Don’t Let Gingivitis Keep You From Smiling

YOU’RE SITTING IN THE DENTAL CHAIR, everything going as planned at your checkup, until your dentist tells you that you have gingivitis. If you haven’t heard of gingivitis before you’re probably thinking, “What is gingivitis? Is it serious? Is it treatable?”
We have all the information you need to know about gingivitis so you can keep your smile healthy!

What Is Gingivitis?
Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums characterized by gum irritation, redness, swelling and sometimes bleeding. Symptoms of gingivitis are fairly mild and can even be painless. Visiting your dentist regularly is important so gingivitis can be diagnosed, especially if symptoms are not obvious.

Gingivitis is the first stage of periodontal, or gum disease, and should be taken seriously. If left untreated, gingivitis will progress to full-blown gum disease, which can lead to receding and damaged gums as well as bone and tooth loss.

What Causes Gingivitis?
Gingivitis is usually the result of poor oral hygiene. When plaque is not removed by proper brushing and flossing, bacteria-filled plaque hardens and turns into what is called tartar. Plaque and tartar buildup around the gum line cause gum irritation and inflammation or, in other words, gingivitis.
Other factors may contribute to the development of gingivitis such as hormonal changes (especially during pregnancy), smoking, certain medications or illnesses and genetic predisposition.

Is Gingivitis Reversible?
Finding out you have gingivitis can be worrisome but here’s the good news: good oral hygiene habits and professional dental cleanings can, in most cases, rid you of gingivitis.
Proper oral hygiene not only prevents gingivitis, but treats it as well. Professional cleanings as recommended by your dentist, daily brushing and flossing, and regular use of an antibacterial mouthwash can keep bacteria found in plaque at bay, effectively preventing and treating gingivitis.

So, yes, gingivitis is reversible! By treating it early and following the instructions of your dental care provider, you can treat gingivitis and smile on!

Keep Your Smile Healthy
A smile shouldn’t only be happy, it should be healthy too! Your oral health is the gateway to your overall health and wellness. So if you’ve been diagnosed with gingivitis, practice proper oral hygiene care and you’ll have your healthy smile back in no time.

If you have any questions regarding your oral health, call us today or leave us a Facebook message. We’re always glad to address your concerns!

Josh's Story

We at Metropolitan Periodontists take Oral Cancer very seriously. Sometimes it takes something very close to us to really understand the importance.  Please read our hygienists story and consider taking your screenings to the next level:

Josh's Story:

My name is Lisa, I am the hygienist for Metropolitan Periodontists and I would like to share my story about my son, Josh.

I have been in the dental field for over 20 years and when my son told me he

had a bump next to his tooth the last thing I suspected was cancer.   After

doing a few preliminary tests Dr. Wilson and I decided to have it biopsied.

The results came back benign.

When the cyst came back almost immediately, we went to the U and the recommended treatment was surgical removal.

The day of the surgery the surgeon was suspicious and decided to re-biopsy and that is when we got the shocking news that it was, in fact, cancer.  The shock still hasn't settled. Joshua doesn't fit the profile, he has never used tobacco and seldom drinks.  He's only 24 years old!

He wears a prosthesis for his palate and we are so thankful we caught it as early as we did.  

The Connection

For years, dentists have tried to prevent patients from cavities, gum disease, infections of the teeth and infections of the surrounding tissues of the teeth. Did you know that by preventing some of these issues, dentists are also helping prevent patients from other health issues such as elevated blood sugar levels in diabetic patients, increased blood pressure or more pain in arthritic patients? When there is inflammation from gum(periodontal) disease, or inflammation from an infected tooth, this increases inflammation in other parts of the body. This is because your immune system is working hard to protect the body from infection. The immune system does this by sending healing cells, with the help of blood, to an area to protect it from an infection but the side-effect to this, is swelling and inflammation. This means higher blood sugar levels in the diabetic patient, an increase in blood pressure and more inflammation in joints for the arthritic patient.  So what can people do about it?  People can start with good home care for their teeth and gums.  This means brushing a minimum of twice a day for 2 minutes each time you brush, making sure to remove bacteria at the gum line and flossing once a day to remove bacteria from between the teeth. Brushing and flossing alone will not do the trick. People should also see a dentist regularly to have a routine dental cleaning with a licensed dental hygienist (LDH).  An LDH is trained to remove bacteria from below the gum line where your tooth brush cannot reach, thus, helping to prevent infection or even detecting an infection early.

At Metropolitan Periodontists, P.A. we specialize in the treatment of gum disease. We use advanced technology to treat patients with active infection or chronic inflammation in their gum tissue.  Our hygienist is the only hygienist in the State of Minnesota to use a camera below the gum line.  She can see the hardened bacteria on the roots of the teeth and she is able to remove it with confidence for our patients. We also use a laser to treat gum disease which is more comfortable for patients than the traditional surgery done to treat gum disease.  If you or someone you know has been told that you have gum disease, schedule an appointment with us.  We would be happy to help you become a healthier you.

What is Wilckodontics?

Orthodontic treatments are well known for their bulky wires, metal brackets, and long-term treatment schedules. In fact, it hasn't been that long since it was almost considered a rite of passage for kids to sport a mouth full of metal during many of their years in school!

Wilckodontics promises to change the perception that a straight, healthy smile takes a long time to achieve. The orthodontic procedure is also known as Accelerated Osteogenic Orthodontics – AOO – and can provide the same results as traditional therapies, but in much less time. In fact, many patients discover the process takes less than a year, from start to finish, which is approximately 3-4 times faster!

How does it work?

The procedure was first developed by two brothers Thomas Wilcko, a periodontist, and his brother William Wilcko, an orthodontist in the 1990s. They worked together to create a new straightening system that focuses on manipulating and softening the bone, rather than just relying on applied pressure to make adjustments.

The AOO technique involves making small perforations in the alveolar bone. This encourages the bone to generate a large amount of calcium in order to heal. The period of healing is known as osteopenia, and lasts 20-55 days. During the period of osteopenia the bone is softer and teeth are more easily manipulated and moved using braces. For this reason, patients are fitted with braces first and then undergo the surgical procedure with Dr. Wilson.

Benefits of Wilckodontics

The main reasons to opt for Wilckodontics include:

• Shorter treatment time
• Increased strengthening of bone – this can result in a better facial profile and support for teeth
• Less discomfort with adjustments, since the jaw bone is already soft
• Choice of braces includes Invisalign
• Less chance of relapse – the bone generates a very strong bond, holding repositioned teeth in place.

Patients enjoy a lot of flexibility with this procedure – the most obvious advantage being the amount of time the procedure takes. Patients usually recover from the surgery within a week to ten days, and adjustments are made approximately once every two weeks. Ceramic or metal braces can be used with Wilckodontics, and there are no age restrictions. Because it takes a lot less time Wilckodontics is hugely beneficial for working adults who feel inhibited and restricted by long-term treatment.

So, if you are in the market for a straightened smile, it doesn't have to mean years of uncomfortable treatments! Contact Dr.Mark Wilson of Metropolitan Periodontists in Minneapolis about Wilckodontics and start planning for a beautiful smile in no time!

Is LANAP Safe?

 LANAP stands for Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure – it is a means of treating periodontal (gum) disease in a less invasive procedure than traditional treatments and surgeries. This technologically advanced gum therapy helps many patients receive the treatment they need to address bacteria embedded deep within periodontal pockets. These pockets of infection can cause serious dental issues when left alone such as inflammation, bleeding, tooth loss, and more. 

Fighting Gum Disease

According to the Center for Disease Control, almost 66% of Americans have a form of gum disease, and yet many people resist seeking treatment for one reason or another to include affordability and dental anxieties.

Traditional gum disease treatment involves surgery, discomfort, and recovery time. LANAP, however, offers a no cut option – a highly effective, beneficial periodontal treatment without the need for incisions and sutures. Instead of cutting the gum tissue open, the dental specialist places a tiny laser instrument into the periodontal pocket and the laser targets only the infected tissue, removing damaged cells and diseased tissue.

Patients have the procedure with just localized anesthetic. Afterwards patients are far more comfortable and relaxed, both during and after the procedure. Recovery is very straight forward - minimal discomfort and a soft food diet but in many instances patients find they can return to their normal routines soon after treatment.

Value of Non-Surgical Gum Disease Treatment

The value of LANAP increases in time. When patients properly care for their gums after LANAP, they save money from further treatment. Because LANAP is effective at removing disease-causing bacteria while also stimulating soft tissue growth, the procedure encourages the gum to heal and bone to regenerate, reducing the risk for new infection. And, according to dental professionals, it offers longer-lasting results – the majority of LANAP treated patients remain stable after five years!

LANAP doesn't require incisions and therefore eliminates cause for serious bleeding. The procedure is safe for patients who have blood-related health conditions, such as diabetes, HIV, and hemophilia, and for patients taking certain medication, such as aspirin. It leaves the healthy tissue intact without swelling – a more common effect of surgical periodontal treatments.

As an effective periodontal therapy, LANAP appears to be a healthy competitor when compared to traditional, aggressive treatments. Less invasive, minimal discomfort and long-lasting health benefits all provide optimal dental health, and overall well-being. LANAP is a safe and reliable alternative to surgical gum disease treatment!

Dr. Wilson of Metropolitan Periodontists of Minneapolis encourages his patients to learn more about LANAP and the Benefits of LANAP prior to treatment. Patient education facilitates good decisions which helps promote long-term oral health. Contact our office to find out more about bringing health back into your gums.