If you are in need of a periodontic dentist, look no further than Ardas Family Dental. Dr. Kattaura is a highly skilled and experienced dentist who specializes in periodontics, which is the study and treatment of the gums and other supporting structures of the teeth. Periodontists treat problems with the gums and tissues that support the teeth, such as gum disease, receding gums, and tooth loss.
If you are experiencing any of these problems, or if you just want to ensure that your gums are healthy and strong, Dr. Kattaura can help. He will examine your teeth and gums and may take x-rays or other tests to determine the best course of treatment. He will then develop a personalized treatment plan that may include deep cleanings, scaling and root planing, gum surgery, or other procedures.
What is Periodontics?
Periodontics is the specialty of dentistry that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease, which is a chronic infection of the gums and tissues that support the teeth. Periodontists are experts in the treatment of gum disease, and they can offer a range of treatments, from scaling and root planing to surgery.
What is periodontitis?
Periodontitis is a more serious form of periodontal disease that can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. It is caused by bacteria that infect the gums and tissues that support the teeth. The bacteria can damage the bone and ligaments that hold the teeth in place, which can eventually lead to tooth loss.
What are the signs and symptoms of periodontitis?
The signs and symptoms of periodontitis include red, swollen, and tender gums; bad breath; loose teeth; and receding gums. If you experience any of these symptoms, see your dentist right away.
What is the treatment for periodontitis?
The treatment for periodontitis depends on the severity of the disease. In most cases, scaling and root planing is the first step in treatment. This procedure involves scraping off the plaque and tartar from the teeth and roots with a special instrument. The root surfaces are then smoothed to remove any rough spots that could harbor bacteria.
How is gum disease treated?
Gum disease is treated with a combination of therapies, which may include deep cleanings, scaling and root planing, gum surgery, and antibiotics. The goal of treatment is to eliminate the bacteria that cause the disease and to restore the health of the gums.
What are the risks of periodontitis?
The risks of periodontitis include tooth loss, receding gums, and damage to the jawbone.
Is periodontal disease contagious?
No, periodontal disease is not contagious. It is caused by bacteria that live in plaque and tartar on the teeth and gums. These bacteria are present in everyone’s mouth, but they only cause disease in certain people.
How can I prevent periodontitis?
You can help prevent periodontitis by brushing and flossing your teeth regularly, seeing your dentist for regular checkups, and getting prompt treatment for any gum disease that does occur.
Cosmetic periodontal surgery in Parker, CO
Your smile is the first thing someone notices about you. People form their first impressions based on the appearance of your smile. There was a time when, unless you made allot of money or were born with perfect teeth, you had to live with your smile. Today, a wide range of cosmetic procedures is available to the average citizen, at a cost they can afford. If you have a gummy smile, uneven gum line or elongated teeth, cosmetic periodontal surgery is for you.
Cosmetic periodontal surgery sculpts the gum line so that it is even and in proportion to the amount of exposed tooth versus gum. This procedure removes the excess gum and exposes more of the tooth crown. If your gums have receded, and your teeth appear overly long, then soft tissue grafts can extend the gum line to create an aesthetic balance. The grafts also reduce the gum pockets that are prone to future periodontal disease.
Periodontal Splinting
Loose teeth are uncomfortable, especially when you try to eat food or chew gum. The feeling of the tooth pulling away from the gum is enough to send chills down your spine. It seems like an eternity, waiting for either the tooth to become loose enough to be extracted or strong enough to no longer be a problem.
Teeth become loose because of lost gum tissue, injury, orthodontic treatment, or pressure caused by tooth misalignment. A new technique called periodontal splinting attaches weak teeth together, turning them into a single unit that is stable and stronger than the single teeth by themselves. The procedure is most commonly performed on the front teeth. The procedure is as simple as using composite material to attach, or splint, the loose teeth to the adjoining stable teeth. Tooth splinting is a common procedure that has gained popularity due to its effectiveness.
Periodontal (Gum) Disease
Periodontal (gum) disease is insidious. It is an infection of the gums that starts out as plaque, an opaque film on the teeth that hardens to form tartar. As tartar accumulates, it harbors bacteria that attack the soft tissue around the gums. This is the early stage of gum disease known as Gingivitis. Left untreated, Gingivitis becomes Periodontitis which ultimately destroys the tissue surrounding your teeth AND the bone that holds your teeth in place. Except for bad breath and gums that bleed, there are very few early warning signals. The disease advances silently, often without pain, and before you know it, you are losing your teeth and you don’t know why.
Tooth loss is only the most obvious indicator of gum disease. Scientific research has discovered linkage between gum disease and stroke, heart disease, diabetes – even an increased risk for pregnant women. When your gums become diseased, your entire immune system is weakened.
In the past, fear of painful dental surgery has kept people with gum disease from seeking the care they needed. Well, those days are gone forever.
Scaling & Root Planing
Gingivitis is a generative disease that left untreated, will cause significant tooth and gum deterioration. Just the word gingivitis can strike panic in a patient’s mind. The reality is that the treatment is simple and performed right in your dentist’s office.
Plaque and tarter that sits on the teeth provides an environment, which allows bacteria to thrive and multiply. The bacteria cause the gums to become inflamed and bleed. The condition becomes more noticeable when you brush your teeth or sometimes when you eat. These are signs of the early stage of gingivitis. Gingivitis is easily treated by having the hygienist scale and polish the teeth. If gingivitis is left untreated, the condition will progress and the roots will need a planing. The difference between scaling and root planing is simple. Scaling is the removal of the dental tartar from the tooth surface Root planing is the process of smoothening the root surfaces and removing the infected tooth structure.
As a non-surgical procedure, scaling and planing is performed without any anesthesia, in the dentist’s office. While the procedure is usually painless, advanced stages of gingivitis may make it necessary to numb the area for complete comfort. Deep scaling and root planing is usually broken down into one section of the mouth per appointment. This allows for adequate healing time, and reduces the time for each appointment.
At Ardas Family Dental, we are committed to providing our patients with the highest quality of care. We offer a variety of services to meet your needs, and we are always up-to-date on the latest advances in periodontics.
We are proud to be a part of the Ardas Family Dental team, and we look forward to helping you achieve optimal oral health. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kattaura. We are located in Parker, CO, and serve patients in the surrounding communities.