Understanding Your Gum Health

Diagnosing periodontal disease involves a thorough assessment of the gums, teeth, and supporting structures. Dr. McKinney will conduct a comprehensive examination that includes several key components. These may include visually inspecting the gums for signs of inflammation, measuring periodontal pocket depths using a probe, and taking X-rays to evaluate bone health.

Early diagnosis of periodontal disease is crucial because it allows for timely intervention and treatment. Periodontal disease, if left undiagnosed and untreated, can progress and lead to irreversible damage to the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. This can result in tooth loss and even impact overall health, as research has linked periodontal disease to various systemic conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Stages of Periodontal Disease

• Gingivitis: the first stage of periodontal disease, characterized by inflamed, tender, bleeding gums, and plaque build-up.
• Periodontitis: the second stage of periodontal disease, characterized by plaque hardening into calculus (tartar), gum recession, deepening gum pockets, and early stages of bone loss.
• Advanced Periodontitis: the final stage of periodontal disease, characterized by the destruction of gums, bone, and ligament tissues, loosening and loss of teeth, and more severe bone loss.

Deep Cleaning Service

Periodontal disease is very treatable, but cannot be fully cured. After the completion of your periodontitis treatment, you will be scheduled for regular ongoing maintenance care. These visits will involve a thorough professional cleaning and monitoring of your oral health to ensure the disease does not recur and progress further.

We recommend scheduling your periodontal maintenance visits and your general dentistry visits on an alternating schedule. This ensures you are receiving the proper care and treatments for your oral health needs in a timely, consistent manner.

A dental deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, is a procedure that goes beyond a routine cleaning and is typically recommended for patients who have gum disease or are at risk of developing it.

During the procedure, our dental professionals at McKinney Dental will use specialized tools to remove plaque and tartar buildup from below the gum line, as well as smooth out rough spots on the teeth roots to prevent bacteria from accumulating.

This treatment is typically recommended for patients who have gum disease, which is caused by the buildup of bacteria and plaque on the teeth and gums. Symptoms of gum disease include bleeding or swollen gums, bad breath, receding gums, and loose teeth. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and other serious health problems.

The benefits of a dental deep cleaning are numerous:

• It can help prevent gum disease from progressing and improve overall oral health.
• It can help reduce the risk of other health problems associated with gum disease, such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
• Patients who undergo a deep cleaning may also notice fresher breath, whiter teeth, and a healthier, more vibrant smile.

Gentle Tooth Removal

Third molars, or wisdom teeth, are the last set of permanent molars to emerge. These teeth are also the most likely to require extraction, due to any of several complications. However, other teeth may also require extraction if they cannot be saved by root canal therapy or other treatment. Some of the most common reasons to have teeth extracted include:

• Impacted tooth: tooth is trapped beneath bone or gums and not emerging properly
• Crowding or small mouth: emerging teeth may cause other teeth to shift or crack due to lack of space
• Decay or infection: when a tooth is affected by extreme decay or infection that cannot be corrected with filling or root canal treatment, it may require extraction

Dr. McKinney may recommend the extraction of one or more of your teeth if any of these issues apply to you. If this is the case, we can perform some simple extractions in-house or refer you to an oral surgeon.

Post-Extraction Care

After your extraction, you will need to be driven home by a friend or family member. You will require rest, but lie with your head propped on a pillow to prevent prolonged bleeding.

We will apply gauze when your extraction is complete. When it becomes soaked, change it for a fresh piece. Use pain medication and ice packs as directed for pain and swelling. If bleeding continues beyond 24 hours, contact our office immediately.

For the first few days following extraction, limit your diet to soft foods. Avoid smoking or using a straw, as the pressures created by these actions can slow clotting and loosen sutures.

For more information or an extraction consultation, contact our office.

Dental Implant Restoration

Dental implants are a safe, durable replacement for missing teeth. Dental implants function and appear like natural teeth. McKinney Dental is committed to ensuring optimal comfort and quality care.

Dental implants may be paired with replacement crowns for full tooth replacement. They may also be used to anchor dentures. Dr. McKinney will recommend your teeth replacement plan based on your individual needs and preferences.

We refer patients to an oral surgeon for implant placement. After they return to our office, we complete a digital scan of their implant and have a crown made, which we then place onto the implant.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants are an aesthetic, effective solution for tooth loss that offer many benefits. Dental implants can:

• Restore your smile
• Improve your oral health
• Improve your speech
• Improve comfort
• Improve function
• Protect the healthy bone structure
• Provide a long-term tooth replacement solution

Considerations

There are several factors that Dr. McKinney will consider before recommending dental implants. Some of these include:

• Adequate bone support to anchor the implant
• Healthy gum tissue
• Sinus and nerve location
• Overall health, including any chronic illnesses

In some cases, Dr. McKinney may recommend advanced treatment for your upper or lower jaw. Your individual plan is based on your unique needs and goals for your healthy smile. Be sure to let us know about any medications you are taking. Your health and safety are paramount.

See if dental implants may be right for you.

Emergency Treatment

Dental emergencies like broken teeth or severe toothaches can happen unexpectedly, causing pain and discomfort that require immediate attention. Our dedicated team is here to provide prompt and effective care, usually within 24 hours. Don’t let dental emergencies disrupt your life; trust us to provide expert care and restore your oral health with the urgency it deserves.

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