A Periodontist’s Connection to Lost Teeth

What does a periodontist have to do with tooth loss? As an expert in maintaining the health of your gums, your Encinitas periodontist is specially trained to help you prevent and control gum disease—the leading cause of permanent tooth loss in the US. Should you lose one or more teeth, Dr. Kania can also help you rebuild your smile by assessing your eligibility for a dental implant restoration.

Fighting the Disease that Claims Them

Gum disease describes an infection in the gingival tissue surrounding your teeth, and results from the overwhelming buildup of oral bacteria along your gum line. Some mouth germs release toxins that attack the connective tissues between your gums and your teeth. As it progresses, gum disease destroys your gums and the jawbone underneath it, and how Dr. Kania treats your gum disease depends on how far it’s advanced.

Deep Cleanings

A deep cleaning is similar to a regular dental cleaning (prophylaxis), but includes cleaning bacteria from underneath your gums. Also called a scaling and root planing, a deep cleaning involves carefully removing bacteria from your teeth’s roots, then smoothing their surfaces to discourage plaque buildup in the future. Minor cases of gum disease, or gingivitis, can often be reversed with a deep cleaning.

Advanced Periodontal Therapy

To treat more advanced gum disease, Dr. Kania employs innovative, soft-tissue lasers and the Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP) protocol to restore your periodontal health without the need for surgery. The laser can effectively eradicate gum disease-causing bacteria while trimming away irreversibly-damaged gum tissue. Since there’s no traditional cutting, laser periodontal treatment translates to less bleeding, more comfort, and faster healing times than traditional periodontal therapy.

Rebuilding the Smile that Needs Them

If you’ve lost one or more teeth, either to gum disease or any other reason, then dental implants can offer the most comprehensive tooth replacement option. Implants are surgically inserted into your jawbone, and replace the roots of your lost teeth to provide unmatched support for your dental prosthetic (i.e., crown, bridge, or denture). Before implants can be placed, however, your gums and jawbone must be strong and healthy. As a periodontist, Dr. Kania can thoroughly assess your periodontal health and jawbone to determine if you’ll need a prerequisite procedure before receiving your dental implants.

ABOUT YOUR ENCINITAS PERIODONTIST:

To learn how to keep your smile healthy and beautiful so you can enjoy the many benefits it offers, subscribe to this blog, and visit Dr. Kania for a consultation. As a board-certified periodontist, Dr. Ann Kania is specially qualified to diagnose and treat issues concerning periodontal tissue and the supportive structures of a patient’s smile, as well as place dental implants to restore teeth lost to dental disease or trauma. To seek Dr. Kania’s expertise, visit our office or contact us today at (760) 642-0711.