Whether a loved one recommended holistic dentistry in Palm Beach Gardens or you’ve come across the concept while looking for local dentists on the internet, you likely have questions about how this approach to dentistry. We’re here to give you the answers you’re looking for.
Holistic Dentistry FAQs – Answered!
What Does It Mean?
Unlike traditional dentistry, which focuses on teeth and gums alone, holistic dentistry takes a whole-body approach to treating patients. Moreover, it takes a step back and analyzes your oral health impacts the rest of your body. For instance, gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, triggers systemic inflammation that can significantly affect your cardiovascular system.In addition, restoration materials used in holistic dentistry are non-toxic because this approach focuses on the unrecognized harmful effects of hidden dental infections and toxins on your overall health. For this reason, holistic dentists use hypoallergenic and biocompatible materials.
What Makes a Holistic Dentist Different From a Regular Dentist?
A holistic dentist takes a wider perspective than regular dentists who look at your teeth and gums. Besides checking your muscles, airway, and bones, a holistic dentist would ask about other health concerns you might be experiencing.Knowing about these health issues allows them to find connections between these problems and your oral health. Consequently, a holistic dental practitioner’s understanding of the body as a system with interconnected parts determines their ability to support your overall health better.
What Does a Holistic Dentist Use for Fillings?
Mercury is a neurotoxin that causes harm to the body when consumed in any way. Mercury dental fillings could release microscopic vapors that enter the bloodstream. These fillings are top contributors to mercury poisoning that causes tremors, headaches, insomnia, kidney problems, nerve damage, and respiratory failure.Unlike regular dentists that use mercury dental fillings, holistic dentists use BPA-free, biocompatible, tooth-colored composite materials to restore a cavity. They match these fillings to your existing teeth’s exact shade of white.
Experience Holistic Dentistry in Palm Beach Gardens!
Did you know that 46% of all American adults deal with symptoms of gum disease? If you have swollen gums that bleed whenever you brush your teeth, you’ll want to ask your periodontist about gum disease treatment in Palm Beach Gardens. They’ll help you fix your oral health issue so you can preserve your smile for years to come.
Treatment Options for Gum Disease
Non-Surgical Treatments
Scaling
Scaling eliminates bacteria and tartar from teeth and areas beneath the gums. The periodontist may use special tools and instruments such as a laser or an ultrasonic device to do the job.
Root Planing
Root planing prevents bacteria and tartar buildup by smoothing out the root surfaces and eliminating bacterial byproducts that delay healing or the reattachment of the gum tissue to the tooth surfaces.
Antibiotics
The periodontist typically controls bacterial infection by prescribing topical or oral antibiotics. Moreover, topical antibiotics may include gels containing antibiotics inserted into the space between the teeth and gums after a deep cleaning or antibiotic mouth rinses. Alternatively, oral antibiotics may be more effective at eliminating infection-causing bacteria.
Surgical Treatments
Flap Surgery
Flap or pocket reduction surgery involves making small incisions in the gum to lift back that section and expose the roots to ensure effective scaling and root planing. The periodontist may recontour the underlying bone before suturing the gum tissue back in place if the patient with advanced periodontitis has suffered bone loss.
Soft Tissue Grafts
Periodontists perform soft tissue grafts on patients experiencing gum recession after losing gum tissue. This procedure reinforces some of the damaged soft tissue by attaching a small amount of tissue from the roof of the patient’s mouth or another donor source to the affected site. Besides reinforcing the damaged gum tissue, soft tissue grafts cover exposed roots, reduce gum recession, and restore the appearance of the patient’s smile.
Bone Grafting
Bone grafting prevents tooth loss when periodontitis damages the bone surrounding the tooth root. The graft may be made of synthetic materials, fragments of the patient’s bone, or another donor’s bone. Moreover, it serves as a platform for new bone growth.
Learn More About Gum Disease Treatment in Palm Beach Gardens!
Periodontitis is a disease many people are guilty of overlooking. According to the best periodontist in Palm Beach Gardens, if people knew their gums’ importance, they would take them more seriously. Unfortunately, too many believe in myths they’ve heard instead of factual information surrounding periodontal health. We’re here to change that.
Dispelling Common Myths About Periodontal Health
MYTH #1: “ Gum disease isn’t that common.”
According to experts, gum disease affects nearly half of all American adults aged 30 years or older. Moreover, 9% of adults have severe gum disease. Gum disease is an infection of the gum tissues surrounding and supporting teeth. It usually results from poor oral hygiene. Without regular brushing, flossing, rinsing with mouthwash, and professional dental cleaning, the sticky film of bacteria called plaque builds up on the surface of teeth.
MYTH #2: “You can’t have gum disease if you don’t have cavities.”
Having a cavity-free mouth doesn’t ensure you’re in the clear. Since this oral health condition can be painless, most patients have no idea they have it.
Gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease, is usually painless. Some of its symptoms include red, swollen, and tender gums that bleed easily. Since it’s the only reversible stage, patients can address the issue by practicing good oral hygiene habits and visiting the dentist at least twice a year.
MYTH #3: “If you have bad breath, you have gum disease.”
While gum disease causes persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth, certain medications, some cancers, metabolic disorders, and mouth, nose, and throat conditions can also cause this problem. It’s worth noting that smelly breath odors may vary depending on the underlying cause.
Looking for a Periodontist in Palm Beach Gardens?
At Prestige Periodontics, we provide premier comprehensive dental health services to meet all your dental health needs in one convenient location. Contact us today to make an appointment.
Most people fail to realize the significant role gums play in oral health until they suffer from advanced periodontitis. While this disease may be very concerning, prompt treatment from a holistic periodontist in Palm Beach Gardens can help prevent further damage and restore your smile. If you’re well on your way to reclaiming your gum health, it’s best to look into the answers to the top questions asked about periodontitis.
Top Questions Asked About Periodontitis
Is Gum Disease the Same as Periodontal Disease?
Gum disease is just another name for periodontal disease. Both terms refer to the inflammation and infection of gum tissue due to oral bacteria from excessive plaque buildup.
What Are the Stages of Gum Disease?
Gum disease or periodontal disease comes in two main stages: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is the early form of gum disease that results from plaque buildup on the surfaces of teeth. Although its symptoms may include red, puffy, tender, and bleeding gums, all teeth are firmly planted. Brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and visiting the dentist at least twice a year can help prevent gingivitis.Untreated gingivitis progresses to a severe form of gum disease called periodontitis. The gums and the bone begin to pull away from the teeth during this stage, forming deep pockets that accumulate bacteria below the gum line. Unlike gingivitis, periodontitis can’t be reversed. However, a periodontist can help prevent further damage by thoroughly cleaning the pockets around the teeth.
How Does a Periodontist Treat Periodontitis?
A periodontist recommends a treatment plan based on your situation. Depending on the severity of your periodontitis, they may perform nonsurgical and surgical treatments to address the disease. Scaling and root planing are noninvasive procedures that eliminate bacteria from the teeth and under the gum line before smoothing the surface of the tooth roots to prevent further bacteria buildup. Alternatively, they may also perform surgical procedures such as pocket reduction surgery or flap surgery to clean the teeth’s roots in advanced periodontitis. Moreover, the periodontist may also prescribe antibiotics whether you receive nonsurgical or surgical treatment.
Looking for a Holistic Periodontist in Palm Beach Gardens?
At Prestige Periodontics, we don’t just protect your teeth and gums. We protect your overall health. Contact us today to make an appointment.
Did you know your tongue reveals a lot of things about your health? Since a holistic dentistry practice in Palm Beach Gardens believes in linking oral care and total body care, they pay as much attention to the other parts of your body as much as your teeth.
What Your Tongue Says About Your Health
Yellow Tongue
A buildup of bacteria due to tobacco use, regular consumption of coffee or alcohol, dry mouth, and poor oral hygiene can result in a tongue with a yellow appearance.
White Coating
A tongue that hasn’t been brushed will have a white coating. However, if the white layer is still there even after brushing it off, you may be dealing with oral thrush. Oral thrush or oral candidiasis is a condition that occurs when a fungal infection develops in your oral cavity.
White Spots
If you notice white spots on your tongue, you could be suffering from leukoplakia, which is a chronic irritation of your mouth’s mucous membranes. Moreover, leukoplakia is a benign condition that indicates excessive cell growth in your mouth and can potentially become cancerous.
Dark Red to Purplish Tongue
A dark red to purplish tongue usually results from vitamin deficiencies, such as B-12 or folic acid. In such cases, your dentist may suggest adding a vitamin supplement to your regular diet.
Red Tongue with Red Bumps
If you or a child who’s five or under has a high fever and an overly red tongue with red bumps, these could be symptoms of Kawasaki disease. Such a case requires immediate medical attention.
Blue Tongue
A blue tongue indicates poor oxygen circulation due to an underlying lung condition.
Black and Hairy Tongue
Poor oral hygiene, smoking, certain antibiotics, and diabetes can lead to a black and hairy-looking tongue.
Thin Tongue
A thin tongue can be a result of dehydration.
Looking for an Expert in Holistic Dentistry in Palm Beach Gardens?
At Prestige Periodontics, we offer exceptional service and quality care. Contact us today to make an appointment.
If you have one or more missing teeth, you’re probably wondering about the best option for tooth replacement in Palm Beach Gardens. Although traditional bridges and dentures may effectively fill the gaps, they’re not suitable for everyone. If you’re looking to find a permanent and aesthetically pleasing solution for missing teeth, you should learn more about dental implants.
Top Reasons Why Dental Implants Are the Best Choice
They Look as Good as They Feel
A dental implant is a biocompatible screw-like post that functions as the root of a missing tooth. Moreover, it supports an artificial tooth called a crown that looks, feels, and acts like a natural tooth. No one will be able to tell the difference between your implanted tooth and a natural one.
Since implants are securely anchored into your jawbone, they don’t move around your mouth the way dentures and bridges do. Besides restoring your chewing power, it offers ease of maintenance because they don’t require special attention when it comes to brushing and flossing.
They Preserve Your Jawbone
Did you know that your jawbone can lose up to 25% of its volume within a year if you don’t use a dental implant to replace a missing tooth? As the lack of regular stimulation weakens the bone that holds your teeth in place, it makes it harder for you to chew your food. Since an implant replaces both the root and the tooth, it keeps your jawbone healthy and prevents bone loss.
They Protect Adjacent Teeth
Other tooth replacement options need to be anchored to adjacent teeth. Since dental implants are anchored to the jawbone, they preserve the integrity of the neighboring teeth, protect them against tooth decay, and prevent them from shifting toward the gaps left by the missing teeth.
Learn More About Your Options for Tooth Replacement in Palm Beach Gardens!
At Prestige Periodontics, we’re committed to providing you with exceptional service and quality care in a safe and comfortable environment. Contact us today to make an appointment.
Putting off dental visits can lead to serious oral health issues that may lead to tooth loss. If going to the dentist makes you feel uncomfortable, you might want to consider sedation dentistry in Palm Beach Gardens. We’ve rounded up the benefits of dental sedation to help you make an informed decision.
How Can Sedation Dentistry Help You?
It Relieves Anxiety
Did you know that around 60% of people across the globe suffer from dental anxiety? While most of their fears are unfounded, others are rooted in an unpleasant dental experience in the past. Regardless of their reason for avoiding the dentist, these patients end up putting their oral health at risk.
If the idea of going to the dentist fills you with dread, sedation dentistry can help you overcome your fear. Besides allowing you to go through your procedures comfortably, it can help calm your nerves before and after your appointment.
You’ll Be Unaware of Your Treatment
Perhaps your dental anxiety grows with each additional visit. With sedation dentistry, you won’t have to worry about a further build-up of your phobia because you’ll be sedated just enough to be unaware of your treatment. After your treatment, you’ll wake up feeling rested and relaxed with little or no memory of what happened.
You’ll Experience a Pain-free Procedure
Nobody likes to experience tooth or gum pain. You won’t have to deal with pain or discomfort during treatment, thanks to sedation dentistry. Since your brain will be under the influence of potent sedatives and anesthetics, it won’t be able to register pain.
It’s Safe
Since dental sedation is a tried and tested practice, it’s safe when administered by trained professionals. Qualified dentists will monitor your vital signs throughout the procedure. They’ll also prepare oxygen and drugs that can reverse the sedative’s effects if necessary.
Learn More About Sedation Dentistry in Palm Beach Gardens!
Our team of skilled professionals at Prestige Periodontics is committed to helping you achieve a healthy and beautiful smile in a safe and comfortable environment. If you’re ready to experience exceptional service and quality care, contact us today to make an appointment.
Since gum disease has different stages, treatment and management options for this oral health problem vary. Perhaps you’re worried you might have this condition, and you want to learn how to recognize the stage you may be at and what you can do to stop its progress. The best periodontist in Palm Beach Gardens is ready to give you the answers you’re looking for and the help you need.
What Are the Different Stages of Gum Disease?
Stage 1: Gingivitis
If copious amounts of plaque build up on your teeth and gums, you’ll develop the mildest and most common form of gum disease called gingivitis. Since its symptoms are painless, most people don’t realize they have it. Thankfully, gingivitis can still be cured or reversed because, at this stage, the infection hasn’t reached the bones yet. With proper oral hygiene habits, regular dental exams, and routine dental cleanings, you can restore health to your gums.
Stage 2: Slight Periodontal Disease
When gingivitis is left untreated, it progresses to a more destructive form of gum disease called slight periodontal disease. At this stage, the infection starts to destroy the bones. Although this is irreversible, your periodontist can still manage it by performing a deep cleaning procedure that involves scaling and root planing.
Stage 3: Moderate Periodontal Disease
Since this stage has more probing depths, even more bacteria enter the bloodstream and attack the bones that hold teeth in place. Your dental care provider will use scaling and root planing to clean the area thoroughly.
Stage 4: Advanced Periodontal Disease
Moderate periodontal disease progresses to advanced periodontal disease when the infection evolves into aggressive bacteria that eat away at your bone. At this stage, your gums become red, swollen, and tender, and you’ll notice tiny pus-filled sacs forming around your teeth. Moreover, you’ll experience loosening of teeth, severe bad breath, painful chewing, and bone loss.Your periodontist may recommend surgery or laser therapy to clean the deep bacteria-filled gum pockets. If advanced periodontal disease is left unchecked, it may lead to gum recession, tooth loss, and other major health issues.
Do You Need to See a Periodontist in Palm Beach Gardens?
At Prestige Periodontics, we’re committed to providing you with the best periodontal care possible to help you achieve optimum oral health. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.
Symptoms of a severe gum infection may prompt you to research gum disease treatment in Palm Beach Gardens. Although plaque buildup is often the most common culprit behind this oral health issue, several others may also increase the risk of gum disease.
Top Causes of Gum Disease
Plaque Buildup
In most cases, gum disease develops due to the buildup of a thick film of bacteria called plaque on the gums and teeth. Since regular brushing, flossing, and rinsing can effectively remove plaque, improving your oral care routine can help you reduce your chances of developing gum disease.
Smoking Tobacco Products
Smokers are more vulnerable to gum infections because smoking interferes with the normal function of the cells in the gum tissue. If you’re a smoker, it’s best to kick the habit so that you can steer clear of gum disease and other health issues.
Prescription Medications
A dry mouth encourages the bacteria in your mouth to spread more readily. Unfortunately, certain medications produce side effects that reduce saliva production and flow. If your meds leave you with a dry mouth, be sure to let your doctor know about this.
Nutritional Deficiencies
Although getting all of your daily vitamins takes hard work and dedication, you’ll have to ensure that you’re getting enough vitamin C. Otherwise, this nutritional deficiency can wreak havoc on your gums. To avoid gum disease, be sure to drink lots of water and maintain a balanced diet that’s rich in vitamin C.
Crooked Teeth
Misaligned teeth can have more spaces where plaque can quickly build up and cause damage to your teeth and gums. If you have crooked teeth and a crowded mouth, be sure to take extra care to brush and floss to prevent gum disease.
Do You Need Gum Disease Treatment in Palm Beach Gardens?
At Prestige Periodontics, we utilize every means possible to help you achieve oral health while maintaining total body compatibility. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.
Did you know that dental implants are permanent tooth replacements created to last for the rest of your life? If you want your treatment to give you a lifetime of health and confidence, it’s best to see a natural periodontist in Palm Beach Gardens. We’ve rounded up a few reasons why an experienced specialist should perform your dental implant surgery.
Top Reasons Why You Should See a Natural Periodontist for Dental Implants
Education
Periodontists have three more years of post-dental school education specializing in dental implants and hard and soft tissue treatments. They become board-certified once they’ve completed this additional voluntary training and acquired the skills to replace failing or missing teeth with dental implants.
Experience
Compared to general dentists, a newly graduated periodontist has more specialized and advanced training in dental implant surgery. Additionally, they’re highly skilled in treating patients with severe oral conditions, including gum disease and jawbone loss. Since periodontists are skilled at providing personalized periodontal treatment, they’re the experts at preventing tooth and bone loss in the future.
Technology
Periodontists are known to bring the latest dentistry techniques and technology, including custom surgical guides or virtual planning and surgical software. In most cases, they also capture precise three-dimensional images of the jawbone to ensure a more accurate approach in treatment planning. Since dental implant surgery involves a complex procedure, you’ll need a specialist’s surgical technology and advanced level of skill and experience.
Holistic Approach
A natural periodontist takes a look at an infection’s large-scale impact on the body rather than concentrating on the one problem the patient might have. This holistic approach is based on the philosophy that a person’s oral health is connected to their overall health. In addition, natural periodontist supports the human body’s natural abilities to self-heal and regenerate.
Looking for a Natural Periodontist in Palm Beach Gardens?
At Prestige Periodontics, we don’t treat just treat teeth – we treat patients. If you’re ready to experience a customized therapeutic regimen tailored to address your unique oral concerns, schedule an appointment with us today.
