of tooth loss among adults. Seeing a periodontist and recognizing the symptoms of gum disease can help your smile healthy.

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.

So if your wondering, when you see a periodontist and how a periodontist can help your smile, consider if you have or are experiencing one of the following symptoms.

• Red, swollen or tender gums or other pain in your mouth
• Bleeding while brushing, flossing, or eating hard food
• Gums that are receding or pulling away from the teeth, causing the teeth to look longer than before
• Loose or separating teeth
• Pus between your gums and teeth
• Sores in your mouth
• Persistent bad breath
• A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
• A change in the fit of partial dentures

Because gum disease symptoms are silent and go unnoticed until an advanced stage, it can be difficult for people to notice. Millions of people don't know they have this serious infection that can lead to tooth loss if not treated. If you have any questions, or would like to set up a consultation, request an appointment here.

3 Things to Do if Your Gums are Bleeding

As your brushing your teeth you notice a bit of pink when you spit out toothpaste or while flossing. It may not seem like a big deal, however if your gums are bleeding constantly, do not ignore it. This can be a sign of periodontal disease.

Switching up your oral health routine can also contribute to slight bleeding. Here are three things you can do if your gums are bleeding.

• Tools: You have begun flossing and brushing regularly, congratulations! However, if you are experiencing bleeding, take a second look at your tools such as your toothbrush. “Although it might seem that a toothbrush with medium or firm bristles cleans your teeth and gums more deeply or thoroughly, harder bristles usually just cause irritation – which can be why your gums are bleeding.”

• Diet: “What you eat and when you eat it also plays a part in keeping your gums from bleeding. Foods that contain lots of sugar or simple carbohydrates increase your risk for tooth and gum problems, as sugar creates an ideal environment for plaque to form. Commit to a diet that is low in sugar and high in the necessary nutrients found in foods like vegetables.”

• Mouthwash: Utilize mouthwash to wash away bacteria and plaque. There are various types of mouthwash, so be sure to use the appropriate one for your oral health needs. 

Smile Bright in 2019

At Lubbock Periodontics, we want to ensure you have plenty of healthy reasons to smile. We believe a smile is a universal language and that your smile affects your self-image, and can greatly influence the quality of your interactions with others. Many people hold back from laughing or smiling because they are uncomfortable about their appearance when they do.

Take a Smile Analysis and determine how you want to smile in the new year. The Smile Analysis will ask you to answer questions such as:

• Do any of your teeth appear too small, short, large or long?
• Do you have any gaps or spaces between your teeth?
• Do you have any crowns or bridges that appear dark at edge of gums?
• Are the edges of any teeth worn down, chipped or uneven?

https://www.lubbockperiodontics.com/smile-analysis.php

Which Type of Floss is Best?

If you’ve visited the dental care aisle recently, the sheer number of options available can be overwhelming. We often have patients ask us which floss is the “best” type of floss. In essence, all of the options on the market today do the same thing, and at the end of the day it comes down to personal preference. We’ve listed a few of the options below.  

Flossers: Flossers are small plastic instruments with a single floss strip and a pick on the opposite end. This option can be both effective at cleaning the areas in between your teeth and scraping off plaque. These flossers come in flavored varieties as well. They are a great “on the go” option.

Gentle Dental Floss: Some people will find that regular dental floss is too harsh on their gums. For that reason, several options are available that have soft coatings that are less abrasive on the gums. Typically, gentle floss is just as effective as regular floss and an ideal match for anyone looking for a more sensitive approach to flossing.

Flavored Dental Floss: Flavored dental floss will freshen your breath while you floss! We suggest flavored dental floss if it prompts you to floss your teeth regularly.

Of all of the options, it is difficult to choose the absolute best type of floss.  However, Dr. Wentz and our team feel that the type of floss that works best for you, giving you the greatest chance of succeeding at regular flossing, is the ultimately best choice. For more information on floss, or best practices when flossing, ask us at your next appointment. There are many ways to make it both easy AND effective.

Delicious Big Game Snacks

If you're still searching for a few more snacks to add to your Super Bowl menu, we've got two that will be sure to score with your friends & family.

Hot Ham & Cheese Party Rolls

1 can refrigerated pizza crust

1 lb. deli ham (thinly sliced, but not shaved)

12 slices Swiss cheese

Glaze:

1/2 cup butter

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon poppy seeds

Directions:

1.         Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray

2.         Unroll the pizza dough onto a cutting board. Press into an approximately 13x18-inch rectangle. Top with ham and cheese slices. Starting on the longer side of the rectangle, roll up the edge tightly. When you reach the end, pinch the seam together and flip the roll so that the seam is face side down. Cut into 12 slices. Arrange in the prepared baking dish.

3.         Next combine the butter, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and poppy seeds in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk until the butter is melted and glaze is smooth. Pour evenly over the top of the rolls.

4.         Bake uncovered for 25 minutes until golden brown.

Tip: Make these rolls a day ahead! Refrigerate rolls up to 24 hours before baking. Just make sure to warm up the glaze so you're able to pour it on top of the rolls!

Crockpot Cranberry Meatballs

1 bag frozen meatballs (any brand)

1 jar chili sauce

1 can jellied cranberry sauce

Directions:

1.         Add chili sauce and cranberry sauce to a medium mixing bowl. Use a whisk to mix ingredients until semi-smooth.

2.         Add half the bag of meatballs to your crockpot. Top with half of the sauce mixture. Repeat with remaining meatballs and sauce.

3.         Cook on low until heated through, typically 3-4 hours.

This crowd-pleasing favorite can easily be adapted for a larger group! Just double the recipe and increase your heating time to 5-6 hours. In a time crunch? Heat meatballs and sauce on your stovetop until warm. Transfer to your crockpot for a quick, delicious addition to your game day party!

What does bone grafting treatment involve?

Bone grafting is a fairly simple procedure which may be performed under local anesthetic; however if large amounts of bone area need to be grafted, general anesthetic may be required. 

Initially, the grafting material needs to either be harvested or prepared for insertion. A small incision is made in the gum tissue and then gently separated from the bone. The bone grafting material is then placed at the affected site.

The bone regeneration process may be aided by:

Gum/bone tissue regeneration – A thin barrier (membrane) is placed below the gum line over the grafting material. This barrier creates enough space for healthy tissue to grow and separates the faster growing gum tissue from the slower growing fibers. This means that bone cells can migrate to the protected area and grow naturally.

Tissue stimulating proteins – Enamel matrix proteins occur during natural tooth development. Emdogain is a matrix protein product which is usually placed on the affected site before the gum is sutured. It mediates the formation of accellular cementum on the tooth which provides a foundation to allow periodontal attachment to occur. Tissue stimulating proteins help to create lost support in areas affected by periodontal defects.

Platelet-rich growth factors – A high platelet concentration liquid can be used to create a blood clot at the site of a wound. It has recently been discovered that PRGF also stimulates bone growth – meaning a denser graft in a shorter time period.

The gum is sutured in place and a follow up appointment will need to be made within 10 days to assess progress. Bone grafting is a highly successful treatment and a good base for further periodontal restorations.

What Is Bone Grafting?

A great smile requires more than just healthy teeth. It also requires healthy gums and a healthy jaw bone.

The jaw bones hold the teeth in place. If a tooth is missing either due to periodontal (gum) disease or caries (decay), the jaw bone will begin to recede. Why is that a problem? You need the jaw bone intact to replace the missing tooth or teeth with a dental implant, a denture, or a partial.

Bone grafting is the common procedure that reconstructs the bone so that you can fill the extracted socket from the missing tooth in order to maintain the width and the height of the alveolar ridge. The alveolar ridge is also known as the gum ridge and is one of the two jaw ridges either on the roof of the mouth between the upper teeth and the hard palate or on the bottom of the mouth behind the lower teeth.

Bone grafting is a highly successful treatment and a good base for further periodontal restorations.For more information on bone grafting at Lubbock Periodontics, contact us at (806) 794-8365 or click here to visit our website.

What is Sedation Dentistry?

Have you ever feared going to the dentist for a routine checkup? Well believe it or not, a large number of Americans experience this and don’t visit the dentist regularly because of dental anxiety.

At Lubbock Periodontics, we offer a solution for those who are afraid of dentist visits, sedation dentistry. Sedation dentistry provides an opportunity for us to make our patients who struggle with dental anxiety feel more at ease, as it allows a safe way to rid the nerves at your dental appointment. Many have a misunderstanding about sedatives and define them as an induced sleep; however, this is incorrect. The reality is several of our patients who opt for sedation dentistry often stay awake during the procedure. 

Some advantages that come with sedation dentistry are as follows:

• Anxiety is alleviated. 
• Few side effects. 
• More can be accomplished during each visit. 
• No needles. 
• No pain. 
• Perfectly safe. 
• Procedures seem to take less time.

Click here to visit our website for more information, or give us a call at 806-794-8365.

A Mouth-Body Connection

Bacteria collect on teeth and gums daily, which is why routine brushing and flossing is essential to stopping infection. These bacteria, if left alone, develop into gum disease and begin to wreak havoc on the look and function of the smile. Teeth develop plaque and gums become sensitive, eventually leading to decay and infection. Patients with advanced periodontal disease experience gum recession and tooth loss.

Periodontal disease can enter the blood stream and spread to the heart, lungs, and can also create blood sugar problems. Individuals suffering diabetes are at greater risk for gum disease, and if your heart health isn’t optimal, it’s possible to aggravate problems by not seeking treatment for periodontitis. However, our Lubbock dentist can reverse this process if caught in time, saving your teeth and overall body health with transformative treatments.

If you think you’re suffering from gum disease, please call our office and we will schedule you for treatment as soon as possible.

Prevent Enamel From Wearing As You Age

Did you know there are only 9 Mondays left until Christmas? Where has the year gone? If you’re anything like us and time just passes you by in the blink of an eye, then you know with the passing of every min, every hour, and every day comes another year to add to your age. Though life brings so many wonderful things with the coming of age, aging can have its downside too; especially on your teeth. Contingent on your health and diet habits, tooth enamel can erode from years of chewing and biting. Unfortunately, the human body can’t replace your enamel and there really is no telling how much your teeth will wear during your lifetime.

Aside from the regular wear of tooth enamel, some health conditions can cause your teeth to wear at a faster pace than the average person. Bad habits such as grinding, chewing on nails or things like bobby pins, can often fuel your teeth to wear faster. Also, acids and tooth decay can do this too. So what can you do to prevent your teeth from wearing as you age? 

First, start by making sure you’re getting regular maintenance done. Brushing, flossing, regular check-ups and cleanings as well as exams by your general dentist will help you keep your teeth healthy as well increase longevity. Second, talk to your dentist about habits that affect your teeth, or identify them and take the initiative to seek help. For instance, those who have a problem grinding their teeth can purchase a bite guard that can prevent this habit and prevent abnormalities in your teeth.

If you would like more information on slowing the rate of tooth wear as you age, please contact Lubbock Periodontics to schedule an appointment.

How Can Laser Dentistry Help me?

Laser dentistry is incredibly versatile and plays an important role in a growing number of common dental procedures. Though laser dentistry is most notably associated with cosmetic treatments, it is equally effective for preventative purposes.

Here are some of the ways that dental lasers can be used:

Tooth preparation – Prior to laser dentistry, a drill would be required to prepare the tooth for a filling. Lasers can now completely eliminate the need for drilling and anesthesia. Lasers also successfully kill oral bacteria around the surgical site.

Reshaping soft tissue – Dental lasers can dissolve soft tissue to expose more of the natural tooth (crown lengthening), reshape soft tissue to make “gummy smiles” more attractive, and remove uncomfortable soft tissue folds caused by denture wear.

Frenectomy – Lasers can improve speech and the feeding habits of babies, children and adults by untying the tongue.

Tumor removal – When benign tumors have formed in the soft tissue areas of the mouth, a dental laser can completely remove them without causing pain. Whitening – Lasers can greatly expedite the tooth whitening process by increasing the activity of the particles in the peroxide bleaching solution.

Biopsy – Lasers are sometimes used to perform a biopsy on suspicious areas of soft tissue. This biopsy procedure can be performed instantly and with great precision

What are the differences between an Orthodontist, Dentist, and Periodontist?

All are dentists who specialize in oral care, and all are technically dentists.

Orthodontists complete an additional two – three years of training in orthodontics, above and beyond general dentistry

Periodontists complete and additional two – three years training to specialize in all areas of general dentistry for children

All orthodontists are dentists, but only 10 percent of dentists are orthodontists. Orthodontists limit their practice to moving teeth and correcting jaw irregularities

Dentists and Periodontists refer their patients to an orthodontist if they have problems with the alignment of their teeth or a bite abnormality of some kind. The same as a physician would refer you to a cardiologist or orthopedists if you had heart or skeletal issues.

It is important to understand the differences in treatment delivery and care! At Lubbock Periodontics all we specialize in periodontics, all day long, day in a day out, with thousands of beautiful smiles to testify over the years. For further questions, or to schedule an appointment, contact our office at (806) 794-8365.

Ask A Professional: Who Should Treat My Periodontal Disease?

Who should treat my periodontal disease: my general dentist or a periodontist?

When it comes to your oral health problems, taking a serious approach to treatment should be your first priority. Several people struggle with what to do when deal with periodontal disease, and aren't sure where to turn.  Instead of leaving your periodontal treatment to one dental professional, you really should have both your general dentist and periodontist actively involved in your diagnosis and treatment as a team.  

Your general dentist is familiar with your dental and medical history, and can help your periodontist in that aspect. Your periodontist, has all of the general dentist training and background, yet specializes with extensive experience in treating periodontal disease. Together, they can collaborate to tailor your treatment for your individual needs.

When you visit our Lubbock, TX dental office, your smile is our top priority. Dr. Wentz and her entire team are dedicated to providing you with the personalized, quality dental care that you deserve.

Sinus Augmentation

There are many reasons why the gums and jawbone may require corrective treatment, including periodontal disease, trauma and birth defects. Periodontal disease particularly, can greatly disfigure the natural appearance of the gums and teeth and give the smile an unaesthetic appearance.

Learn more about this common jawbone treatment: Sinus Augmentation.

Sinus Augmentation  

This procedure is usually performed prior to the placement of dental implants, to ensure that the prosthetic teeth are both functional and firmly affixed to the bone. The success of an implant hinges on the quantity and quality of the jawbone to which it will be attached. If the jawbone has receded or been injured, a sinus augmentation can slightly elevate the sinus floor to allow new bone to form. Generally, a small incision is made in the bone and the underlying space is packed with grafting material. The incision is sutured closed, and the implant will be placed when healing has occurred.

If you have questions or concerns regarding Gum or Jawbone corrective treatments please ask your dentist.

Pinhole Surgical Technique Now Offered at Lubbock Periodontics

The Pinhole Surgical Technique is now offered by Dr. Lisa Wentz of Lubbock Periodontics. This procedure was invented by Dr. John Chao, offering patients a scalpel-free, suture free and conventional graft free way to correct gum recession.

The process is as simple as this: 

Dr. Wentz will use specially designed instruments to loosen gum tissue and glide over receded parts of the tooth through a small hold made by a needle. There is no cutting, stitching, and patients can expect very minimal post-operative symptoms. The procedure typically takes 1-2 hours and usually in most cases, patients are back to their regular daily routines the next day.

Check out some before & after photos taken from pinholesurgicaltechnique.com:

Are you interested in having this procedure done in the Lubbock area? Contact Lubbock Periodontics and schedule a consultation with Dr. Lisa Wentz.

Pinhole Surgical Technique by Dr. Lisa Wentz

The Pinhole Surgical Technique is now offered by Dr. Lisa Wentz of Lubbock Periodontics. This procedure was invented by Dr. John Chao, offering patients a scalpel-free, suture free and conventional graft free way to correct gum recession.

The process is as simple as this:

Dr. Wentz will use specially designed instruments to loosen gum tissue and glide over receded parts of the tooth through a small hold made by a needle. There is no cutting, stitching, and patients can expect very minimal post-operative symptoms. The procedure typically takes 1-2 hours and usually in most cases, patients are back to their regular daily routines the next day.

Check out some before & after photos taken from pinholesurgicaltechnique.com:

www.pinholesurgicaltechnique.com

www.pinholesurgicaltechnique.com

Are you interested in having this procedure done in the Lubbock area? Contact Lubbock Periodontics and schedule a consultation with Dr. Lisa Wentz.