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!
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.
Gum disease is prevalent not just among seniors aged 65 and above, but also among adults aged 20 years and older. People who have this condition experience gum bleeding, swollen or painful gums, and loose teeth. Unfortunately, despite being a common condition, only a few people seek gum disease treatment in Palm Beach Gardens. They don’t realize how extensive the damage gum disease can cause if left untreated. Gum disease has four different stages. If you want to know which stage your gum disease is at, read on.
What are the Different Stages of Gum Disease?
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the mildest form of gum disease. During this stage, the infection hasn’t reached the bones yet. So, it can still be reversed through good oral hygiene and regular dental cleanings. Gingivitis is caused by plaque buildup around the teeth. Signs that indicate you have gingivitis are bad breath, gum bleeding, and swelling of gums.
Minor Periodontal Disease
Minor periodontal disease is the second stage of gum disease. It is irreversible, but it is still manageable through gum disease treatment in Palm Beach Gardens. Once your gum disease has reached this stage, it means that the infection is starting to impact the bones supporting your teeth.
Signs that indicate you have minor periodontal disease are increased swelling or redness of gums, persistent bad breath, gum bleeding, and probing pocket depths that are four to five millimeters deep.
Moderate Periodontal Disease
Moderate periodontal disease is the third stage of gum disease. At this stage, the probing pocket depths are around six to seven millimeters deep. This depth allows the infection to attack not only your bones but also your bloodstream and immune system. This stage is irreversible, but it can be treated through scaling and root planing.
Advanced Periodontal Disease
Advanced periodontal disease is when the infection deepens even further. You may experience swollen gums that ooze pus, teeth sensitivity, loose teeth, painful chewing, and severe bad breath during this stage.
To treat advanced periodontal disease, you need to undergo surgery or periodontal laser therapy. If left untreated, you may suffer from tooth loss, gum recession, shifting of teeth, and other serious health problems.
Looking for Gum Disease Treatment Palm Beach Gardens?
If you’re experiencing gum disease signs, don’t hesitate to seek gum disease treatment in Palm Beach Gardens! At Prestige Periodontics, we take a holistic approach to creating beautiful smiles. Contact us today!
