Beating Gum Disease Before It Starts

It might surprise you to learn that nearly half of Americans over 30--47%--have an advanced stage of gum disease known as periodontitis. That number climbs to 70% in older populations. Why is gum disease so common, and how can you keep yourself from getting it? Gum disease is the result of infection by bacteria in the mouth. Initially, gums experience... read more »

Insights on Tooth Structure

Each one of your teeth is made up of multiple layers. Each one of these layers has its own unique set of characteristics and function that works together to give you a fully functioning tooth. The enamel is the outermost layer of a tooth. Enamel is composed from a dense mineral crystal structure that gives your teeth the ability to... read more »

Shape Your Gums, Brighten Your Smile

When you think about improving the appearance of your smile, you probably think about the varied treatments available through cosmetic dentistry. And while there are many things you can do to whiten, shape, and straiten your teeth, periodontal treatments also have an impact on your smile. One common treatment used to brighten smiles is cosmetic gum shaping. Gum shaping, also... read more »

Recovering from Multiple Extractions

It’s not uncommon to have a few existing teeth extracted before your dentist at Fox River Periodontics, PC can fit you for your new set of dentures. There are a few aftercare tips to keep in mind for speedy recovery after multiple extractions. Sometimes a multiple extraction procedure calls for you to be deeply sedated. If so, you will need... read more »

How Periodontitis Links to Other Health Issues

Your health is impacted by your oral health as much as your teeth and gums are. The American Dental Association has found that individuals with serious gum disease were 40% more likely to have a chronic health condition too. When bacteria in the mouth builds up and causes infection, your immune system goes on the attack to fight the infection,... read more »

Flossing Your Pearly Whites Like a Pro

The battle against tooth decay and gum disease is won daily by brushing several times a day and flossing at least once a day. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends flossing at least once each day, using an ADA approved dental floss, so that you as the consumer knows it has been rigorously tested and proven to be both safe... read more »

Surgery to Restore Jawbone Structure

There are several things that can cause a loss of bone material where your teeth anchor to your jaw. Advanced gum disease, severe tooth decay or a complete tooth extraction can all result in their not being enough structure available to securely anchor a dental implant. In a situation like this your dentist or periodontist might recommend a bone graft... read more »

Bone Graft Surgery Can Restore Lost Structure in your Mouth

Chronic or advanced gum disease, severe tooth decay and deep fractures can result in loss of material in the bones that anchor your teeth. It’s not uncommon for people interested in dental implants to need a bone graft to restore enough structure to anchor it. At the initial appointment your periodontist or oral surgeon will need to take a series... read more »

Gingivectomy Surgery for Advanced Periodontitis

Tartar buildup at the gum line and poor oral hygiene can develop into the advanced form of gum disease known as periodontitis. Without timely resolution the infection and subsequent inflammation can cause your gums to recede from your teeth. This often forms pockets in the gum tissue near the roots of your teeth. This will slowly cause a loss of... read more »

Advanced Gum Disease May Require Surgery

Chronic issues with gum disease can advance into periodontitis. This infection and inflammation can cause your teeth to recede from your teeth, creating pockets in your gums that can harbor bacteria. The infection can cause loss of material in the bones that anchor your teeth and have an impact on other medical conditions. The most common solution is gingival flap... read more »