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Gum recession is aesthetically unappealing for sure but gum grafting is necessary not just to improve your smile, but because receding gums cause other issues. It causes tooth sensitivity, especially when eating or drinking cold or hot foods and beverages. Dr. Peter Cooper, of Pasadena Dental Implants, offers gum grafting treatment for his Pasadena, CA, patients.
More About Gum Grafting
Gum recession, if not treated using a gum tissue graft, can cause tooth loss.
Types of gum tissue grafts:
- Connective-tissue grafts (the most common method):
The procedure is as follows:
1. Dr. Cooper removes some skin at the roof of your mouth and tissue from under the flap.
2. Next, your periodontist stitches the tissue around the exposed root.
3. Finally, after the connective tissue (graft) has been removed, the periodontist stitches the roof of your mouth where some skin was removed.
- Free gingival grafts: This method is used for people with thin gums and, similar to the previous procedure, tissue from the roof of the mouth is also used and attached to the gum area.
- Pedicle grafts: With this procedure, the graft is made from gum tissue around or near the tooth that needs repair, and the person must have plenty of gum tissue near the tooth.
1. Your Pasadena periodontist cuts away only one edge so the other remains attached.
2. Next, he uses the gum tissue to cover the exposed root.
3. Finally, the tissue is sewn into place.
Post-procedural Care
Eat soft, cool foods, like ice cream and well-cooked vegetables. Avoid brushing or flossing near the surgical area and call your periodontist if you bleed and it persists even after applying pressure for 20 minutes. Also contact your periodontist if there's consistent pain, swelling, and bruising.
Have questions about gum grafting?
If you'd like to learn more about gum grafting, don't hesitate to contact Dr. Peter Cooper, of Pasadena Dental Implants, in Pasadena, CA. Just give your periodontist a call at (626) 796-1241 today!
Are you ready to fill the gaps in your smile with dental implants offered by your Pasadena, CA, periodontist, Dr. Peter Cooper? Here's what you can expect if you opt for dental implant surgery.
A pre-surgery examination
Your periodontist will perform an examination to ensure that you're a good candidate for dental implants. Fortunately, implants are an excellent choice for many people. Dental implants may be recommended if:
- You're in good health. (Implant surgery won't be a good idea if you have an immune condition or another health problem that affects healing, or if you take medications that suppress the immune system.)
- You don't smoke.
- You need to replace permanent teeth.
During the examination, your periodontist will take a look at nerve placement and the bone depth in your jawbone. If the jawbone isn't deep enough to support an implant, a bone graft to build up the bone may be needed before implant surgery can take place. In some cases, it may be possible to reposition a nerve that could interfere with the placement of your implant.
Your oral surgery appointment
Before dental implant surgery begins, you'll receive a local anesthetic to ensure that you feel no pain. During the minor oral surgical procedure, your periodontist places small posts in your jawbone to replace your missing tooth roots. The posts, called implants, are made of titanium, a lightweight metal that bonds to your bones. After the implants are in place, your periodontist will close the gum tissue around them. A temporary crown or bridge will cover the gap in your smile.
Creating your new teeth
During the next three to six months, your dental implant will slowly bond to your jawbone. Bonding time varies, but the process may take a little longer if the implant is in the upper jaw than in the lower jaw. Bonding ensures that your implants are securely rooted to your jawbone and won't budge no matter what types of foods you eat.
Once bonding is complete, screw-like connectors called abutments will be added to the tops of your dental implants and an impression of your mouth will be made. Dental laboratory technicians use the impression as a model when they create your crowns. Crowns are restorations that replace the visible parts of your missing teeth.
In a few weeks, you'll return to the Pasadena dental office to receive your permanent crowns. Once the crowns are attached to the dental implants with the abutments, you'll be able to immediately use your new teeth. (In some cases, you may receive crowns immediately after your dental implant surgery.)
Restore your smile with dental implant surgery! Call your periodontist in Pasadena, CA, Dr. Peter Cooper, at (626) 796-1241 to schedule your appointment.
Discover some of the telltale signs that it may be time to see a dental surgeon.
You would think that when a dental problem arises that you would know it, right? Well, not exactly. We wish it were that easy but sometimes our periodontist Dr. Peter Cooper has to examine your mouth or take X-rays to determine that you need oral surgery. Discover the main reasons why we perform oral surgery here in Pasadena, CA,
Missing Teeth
If you are an adult who is missing one or more teeth then you may be wondering which tooth replacement option to choose. Many people turn to dental implants to replace their missing teeth because they are the next best thing to natural teeth. They feel, look, and even act just like natural teeth. They can even last the rest of your life.
Of course, to get dental implants, our Pasadena dentist will first need to perform oral surgery. If you want to find out if you’re an ideal candidate for dental implants, we would be happy to sit down and talk over the treatment process with you.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Another reason to perform oral surgery in Pasadena is if one of our patients is dealing with an impacted wisdom tooth. This third and last set of molars typically cause problems when they try to erupt through the gums.
In fact, the majority of people end up dealing with impacted wisdom teeth, which means that they never fully emerge through the gums. This leaves an opening in the gums where bacteria can get trapped. To prevent tooth injury or an infection, your dentist will most likely recommend having your wisdom teeth removed.
Bone Loss
If you didn’t treat your tooth loss right away then our periodontist may have noticed that you’ve lost a significant amount of jawbone. If you want to get dental implants but you’re dealing with severe bone loss, you’ll probably need to undergo a bone grafting procedure before getting your implants to rebuild the jawbone and to make sure that it’s healthy enough to support your implant.
If you are interested in dental implants then you’ll need to undergo oral surgery. Turn to our implant expert Dr. Peter Cooper here in Pasadena, CA. To find out if you’re an ideal candidate for implants, or to discuss other dental services with us, please call (626) 796-1241.
Periodontal disease, which is commonly referred to as gum disease, occurs when the gums become infected. Left untreated, periodontal disease could ultimately lead to tooth loss and various oral health problems. See a periodontist for treatment if you develop signs of periodontal disease, such as receding gums or gums that bleed easily. Periodontal disease treatment is offered at Pasadena Dental Implants, where Dr. Peter Cooper can develop a plan for restoring the health of your gums.
Signs of Periodontal Disease
Since periodontal disease is caused by a bacterial infection, it is essential to seek treatment as soon as possible to prevent the infection from spreading and causing further oral health problems. For example, tooth loss can occur if the infection spreads to the bone that supports the teeth. Signs that periodontal disease has possibly developed and treatment is needed include:
- Gum sensitivity
- Receding gums
- Gums that bleed easily
- Swollen, tender, or red gums
- Teeth that are loose
- A periodontal abscess
- Persistent bad breath
Treating Periodontal Disease
There are many ways to treat gum disease. The skilled periodontist at our office in Pasadena can develop a periodontal disease treatment plan specifically for you. One of the first steps in treating the early stages of periodontal disease is removing plaque, tartar, and other hardened deposits from the surface of tooth roots, which helps stop the spread of infection. A method known as scaling and root planing is used to deep clean teeth below the gum line.
Other methods for treating the early stages of periodontal disease include applying antimicrobial agents or antibiotics to eliminate infection-causing bacteria. As periodontal disease progresses, surgical procedures might be needed to clean and remove abscesses that have developed in the gums. Periodontal surgery can also be performed to remove and replace diseased gum tissue or to help gum tissue reattach to the teeth.
Seeking treatment for periodontal disease when it is still in the early stages is best. Prompt treatment helps stop the spread of infection, which can prevent tooth loss and additional oral health problems. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Cooper to discuss your options for periodontal disease treatment by calling Pasadena Dental Implants at (626) 796-1241.
Your periodontal health is more crucial than you think. Are you aware that your oral health provides clues regarding your overall health? Issues with your teeth and gums could impact your entire body. Here at Pasadena Dental Implants in Pasadena, CA, we can help maintain and ensure your periodontal health with help from your periodontist, Dr. Peter Cooper. Meanwhile, safeguard your overall health by learning about the link between your overall health and periodontal health.
The Link Between Overall Health and Periodontal Health
Your mouth, like other parts of your body, is teeming with mostly harmless bacteria. The mouth, however, is the perfect access point to the respiratory and digestive tracts, and certain bacteria could cause infections and diseases. Typically, your body’s natural defense mechanisms, coupled with proper oral hygiene, can keep bacteria from wreaking havoc in your body.
Without good oral care habits, bacteria could result in oral infections like gum disease and tooth decay. Likewise, certain medicines like antihistamines, decongestants, pain relievers, antidepressants, and diuretics could decrease saliva flow and production. This could further contribute to oral infections.
Additionally, studies have revealed that inflammation and bacteria responsible for periodontitis or severe gum disease might also contribute to certain diseases. Diseases like AIDS/HIV, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and osteoporosis could reduce your body’s infection-fighting abilities, which make oral health issues more severe.
Conditions Associated with Periodontal Health
Your periodontal health may contribute to a host of conditions and diseases such as:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Endocarditis
- Pneumonia
- Birth complications and pregnancy
Other health issues that are linked to periodontal health include certain cancers, rheumatoid arthritis, eating disorders, and certain immune system disorders.
How to Maintain Optimum Periodontal Health
To ensure optimum periodontal health and overall health, you should be practicing these oral care habits:
- Brush your pearly whites twice daily with some fluoride toothpaste and a toothbrush with soft bristles.
- Floss every day at least once.
- Rinse with a fluoridated or antibacterial mouthwash to further get rid of debris brushing and flossing didn’t remove.
- Stop smoking.
- Schedule routine dental cleanings and exams with your periodontist in Pasadena, CA. Call your dentist when you have issues with your mouth because the earlier the diagnosis and treatment, the better the results.
- Buy a new toothbrush when you see the bristles wearing, out or every three months, whichever comes first.
- Eat a balanced diet with limited added sugars.
For Concerns, Questions, or Advice on Your Periodontal Health, We Can Help
Schedule an assessment with your periodontist, Dr. Peter Cooper, here at Pasadena Dental Implants in Pasadena, CA, by calling (626) 796-1241.
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