Handsman Periodontics Blog

Gum disease is a serious oral health issue that can result in tooth loss and other severe consequences if it is not treated in a timely manner. What you may not realize, however, is that the chances of suffering from gum disease increase significantly as you get older. In fact, more than two-thirds of adults who are at least 65 years old have some form of gum disease. Your periodontist is here to explain how age and gum disease are linked as well as give you some tips for protecting your smile.

If you have been diagnosed with gum disease, your periodontist may use a few terms that you’re not familiar with. In particular, they may tell you that periodontal pockets have formed. But what exactly does this mean? Below is a quick overview of what you need to know about periodontal pockets and how to deal with them.

Crown lengthening is a treatment that involves removing unnecessary gum tissue from your mouth in order to reveal more of the structure of your teeth. You can trust your periodontist to handle this procedure, but why might you even need to have it performed in the first place? Here are 3 signs that you might benefit from crown lengthening.

There are a wide variety of procedures that your periodontist may suggest for your smile based on the state of your teeth, your gums, and your overall oral health. In some cases, they may recommend a procedure known as crown lengthening. What exactly does this treatment involve? And why might your periodontist suggest it? The answers to these questions can be found below.

When you have a gummy smile, it’s often possible to improve your appearance with a crown lengthening procedure. But will the treatment fit into your budget? It’s essential to learn as much as possible about the costs involved before you make any decisions. Your periodontist is here to give you a quick look at crown lengthening and the factors that could influence the amount you end up paying for it.

Have you ever heard a periodontist or another oral health expert mention the words “gingivitis” and “periodontitis”? These terms are somewhat related in that they refer to different stages of gum disease. However, it’s quite important to note that they are not the same thing. Below is a brief look at the differences between gingivitis and periodontitis, as well as how they can potentially be treated.

When your periodontist is going over your options for gum disease treatment, they may recommend osseous surgery. The goal of the procedure is to get rid of infected gum pockets as well as the bacteria that are causing your gum disease. But while osseous surgery is definitely an option worth considering, it’s important to make sure that you understand what it entails – as well as what kind of risks it involves.

If you’re concerned that you are “too old” to receive dental implants, you’ll be pleased to know that when it comes to these prosthetics, age is just a number. Although there are considerations that must be taken into account by a trusted periodontist, most individuals who are in their senior years can benefit from these permanent replacement teeth. Find out why dental implants are a great option for more mature adults.

Visiting the dentist’s office may not be a troublesome concept for you but what about sitting still for prolonged periods? Or maybe you have a sensitive gag reflex. Many people assume that sedation dentistry is only helpful for those who experience dental anxiety, but the truth is that there are plenty of other reasons you might consider this form of treatment. Read on to discover four unique benefits of sedation dentistry so that you can ensure a successful appointment.

When visiting with your periodontist about your upcoming procedure, you may become fearful about treatment. Although it is not uncommon for patients to experience mild, moderate, or even severe dental anxiety, many professionals offer methods to help calm nerves and keep individuals relaxed. But who is a good candidate for oral conscious sedation? Is it a safe option for patients like yourself? Read on to find out.