BETTER DENTISTRY

Periodontal DENTISTRY Whangarei

CALL 09 438 7694 A BETTER SMILE in Whangarei

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Our dentist has a Master of Dentistry degree in Prosthodontics (Restorative & Cosmetic Dentistry).

THE GUM DISEASE DENTIST NORTHLAND TRUSTS TO TAKE CARE OF THEIR ORAL HEALTH

Periodontal Gum Disease and Gingivitis Treatment in Whangarei is possible by Dr Dennis Shepherd. He has a post graduate diploma in periodontics. (treatment of gum disease)

A healthy smile is made up by more than just the teeth themselves, healthy gums contribute significantly to your oral health.

Your gums are the tissues which surrounds the crown of your tooth and is essential in maintaining the overall oral health of your smile. At Rescue Dentist, we are experienced in treating gum disease, gum dentist in Whangarei (periodontics - disease of the gums).

Gum Disease Dentist

You Might have Active Gum Disease And Not Know It?

If you have active gum disease. You may not be aware of it because the condition is generally painless,
however you may be aware of one or more of the following symptoms.

1. Bleeding gums
2. Red Swollen gums
3. Bad Breath
4. Gums shrink (recede)
5. Teeth become “wiggly”

You will need professional help get the condition under control. We are able to offer a wide range of procedures to help you.

If You Require Treatment For Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease) In Whangarei, Northland
You Have Come To The Right Place:

Dr Dennis Shepherd Is A Gum Disease Dentist Who Can Help, He Has The Right Level Of Training And Expertise To Offer Advice And To Treat Your Condition.

How do you get Gum disease?
Disease of the gums will affect one in ten people (10%). If a person is susceptible and is exposed to the wrong combination of bacteria they will develop periodontal disease. This susceptibility can be inherited from your parents. Smoking, stress, diabetes and poor oral hygiene accelerates bone destruction.

Periodontal disease main cause is a build-up of mature plaque at and below the gum line. This sticky coating is laced with bacteria, food and bacterial by products . Unfortunately in the susceptible the immune system causes a huge inflammatory response to “fight the bacteria”.

The symptoms are obvious—Red, inflamed, puffy gums that bleed easily This damages the bone supporting the teeth , ( bone is an innocent bystander) and the teeth often become lose and fall out. Gum disease is the major cause of tooth loss in adults.

TARGETED GUM DISEASE TREATMENT IS AVAILABLE –

Gum Disease Dental help Is Here - Gingivitis & periodontitis are the two main stages of gum disease.

A) Gingivitis is the earlier stage and only affects the surface layers of the gum; it is thus easier to treat. Generally, treatment of gingivitis is as simple as ramping up your oral hygiene efforts. Even though gums may bleed slightly, to begin with, it’s important to floss and brush thoroughly to remove bacteria and plaque. With consistent cleaning, gingivitis can be controlled

B) Left untreated, gingivitis can result in periodontitis. This is an advanced stage of the disease that beneath the gum’s surface to affect the covering of the tooth root. It Affects the periodontal ligament (the bone and the fibres that connect the root to the bone). When left untreated, advanced disease of the gums results in severe damage to structures that hold the teeth in place—resulting in the loss of teeth – and the need for replacements such as dentures or dental implants.

Gingivitis Showing Receding Gums & Exposed Tooth Root

Left picture Showing Receding Gums & Exposed Tooth Root after gum disease.

You can see from the picture on the left there is a very active muscle which is pulling on the gum. Periodontal disease and the lack of attached gum has caused recession. In this example the gum has receded 5mm down the root which is now exposed and not protected by the gums. Exposed roots can become sensitive and decay and the teeth may be extracted once they become loose.

How We Treat Recession, Once we graft a site, it thickens up the attached gum and makes it much more resistant to recession in the future. So this is a tooth-saving procedure and there will be should be little to no further recession.

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Right picture ( post treatment). Showing Gum Graft covering the root surface

On the right-hand side picture, Six months after I have performed
1.gum surgery on the same teeth to recreate thick attached gum and
2. relieved the muscle which was pulling on the gum margin. This procedure is protective of further recession and will change the long term outcome for these teeth.

The root is protected from further recession after a gum tissue graft. The procedure causes a thicker seal of gum around the root which stops further recession.

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Gingivitis Healed After Gum Tissue Graft Tooth Root Is No Longer Exposed

Periodontal Gum Disease Treatment & Prevention

How We Treat Gingivitis / Gum Disease

How to prevent gum disease?
Preventative dentistry that includes regular teeth cleaning above and below the gum, and dental check-ups is the best way to protecting your teeth and gums for life.

Regular Visits To The Oral Hygienist

Regular visits to our dental hygienist for professional cleaning will help remove plaque and tartar buildup above and below the gum. You cannot reach under your gum with a toothbrush and flossing. In addition, this will help prevent “bad” bacteria causing gingivitis degrading your jawbone. We recommend that our patients have a professional clean at least twice a year.

Regular General Dental Checkups

Regular dentist visits every six months is one of the best ways to keep on top of your oral health. This means small issues can be dealt with early on before they become a problem.

Periodontal care

Special interest in Gum Disease

Crown and bridgework

Cosmetic Dentisry Oral Health

Dental implants

Implant Dentistry Providing teeth that look & feel like your own

Restorative Dentistry

Prosthodontist