Dental Implant Surgeons Address the Gum Disease Scourge Affecting So Many Phoenix AZ Residents, PART 4

In this four-part article series, a panel of dental implant surgeon provides us with an in-depth understanding of gum disease, which is one of the most common illnesses affecting American society today.

Welcome to the final installment of this four-part article series on gum disease and the considerable problems it causes for those unfortunate Phoenix residents who may have it. So far in this article series we have defined what gum disease is and what it’s typically caused by. We have also looked at what Phoenix residents can do to minimize their risk of ever developing this terrible oral ailment, because – as it was revealed in our previous article installment – gum disease shares a link with a whole host of sinister bodily diseases that could prove to be fatal.

Now, in this final post, our panel of Phoenix-based dental implant surgeons will speak about the various treatment options available to patients who have gum problems, starting with mild gingivitis and ending with severe periodontitis.

Gum Disease Treatment: Gingivitis

If you suspect that you have gum problems, the very first course of action for you must be to schedule an appointment with your dental healthcare professional. Only once a diagnosis has been made can your treatment options be decided upon. The good news is that if you have been diagnosed with gingivitis – a mild bacterial infection of the gums – your treatment will be non-surgical and painless.

“Usually, patients with gingivitis require little more than a thorough professional cleaning and a little instruction on improving their home oral hygiene routine and eating habits,” explains a Phoenix dental implant surgeon. “We’ll then schedule another check-up for a few weeks’ time hence to ensure that their gums are looking healthier and that no other professional interventions are necessary.”

Quitting smoking, moderating alcohol consumption and improving your eating habits will also go a long way to reduce the symptoms of gingivitis, which can include persistent bad breath and tender, inflamed gums.

Gum Disease Treatment: Periodontitis

If you have been diagnosed with advanced gum disease – also known as “periodontitis” – you will likely require a more thorough approach to treatment.

“The concept behind treating periodontitis is to eliminate the vast colonies of bacteria that are causing the infection. Since much of this bacteria has accumulated beneath the gum line, advanced gum disease treatment can necessitate surgery,” says a dental implant surgeon. “Not to worry, though! We always prioritize the comfort of our Phoenix patients by numbing the gums and – if necessary and desired – by administrating a sedative beforehand.”

In addition to surgery, a patient being treated for periodontitis may undergo one or more of the following treatment measures:

• A series of professional cleanings.

• Root planing and scaling, which involves the removal of plaque and tartar from beneath the gum line.

• A course of anti-biotic medication.

And, of course, hand-in-hand with professional treatment comes the need to reassess and change one’s lifestyle and standard of living.

“Moving forward from gum disease treatment it’s vitally important that you make some permanent changes to the way you live,” urge Phoenix dental implant surgeons. “Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption will only encourage the infection to return, as will an unhealthy sugar-packed diet. By improving your general health, you will enable your body to fight off infection and prevent the reoccurrence of gum disease.”

Good oral hygiene and routine dental check-ups are also vital, so make sure you floss everyday, brush thoroughly at least twice a day and visit your dentist and oral hygienist twice or more per year!

Busting gum disease is a game changer for many Phoenix residents, because it improves their appearance, their quality of life and potentially, their lifespan!

Dental Implant Surgeons Address the Gum Disease Scourge Affecting So Many Litchfield Park AZ Residents, PART 3

In this four-part article series, a panel of dental implant surgeon provides us with an in-depth understanding of gum disease, which is one of the most common illnesses affecting American society today.

Welcome to the third installment of this four-part article series on gum disease and the considerable problems it causes for those unfortunate Litchfield Park residents who have it. Previously, in Part 2 of this series, we took a look at the various risk factors and causes of gum disease.

Now, given our new understanding of what causes this terrible oral ailment, our panel of dental implant surgeons will explain to our readers the ideal lifestyle that should minimize the risk of you developing gum disease. We shall then move on to explain just how potentially dangerous gum disease can be if left without treatment.

The Ideal Gum Disease Free Lifestyle

People who live a gum disease free life and who maintain a gorgeous, healthy smile:

•    Brush their teeth at least twice a day.

•    Floss every day.

•    Follow a healthy diet with minimal sugar and simple carbohydrates

•    See the dentist and oral hygienist twice per year for scheduled check-ups and cleanings, respectively.

•    Stay away from illegal drugs.

•    Imbibe alcohol in moderation.

•    Don’t smoke or chew tobacco.

•    Don’t ignore oral problems and seek professional dental care immediately.

The Real Dangers of Untreated Gum Disease

It’s bad enough that gum disease can totally ruin the appearance of your smile and negatively influence how people view you on a social and professional level… but, that’s not where sufferers’ problems end!

“Gum disease has systemic effects, which means that the damage it causes isn’t limited to the oral cavity,” explains a dental implant surgeon in Litchfield Park. “In fact, gum disease shares a relationship with a great number of other illnesses and ailments that affect all of your body’s organs! And potentially fatally, too.”

According to the medical literature, gum disease and diabetes are closely linked with one another, as is gum disease and heart disease. In other words, having one leaves you more likely to develop the other and vice versa. Here are some other diseases that share a shocking connection with gum disease:

•    Liver and kidney disease

•    Respiratory infection

•    Alzheimer’s disease and dementia

•    Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis

•    An increase risk of stroke

•    Premature birth and low birth weight babies

“Having an unhealthy mouth leaves your entire body at risk of infection and disease, which is why good oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist are so important,” say Litchfield Park dental implant surgeons. “It’s about so much more than just maintaining a beautiful, confident smile… you cannot have a healthy body without a healthy mouth when the air you breath and the food you eat constantly pass through it.”

The best solution to gum disease is to prevent it and that’s one of the positive messages being delivered by dental healthcare professionals today: gum disease can easily be prevented! But, if you have already been diagnosed with gum problems or suspect that you may have gum disease, it’s never too late to be treated. The earlier the better, so tune in again next week to find out more about your treatment options.

Stay Tuned for Part 4

To find out more about gum disease and the various treatments available to Litchfield Park residents, stay tuned for the final installment of this four-part article series.

Dental Implant Surgeons Address the Gum Disease Scourge Affecting So Many Glendale AZ Residents, PART 2

In this four-part article series, a panel of dental implant surgeon provides us with an in-depth understanding of gum disease, which is one of the most common illnesses affecting American society today. 

Welcome to the second installment of this four-part article series on gum disease and the considerable problems it causes for those unfortunate Glendale residents who may have it. Previously, in Part 1 of the series, we took a look at the key symptoms of gum disease, the main ones being gum inflammation, swelling and bleeding and bad breath.

“Untreated gum disease will eventually lead to tooth loss,” warned our panel of dental implant surgeons in Glendale.

In Part 2, we’ll be shifting our attention to the very habits and lifestyles that leave us far more susceptible to developing gum disease. But first…

What Exactly IS Gum Disease?

Gum disease is a condition resulting from a chronic bacterial infection of the gums. It begins as a mild infection called “gingivitis,” which typically presents as slightly puffy and inflamed gums, as well as bad breath. With persistent bad habits, such as smoking, a poor diet, heavy alcohol consumption and/or poor oral hygiene, the infection can become more severe.

“Oral bacteria consume the sugars we introduce to our mouths and produce acidic by-products that erode away our dental enamel and irritate the gums,” explains a Glendale dental implant surgeon. “This is how cavities and gum inflammation are caused and it’s precisely why regular brushing and flossing are so important.

“However, as the infection is allowed to progress, the bacteria can penetrate into the snug spaces between the teeth and the gums, where no amount of brushing can eliminate them. Here, they form deep periodontal pockets of infection that can ultimately destroy the ligaments and other connective tissues that keep the teeth in place, which is why untreated gum disease leads to tooth loss. It’s at this advanced stage that the disease becomes known as “periodontitis”.”

The Top Causes of Gum Disease

And so, to recap what was discussed in the previous section, gum disease is typically caused by one or more of the following factors:

•    Poor oral hygiene: Not brushing or flossing thoroughly and/or frequently enough and not seeing the oral hygienist for a professional clean at least twice per year.

•    Tobacco use: Chewing and smoking tobacco irritate the gums and encourage the growth of bacteria that lead to gum disease.

•    A bad diet high in sugar: Oral bacteria are fuelled by sugar, so if you have a diet that is packed with sugar and simple carbohydrates, you will be at a greater risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

•    Genetics: “Unfortunately this is not something you can do much about,” say Glendale dental implant surgeons. “If you are genetically predisposed to having gum problems and/or if you are male, you will have to up your oral hygiene routine and be stricter on your diet in order to prevent yourself from developing gum disease.”

•    Alcohol consumption: Alcoholic beverages tend to be acidic and packed with sugar, which is bad enough for your teeth. Couple that with the dehydrating effects of alcohol and the unhealthy eating that tends to come hand-in-hand with a heavy night out and you’ve got a recipe for gum disease. Moderate your intake.

•    Certain medications: If you’re on chronic medications for depression, heart disease or allergies and if you’ve noticed that these medications tend to give you “dry mouth,” speak to your dentist about it. Saliva is important in fighting the bad bacteria in the mouth and so a deficit of it can leave you more vulnerable to gum disease.

•    Hormonal fluctuations: “During puberty, menopause and pregnancy, your hormones tend to be all over the place and this can leave you more susceptible to gum problems,” explains one dental implant surgeon in Glendale. “Make sure you visit your dentist regularly during these times and keep up the healthy eating and good home oral hygiene!”

Stay Tuned for Part 3

To find out more about gum disease and why it poses such a health risk to Glendale residents, stay tuned for the third installment of this four-part article series.

Dental Implant Surgeons Address the Gum Disease Scourge Affecting So Many Sun City West Residents, PART 1

In this four-part article series, a panel of dental implant surgeon provides us with an in-depth understanding of gum disease, which is one of the most common illnesses affecting American society today. 

Gum disease is one of the most common ailments affecting the residents of Sun City West and, in fact, the entirety of North America. According to the Center for Disease Control (the CDC), a staggering 8 out of 10 Americans have gum problems, which may range from mild gingivitis to severe periodontitis. Both are forms of gum disease that, without treatment by a trained dental professional and improved oral hygiene, could eventually lead to tooth loss.

Many of the key problems behind these statistics are bad lifestyle choices like drug abuse, smoking and heavy alcohol consumption. But the predominant culprits are simply ignorance and a lack of proper oral hygiene. You don’t need to lead a hedonistic lifestyle to develop gum disease and many Sun City West residents have learned this the hard way.

And so, in an effort to abolish ignorance, this four-part article series is geared at helping our readers better understand gum disease: what it is, what it’s caused by, the various symptoms we should all be on the lookout for and what treatment entails. Our advice is supplied by some of Sun City West’s most respected dental implant surgeons, who routinely address the damage done by this nefarious dental health issue.

Without further ado, let’s get started with the first question on everybody’s lips…

How Do I Know If I Have Gum Disease?

All too often we leave medical conditions and problems until we can no longer tolerate the symptoms. By this stage, of course, the problem has likely become advanced and more complex and costly to treat. This is precisely the case with gum disease, which initially may not present with very painful or obvious symptoms.

“Many of the patients we treat for gum disease only actually book an appointment with their dental healthcare professional after the disease has become advanced,” explains a Sun City West dental implant surgeon. “This is because gum disease seldom causes pain or discomfort in its early stages. It can quite easily be ignored and because most people don’t go for their bi-annual dental appointments as they should, the disease goes undiagnosed and untreated for far longer than it should.”

The first step in combatting gum disease is spreading awareness of its symptoms, which – you’ll be surprised to learn – are far more common than we’d like to think. In fact, chances are you may have (now or in the past) been personally acquainted with one or more of them…

The Symptoms of Gum Disease

And so, to answer the question stated above, you may have gum disease if you have noticed one or more of the following symptoms:

•    Gums that are red and inflamed: healthy gums are pink in color.

•    Swollen gums that may appear to be encroaching on the crowns of the teeth, making them look smaller and shorter.

•    Gums that bleed easily when brushing, flossing or even biting into tough, fibrous foods.

•    The appearance of a swollen “tear-drop” shaped bulb of gum tissue between each tooth.

•    Persistent bad breath (halitosis) that returns shortly after brushing.

•    The visible appearance of yellowish or even grey deposits of plaque, tartar and other calculus on and between the teeth.

In the advanced stages of gum disease, some of the following additional symptoms may become evident:

•    A persistent foul taste in the mouth that returns shortly after brushing.

•    Moderate to severe tooth discoloration.

•    The unnatural recession of the gums from the crowns of the teeth, possibly even exposing the roots of the teeth, which can lead to tooth sensitivity.

•    Tender, sensitive gums.

•    Oral lesions and sores that come and go.

•    Teeth that feel loose and ultimately, tooth loss.

“We want everyone to know that without treatment and an improvement in lifestyle and oral hygiene, gum disease will cause you to lose all of your natural teeth,” warns our panel of Sun City dental implant dentists.

Stay Tuned for Part 2

To find out more about gum disease and why it poses such a health risk to Sun City West residents, stay tuned for the second installment of this four-part article series.

Dental Implant News for Surprise AZ : The 14 Benefits of Dental Implants, PART 3

This three-part article series explains the top 14 benefits of dental implants as a fantastic solution to single and multiple tooth loss, as well as edentulism.


Welcome to the final installment of this three-part article series on the many incredible benefits of dental implants as a solution to single, multiple and total tooth loss. Previously, in Part 2, we spoke to a panel of dental implant surgeons in Surprise AZ and they explained the following five benefits:

6. Dental implants increase chewing function and bite strength, enabling patients to enjoy a much healthier and more varied diet.

7. Dental implants provide complete support for one’s new teeth, which increases oral comfort and a feeling of normal, natural bite function.

8. Dental implants improve speech and enunciation, and forget that annoying clicking sound traditionally associated with dentures!

9. Dental implants promote healthy bone structure and in doing so, help to retain one’s natural youthful facial contours and skin.

10. Dental implants have a better success rate than alternative technology and they tend to last far longer, too.

Let’s take a look at the four final benefits to wrap up this series.

The 14 Benefits of Dental Implants, Continued…

11.Dental Implants Can Give Patients New Teeth in One Day

“There are modern sophisticated implant protocols capable of giving patients, who previously didn’t have any natural teeth at all, a complete set of new and non-removable teeth in just one day, with one surgical appointment,” says a Arizona dental implant dentist. “You can literally walk into the dental office in the morning without teeth and then out again in the afternoon with teeth. The most popular of these techniques is known as the All-on-4 and it has succeeded in changing the lives of tens of thousands of previously edentulous (toothless) patients from all over America.”

12.Dental Implants Support Replacement Teeth that Feel Natural

No more bulky dentures that slip around when eating and speaking: dental implants support new teeth that feel natural, won’t cause pain when eating and are fixed and non-removable.

13.No Tooth Decay, No Root Canals, No Tooth Pain

The new teeth you will be given are not vulnerable to bacteria, which means that they can’t become decayed, they’ll never require root canals and they certainly won’t cause you pain the way your failing natural teeth used to.

“The teeth supported by dental implants are made from a combination of materials, including ceramics and prosthetics and these are unaffected by bacterial activity and decay,” says a Surprise dental implant surgeon. “This is quite beneficial because it negates the need for any kind of restorative work in the future and it also means that you’re new teeth will remain beautiful and healthy-looking as long as you care for them properly. Just make sure you still brush and floss regularly, because that will be important for maintaining the health of the underlying gums.”

14.Dental Implants Improve Medical Health

Dental implants improve your general health in a myriad of ways. You’re able to eat better and more comfortably, which means that you get the nutrition you need to support a strong, healthy body. You’re able to smile openly and with far more confidence, which has a fantastic impact upon your self-esteem and psychological health. Arizona residents who have had failing teeth and/or dentures replaced with dental implants simply experience a much greater quality of life and with a healthy mouth, the impacts on general health are many and manifold.

Dental Implant News for Arizona: The 14 Benefits of Dental Implants, PART 2

This three-part article series explains the top 14 benefits of dental implants as a fantastic solution to single and multiple tooth loss, as well as edentulism.

Welcome to the second installment of this three-part article series on the many incredible benefits of dental implants as a teeth replacement solution. In Part 1, we spoke to a panel of dental implant surgeons in Arizona, who presented the following five benefits:

1. Dental implants are permanently anchored in the jawbone, providing patients with fixed, comfortable and non-removable teeth.

2. Dental implants preserve jawbone health, promoting long-term oral health and one’s youthful facial contours.

3. Dental implants have a better cosmetic outcome, giving patients a more beautiful and natural-looking smile.

4. Dental implants improve confidence and self-esteem, which has a dramatic impact upon all aspects of a patient’s life, especially socially.

5. Dental implants improve psychological health and often inspire patients to improve upon other areas of their life.

The 14 Benefits of Dental Implants, Continued…

6. Dental Implants Increase Chewing Function

“Because a patient’s new tooth or teeth are supported by the jawbone, as is the case with natural healthy teeth, they will find it much easier and more comfortable to eat,” explains Sun City dental implant surgeon. “Dentures are supported by the gums, which can make mealtimes a painful experience, since your gums were never intended to help you eat. Dental implants improve bite function and strength and this permits patients to enjoy most of their favorite foods.”

7. Dental Implants Increase Oral Comfort

With your new teeth being supported by the jawbone and not by your gums, which can become inflamed and painful as a result, patients will find that dental implants feel far more natural and comfortable. This also creates a sensation of responsiveness in the mouth – as though you can feel your teeth when you bite down – and this is something removable dentures and similar dental appliances cannot mimic.

8.    Dental Implants Improve Speech and Enunciation

“Because your teeth are anchored in your mouth and don’t move and slip around when you talk, you’ll find speech and clear enunciation far easier,” says a Arizona dental implant dentist. “Imagine trying to talk with a bulky plastic set of teeth in your mouth: your speech can become quite muddled. Dentures also have the nasty habit of clicking when you open and close your mouth, so dental implant patients can look forward to clear, concise and confidence speech.”

9. Dental Implants Support Facial Structures to Reduce Prematurely Aged Appearance

When you lose teeth, the supporting jawbone tends to atrophy and waste away. This causes the loss of support of the facial skin, which can sag, sink in and wrinkle as a result. Because dental implant facilitate excellent jawbone health, they maintain good support for the facial structure and tissues, which in turn helps to prevent premature aging.

10. Dental Implants Have a Better Success Rate Than Alternatives

“Single dental implant procedures typically have a 98% success rate, while full mouth reconstruction comes in at 95% over a period of 10 years,” says a Sun City dental implant surgeon. “This is a fantastic success rate for any procedure and, given that implants can also last decades to a lifetime if looked after properly, is without competition from any teeth replacement alternative.”

Stay Tuned for Part 3

Stay tuned for the final installment of this three-part article series to find out about more amazing benefits of dental implant technology.

Dental Implant News for Sun City Grand: The 14 Benefits of Dental Implants, PART 1

This three-part article series explains the top 14 benefits of dental implants as a fantastic solution to single and multiple tooth loss, as well as edentulism.

Just ask any good dentist in Arizona: dental implants are considered the most sophisticated technology for addressing the loss of natural teeth. These titanium devices are gently placed in the bone of the jaw to provide a rigid support for a new ceramic tooth or prosthetic set of teeth and the outcomes for patients are a confident smile, good bite function and greater oral comfort.

In this three-part article series, a panel of experienced dental implant surgeons in Sun City Grand will be walking us through the unparalleled benefits of this 21st Century technology. Armed with this greater awareness, it is hoped that more patients will opt for implants rather than wasting time, money and precious health on inferior teeth replacement devices, such as removable dentures and partials.

The 14 Benefits of Dental Implants

1. Dental Implants are Permanently Anchored Implant Teeth

Unlike traditional teeth replacement appliances, dental implant support teeth (or sets of teeth) that are permanently anchored and non-removable. This eliminates many of the challenges that are typically associated with dentures and partials, such as loose and uncomfortable teeth, painful inflamed gums and difficulty with eating and speaking.

2. Dental Implants Preserve Jaw Bone Health

“Implants assume the role of the missing tooth root or roots,” explains a dental implant dentist in Arizona. “By doing this, they channel the eating forces into the underlying jawbone and as a result, this bone is stimulated and exercised. What this does is promote the health of the jawbone, keeping it bulky and strong. This also maintains one’s youthful facial contours and appearances.”

3. Dental Implants Have a Better Cosmetic Outcome

Implants support replacement teeth (ceramic crowns) or sets of teeth (prosthetic bridges) that are expertly fabricated to closely resemble natural teeth. Because these replacement teeth are supported by the jawbone (via dental implants), their construction doesn’t need to be bulky, as is the case with removable dentures, which rely on their bulk for stability in the mouth. This provides much better and more natural cosmetic outcomes for the patient.

4.    Dental Implants Improve Confidence and Self-esteem

“More beautiful smile aesthetics and teeth that look natural and healthy provide patients with much better confidence and self-esteem,” says a Sun City Grand dental implant surgeon. “Dental implants can literally revolutionize the way patients feel about themselves and this has a dramatic effect upon their social and professional lives.”

5. Dental Implants Improve Psychological Health

Better confidence, a healthier self-esteem and a greater quality of life promote better mental and psychological health.

“One of the most incredible benefits of having old, failing teeth replaced with attractive, functional and non-removable implants is the new lease on life it provides patients,” says an Arizona dental implant dentist. “Armed with a beautiful, comfortable and natural-looking smile, many patients have gone on to change other things about their lifestyles, simply because they find themselves in a much better place physically, emotionally and psychologically. They’ll improve their diet, lose weight and get more involved with friends and family: it’s a whole life make-over!”

Stay Tuned for Part 2

Stay tuned for the second installment of this three-part article series to find out about more amazing benefits of dental implant technology.