What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the gums and bone supporting your teeth. More than one in three people over the age of 30 have some form of periodontal disease that has advanced beyond gingivitis (inflammation). Since gum disease is usually painless, the majority of people don’t even realize they have it.

When should I see a periodontist?

The mouth is the window to your body. Research has shown that there are direct links between your oral health and your overall health. You may be at risk of having periodontal disease if you smoke, have health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease or osteoporosis or if family members have had gum disease. In short, any time is a good time to see a periodontist for an evaluation.

What are the symptoms of periodontal disease?

Because periodontal disease can exist without pain or discomfort, it is important to be aware of the following warning signs that may indicate a problem:

• Red, swollen, sore gums
• Gums that bleed when brushing and flossing
• Teeth that appear longer or have loosened or drifted
• Large spaces that form between the teeth
• The gums begin to pull away from the teeth
• Chronic bad breath
• Partial dentures no longer fitting

If you have experienced any of these signs, you owe it to yourself to schedule a periodontal exam.

Periodontal disease, if left untreated, can cause other health problems including heart disease and diabetes. If you're pregnant, having periodontal disease can also cause premature birth or low birth weight. Your smile's health affects the overall health of your body.

Is periodontal disease treatable?

Gum disease is both preventable and treatable by Dr. Weinstein and his team. Today's periodontal treatments provide you with a variety of options that are gentle, safe, and effective. Dr. Weinstein will help determine which treatment best meets your needs.

• Non-surgical treatment
• Periodontal surgery
• Dental implants
• At-home care

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is a small titanium screw that replaces the root of a missing tooth. Implants are gently placed into the upper or lower jawbone to serve as a permanent anchor for your new replacement tooth. There are many treatment options with dental implants ranging from single tooth replacement to implant-supported complete fixed prostheses.

Am I a candidate for implants?

Anyone who is missing a tooth or multiple teeth, or has been told they must remove a tooth, should consider dental implants as an alternative to other conventional tooth replacement options. Dr. Weinstein will want to evaluate you carefully with an examination and x-rays so that he can offer you the best treatment options to replace your missing teeth and make sure there are no medical concerns or other issues that may affect your suitability for dental implants.

What are the advantages of implants?

Implants are the most advanced therapy available to replace missing or failing teeth. In addition to looking and feeling like real teeth, some of the additional benefits are:

Improve Your Quality of Life

• no need for messy dental adhesives
• easy to care for
• allows you to eat anything
• speak with confidence

Help Preserve or Enhance Your Appearance

• gives you an internal “facelift” by preventing bone resorption (that sunken look) resulting from missing teeth
• no damage to your surrounding natural, healthy teeth since implants are independent of adjacent teeth
• minimizes bone loss

Greater Self Confidence

• eliminates uncomfortable moments with partials or dentures
• most like natural teeth
• improves your smile

Although dental implants may sometimes have a higher initial cost, when all the ongoing expenses and repeated visits for adjustments and/or replacements of dentures, partials and bridges are totaled, most people would agree that dental implants are more than worth it!

What type of implants are best?

The type (brand) and the quality of dental implant is extremely important for long term success. There are hundreds of dental implant manufacturers, but only a handful implants have a proven history of success. Dr. Weinstein only uses the proven performers (AstraTech, Nobel, Straumann, ZimmerBiomet). After all, dental implants will be with you your entire life. Shouldn’t you have the very best in both care and dental implant materials? Dr. Weinstein and his team are ready and capable of assisting you in replacing one tooth, several or all of your teeth.

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