Rocky Mountain Periodontal Blog

Before you can get dental implants for missing teeth, you may need to have a dental bone graft to create a sturdy foundation for the dental implants. A bone graft is a routine procedure that usually requires a day or two to recover. Keep reading to learn more about the healing process and how you can prepare in the days before the procedure so you’ll be back on your feet in no time. 

You know your enamel can’t grow back, which is why you’re proactive about combating tooth decay. However, your teeth are the only component of a healthy smile. Your gums are just as important. Unfortunately, 50% of Americans have gum disease. The preventable infection destroys the gum tissue and the supporting structures of your teeth, exposing your tooth roots. Over time, your teeth can loosen and fall out because they don’t have the support and protection of your gum tissue. Thankfully, your gums aren’t like your enamel. You can save your smile from irreversible damage if you catch gum recession early. 

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If you’ve been considering cosmetic procedures to enhance your smile, there are many options available to you. While some target the teeth themselves, such as teeth whitening, cosmetic bonding, and veneers, others address the gum tissue instead. One of these services is crown lengthening, which does exactly what it sounds like – lengthen and enlarge the teeth (at least in appearance) by removing excessive gum tissue. However, you shouldn’t be too surprised if you’re being recommended crown lengthening to address other issues with your smile that aren’t exclusively related to esthetics. Keep reading to learn what they are and what to expect from treatment.

You probably know already that you receive physical traits from your parents. These include hair color, facial features like eye color, and numerous other attributes. This genetic transfer does not stop at physical characteristics though. In addition, the risk for certain medical conditions can be passed down as well. Gum disease is one of these conditions, a dental disease that is largely unnoticeable in the earliest stages. If you have a family member who develops gum disease quite easily, you may be more likely to as well. Learn more about the science behind gum health and genetics as well as how to protect yourself at home.

Are you preparing for an upcoming appointment with a periodontist? If you’re feeling anxious or nervous ahead of time, you should know that sedation dentistry can help you feel dramatically more relaxed throughout your treatment. It’s understandable if you’re asking the question “is sedation dentistry covered by insurance?” According to a periodontist, these are the most important factors to keep in mind.

Wisdom teeth removal is an extremely common surgery, with as many as 10 million wisdom teeth being removed in the United States each year. As with most surgeries, it takes some time for your body to fully recover after the procedure. While wisdom tooth recovery is usually completed without any complications, it’s important to be aware of just how long the process takes and what you can do to speed it up. That way, you can return to your normal routine all the sooner without having to worry about any new oral health problems. The following post covers the basics of recovery that you need to know before wisdom tooth surgery.

Many people choose to schedule oral surgery procedures like gum grafting or tooth extraction around the holidays. This way, they can recover during an already scheduled break from work or school. Of course, you may be concerned about missing out on the festivities while dealing with the aftereffects of surgery, but don’t worry! While you may need to be a bit more mindful of what foods you can eat and what activities you take part in, you’ll still be able to enjoy a fun, fulfilling holiday season even while you’re in the middle of the recovery process. Here are 4 tips for taking care of your mouth while in the middle of holiday celebrations.

Do your palms sweat when it’s time to visit the dentist? Maybe you need an upcoming procedure, and you’re concerned about pain? No matter the reason, dental sedation can provide a comfortable, pain-free appointment; however, there has been a lot of controversy surrounding it. The media often features sedation dentistry negatively without reporting the benefits. It’s normal to have concerns because there’s a lot of misinformation about the services. Don’t let rumors stand in your way of getting the comfortable care you need. Here are the facts to 4 common dental sedation myths to make the best decision about your oral health needs.

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The end of the year is approaching quickly, and the holiday season is officially in full swing. Now that it’s November, there’s one special holiday everyone is looking forward to – Thanksgiving! Not only is it a chance to feast on delicious food, but to show gratitude and appreciation for what matters most in your life. If you have dental implants, there are plenty of reasons to be grateful this season. That said, here’s why you should be thankful for your new smile this Thanksgiving.