Navigating the world of can be overwhelming, especially when you’re faced with a lot of information. At Turows Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, our West MI periodontist believes in empowering patients with knowledge to make informed decisions about their oral health. To help you understand our services better, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions about our practice and procedures.
If, after reading through the questions and answers below, you’re ready to get started with your very own care, we encourage you to call our office in either Grand Rapids or Grand Haven, MI, today to request an appointment.
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Periodontal Evaluations and Maintenance
During a comprehensive periodontal evaluation, we’ll take a thorough look at your gums, assess your daily oral hygiene habits, and measure any pockets that have formed between the teeth and gums. For reference, a depth measurement of 4 to 5 millimeters will indicate mild periodontal disease and may require specialized deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) in addition to at-home care. Performing this exam allows us to monitor your periodontal health closely and detect any signs of gum disease early.
Periodontal maintenance is a specialized approach used to treat periodontal (gum) disease. It targets plaque and tartar below the gum line and in periodontal pockets – areas regular cleanings can’t reach. Unfortunately, gum disease can not be reversed once it becomes advanced enough so visiting our team for regular maintenance is the best thing you can do to keep your smile at its healthiest.
A common procedure used to treat gum disease, scaling and root planing is an in-depth cleaning performed by Dr. Turows using handheld dental tools. If your mouth shows signs of serious periodontal disease and has progressed beyond gingivitis, scaling and root planing may be what you need to restore your oral health.
Like the name implies, this procedure involves two main components. Scaling is what removes the plaque and tartar from below the gumline. Root planing then helps smooth out the tooth root which facilitates the reattachment of the gums to the tooth.
Yes, after being diagnosed with gum disease, you will always require periodontal maintenance. This is to ensure that we can properly clean below the gumline to try to keep your bone loss stable. The frequency of deep cleanings will depend on how severe your gum disease is so while some may visit 1-2 times a year, others may need to have the procedure performed every 3-4 months.
Oral Cancer Screenings
An oral cancer screening consists of two main parts: a visual and a physical exam. We’ll start with the visual portion and ask that any removable dental appliances, like dentures, are removed so the entire mouth can be observed.
During this part of the screening, we’ll use a light and mirror to look for:
- Lip or mouth sores
- White or red patches inside the mouth
- Loose teeth
- Abnormal swellings, lumps, or bumps
- Ulcerations
Your face, lips, neck, cheeks, and mouth will all be visually examined for asymmetries and obvious abnormalities. If all looks normal, we’ll move on to the physical portion of the screening. It’s at this time that we’ll gently touch your face, mouth, and neck with gloved hands to check for any hard lumps of tissue. You may not always notice developing masses as early stages of oral cancer are commonly painless.
Should something appear abnormal and require further evaluation, we’ll inform you of any additional tests needed.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are replacements for the root part of your tooth. They’re usually made of titanium and are surgically placed into your jawbone. They hold artificial teeth in place, much like a real tooth root. This makes them a stable, long-lasting .
The dental implant process starts with a comprehensive consultation where we assess your oral health and suitability for the procedure. Once confirmed, we move on to surgically inserting the dental implant, which is an artificial tooth root, into your jawbone. This is followed by a healing period known as osseointegration, where the implant integrates with your bone.
After this, an abutment (connector piece) and a custom-made crown, designed to look like a natural tooth, are attached to the implant. We use advanced imaging and surgical techniques throughout the process to ensure precision and comfort.
Dental implants are convenient in that they require very similar care to your natural teeth. Regular brushing at least twice a day, flossing daily, and using an antiseptic mouthwash can all help keep your dental implants clean and free from plaque. Additionally, attending regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings is essential to maintain the health and longevity of your implants.
are individuals who have one or more missing teeth due to injury, disease, or decay. Furthermore, candidates should have healthy gums and adequate bone structure to support the implant. It’s also necessary for candidates to commit to good oral hygiene practices and regular dental visits. Smokers, individuals suffering from uncontrolled chronic disorders, or patients who have had radiation therapy in the head/neck area need to be evaluated on an individual basis.
Cosmetic Periodontal Procedures
Cosmetic periodontal procedures involve reshaping and improving the appearance of your gums to enhance your smile. This could involve procedures like crown lengthening, gum grafting, , or other procedures tailored to your specific needs.
Gum Disease
You might know it as gum disease, and it’s actually pretty common. It starts with inflammation in the gums around your teeth. If left untreated, this can quickly progress to serious damage to your gums and even the bones that hold your teeth in place, resulting in potential tooth loss and more extensive treatment down the road.
It’s not a condition that simply goes away on its own, no matter how much we might wish it would. It’s an uninvited guest that overstays its welcome, affecting the very foundations that keep your teeth secure. And just like a persistent problem, it needs persistent solutions.
You may have gum disease if you notice:
- Tender, swollen, red, or bleeding gums
- Constant bad breath or bad taste in mouth
- Loose teeth
- Pain while chewing
- Gum recession (pulling away from teeth)
- Deep pockets or pus between teeth and gums
While not desirable, the are still reversible if met with timely treatment and preventive measures.
The earliest stage of gum disease is gingivitis, characterized by inflamed gums that bleed easily during brushing or flossing. It can be treated and reversed by brushing your teeth thoroughly at least twice a day, flossing daily, and receiving a professional teeth cleaning every 6 months.
The three other core stages of this condition include mild periodontal disease, moderate periodontal disease, and advanced periodontal disease.
If gingivitis is not properly taken care of, it can progress into periodontitis, a more serious stage of gum disease that can lead to irreversible bone or tissue damage, loosened teeth, tooth loss, and deepening pockets between your gums and teeth.
Several forms of treatment are available to alleviate swollen gums. One such procedure is scaling and root planing, a form of deep cleaning for patients with confirmed periodontal disease. For mild gingivitis, a regular cleaning can be performed to get rid of plaque and food particles.
Before seeking professional care, you can try a few at-home remedies. These include staying hydrated, rinsing your mouth with a saltwater solution, avoiding irritants like strong rinses, tobacco, or alcohol, using a warm compress for gum pain or a cold compress for swelling, and gently brushing and flossing your teeth.
At advanced stages, gum disease is treated through periodontal dentistry efforts, such as scaling and root planing, gum grafting, bone grafting, and other associated procedures. The type of treatment you receive will be entirely dependent on the status of your mouth.
A general dentist focuses on preventative and restorative treatments, such as routine cleanings, fillings, and dental crowns. A periodontist, on the other hand, specializes in treating conditions that affect the tissues supporting the teeth, such as the gums and jawbone.