Dr. Bradley Dean is a board-certified periodontist in the Dallas, TX area. Periodontists spot, treat, and prevent gum disease. They can also perform the surgical placement of dental implants. In addition to gum treatments, Dr. Bradley Dean is an implant specialist and can replace missing teeth.
We focus on dental implant services and gum disease treatments. Our state-of-the-art office successfully handles all sorts of gum cases.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is an infection of the tissue that surrounds your teeth. Also referred to as gum disease, it’s a silent disease that many do not know they have. Plaque buildup causes gum disease. This sticky film of bacteria builds up on your teeth because of a lack of proper dental care. If left untreated, it can result in early tooth loss.
Gingivitis is the first stage and looks like red and swollen gums that may easily bleed. In more advanced stages, pockets form between the teeth and gums. This allows bacteria to grow and advance to the bone that supports the teeth, leading to eventual tooth loss. Many treatments are available for periodontal diseases, but all share one common goal: to save your teeth!
How Do I Prevent Gum Disease?
Your gums support your teeth and play a key role in your whole health and well-being. Routine dental care is the best way to prevent gum disease. Your dental care routine should include daily brushing and flossing.
It should also include routine dental visits for professional dental cleanings and exams. At a routine preventive care exam, Dr. Bradley Dean will perform a periodontal disease screening.
During this screening, he will look for signs of gingivitis and gum disease. He stresses the importance of maintaining healthy gum tissue for optimal dental health.
Symptoms and Signs of Gum Disease
- Swollen, red, or tender gums
- Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
- Receding gum line
- Constant bad breath
- Sores or puss coming from in between your teeth
- Changes in your bite
- Loose teeth
- Dentures that do not fit anymore
- Gum Pain
Risk factors for gum disease can include:
- Diabetes: Elevated blood sugar levels can lead to an increase in glucose in your saliva, which feeds harmful bacteria in your mouth. If you develop gum disease, it can also make diabetes harder to control.
- Hormonal Changes: Some pregnant women may find that they are more prone to irritated and bleeding gums. Changes in the hormone progesterone during pregnancy can increase gum sensitivity. We recommend that women still visit the dentist for cleanings if they have irritated gum tissue when pregnant.
- Poor Oral Health: If you do not brush and floss twice a day, you may be more prone to gum disease. Some people may think flossing isn’t as essential as brushing. However, flossing between each tooth and then brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush can help keep infection at bay.
Periodontal Treatments for Gum Disease in Dallas, TX
Gum disease is one of the most common chronic diseases in adults. It affects nearly half of the United States population aged 30 years and older.
Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults. It can also contribute to other health problems. Problems such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes are linked to gum problems. When you develop gum disease, the inflammation in your gum tissue can enter the bloodstream. As a result, inflammation can spread throughout the body.
Fortunately, a number of periodontal therapy treatments are available to remove bacteria and plaque from below the gum line.
Deep Cleaning: Scaling and Root Planing
This process is an intensive deep clean of your teeth and gums. The main focus here is to clean out infections around your gum pockets.
The deep cleaning process is similar to teeth cleanings by a dental hygienist. However, it requires specific tools and much more attention for accurate results. This type of cleaning differs from routine dental cleaning because it includes scaling, root planing, and polishing.
Scaling removes plaque and tartar. The process includes scraping off the build-up of plaque and calculus (tartar) from the tooth surface using a metal scaler. Root planing smoothes out the tooth root’s surface where plaque can accumulate.
Polishing helps remove stains on the tooth surface. Scaling and root planing are both dental procedures that Dr. Dean uses to remove built-up plaque calculus.
Oral Surgery
Surgery is a treatment for advanced cases of periodontitis in which there is bone loss around teeth. The surgical procedure involves cutting the gum tissue surrounding the tooth. Then, remove the infected tissue, bone, and any other materials that cause pain or interfere with your oral health.
Depending on the severity of the case, Dr. Dean can complete treatment in one or two sessions. In some cases, removing all of your teeth may be necessary before starting oral surgery.
If you have severe periodontitis and other treatments don’t work, oral surgery might be an option. Other common oral surgery procedures include tooth extraction, gum grafts, and bone grafting. Patients with a gummy smile or gum recession benefit the most from oral surgery.
Implant Dentistry For Tooth Loss from Periodontal Disease
If you lose a tooth or all your teeth to gum disease, you might need dental implants. Dr. Dean is a highly trained oral surgeon who specializes in the surgical placement of dental implants.
Dr. Dean can work with your dentist to perform the surgical phase of your dental implant treatment. He provides sturdy, stable, and reliable tooth replacement options to give you a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Some dentists can perform the dental implant placement procedure. We believe a specialist can ease your mind and ensure a successful outcome for this part of your treatment. Learn more about our dental implant services here.
Implants offer many cosmetic benefits as well as oral health benefits. The advantages of dental implants include:
- A 95% or higher success rate
- Better preservation of bone structure
- Avoids degradation of healthy teeth (as in conventional bridgework)
- Improves the look of your smile and lower face
- Patients can eat food without restrictions
- No worry of the dental implant slipping or falling out
- Dental implants look exactly like your real teeth
- Strength and long life
Periodontist FAQs
Learn more about gum disease and treatment from your periodontist in Dallas, TX, with answers to these common questions:
Is periodontal gum surgery painful?
During periodontal surgery, you’ll receive local anesthesia to numb the area. As a result, you shouldn’t feel any pain during the procedure.
After surgery, as the anesthesia wears off, you may experience some discomfort. The level of discomfort varies between patients and will depend on the complexity of the procedure. Our dentist will provide instructions for pain management and recovery. We often recommend that you eat soft foods, take pain medication, and use a cold compress.
How long is periodontal recovery?
The recovery time after gum treatment can vary depending on the procedure and the patient’s health. On average, gums may take a few weeks to a month or more to heal. For severe periodontal disease, some patients can recover in 5 to 8 weeks with proper treatment. Follow all post-treatment care instructions from your dentist or periodontist to ensure the best healing process.
Is a periodontist different than a dentist?
A periodontist and a dentist have different roles. While both are dental professionals, a periodontist is a dentist that specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating gum diseases.
To become a periodontist, a dentist completes three additional years of training beyond dental school. In contrast, general dentists cover many oral health issues, including routine check-ups, cleanings, fillings, and basic gum care. General dentists often refer patients to periodontists if they need specialized gum treatment.
Can someone with periodontal disease get implants?
Yes, a person with a history of gum disease can get dental implants. However, the person must bring their gum disease under control before the dental implant procedure.
Uncontrolled gum disease can lead to bone loss in the jaw, making the dental implant procedure more challenging. Therefore, your dentist or periodontist will first want to treat the gum disease. They may need to perform bone grafting before proceeding with the dental implant. This preparation decreases the risk of the post failing.
Does medical insurance cover a periodontist?
Whether your dental or medical insurance covers a periodontist depends on your insurance plans. Some dental insurance plans do cover gum treatments. However, medical insurance typically does not cover dental procedures, including those performed by a periodontist. It’s always a good idea to check with your insurance provider to understand what they cover under your plan.
What does a periodontist do for receding gums?
A periodontist may recommend scaling and root planing. These deep cleaning procedures are effective for receding gums. They help remove plaque and tartar buildup from the gums and tooth roots.
If the recession worsens, a periodontist may recommend surgical procedures such as gum grafts to restore the gum line. Regular check-ups and good oral hygiene can help prevent further problems.
Make A Dental Implant Consultation
As your periodontist in Dallas, TX, Dr. Dean offers gum treatments and implant options. His services include teeth in a day, removable and fixed dentures, All-on-four, and implant-secured bridges.
To meet Dr. Dean and discuss your gum therapy needs, schedule an appointment online or call (972) 666-1594 today. If you have questions about gum treatment, please let Dr. Dean know at your next visit. He will be glad to help you.