According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 50 percent of Americans over the age of 30 have periodontitis,* the more advanced form of periodontal disease. In its early stages, periodontal disease is called gingivitis, with symptoms that include swollen, inflamed gums that may bleed during tooth brushing. If allowed to progress, gingivitis can turn into periodontal disease, also known as periodontitis. 

How Is Periodontitis Treated?

Depending on the severity of the disease, there are a range of options available for treating periodontitis. Initially, a deep cleaning that involves scaling and root planing may be recommended to remove the infection and allow your gums to heal. However, if the disease is more advanced, a regenerative periodontal therapy procedure may be the most effective treatment approach. 

What is Regenerative Periodontal Therapy?

A regenerative periodontal therapy procedure is used to reverse the effects of advanced periodontal disease. When the infection has already begun to destroy the underlying bone that supports your teeth, this type of therapy is recommended to: 

• Remove bacteria from beneath your gum line
• Regenerate lost bone and tissue 
• Reshape the bones that support your teeth
• Prevent future gum damage

Who is a Good Candidate for Regenerative Periodontal Therapy?

People with severe or advanced gum disease are usually good candidates for regenerative periodontal therapy. Common symptoms of advanced gum disease include:

• Red, swollen, or bleeding gums 
• Deep pockets between your teeth and gums
• Damaged or loose teeth
• Pain while eating and chewing
• Halitosis
• Receding gums

What to expect during regenerative periodontal therapy.

Regenerative periodontal therapy is typically performed under local anesthesia. During the procedure, the gum tissue folded back to remove the disease-causing bacteria. Depending on the degree of damage, membranes, bone grafts, or tissue-stimulating proteins can also be used to stimulate your body’s natural ability to regenerate new bone and healthy gum tissue. Eliminating existing bacteria and regenerating bone and tissue helps to reduce the pockets between your teeth and gums and restore your mouth to optimal health. 

Periodontal disease and the inflammation that it generates within your body are associated with a number of serious health issues, including diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, and even cancer. Because gum disease is progressive, early treatment is always best. If you have symptoms associated with periodontitis, you may be a candidate for regenerative periodontal therapy. Contact our Alexandria office today for a thorough evaluation.

Karl A. Smith, DDS, MS
Phone: (703) 894-4867
Url: http://drkarlsmith.com/
2500 N. Van Dorn St., Suite 128
Alexandria , VA 22302

If you have sensitive gums and are used to seeing a bit of blood in the sink after brushing or flossing, it may be a sign of gingivitis, a progressive gum disease. In fact, gum disease is the leading culprit behind bleeding gums; research shows that one in two Americans have some form of gum disease, and left untreated, this condition can lead to serious health concerns. The first step in bringing your gums back to optimal health is educating yourself about the symptoms and causes of gum disease. Here are some common questions we hear in our practice: 

What Causes My Gums To Bleed?

Bleeding gums are generally caused by inadequate plaque removal, which over time allows germs to attack the tissue surrounding your teeth. The tissue then becomes inflamed which causes the gums to bleed. This is considered the initial stage of gum disease, also known as gingivitis. The good news is gingivitis can be easily treated before it progresses any further. 

What Happens if Gum Disease is Not Treated?

Progression of gingivitis is known as periodontitis. Periodontitis is much more serious and has been linked to tooth and bone loss, type 1 and type 2 diabetes, heart disease, strokes and cancer. 

What Else Can Make My Gums Bleed?

Lack of vitamins (C &K) or inflamed gums due to pregnancy could also be the cause of bleeding gums. Some conditions and diseases such as thrombocytopenia, hemophilia or scurvy can also cause gums to bleed.

How Can I Stop My Gums From Bleeding?

It’s important to speak with your dentist if you’ve been experiencing bleeding from your gums. Your dentist will be able to properly assess the situation regarding your oral health and provide a solution. In addition to regularly scheduled visits to your local dentist, brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day are the easiest solutions to eliminate bleeding gums. It may take some time to see the bleeding subside as your gums continue to get healthier.

If you’ve been struggling with bleeding gums, know that it’s a common and treatable condition, but it will not go away on its own. It will take time and dedication to improve your oral health, but it can be done. In addition to working with your dentist, maintaining a proper oral hygiene routine will help your gums return to a healthy state. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, contact our Alexandria office today.

Karl A. Smith, DDS, MS

Phone: (703) 894-4867

Url: http://drkarlsmith.com/

2500 N. Van Dorn St., Suite 128 Alexandria , VA 22302

The dangers of smoking have been prevalent for a very long time. Lung disease, periodontitis, and tooth loss are all but a few common side effects of this habit. For many adults who are looking to replace a lost tooth, dental implants have become a viable option. Even for those who have been life-long smokers, implants offer a cosmetic restoration to their smile. Nevertheless, if you smoke or are thinking of smoking in the future, you should be aware of the fact that this habit can cause your dental implants to require replacement sooner than necessary.

The dental implant failure rate is noticeably higher in those who smoke compared to those who do not. In general, about one percent of all dental implants fail in those who do not smoke. Alternatively, studies show the dental implant failure ratio for those who smoke is above 15 percent. Dental implants are made of titanium and supplementary materials that are entirely well-suited with our bodies. Titanium is known to attract bone cells which will grow and adhere to the post over time. This strengthens the implant within the mouth. However, complications arise when the patient smokes.

Nicotine adversely impacts the health of teeth through blood vessel constriction, dry mouth and pocket formation within the gums. As blood flow is reduced, the body loses its ability to fight disease and infection. Smoking decreases the rate at which bone grows throughout the entirety of the body, including the mouth and face region. Smoking also damages the mouth’s salivary glands, drying them out to the point that there is minimal fluid remaining to wash away bacteria that cause periodontal disease. Not surprisingly, most dentists believe that smoking adversely curtails the likelihood that the implants will heal properly, let alone last. The surgically impacted area simply cannot get the necessary healing nutrients it needs to recover.

Dentists offer differing opinions as to whether to fit smokers with dental implants. Nonetheless, doctors all agree that the best way for dental implants to last is for the patient to exercise good oral health. Not only will regular brushing and flossing help, but so will quitting the smoking habit altogether. Giving up smoking before your scheduled implant surgery will provide a healthy foundation for your new teeth to thrive for years to come.

If you would like more information on dental implants, please contact our Alexandria dental office or schedule an appointment for a consultation. We look forward to helping you smile with confidence again.

Karl A. Smith, DDS, MS

Phone: (703) 894-4867

Url: http://drkarlsmith.com/

2500 N. Van Dorn St., Suite 128 Alexandria , VA 22302

If your gums have ever bled while brushing your teeth, ignoring it is one thing you should not do. Redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gums are all symptoms of early gum disease which, if left untreated, can progress into a harmful infection called periodontitis. The good thing is this: if we catch it soon enough, periodontitis can be prevented with regular dental cleanings and proper oral hygiene.

What Causes Periodontitis?
When bacteria on the teeth don’t get thoroughly brushed away, plaque forms and eventually turns into tartar, which is irritating to the gums. If that tartar sits for an extended period of time, periodontitis can settle in, causing pockets in the gums to fill with even more bacteria. All of this can lead to:

● Receding gums
● Bad breath
● Spaces between the teeth
● Loose or sensitive teeth
● Permanent loss of teeth

Are Some More at Risk Than Others?
According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, smoking is the most significant risk factor in patients with periodontal disease. Those who have diabetes or AIDS, women going through hormonal changes, and anyone taking medications that reduce saliva production are also more susceptible.

How Can I Prevent Periodontitis?
Because gum disease is most often caused by poor dental hygiene, some great potential methods to help lower your risk of developing periodontitis are to:

● Quit smoking.
● Schedule professional dental cleanings twice a year to remove plaque and tartar.
● Brush your teeth twice a day, and make sure to brush along the gumline.
● Consider using an electric toothbrush.
● Consider the use of fluoride toothpaste to strengthen your enamel.
● Floss between teeth at least once a day to remove plaque where your toothbrush can’t reach.
● Swish with antibacterial mouthwash after brushing to kill germs and reduce plaque.
● Avoid sugary or starchy foods, which contribute to bacterial growth.
● Eat foods that are known to promote healthy oral bacteria, including dairy products, crunchy fruits and vegetables, and leafy greens.

Early Intervention is Key
If you have concerns about the health of your gums or have been told by your dentists that you suffer from periodontal disease, it may be beneficial to schedule an appointment with our office as early as possible. Our Alexandria Periodontist is experienced in the treatment of gum disease and can help you restore a healthy mouth and body. You can contact Karl A. Smith, DDS, MS to set up an appointment and get the care you need. We look forward to helping you smile healthily, and happily.