3 Tips Your Periodontist Can Recommend To Save Your Smile

 Your smile is critical, as within seven seconds you make a first impression. The health and look of your smile could be the difference between a promotion and not getting a job at all. Or it may cause you to miss out on meeting that special someone. If your gums have receded and bleed when you brush and floss, you’ll want to visit the periodontist today for a consultation. Here are three ways she can help.

Dr. Rice states, "laser surgery is a fantastic alternative to traditional periodontal surgery." A laser can be utilized in order to go below the gum line and clean out the bacteria. This procedure takes less time then traditional periodontal surgery, and does not require sutures. Once the treatment has occurred it will decrease bleeding and inflammation.

Gum graft surgery can help restore the look of your smile if your gums are uneven and receding. Tissue can be taken from the pallet of your mouth and placed in the locations around the mouth where your gums have receded. This surgery does require some time to heal, but once completed it can restore your smile to a beautiful and healthy look. Then you only need to incorporate a regular brushing and flossing routine for after the procedure.

Dental implants can be a great way of replacing missing or badly cracked teeth. Implants are artificial posts placed into the jawbone, but once restored will look and feel like real teeth. Implants allow you to regain the natural looking smile of your youth. They also require a brushing and flossing routine, and should last a lifetime if they are taken care of.

Call Dr. Rice & her team today for a healthy smile tomorrow.

All on 4

“Dentures in a Day” or the “All on 4” technique. What is it? Now there is a way to stabilize dentures and you can receive the benefits right away.

If you are one of the many who, in years past inquired about implants and decided against treatment, there have been some new developments.

One is that many who may have not been considered candidates for implants, with new technology and types of implants available, may actually now benefit from the surgery to place titanium in the jaw bone to stabilize a denture or to replace a tooth.

Another challenge many faced was the expense, which has come down considerably over the years so now it’s more affordable than ever.

“Finally, with advanced techniques, it is now possible to not only create stability for your denture, but to do the treatment in a day,” says Dr. Denine Rice from her Riverside Periodontal Practice. As one of the Inland Empire’s Top Dentists, Dr. Rice understands how difficult it is for patients to lose their dentition. “It can become very emotional. Our smile is what people notice first about us,” she adds. “That’s why I’m so pleased that the All on 4, Teeth in a Day concept is available to my patients.”

While the process takes a bit more than a day, impressions are taken and lab created dentures are created, the surgery itself to place the implants and then the placing of the denture on the implants all occurs in one day.

“It is such a wonderful treatment option for patients,” Dr. Rice says. “Call us today and learn more about how your periodontist and your general dentist can work together to achieve the smile you deserve!”

What to Look for When Getting a 2nd opinion

“For many patients the road to dental health is confusing,” says Dr. Denine Rice, “there may be several options for treatment that all seem the same, but usually are not.”

In any second opinion there should be a few things you are looking for and ask about.

“When you arrive at your appointment for your second opinion, make sure that you have a detailed report of what your 1^st opinion is recommending – that way you will be sure to compare the two plans equally if the recommendation is the same,” adds Dr. Rice of Rice Periodontics. But many times, your 2^nd opinion will also give you a 2^nd option.

“Discuss thoroughly with your dentist your desires and fears regarding the recommended treatment,” says Dr. Rice, “including the types of materials and technology that will be used and why.”

For example: many dentists place implants, be sure to find one that is also recommending an ICAT and not just a regular x-ray to determine if there is sufficient bone. “Implants are an investment that can last and be highly successful, or not. When determining if you wish to proceed, make sure you are doing what you can to improve the outcome.”

Also when discussing treatment with your dentist, ask about the number of procedures that have been completed successfully. “This should always be part of the discussion,” adds Dr. Rice.

Use your second opinion to find someone you feel comfortable with, someone who is knowledgeable, uses proven technology and has completed the procedures a number of times before. Call Rice Periodontics today to schedule your 2^nd opinion.

Root Planning and Scaling or Non-Surgical Periodontial Treatment

For many, the first step in getting your mouth healthy is a trip to the Periodontist. Your periodontist is the specialist who evaluates your tissue and bone health. The reason for a visit here has to do with ensuring your foundation is in shape for the recommended treatment your general dentist has planned.

If the bone and tissue health is not stabilized, any dental treatment could be quickly undermined. Your Periodontist’s and General Dentist’s goal is to create a foundation that can be built upon. When they find advanced stages of disease, your Periodontist and General Dentist will discuss with you the teeth that are in jeopardy and make suggestions as to alternative treatments such as extractions and/or dental implants

If there are early signs of disease – bleeding of the gums and/or minimal bone loss – your Periodontist may diagnosis Non-Surgical treatment first. This is generally called root planning and scaling or sometimes – “a deep cleaning.”

During this appointment, your Periodontist, or their Hygienist will anesthetize the area and then, utilizing special instruments and often lasers, will enter the pockets around each tooth to remove built up calculus and bacteria.

Non-Surgical Periodontal Treatment is the first step to controlling the disease process and getting you and your mouth healthy.

New in the News

Create a Beautiful Smile with Periodontal Plastic Surgery

Crown Lengthening

Crown lengthening is a procedure to remove excess gum tissue, exposing more of the "crown" of the tooth. This procedure is for patients who feel that their teeth are too short or their gum line is uneven. The gum line is then sculpted  to create the right proportion between gum tissue and tooth surface. This can be done to just one tooth, or to enhance your entire smile.

Dental Implants
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root placed in the jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge in place, or to provide support for a denture. Dental implants are the answer for many people with missing or damaged teeth-implants look and feel just like your own teeth!

Root Coverage
During a root coverage procedure, gum tissue from your palate is used to cover the exposed tooth roots. These procedures are to cover roots, develop gum tissue where needed, or to make dental implants look more natural. In some cases, this procedure can cover exposed roots to protect them from decay or prepare your teeth for orthodontic treatment. Your tooth sensitivity may be reduced as well, and your smile may also improve!

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