Periodontics

Gum disease starts as gingivitis and it’s a completely curable and preventable disease that, unfortunately, is the leading cause of tooth loss among adults. During the early stages of gingivitis, there may be only minor indications of a problem, such as redness or bleeding during brushing or flossing. As the disease advances, gums may recede from the teeth, the ligaments holding the teeth in place can deteriorate, and the jawbone may erode. At this stage, teeth will loosen and fall out, so it’s important to catch gingivitis before it gets to this stage.

If you need periodontal services in Westminster, then call Dental One Associates of Westminster and we can schedule an appointment with a gum disease specialist, so that you won’t lose your teeth. If you need cosmetic procedures, such as crown lengthening or gum contouring, our gum disease expert can provide that as well.

How Do I Know If I Need A Periodontist?

A periodontal dentist has completed a minimum of two years of specialty training in cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, and the diagnosis and treatment of gum diseases. If your gums are sensitive, inflamed or bleeding, then you should consult a periodontist so that you can treat the cause and stop the progression of gum disease. The word periodontic comes from two Greek words that mean “around the teeth,” referring to the gum tissue. Although we provide many other services to our patients, the following procedures are the most commonly performed in our Westminster office:

Periodontal Disease Treatment

When you eat or drink, a substance called plaque begins to form on your teeth. If not removed by brushing and flossing, plaque can begin to erode the enamel on your teeth and trigger the onset of decay. It can also attack your gums, the ligaments in your teeth, and your jawbone, so it’s important to remove it as soon as possible after you eat or drink.

Dental Implant Placement

The popularity of dental implants has risen dramatically over the past decade and our gum disease expert can help you if you need implants. Whether it’s for cosmetic reasons or for corrective purposes, we can install the metal post in your jaw and then attach the dental appliance to it. Implants are commonly used to hold artificial teeth or dentures, crowns, and bridges, and they’re necessary in order to maintain the proper alignment of your teeth and jaw. They also help prevent the premature wrinkles that can form around your mouth when teeth are missing.

Crown Lengthening

The area of your tooth that extends beyond your gum line is called the crown, and on some people, it is rather short and lends a stubby appearance to your smile. Lengthening the crowns of your teeth can provide additional room for dental appliances such as a bridge or crown or braces, or it can provide a more flattering smile. Either way, a periodontist in Westminster can lengthen your crowns if that’s the procedure that you need. Call us to schedule a consultation and let us help you get the smile you want.

Gummy Smile Surgery

Some people have too much gum in their smile and want some of it removed so that they have more tooth crown exposed. A periodontist in Westminster can remove some of your excess gum tissue so that you have a more even gum line and your smile makes you happy. Call us today to schedule an appointment.

Soft Tissue Graft / Gum Grafting

If your gums have receded from your teeth, the roots of your teeth may be exposed and this can be very painful. It also exposes your teeth to decay and bone loss. Our periodontal disease expert can use tissue grafting to replace missing gum tissue, which will alleviate the pain and protect your teeth. If you have receding gums, call us to schedule an appointment with a periodontist in Westminster and we’ll help you get your smile back.

Oral Pathology and Oral Cancer Diagnosis

HPV or human papillomavirus has now surpassed smoking as the leading cause of oral cancer. If you have HPV or if you think you have oral cancer, call our periodontics office today for a consultation. Your gum disease specialist will take tissue samples and send them to a lab. When we receive the results, we’ll call you. If your results are positive, we’ll help you with your treatment regimen and support needs. If your results are negative, we’ll discuss ways to keep it that way. We know that a cancer diagnosis is scary, but you don’t have to go through this alone. Call our office without delay, let us help you.

We strive to make our patients as comfortable as possible during their procedure, no matter which procedure they’re having. We have several methods of sedation available, including nitrous oxide, and your periodontist will discuss them with you during your consultation.

If I Call Today for a Consultation, When Can I See Your Gum Specialist in Westminster?

We do our best to schedule all our patients in a timely manner, but if you have an emergency, be sure to advise us when you call. Your gums are very important to your smile as well as your overall health. If you need periodontics in Westminster, call us today and get your gums back to a healthy state, and then learn how to keep them healthy. Call Dental One Associates of Westminster today at (410) 970-0292 and we’ll schedule your initial consultation. We look forward to hearing from you and working with you.