Below are frequently asked questions about perio :   

I have a "gummy" smile . . . can anything be done?

Yes! Cosmetic gum raising and/or tissue sculpting is an excellent choice. Sometimes orthodontics can help, as well as orthognathic surgery. You need to get a consultation with a good cosmetically trained restorative dentist, periodontist, surgeon and an orthodontist. Your best bet is to visit a dental office that have all these specialists working together in the same facility.

My gums have shrunk making my teeth look larger, what can be done?

Sometimes a gum graft can be done to cover sensitive roots and stop the downward progression of your gums. New techniques with little discomfort and great results are available. You may also need bonding, or other restorative treatment as part of the treatment plan.

There is a dark line on my tooth at the gum line -- what causes that?

Usually a metal margin on a crown or a dark root. Look for a dentist that makes crowns with "porcelain margins or all ceramic crowns." Visit the dentist to determine the exact cause and best solution.

My gums bleed when I brush or floss. Is this normal?

No! A thorough soft tissue evaluation including x-rays, with a prophylaxis (cleaning) and good homecare instructions is an essential beginning. Usually bleeding is a beginning symptom of gingivitis or periodontal disease, and may require conventional gum surgery if necessary. Seek a dentist who can do different forms of treatment from simple cleaning of the teeth to antibiotic therapy, and as a last resort, surgery.

How often should I have my teeth cleaned?

Each person is different...twice a year is based on most insurance coverage, but most patients need to have a professional dental cleaning every 3 to 4 months. Decay and gum disease is caused by bacteria in a colony that takes about 8-10 weeks to become destructive or must be removed or broken up within this base period.

Why do I need to have x-rays? Won't they cause cancer?

X-rays show a variety of things not seen by a visual exam including bone loss, tooth decay, impacted teeth, some tumors and cysts. Most dental x-ray machines today are low dosage. For the very concerned patient, a new technology called radiovisiography uses the lowest amount of radiation. For instance, an entire set of complete x-rays is equal to one conventional x-ray using 90% less radiation.

My son chews tobacco -- will it cause cancer?

It sure can! Even worse than cigarettes because of the concentration of tobacco. Chewing tobacco is an absolute cancer producer.

Below are frequently asked questions about tooth Halitosis :

What can I do about bad breath?

It may be coming from your teeth or gums but usually it's from bacteria colonizing on the back of the tongue. A comprehensive breath evaluation and bacterial culture can determine the best form of treatment. See a dentists who uses a new diagnostic device called the Halimeter with bag culturing to help diagnose the extent of your problem. There are remedies available today to combat this problem. Mouth rinses (chlorine dioxide) and tongue scrapers help get rid of the bacteria that cause these odors.

Below are frequently asked questions about other treatments :

My jaw looks like Jay Leno's jaw. . . . Can anything be done for me?

Yes. Orthognathic surgery can be quite effective in correcting this condition. Esthetic imaging can show you how you will look with your new chin.

My jaw locks, pops, creaks or clicks.
This requires a visit to a dentist or oral surgeon who treat temporomandibular problems. Sometimes these problems require no treatment.

I need a face lift and some dental work . . . which should I do first?

Do the dental treatment first. That way, you will not have someone tugging on your lip or cheeks.

My smile is crooked.

No problem. Although orthodontics is the ideal way to correct this condition, sometimes an alternative using restorative treatment with bonding, laminating or full crowns can make a pleasing result.