Periodontal disease is the advanced stage of Gingivitis, (which occurs when bacteria gains access to the gum thereby leading to inflammation and bleeding). Periodontal disease is very silent, it shows no symptoms until damage begins to be done. If the Gingivitis is not handled quickly, it metamorphosis to periodontal disease which has worse symptoms such as sensitivity of the gum to acidic food, abscesses, gum recession, bad breath, tooth pain, and tooth loss.
Yes, there are benefits of having a dental implant, asides saving you the embarrassment of walking around with a missing tooth or teeth.
- A dental implant is almost like your natural tooth, it will fuse with your jaw bone just like your normal teeth
- A dental implant permanently replaces a missing tooth, your natural tooth may be permanently lost, but a dental implant is a good replacement for the loss.
- A dental implant is a better substitute for a bridge because it focuses only on the missing tooth.
- Dental implants reduce the risk of further tooth loss, tooth movement, bone loss or periodontal disease.
Gingivitis is what happens when the teeth are surrounded by bacteria and the bacteria gain access to the gum. This leads to the inflammation, irritation and sometimes bleeding of the gum.
Gingivitis can be contained by paying regular hygiene visit to the dentist. At Seattle’s Downtown Dentist, we will put you through several hygiene protocols including how to properly floss to prevent it from escalating into periodontal disease.
The sensitivity of teeth is a result of the receding gum line which exposes the underlying dentin. When the underlying dentin becomes exposed, water and food have easy access to the sensitive nerve of the teeth, which results in sensitivity.
Sensitive teeth can be managed by using gels, toothpaste and dental procedures that can handle it. It is, however, advisable that you report a sensitivity of teeth to your dentist so that the actual cause can be diagnosed.
If you maintain proper dental hygiene and have regular visits to your dentist, an implant can last between thirty years to a lifetime.
Teeth whitening has become very popular in dental care over the years. It is a very safe and inexpensive procedure that help to whiten your teeth and give you a healthy smile. In recent times, fluoride has been introduced into products used for the whitening procedure. The fluoride helps to improve the health of the teeth by reducing the risk of the tooth and gum becoming too sensitive.
The process of whitening may last for years before the effect wears off. but it is advisable that you do the whitening process under the supervision of a qualified dentist, in a very clean and hygienic environment. That is why we advise you to have your teeth whitened at Seattle’s Downtown Dentists. We will also guide you on what to do to maintain the whiteness of your teeth for years. One tip is to avoid beverages such as wine, cola, coffee and tea which can stain your teeth. If you must drink them, we will advise you to use a straw to sip the beverage and brush immediately afterward.
A dental implant is an artificial replacement, made with titanium for replacing missing teeth. A dental implant is put under the gum directly into either the upper or the lower jaw bone. The dental implant and the bone fuse together after a while and this then gives an anchor for a new tooth to be inserted into the Implant. The procedure to put a dental implant is not so painful.
Crowns is an irreversible cosmetic procedure that covers up the entire tooth in order to change the color, size, and shape of a tooth.
It is advisable that you please call us so that we can give you the options we have available and what it will take to give you your charming smile.
Yes. In cosmetic dentistry, there are numerous ways and procedures for you to enhance your smile. If you feel your smile needs to be improved, then you could consider some of these procedures
- Tooth whitening
- Porcelain Crowns
- Porcelain veneers
- Bonding
At Seattle’s Downtown Dentists, we can walk you through most of these procedures and give you the beautiful smile you long for. For a one on one consultation and checkup, you can contact our office and we will put together a treatment plan for you.
Dental implants are suitable for everybody except for people with heart disease and chronic illnesses including severe osteoporosis.
Regular dental implant takes just about three to four visits to the dentist. On the first visit an x-ray of the affected area is done, then an impression that will act as a surgical guide is done, and then finally a temporary prosthesis is used to cover the Implant.
On the second visit, after being given a local anesthesia, a little incision will be made to place the Implant, once the Implant is placed in the jaw bone, the dentist will cover the area with sutures.
Three months after this is done, you will return so that a Porcelain Crown will be made to cover the Implant.
Good hygiene is beneficial to every aspect of our health including your dental health. If you want to avoid having gingivitis or tooth decay as you begin to age, then you must take proper care of your teeth.
Healthy teeth doesn’t just happen, a conscious effort has to be put in place to maintaining them. The most basic and effective way to care for your teeth at home is to brush and floss on a daily basis. A daily routine of brushing and flossing will rid your teeth of plague and anything that can lead to decay. If you maintain proper discipline in caring for your teeth and gums, you will have little to worry about when you begin to age. Proper dental hygiene is the most effective preventive measure to avoid any dental problem.
This procedure is done to fill up the gaps in front teeth and also to change the color of a tooth. It is a cost-effective process and it doesn’t take time to be done. The results of bonding are noticed almost immediately but over time the teeth may get stained by beverages and change color.
Silver filling is also known as amalgam and it just made with a metal alloy which expands and contracts with heat or cold.
White fillings are made with glass polymer and plastic also known as composite. The substance the cavity is filled with is almost the same color as the teeth. Unlike silver filling which has colors that contrast with the color of the teeth, White fillings blend in well with the teeth. The color is similar to that of the teeth, thereby giving you a more natural look.
Due to the destructive nature of the periodontal disease, immediate attention is recommended to avoid permanent damage being done.
As chronic as it may seem, periodontal disease can be controlled by root planing and scaling, periodontal cleaning, local antibiotic, and laser therapy. In severe cases, a periodontal surgery may be needed.
Porcelain veneers are used to change the color, shape, and size of teeth. They are little pieces of porcelain that are put directly on the natural teeth to modify them.
Porcelain veneers are often put on teeth to repair a crooked smile, to whiten teeth darkened by medication or age and repair teeth fractured by an accident. Porcelain veneers can also be used by people who want to feel younger by having whiter and straighter smiles.