It’s estimated that one in ten Americans are diabetic, and many more are prediabetic—meaning that diabetes is more common than you might realize! That said, if you’re diabetic then you know all about the complications, inconveniences, and associated risks that your condition can cause. Among these issues is gingivitis; believe it or not, diabetes can actually increase your risk of developing gum disease. Here’s more from your dentist about this connection along with some tips for keeping your gums healthy if you have diabetes.

When most people think of their oral health, their teeth are the first thing that comes to mind; but your gums are just as important! That said, if you’ve recently noticed that your gums seem a little overgrown, you might be feeling a little concerned. Even though this might not seem like an immediate issue, it’s potentially dangerous to your teeth and can also compromise your smile’s appearance. Keep reading to learn more from your dentist about what causes overgrown gums and what the consequences are, along with some possible treatment options for getting your gums back to normal.

If you’ve recently smiled into your bathroom mirror and noticed that your teeth seem a little longer than usual, it’s possible that you’re suffering from receding gums. Gum recession is a common problem, but it’s not something that you should neglect and take lightly. Fortunately, there are many available treatment options such as gum recontouring that can correct this problem and get your smile back on track. Here’s more about what causes gum recession and how gum recontouring is an excellent solution for addressing it.

Before you can get dental implants for missing teeth, you may need to have a dental bone graft to create a sturdy foundation for the dental implants. A bone graft is a routine procedure that usually requires a day or two to recover. Keep reading to learn more about the healing process and how you can prepare in the days before the procedure so you’ll be back on your feet in no time. 

You know your enamel can’t grow back, which is why you’re proactive about combating tooth decay. However, your teeth are the only component of a healthy smile. Your gums are just as important. Unfortunately, 50% of Americans have gum disease. The preventable infection destroys the gum tissue and the supporting structures of your teeth, exposing your tooth roots. Over time, your teeth can loosen and fall out because they don’t have the support and protection of your gum tissue. Thankfully, your gums aren’t like your enamel. You can save your smile from irreversible damage if you catch gum recession early. 

(more…)

If you’ve been considering cosmetic procedures to enhance your smile, there are many options available to you. While some target the teeth themselves, such as teeth whitening, cosmetic bonding, and veneers, others address the gum tissue instead. One of these services is crown lengthening, which does exactly what it sounds like – lengthen and enlarge the teeth (at least in appearance) by removing excessive gum tissue. However, you shouldn’t be too surprised if you’re being recommended crown lengthening to address other issues with your smile that aren’t exclusively related to esthetics. Keep reading to learn what they are and what to expect from treatment.

You probably know already that you receive physical traits from your parents. These include hair color, facial features like eye color, and numerous other attributes. This genetic transfer does not stop at physical characteristics though. In addition, the risk for certain medical conditions can be passed down as well. Gum disease is one of these conditions, a dental disease that is largely unnoticeable in the earliest stages. If you have a family member who develops gum disease quite easily, you may be more likely to as well. Learn more about the science behind gum health and genetics as well as how to protect yourself at home.

Are you preparing for an upcoming appointment with a periodontist? If you’re feeling anxious or nervous ahead of time, you should know that sedation dentistry can help you feel dramatically more relaxed throughout your treatment. It’s understandable if you’re asking the question “is sedation dentistry covered by insurance?” According to a periodontist, these are the most important factors to keep in mind.

Wisdom teeth removal is an extremely common surgery, with as many as 10 million wisdom teeth being removed in the United States each year. As with most surgeries, it takes some time for your body to fully recover after the procedure. While wisdom tooth recovery is usually completed without any complications, it’s important to be aware of just how long the process takes and what you can do to speed it up. That way, you can return to your normal routine all the sooner without having to worry about any new oral health problems. The following post covers the basics of recovery that you need to know before wisdom tooth surgery.