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.

When To Visit Lubbock Periodontics About Your Dental Implants

Dental implants are permanent fixtures that help to restore your smile and help you chew your food properly. According to the American Dental Association, implants are sturdy tooth replacements. However, it is essential to watch for problems that can develop. Here are certain signs that you should visit Lubbock Periodontics.

Pain During Meals

Dental implants should not cause pain when you eat food. If you begin to feel discomfort at mealtime or while snacking, a problem may be developing. Your periodontist will examine your mouth and uncover the problem so that you can return to a pleasant eating experience.

Inflamed Gums

Dental implants affect the health of your gums. Just like with real teeth, your gums will surround the implants. If they suddenly become red or swollen, peri-implant disease may be beginning. If not treated early, you may end up losing your new implants. It is essential to take proper care of your gums so that your mouth remains healthy. Brushing, flossing, and rinsing your mouth each day will guard against gum problems.

Shifting Positions

A dental implant is aligned perfectly from the start so that your bite lines up and your jaw is in the proper position. Over time, you may develop periodontal disease, which will make your teeth move out of place. This may occur with an implant as well. If you start to see that your implant is no longer standing straight or that it has shifted along the gum line, it may be best to visit your Lubbock Periodontics.

At Lubbock Periodontics, the dental health of our patients is our top priority. If you have any questions about the implant procedure or want to learn tips to keep your implants in top condition, call our office today.

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.

Healthy Super Bowl Snacks

Are you ready for some football? With the Super Bowl around the corner, many of you will be hosting or attending fun parties that demand super snacks, but they don't have to be at the expense of your teeth. That’s why Lubbock Periodontics put together a few tasty game day snacking ideas with healthy ingredients. Of course, these are snacks, and none of them are perfect. Regardless of what you eat, don’t forget to brush! Just click the name of the snack for the complete recipe!

Hummus and Cucumber Bites

Healthy 7 Layer Dip

Dark Chocolate Greek Yogurt Dip

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.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving to you! Blessings to your family!

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.