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. 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.
