Understanding Treatments for Serious Gum Recession
While minor gum recession can be treated by your dentist with deep cleaning and antibiotics, serious gum recession often requires oral surgery. When there is a loss of bone and very deep gum pockets, gum surgery becomes necessary to address the pain and damage caused by acute gum recession.
Three Primary Treatments for Serious Gum Recession
- Pocket Depth Reduction
This procedure involves a deep cleaning of the affected area. The periodontist folds back the gum tissue to perform tooth scaling and root planing, removing tartar and plaque buildup around the tooth. After cleaning, the gum tissue is repositioned, effectively eliminating or significantly reducing the depth of gum pockets.
- Regeneration
Similar to pocket depth reduction, this treatment also addresses bone loss due to gum recession. A regenerative agent, such as graft tissue, membranes, or tissue-stimulating proteins, is applied to the area. The gum tissue is repositioned and stitched down. Over time, the regenerative agent promotes the rebuilding of lost bone and tissue, resulting in healthier gum structures.
- Soft Tissue Graft
In this procedure, healthy gum tissue is transplanted to the affected area to protect exposed tooth roots. The graft is typically sourced from the patient’s own mouth, such as the roof of the mouth or nearby gum tissue. The transplanted tissue covers the exposed root, protecting it from infection and further damage.
Prevention Is Key
To avoid the need for oral surgery, prioritize good oral hygiene habits. Brush and floss daily, and visit your dentist twice a year for checkups and professional cleanings. Early intervention is essential—talk to your dentist if you notice any signs of gum recession or have concerns about preventing it.
Do not let another day go by without taking care of your dental needs. Request an appointment now at our Shreveport dental office!
What to Expect with Oral Surgery
If oral surgery is in your future, you might be worried about what’s to come. The way to relieve that worry is to talk to your oral surgeon. Your oral surgeon has the experience and knowledge necessary to guide you through whatever concerns or questions you may have. Here is a guide to some of those questions and answers:
How will I handle pain following surgery?
In many cases, you will have been prescribed narcotic pain relievers. If you are taking narcotics, take them only as recommended and do not mix them with over-the-counter pain relievers or alcohol. Driving while on narcotics is dangerous and can have serious consequences for you personally and for others. If you weren’t prescribed any medication, use anti-inflammatory analgesics such as ibuprofen or naproxen sodium.
What will happen to my stitches in the days following surgery?
Some stitches will be designed to dissolve over time and will not need to be removed. Others will not come out on their own and will need to be removed at a subsequent appointment. In many cases, losing a single stitch or two in the days following surgery isn’t serious; however, for bone-graft treatments, it is problematic and you should contact your surgeon immediately.
Can I eat normally after surgery?
Immediately after surgery, when you’re still experiencing any mouth or tongue numbness, don’t eat anything. You could mistake the soft tissues of your mouth for food and do serious damage to your mouth without realizing it. After your numbness subsides, consume soft foods of tepid temperatures for several days to allow for healing. Talk to your surgeon to learn when you can resume normal eating patterns as dictated by your particular surgery.
What other tips do you have?
Stay hydrated and rest as much as possible to facilitate complete and quick healing. Call your surgeon if you have excessive bleeding or pain that doesn’t lessen with time. Be aware of signs of infection (swelling, redness, odorous or sour discharge) at the surgical site and seek professional care when needed.
Do not wait any longer. Book your appointment now and achieve the smile you have always wanted. Dr. Michael Woolbert & Dr. William Hall is accepting new patients from Shreveport and the surrounding area.
Oral surgery can address a range of issues that go beyond simple tooth extraction, and the need for surgery isn’t always due to poor dental hygiene. Some causes of oral surgery, such as injuries, birth defects, or cancer, cannot always be predicted or avoided. Thanks to advances in oral surgery, especially in restoration and reconstruction techniques, many issues can be successfully treated. Below are some common reasons oral surgery may be recommended:
Tooth Loss:
To replace missing teeth, dental implants require oral surgery to insert a titanium implant into the jawbone. Implants provide a secure and permanent solution, offering a natural appearance compared to dentures and bridges. Candidates for implant surgery typically need to have adequate bone density, good overall health, and a commitment to proper oral hygiene. After healing, a crown is placed on the implant to complete the restoration.
Impacted Teeth:
One of the most common oral surgeries is the removal of impacted wisdom teeth. This typically happens during the late teen to early adult years when the wisdom teeth cannot erupt properly. Removing them prevents future dental issues.
TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder):
TMJ disorders affect the joint where the skull and lower jaw meet, leading to facial pain, headaches, jaw popping, and other symptoms. While some cases can be managed with splints, physical therapy, and medications, more severe cases may require surgery to correct the problems.
Injuries:
Trauma from car accidents, sports injuries, or other incidents can lead to broken facial bones or jaws. Oral surgery may be required to realign the jaws, wire the bones together, and repair the injury to restore normal function and comfort.
Cleft Repairs:
Birth defects, such as cleft lips or palates, are corrected through oral surgery. This typically involves a series of surgeries over several years to improve both the appearance and function of the affected areas.
Biopsy:
Oral surgery may also be necessary to remove cancerous tumors or lesions in the jaws or facial bones. This is especially critical when the cancer involves joints or muscles, as these areas are essential for normal facial movement and function.
Endodontics represents a specialized field of dentistry primarily associated with root canal treatment. This dental specialty concentrates on treating the tooth’s pulp – a vital inner structure containing nerves and blood vessels that provide essential nutrients and oxygen. When this pulp becomes compromised through infection or injury, endodontic intervention becomes necessary to preserve the tooth.
Endodontic procedures involve thoroughly cleaning, sanitizing, and filling the tooth’s interior cavity. This treatment offers the most effective solution for saving teeth damaged by various factors including decay, injury, or other dental issues. Warning signs that might indicate the need for endodontic treatment include persistent pain, heightened tooth sensitivity, or pulp exposure resulting from tooth breakage.
Based on dental examinations and radiographic findings, your dental professional will determine the most appropriate endodontic approach depending on the pulp’s condition. Vital pulp therapy represents one treatment option, aimed at maintaining and safeguarding the tooth’s living pulp tissue. This specific procedure removes pulp only from the tooth’s crown while preserving the root portion. However, this approach is only suitable for cases without inflammation, abscesses, or tooth instability.
Non-vital pulp therapy, commonly known as root canal treatment, becomes necessary when the pulp cannot be salvaged. This comprehensive procedure involves complete removal of the pulp throughout the tooth, followed by thorough canal cleaning and filling with specialized material. The process concludes with the placement of a stainless steel crown for protection.
In certain situations, endodontic treatment may not be the optimal choice, necessitating tooth extraction instead. This decision relies on multiple considerations, including the tooth’s position, age, damage extent, and the patient’s general health status. Your dental provider will guide you toward the most suitable treatment option for your specific situation.
Do you live in Shreveport or the surrounding area? Our team is ready to help you achieve your smile goals. Schedule your appointment today.
One of the most common procedures in cosmetic dentistry today is dental veneers. Many types of problems can be remedied with veneers, such as teeth that are chipped, broken, gapped, misshapen, or discolored. A veneer is a very thin shell usually made of porcelain that is bonded to the fronts of teeth to hide flaws.
Benefits:
One of the best things about dental veneers is that they immediately transform your smile the minute they are placed. They are very natural-looking because the porcelain reflects light in the same way as real teeth. Discolored or stained teeth are erased by veneers that are created in the shade you choose. Porcelain resists stains so you no longer have to worry about discoloration. You get to keep your original teeth since veneers are attached directly to them. Veneers are not only an attractive choice, they are also strong and durable.
Procedure:
The process for getting dental veneers takes two or three appointments. At the first visit, you will have an examination and X-rays to learn if you are a good candidate for veneers. If this type of restoration is suitable for you and will help you achieve your goals, your dentist can customize your smile based on your facial features, coloring, complexion, and other characteristics. A mold will be taken of your mouth and sent to a dental laboratory for your veneers to be made. When they are ready in about a week, you will return to the dental office to have them attached to check for things like fit and color. The veneers will then be permanently bonded to your teeth and final modifications will be completed.
Care:
Your normal oral hygiene routine can be continued, including gentle regular brushing with a soft toothbrush and daily flossing. Regular dental checkups every six months should be maintained for checkups and cleanings. Avoid chewing or biting on hard items so that your veneers will not chip or break. If you follow these guidelines, your veneers should last a very long time.
Do you live in Shreveport or the surrounding area? Our team is ready to help you achieve your smile goals. Schedule your appointment today.
If your desire is to transform your smile quickly and easily, dental veneers may be the way to go. They hide cosmetic problems that range from minor issues to very noticeable ones. Veneers are customized so that they give you the exact look you want for your new beautiful smile. These restorations, often made of porcelain, offer a variety of benefits to meet many needs.
Straightening:
Crooked, misaligned, or uneven teeth can be hidden with veneers. An impression will be taken of your teeth, which will be sent to a lab so that veneers can be created specifically for you. Once the veneers are finished, the dentist will attach them to your teeth to give you a perfectly straight smile without having to wear braces.
Strengthening:
If you have cracked or otherwise weakened teeth, you do not have to replace them in order to get dental veneers. Once the teeth are stabilized, veneers can be applied and actually act like a splint for your teeth. Veneers create a strong bond with your teeth and can even protect against tooth decay.
Durability:
Another benefit of veneers is their durability, as they can last up to 20 years. Caring for them just means proper brushing and flossing, and regular checkups. No changes to your diet are necessary, and porcelain veneers are stain resistant so they maintain their bright appearance.
Easy procedure:
Getting dental veneers is a painless process, and quicker than many other cosmetic procedures. You can get your new smile in just two or three appointments.
Natural:
Veneers are one of the most natural-looking ways to improve your smile. They look similar to real teeth because they reflect light naturally, and the thin material fits snugly to your teeth.
Versatility:
Veneers correct a variety of cosmetic dental problems. Examples include discolorations, stains, breaks, misalignment, overcrowding, and unevenness. Just about any aesthetic flaw you have with your teeth can be covered with veneers, giving you a brand-new beautiful smile.
Do not wait any longer. Book your appointment now and achieve the smile you have always wanted. Dr. Michael Woolbert & Dr. William Hall is accepting new patients from Shreveport and the surrounding area.
