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  • A Look at Your Treatment Options for Gum Disease

    Gum disease is a common dental health problem that affects many Americans. If your dentist has recently given you a gum disease diagnosis, you may be wondering about your treatment options. Along with providing you with dental implants and other cosmetic dentistry services near Newton, your dentist can also help you treat and correct your gum disease. Your treatment options will typically depend on your symptoms and how advanced your gum disease has become. To help you gear up for your next dental appointment, here is a look at your treatment options for gum disease. The Dental Office at Chestnut Hill Explaining Types of Gum Disease

    Nonsurgical Treatment

    If your gum disease is still at the early stages of development, you may be eligible for nonsurgical treatment. Nonsurgical treatment is minimally invasive, and can be performed without the use of anesthetics. During a nonsurgical gum treatment appointment, a hygienist will remove plaque from the surface of your teeth. Thoroughly cleaning your teeth can help to promote gum health and help to stop the early symptoms of gum disease.

    Pocket Reduction

    After your nonsurgical treatment has been completed, your dentist will carefully monitor your teeth to determine whether your gum disease is still advancing. If you are still showing symptoms, your dentist may recommend that you schedule a pocket reduction procedure. During a pocket reduction, your dentist will use gentle surgical methods to fold back your gums and cover up tooth roots that are starting to become exposed. Pocket reduction can restore gum health and help to prevent tooth decay.

    Bone Grafting

    Patients with advanced-stage gum disease may be candidates for bone grafting procedures. Bone grafting is required in cases where gum disease has led to the deterioration of the jawbone around the affected gum line. Synthetic bone material is used to replace damaged areas and will help to prevent further bone loss. Your dentist can provide you with more information about gum disease treatments that are available for your condition.

  • How Does Vaping Affect Your Oral Health?

    People turn to e-cigarettes as a means of improving their health, but your periodontist in Newton will tell you that vaping can be harmful to your oral health of which you might not be aware. Studies have shown that nicotine, no matter the source, harms your gums, tongue, and mouth, and can promote the development of gum disease . The chemical nicotine restricts the blood flow through your veins, depriving your gums of necessary nutrients and oxygen, and potentially leading to the death of gum tissue and to gum recession.

    As a vasoconstrictor, nicotine also inhibits your mouth’s ability to produce saliva, leaving it susceptible to dry mouth, bacteria buildup, and tooth decay. Additionally, nicotine works as a stimulant in your body, and can cause people who already grind their teeth to suffer more intense symptoms, or lead to grinding behavior.

    Look for a dental office that offers a broad variety of dental services, a few of which include clear braces, veneers, and dental implants.

    Effect of Vaping on Oral Health in Newton, MA