Gum disease is a common condition that affects the gums and bones supporting the teeth. It is caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth. Plaque irritates the gums, making them red, swollen, and inflamed. If you don't remove it in time, it can harden into tartar. We understand how tartar is even more difficult to remove plaque and can eventually destroy your gum tissue and bone supporting the teeth. Most people are not aware they have gum disease because it is usually painless in the early stages. That is why visiting St. Helena Dental Studio regularly is essential for checkups and cleanings.
Gum Disease in St Helena

How Severe Are Gum Problems for Patients?

Gum or periodontal disease is a bacterial infection affecting the bone and gum that support your teeth. It is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults and can negatively impact your overall health.

There are two main types of gum disease:

Gingivitis: It is the early stage of gum disease, and it is characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums. If you have gingivitis, your gums may be sensitive or sore when brushing or flossing. Gingivitis is reversible with proper oral hygiene and professional dental care.

Periodontitis: This is more serious than gingivitis, and it can damage the bone and connective tissue that support your teeth. It can cause your gums to pull away from your teeth, creating pockets where bacteria can grow. If left untreated, periodontitis can lead to tooth loss.

Several different types of dental treatments can be used to treat gum disease. The kind of treatment that is right for you will depend on the severity of your condition. If you have gingivitis, good oral hygiene habits and professional dental cleanings at our office are enough to reverse the situation.

What Does Our Dentist Recommend to Treat Gum Disorders?

There are many different treatments for gum disease. Some common treatments include:

Scaling and root planing: If your gum disease has progressed, your dentist may recommend scaling and root planing. This involves a deep cleaning of the root surfaces to remove bacteria and debris.

Antibiotics: In some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed to help fight off infection and reduce inflammation.

Surgery: In severe cases of gum disease, surgery may be necessary to repair damaged gums and bones. This can include gum grafts, bone grafts, or flap surgery.


All-on-4® Versus Dentures

There are several ways in which All-on-4® implants are better than dentures. Patients take care of All-on-4® implants in the same way they care for their natural teeth by brushing each day. The implants also operate in the same way as natural teeth, so the patient does not have to be cautious of what he or she eats. Along with the fact that patients do not have to remove All-on-4® implants when eating or cleaning the teeth, there is also no need for uncomfortable wires or brackets to hold the implants in place. Even more importantly for patients, the dental implants allow anyone to eat what the heart desires. You do not have to worry about hot or cold affecting your dentures. You also can bite down with up to 70 percent more force, which allows you to eat the foods that you love. Finally, All-on-4® implants look exactly like your natural teeth. No one will be able to tell that you are wearing a dental prosthetic. From a dental health perspective, it is important to note that when you have All-on-4® implants, it is going to prevent bone deterioration in the jawbone and ultimately restore your facial features by fighting resorption. The process of resorption involves the implants stimulating the jaw to send a message to the body that the jaw is supporting teeth once again. Resorption will help the jawbone to regain some of the mass that it has lost previously. Many of our patients who visit our office notice a difference in their facial structure as a result.

Give Us a Call for Treatments to Minimize Gum Problems

Early diagnosis and treatment of gum disease can help prevent more severe health problems down the road. To ensure you enjoy problem-free gums and teeth throughout your life, consult our dentist. Call St. Helena Dental Studio and find the best dental professionals to assess and treat your gum conditions.
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The Process of Getting All-on-4® at St. Helena Dental Studio

Typically, the surgery takes approximately two hours and 30 minutes per arch. We can install your All-on-4® implants on your upper, lower, or both arches at the same time. While a dentist may make the process look easy, the surgery is a complex procedure that we can complete at an efficient pace. The process of getting All-on-4® implants can be laid out in four steps:
01.
A detailed examination where we will look at your records, existing conditions, whether you have a denture, what your facial structure needs are, and any other factors that may come into play when placing your implants.
02.
Typically involves CT scans, which are 3D pictures, of the jawbone. The scans include the positions of the replacement teeth, while also giving us critical information about where the bone sinuses and nerves are located for the implants.
03.
Involves creating a computer simulation of the implants, which we digitally position into the jawbone at the appropriate location to give you the most support from your replacement teeth. We can adjust the implants as need be and fabricate your new set of teeth for your needs.
04.
Finally, the most important step is the oral surgery. During surgery, we will provide you with anesthesia and then place the implants directly into your jawbone to secure your new set of teeth in place.