Diabetes and Invisalign

People with diabetes are used to paying extra attention to the health of their feet and eyes, and they need to take extra care with their oral health, as well. At Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore, we work closely with our diabetic patients to ensure they are protected from gingivitis and periodontal disease, which they suffer from at higher rates than the general population. This American Diabetes Month, we want to raise awareness of how diabetes interacts with orthodontics.

Because braces make oral hygiene more difficult, dentists in the past were reluctant to recommend them for diabetic patients. People who have suffered from periodontitis may find themselves in need of orthodontics if their gum or bone tissue was damaged enough to allow their teeth to migrate, but braces have to be removed if the patient suffers recurrent inflammation. In modern times, however, it is rarer for blood sugar to be uncontrolled long enough to result in major dental problems. At our office, we are also certified to offer Invisalign orthodontic correction. Removable aligners do not cause any extra difficulties maintaining oral hygiene and provide us with opportunities to monitor the patient’s dental health every six weeks. They also put less force on the teeth, which is safer for diabetic patients.

Scott Seier, DDS, operates Advantage Dentistry at 2887, Elmwood Ave, Kenmore, NY, 14217. To set up an appointment, call 716-877-2275, or visit AdvantageDentistry.com and fill out a contact form.

 

Periodontitis

As we’ve previously mentioned, gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease that is usually reversible in its earliest stage. Periodontitis, however, is an advanced form of periodontal disease and can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. As periodontitis progresses, you may notice more serious changes in your gums, such as gums that pull away from your teeth, loose teeth, or a persistent bad taste in your mouth. Though our doctors at Advantage Dentistry can treat the problem, we prefer that you take preventive measures.

The longer plaque and tartar remain on your teeth, the more you increase your risk of developing periodontal disease. Healthy gums are firm and pale pink in color. If your gums are puffy and bleed easily, you should visit our doctors at Advantage Dentistry immediately, to prevent the problem from becoming worse. The best ways to prevent periodontitis, as well as gingivitis, is by practicing proper oral hygiene and brush your teeth at least twice a day. Don’t forget to floss!

If you have questions or concerns about periodontal disease, please give us a call. To schedule your appointment with Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore, NY, call our office at 716-877-2275 or visit our website www.advantagedentistry.com for more information about the services we provide. 

Gingivitis

The most common symptom of gingivitis is spitting blood in the sink while you brush. It sounds a little gross, but it’s important to know that you can prevent this from happening. Gingivitis develops when poor oral hygiene habits are practiced. If you notice swollen or puffy gums, dark red gums, bad breath, or gums that are receding, please schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Advantage Dentistry.

Our doctors are dedicated to providing patients with healthy gums, but this cannot be achieved by our doctors alone. It’s a dual effort between the doctor and the patient. Anyone can develop gingivitis, but you increase your risk if you’re a smoker, have a poor diet, or suffer from dry mouth. Untreated gingivitis can progress to periodontitis which can eventually lead to tooth loss. Be sure to talk to your dentist about risk factors for gum disease and discuss your treatment options if you’ve been diagnosed with gingivitis.

If you have questions or concerns about periodontal disease, please give us a call. To schedule your appointment with Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore, NY, call our office at 716-877-2275 or visit our website www.advantagedentistry.com for more information about the services we provide. 

Gum Pocket Reduction

If a patient is suffering from the advanced effects of periodontal disease, there are some minor surgeries which may be used to reverse its damage and prevent a relapse. Chief among these is a gum pocket reduction. This procedure usually requires little preparation and can be done in the office using local anesthesia.

Gum pocket reduction targets the soft tissue immediately surrounding the teeth. In a healthy mouth, the gum pockets the teeth fit into are snug and stable. However, there is always room between the gum and the tooth for bacteria to get into, and where the resulting plaque can trap acid. As bone and soft tissue near the plaque dissolves, there is more room for bacteria, accelerating the process.

After a scaling and planing, Dr. Seier will want to close off this safe haven for plaque. Usually, a gum pocket reduction only requires that a flap to cut in the nearby healthy gum tissue, stretched across the pocket, and fastened with a suture. Sometimes a more complex gum graft may be necessary, but most likely this will only be the case if the damage is severe.

Scott Seier, DDS, operates Advantage Dentistry at 2887, Elmwood Ave, Kenmore, NY, 14217. To set up an appointment, call 716-877-2275, or visit AdvantageDentistry.com and fill out a contact form.

 

Gum Disease: How Does it Develop?

We all hear about how we need to avoid gum disease, but do you know what it really is and how it develops? Knowing may be the difference between developing it or not. At Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore, NY, we strive to educate our patients on oral health. Read on to learn more about gum disease.

Gum disease refers to infected gum tissue in your mouth. This tissue is what creates a strong foundation for your teeth, so when it becomes diseased, it can weaken and cause teeth to call out. It can also spread infection, cause deformation of the jawbone, and increase the risks of heart attack and stroke.

Gum disease develops when plaque and tartar irritate the tissue around teeth. If not treated, the gums begin to separate and pull away from the teeth causing deep pockets to form where bacteria can collect deep down. This is the most difficult stage of gum disease to treat.

In order to prevent gum disease, you need to brush your teeth twice per day and floss once per day. When brushing, be sure to pay special attention to the gum line. Make sure you angle your toothbrush so that the area where your teeth meet your gums gets attention. In addition, brush your tongue, your cheeks, and the roof of your mouth. There are areas where bacteria can also hide.

Routine visits to your dentist can also help keep away gum disease. To schedule a cleaning and examination at Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore, NY, call our office at (716) 877-2275. More information about us can be found on our website, www.advantagedentistry.com. 

Periodontal Splinting for Loose Teeth

Loose teeth need to be secured before they become too loose and fall out. There are several things that can cause teeth to loosen, which is why here at Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore, NY, we offer periodontal splinting to our patients.

Periodontal splinting involves making one unit out of stable teeth and the loose tooth or teeth. The stable teeth provide structure so that the loose teeth are no longer mobile. This procedure is performed using composite resin. The resin is applied to the backs of the teeth where it is not noticeable. The end result is strong, in-place teeth.

Teeth can become loose for many different reasons. A common reason is periodontal disease. When the gum tissue surrounding a tooth recedes, it can cause extra room between the tooth and the gums. If steps are not taken to improve the area and stop teeth from moving, they can become loose enough to fall out.

If you are experiencing loose teeth, come see us for an evaluation. Periodontal splinting may be what saves your smile. To schedule an appointment in our Kenmore, NY office, call Advantage Dentistry at (716) 877-2275. For additional information about periodontal splinting, visit our website, www.advantagedentistry.com.