Gum recession – What Can Be Done?

Gum recession occurs when the tissue surrounding the teeth wears away, or pulls back exposing more of the tooth. This can happen due to hormonal changes, poor brushing techniques, hereditary issues or periodontal disease that has been left untreated.

For many, the process results in teeth that have the appearance of being way too long and an increase in sensitivity. “But your dentist can treat gum recession,” says Dr. Denine Rice, the Periodontist at Rice Periodontics and Implant Surgery in Riverside, California.

For mild gum recession your Periodontal Specialist or dentist may be able to treat the area through non-surgical methods. Rootplaning and scaling is many times the first step in treating this issue. During the process of root planing and scaling, plaque and tartar are removed from below the gumline of the teeth all the way to the roots. This is done under a general anesthetic and can many times result in a favorable outcome.

For those whose recession is more advanced and has led to bone loss, the pockets of tissue surrounding the teeth will be too deep and surgery may be required to repair the area. “When this is the situation, we still have options to help,” adds Dr. Rice. “We can reduce the pocket depth surgically by pulling back the tissue surround the teeth and remove the harmful bacteria or we can use a laser to enter the area and get rid of the bacteria that way.”

When the bone supporting the teeth has been destroyed, a regenerative procedure may be recommended. “We can add back bone and graft tissue,” Dr. Rice says. “Whatever you do, don’t let recession continue to go untreated!”

 

Denine Rice, DDS

Why Should I Treat My Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal or gum disease is when bacteria in the mouth forms plaque on the teeth. It is this bacteria that can cause redness, inflammation, bleeding, swollen or painful gums.

“But not everyone experiences the pain that is associated with Periodontal Disease, for some by the time they notice something is not right, they are well on their way to losing teeth,” says Dr. Denine Rice from her Periodontal Practice in Riverside, California.

Early stages of the disease can be reversed and healed with proper oral hygiene, but when the disease has progressed you will need professional help to maintain and control. Around each tooth is a pocket, in a healthy mouth – one where brushing and flossing occurs on a daily basis – the pocket can be kept clean and healthy by keeping regular visits to your dentist in combination with continued homecare. When the pockets around the teeth exceed the normal limit though, brushing and flossing just can’t reach the bacteria. “And the bacteria must be disturbed and removed to prevent the disease from becoming more aggressive,” adds Dr. Rice.

 Why?

Left untreated periodontal disease can:

1.     Cause your gums to be inflamed, tender and/or red.

2.     Cause your gums to bleed and be swollen.

3.     Cause your teeth to shift and become loose.

4.     Cause a change to the way your teeth fit together when biting.

5.     Cause persistent bad breath.

6.     Cause your gum tissue to recede from your teeth.

If you are experiencing any of the signs of Periodontal Disease, don’t delay, call today and be evaluated.

Why are my gums bleeding and should I be concerned?

“I often am asked, as I imagine other dental professionals are, why are my gums bleeding?” says Dr. Denine Rice from her Riverside Periodontal and Implant Practice in California. “Much of the time it means gum disease.”

Most of us are very focused on reducing our risk of tooth decay and work to prevent cavities, but an equally important focus should be on the health of our gum tissue. “Gum tissue health plays a very important role in the overall health of a person,” adds Dr. Rice.

So what can be done to action and reduce the damage and discomfort that comes with swollen and bleeding gums?

1.     See your dentist to be evaluated for gum disease.

2.     Brush your teeth at least twice each day.

3.     Floss your teeth daily.

4.     Eat a well balanced diet.

5.     Reduce your stress.

6.     Drink plenty of water

7.     Discontinue the use of tobacco products.

Caught early, gum disease can be effectively controlled, all of which leads to a healthy and happy smile.

Dental Implants – Why Should I Consider Them?

While having a tooth missing in your smile may be unsightly, there are other very important reasons for you to consider an implant to replace missing teeth.

First, what is a dental implant? “A dental implant is a fixture that is placed into the jawbone, many times with only local anesthetic. This fixture acts like a tooth root. It maintains the level of bone and creates a stable foundation for a crown or bridge to be placed upon it,” says Dr. Denine Rice from her Implant and Periodontal practice in Riverside, California.

The success rate for implants is impressive. “We’ve seen 99% of our dental patients do quite well with their implants,” adds Dr. Rice. “And with proper care, they can last a lifetime.”

And the advantages are numerous:

1.     Better health – the stability provided by dental implants means that patients can eat a normal and varied diet.

2.     Improved speech – when teeth are missing or when a poor-fitting denture is the only option, speech may suffer.

3.     Greater comfort – many patients, particularly, find that the wearing of dentures is uncomfortable.

4.     Improved appearance – because the implant can replace a single tooth or be used to replace an entire arch of teeth, a lovely smile can be achieved.

5.     Increased options for replacement – when an implant is used to replace a missing tooth, a dental bridge is no longer necessary. This is a positive as dental bridges rely on adjacent teeth for stability.

Contact your dentist today and see if you are a candidate for an implant to replace your missing teeth!

Gum care tips:

While most of us are focused on brushing and flossing to prevent decay there is another very important reason to keep your dental hygiene routine. Your gums play a major role in keeping your teeth.

“Bleeding and swollen gums are a sign of periodontal disease,” says Dr. Denine Rice from her Riverside Periodontal and Implant Specialty Practice. “And periodontal disease affects not only your ability to keep your teeth but it also impacts your overall health as well.”

So here are a few tips to keep your tissue healthy this year:

1.     Find the right brush. The right brush can be either a manual or electric one, but it needs to have soft bristles. Hard or medium brushes can damage gum tissue as well as remove enamel from your teeth.

2.     When brushing, use a gentle circular motion instead of a back and forth scrubbing motion.

3.     You’ve heard all about flossing only the teeth you wish to keep, but it’s also important to know that you should be in control of your floss. Gently slide the floss between the teeth, careful to not snap it into the gums. Then wrap the floss around the tooth and glide it along the surface.

4.     Protecting your gums this year should also include regular visits to your dentist. “Your dentist determines the frequency in which you should be seen based on many factors,” adds Dr. Rice. “While your dental insurance benefit may allow for a couple of visits per year, pay attention to what your dentist recommends.” Build up of calculus and plaque can initiate the disease process and once started, it can only be controlled. Another reason to keep frequency as recommended – it saves money. Preventative dentistry is much less expensive.

So this year, keep your smile and your gums happy!

Periodontal Surgery the LANAP Way, After-care Instructions

 

Laser Periodontal Therapy is a laser-based technique used for treating periodontal disease many times without using a scalpel or sutures.

“Previously for patients suffering with periodontal disease many times the treatment was almost as frightening as the disease. Now with advanced technology we can not only remove diseased tissue easily and effectively, we can also do it virtually painlessly,” says Dr. Denine Rice from her Riverside California Periodontal and Implant Surgery Practice.

If you choose or have chosen to have LANAP treatment, here is what you should know post-surgery:

1.     Do not be alarmed with any color changes or appearance of gum tissue. Gum tissue can turn gray, yellow, red, blue, or purple following the laser treatment.

2.     Do not apply excessive tongue or cheek pressure to the treated area.

3.     Do not be alarmed if you should experience light bleeding, slight swelling, soreness, tenderness or tooth sensitivity.

4.     If swelling does occur, gently place an ice pack on the outside of the face for 20 minutes each hour until you retire for the night the first day.

5.     Some oozing of blood may occur. Rinse your mouth gently with iced water and apply a wet tea bag to the general area.

6.     Call your surgeon’s office is you have prolonged or severe pain, excessive bleeding or an elevated or persistent temperature.

7.     Take any medication as directed.

8.     Reduce physical activity for several hours after surgery to maximize healing.

9.     Keep your mouth clean. This will help the healing process. Brush and floss ONLY untreated areas of your mouth. After 7-10 days you can brush and floss in the treated areas.

    10. Do not rinse your mouth the day of treatment. The day after you may spit and gently rinse using either Peridex, Perioguard or warm salt water.

Remember, it is critical for your periodontal success that you keep all follow-up appointments with your surgeon.

What Toothbrush Should I Buy?

Toothbrushes and floss are a lot alike, in that the one you should buy is the one you feel comfortable using.

“When discussions of toothbrushes arise it is generally in reference to the two main types of brushes: manual or powered, but there are some other things to keep in mind,” says Dr. Denine Rice from her Periodontal and Implant Practice in Riverside, California. “You should make sure the size and shape of the brush head fits into and allows easy access to all locations of your mouth. You will also want a soft or very soft bristled brush, as this is less damaging for gum tissue and teeth. Finally, a handle that is easy to grip in your hand will make the process more comfortable.”

Regarding the manual versus powered brush. “Manual brushes are fine for most people. Some children, though will brush better when they have a powered brush and some adults with dexterity challenges will find a powered brush more effective.”

What’s the most important thing to keep in mind when purchasing a new brush? Brushing and flossing daily is a great way to keep you smiling for a lifetime.

 

Dr. Denine Rice