Support the health of your beautiful smile; give your gums the TLC that they deserve!
At Semidey Dental, we know that smile TLC is as much about the gums as it is about the teeth. We promote ‘gum luv’ at our office in Davie, Florida, because this humble pink tissue not only surrounds the teeth but also helps to stabilize and protect them. Gums can also help or hinder the overall balance and esthetics of your smile by “framing” the teeth. Our dentists, Drs. Alex Semidey and Sara Tarte, also appreciate that often, the best “treatments” are really no treatment at all. Since many oral problems, including gum disease, are preventable, we want to take that approach first by staying ahead of damage instead of reacting to it with treatment after the damage has been done.
What exactly is gum disease?
Affecting one out of every two American adults, gum or periodontal disease refers to a bacterial infection that breaks the natural seal your gums provide to the bone that anchors your teeth in place. The disease can then spread below the surface of the gums. Without appropriate treatment, harmful pathogens burrow ever deeper until a chronic condition arises that cannot be cured. Fortunately, in its earliest stages, we can effectively stop the disease and even reverse its effects.
How should I care for my gums at home?
It is essential to have a solid routine in place when it comes to oral hygiene. We can advise you on specific brushing and flossing techniques, as well as oral care products as needed. By consistently and properly caring for both your teeth and gums, you protect the seal that the gums naturally provide to anchor the teeth in their sockets.
How often should I visit you?
All patients, regardless of their risk factors for gum disease, should visit their dentist at least twice a year. During these visits, we thoroughly examine the condition of your gums.
We use special instruments to measure the pockets or spaces that form between the teeth and gums, which can indicate the presence of gum disease. Generally, the larger the space or pocket, the more severe the disease and damage to the gums.
Our hygienists will also gently, yet very effectively, clean the teeth at the gum line. It takes a well-trained hand and special tools to remove certain destructive substances, like hardened plaque (tartar).
If there are indications of gum disease, more frequent cleanings may be necessary to prevent the progression of the disease, and the frequency of visits is tailored to your specific needs. Regular visits and proactive care are essential for maintaining healthy gums and overall dental health.
What can I expect during my initial visit?
At Semidey Dental, we take a holistic and luxurious approach to gum health, treating your visits like a “gum spa” experience. Either Dr. Alex or Dr. Tarte will gather thorough records to establish your current gum health status, or baseline. We will also identify potential risk factors unique to your situation, such as inconsistent flossing and oral care, nutritional challenges, or smoking and the use of tobacco or nicotine products.
During your visit, we focus on providing a relaxing and enjoyable experience. Imagine dim lights, serene music, and warm towels to enhance your comfort. Our flavor bar allows you to choose the flavors we use during your hygiene visits, making the experience even more personalized and pleasant.
We take very detailed records and share with you the current state of your gum health, ensuring you are well-informed about your oral care. By addressing potential risks and maintaining a serene, spa-like environment, we aim to make your dental visits something you look forward to.
My gums hurt. What treatments do you offer?
Here again, we will need to assess the condition or state of your gums at our office in Davie, FL. While gum tenderness can be symptomatic of disease, our dentists need to confirm the presence as well as extent or stage of disease. This information is then used to develop a plan of attack. We believe in minimally invasive treatments and account for one-of-a-kind biological and genetic nuances. So, sometimes the level of care is adjusted based on how well your gums respond to initial treatment, too. Depending on your specific needs, options for therapy range from DNA testing to combat gum disease based on the presence of certain types of oral pathogens in your mouth to painless, precision laser-assisted therapy as an alternative to invasive cutting associated with conventional gum surgeries. We can even provide special oral trays to deliver powerful bacteria-fighting medicine deeply into the gums. Patients also love the added benefit of fresher breath and whiter teeth with these Perio Trays™ from Perio Protect™ and their peroxide-based medicine. To schedule a complimentary digital scan, call your “tooth tribe” at Semidey Dental today at (954) 939-0996.
FAQs
Am I at risk?
You may be! Our tooth tribe identifies your unique risks for gum disease and works with you to address them. Inadequate or inconsistent oral care, poor nutrition, systemic diseases (like heart disease and diabetes), smoking, and use of tobacco products can all increase your chances of developing gum disease.
How does gum disease develop?
If you don’t brush or floss adequately, bacterial plaque builds up on the teeth. The bacteria in this sticky film secrete acids that erode the teeth and irritate your gums. This irritation triggers an inflammatory process, eventually leading to early-stage gum disease or gingivitis.
What is gingivitis?
This is the mildest form of periodontal disease. It is characterized by inflammation – red, puffy gums that bleed easily when you brush or floss. Sometimes, there are no symptoms. That’s why it is important to maintain regular checkups at our office. Our dentists can assess the health of your gums and catch problems early when there are little to no symptoms.
What happens if I don’t treat gingivitis?
Without treatment, gum disease can progress to periodontitis. This is the advanced form of periodontal disease. It means the plaque has grown underneath the gumline. Eventually, the inflammatory response mentioned above can lead to the breakdown of the supportive bone and tissues.
What are the signs of periodontitis?
At this stage, the gums pull away from the teeth. This can give your smile a “long in the tooth” appearance as more white crown is exposed and visible. As the disease continues to spread, the pockets or spaces between the teeth and gums grow deeper. The gums and bone are destroyed. Teeth may become wobbly and loose in their sockets. You may notice changes in how your teeth fit together when you bite down. Oral appliances may not fit as well as they used to. The inflammation and bacteria associated with periodontitis are also considered risk factors for developing systemic conditions like diabetes.
Can the damage be reversed?
Yes! The effects of gingivitis can be reversed. We can recommend effective home care techniques and products. We may also recommend professional services to stop the progression of the disease and heal your gums. By restoring your gum health, damage such as the loss of bone is prevented. When the supportive tissues are gone, they cannot be regenerated without professional treatment. Our office prioritizes detecting and treating problems early with minimally invasive interventions. Should you need more extensive treatment, we offer alternatives to conventional periodontal surgery.
How do you treat more advanced cases of gum disease?
Of course, this depends on the person. We need to evaluate the extent of tissue damage. As needed, we may recommend laser therapy. Lasers are a gentle and highly precise alternative to traditional surgical approaches involving cutting tissues. The laser never actually comes in contact with any tissues. It targets the areas that need to be treated, and leaves surrounding healthy tissues intact. Care is also personalized with diagnostics, such as our non-invasive oral DNA test. This test allows us to identify specific bacteria. So, we can then effectively target these disease-causing microorganisms.
