Periodontics in Clearwater
Gums don't get the respect they deserve. Everyone wants straight, white teeth, but they rarely care about healthy pink gums. Gums keep harmful bacteria from the bone that holds your teeth in your mouth. This may be why the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate nearly half of all Americans have gum disease. Gum disease is preventable with proper brushing and flossing, along with regular professional dental cleanings.
Periodontics in Clearwater
Gum disease always starts out as gingivitis. They is when your gums are bright red, feel tender, and bleed when you brush. Fortunately, you can reverse gingivitis with treatment and a better dental care routine. Left untreated, gingivitis can turn into periodontal disease. This is when your gums start to pull away from your teeth. If you don't do anything about this, the bacteria will start to damage the bone and, eventually, your teeth will become loose and have to be removed or fall out.
If you suspect you have gum disease, please call us for a consultation with our gum disease specialist or a periodontist in Clearwater.
What is a Gum Disease Specialist?
A periodontist is a gum disease specialist. It is one of the dental specialties that requires additional training after finishing dental school. Your general dentist may refer you to a periodontist if you need any of the following periodontal services:
Treatment for Periodontal Disease
Our periodontists excel at diagnosing and treating gum disease. Our primary focus is stopping periodontal disease from worsening, resulting in tooth loss. We have a wide range of treatments available, including deep cleanings, medication, and surgical options for severe cases. We will always recommend the least invasive option first.
Crown Lengthening
The crown is the part of your tooth that shows when you smile. Sometimes, if you want to fix your smile, you might get braces with brackets or a crown. If there is too much gum tissue, it may make it challenging for the restoration to adhere to the tooth. A lengthening procedure will remove enough gum for the restoration.
Gummy Smile Procedures
A smile that is too gummy usually means that more that two millimeters of gums show on your upper teeth when you smile. It can make you feel less confident about smiling when enough of your pearly whites don't show. If you would like a smile you can be proud of, please call us for more information about how we can help you.
What is Gum Grafting?
If you're seeing a gum disease expert and experiencing gum recession from periodontal disease, he or she may suggest replacing missing gum tissue. If you lose gum tissue, your teeth may be sensitive, look unattractive, and expose the roots to bacteria. The procedure is not nearly as painful as it sounds; we will make sure you're comfortable.
Dental Implants
While some dentists place dental implants, most refer complex cases to periodontists. If you choose to see a periodontist to place your implants, you can be certain of having a good outcome as your periodontist trains after dental school to place them correctly. They also usually have more experience in the procedure. Since you will likely have your implants for life, you want them put in correctly. Read more about dental implants.
Oral Cancer Diagnosis
According to The American Cancer Society, in 2023, more than 54.000 people will receive an oral cancer diagnosis. It's not just smokers, heavy drinkers, and older people now. Don't ignore anything abnormal you see in your mouth. Our periodontist can perform a biopsy if you ask or your dentist refers you to us. Finding cancer early greatly improves your outcome. When oral cancer is found in its late stage, it could mean disfigurement or death.
When you have any of the procedures done by at our periodontics in Clearwater office, we will make sure you're comfortable and at ease. We a range of sedation options if you need them. We will always explain what will happen and what your recovery will be like.
Where Can I Get a Consultation with a Periodontist in Clearwater?
If you need a consultation at a periodontics office, call us at (727) 202-4282. We'll help you with all your needs and ensure you have a pleasant experience. Expect a customized treatment plan that is always explained first, so our team can answer your questions and address your concerns.
