About Gum Disease

Periodontitis, commonly referred to as gum disease, is a condition that arises from bacterial buildup and inflammation along the gum line. If left untreated, it can lead to the deterioration of the bone structure that sustains your teeth, potentially resulting in tooth loss or looseness. The inflammation characteristic of gum disease creates a pathway for plaque bacteria to enter the bloodstream, increasing the likelihood of developing various health conditions. Poor oral hygiene practices often cause it, as well as missed dental appointments, advanced age, genetic predisposition, and chronic illnesses. To help prevent periodontitis or improve your chance of successful treatment, brush at least twice a day, floss daily, and get regular dental checkups.

Gum Disease Symptoms

Early-stage gum disease may not always present noticeable symptoms, emphasizing the significance of scheduling regular dental checkups. If you encounter any of the following symptoms, it is vital to make an appointment without delay:

• Tooth and mouth pain
• Painful chewing
• Mouth sores
• Bad breath
• Loose teeth or loss of teeth
• Changes in your bite
• Receding, swollen, and painful gums
• Bleeding during brushing and flossing
• Pus between your teeth and gums

Gum Disease Treatment

In dentistry, scaling and root planing are deep cleaning procedures that effectively remove plaque, bacteria, and acid buildup responsible for gum inflammation. The two-part process involves scaling, which removes tartar from the surface of your teeth, and root planing, which removes tartar from the roots of your teeth below your gum line. Both treatments are performed during the same dental visit to ensure a thorough cleaning.

Periodontal disease typically doesn’t cause pain, which is why you may be diagnosed with periodontitis during a routine check-up. We may also take dental X-rays to identify other potential issues, such as cavities, tooth infections, and bone loss. If you have periodontitis, Dr. Hodzic will discuss treatment options, including tooth scaling and root planing.

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Tooth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a common early warning sign of sleep apnea. This condition can lead to tooth wear, breakage, inflamed and receding gums, and an increase in cavities.

Clenching the jaw and grinding the teeth while sleeping sends signals to the brain to wake up and take a breath, leading to poor sleep quality and fatigue. Other oral health signs of sleep apnea include having a small jaw, scalloped tongue edges, or redness in the throat from excessive snoring, another symptom of sleep apnea.

Gasping for breath can cause a person to wake up repeatedly, resulting in a higher risk of fatigue, poor sleep quality, and other health issues such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.

If a dentist suspects that a patient has sleep apnea, they may recommend a sleep study. However, only a medical doctor can officially diagnose sleep apnea. Common sleep apnea symptoms include chronic snoring, daytime drowsiness, waking up with a sore throat or dry mouth, and morning headaches. If you experience any of these symptoms, please let Dr. Hodzic know.

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Dental crowns

Dental crowns are custom-made dental fixtures designed to cap the portion of a tooth above the gum line. They are utilized to strengthen the structure of a damaged, weakened, or decayed tooth, thereby restoring its natural function, size, shape, and appearance. Failure to protect teeth with crowns may result in a broken tooth or render the tooth unsalvageable. Additionally, crowns can serve as a replacement for a missing tooth when placed over a dental implant. We design and mill your dental crowns in the office, which reduces the wait time from the lab.

Dental Bridges

Whereas crowns are used to repair damaged teeth, bridges serve the sole purpose of replacing missing teeth. In cases of missing teeth, a bridge is used to fill the gap and restore your smile’s aesthetics and functionality. Generally, a dental bridge comprises two crowns placed on either side of the missing tooth or teeth, which support an artificial tooth customized to fit the gap. This false tooth is then securely cemented, providing a durable and aesthetically pleasing solution.


Dental Implants

For individuals with missing teeth, dental implants are an ideal solution for restoring both the look and function of their smile. By surgically placing an artificial tooth root into the jawbone and fitting it with custom-made replacement teeth, dental implants provide a natural-looking and durable alternative for missing teeth. This approach allows individuals to speak, chew, and smile with confidence.


Removable Dentures

Dentures are a type of removable prosthetic device that are created to replace missing teeth. These devices provide a cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing solution for those looking to improve their smile. There are two types of dentures: complete and partial. Complete dentures are used to replace all teeth, while partial dentures are used to replace only some missing teeth and are typically anchored to existing natural teeth.

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Orthodontists commonly use braces to enhance the look and feel of a patient’s smile. There are various types of braces available, including clear, ceramic, lingual, self-ligating, invisible, and traditional metal braces.

If you desire to improve your smile, Dr. Hodzic can refer you to a qualified orthodontist. While the Canadian Association of Orthodontists suggests that children first visit an orthodontist around the age of seven, orthodontic treatment is not limited to children and teenagers.

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Veneers

Veneers are thin porcelain shells that resemble tooth enamel and are bonded to the front surface of your teeth. Our team customizes and designs each veneer to give you an aesthetically pleasing smile. Veneers offer a straightforward solution to transform your smile by concealing crooked teeth, gaps, chips, and stains. This highly sought-after cosmetic dental procedure delivers stunning, natural-looking results that can be transformative. With veneers, you no longer have to feel self-conscious about smiling, speaking, or taking pictures, allowing you to embrace life’s moments with confidence.

Dental Bonding 

Dental bonding is an affordable and commonly recommended cosmetic dental procedure that can improve the appearance of your smile. We provide cosmetic bonding services for individuals with minor dental imperfections, including chips, cracks, and gaps. This simple and cost-effective procedure involves applying a tooth-coloured composite resin to the affected area, which is then shaped and polished to match the natural appearance of your teeth. Bonding is a quick and efficient process, typically completed in a single appointment, and with proper care, it can provide long-lasting results that can endure for several years.

Gum Contouring Therapy

Gum contouring is a cosmetic procedure that involves the removal of excess tissue and the reshaping of a patient’s gum line. This treatment is commonly used to address uneven or “gummy” smiles, which occur when excessive gum tissue covers portions of the teeth. Due to its ability to produce significant results, many individuals opt for this procedure.

Teeth Whitening

If you feel self-conscious about your teeth due to discoloration or stains, it may be time to consider teeth whitening. At Dental by the Grange, we offer a whitening treatment to restore your bright smile. Our treatment is both safe and effective and results in minimal sensitivity. 

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Dental Prophylaxis (Teeth Cleanings)

At Dental by the Grange, we specialize in providing our patients with preventive dental care services, including professional teeth cleanings, also known as prophylaxis. We believe that maintaining optimal oral health between dental visits is crucial, which is why we recommend biannual dental cleanings to prevent dental diseases and other oral health issues. Based on your current oral health status, Dr. Hodzic may suggest additional preventive measures like deep dental cleaning and fluoride treatment to prevent gum disease and enamel erosion. Following each cleaning, we carefully polish your teeth, removing any stains or discoloration leaving your teeth looking and feeling their best.

Dental Fillings

Dental fillings are a common treatment for reversing the effects of cavities and decay. After the affected tooth area is cleaned and removed, a filling is added to fill the resulting space or hole. In addition to restoring teeth with cavities, fillings can be used to repair teeth that are cracked, broken, or worn down due to misuse, such as nail-biting or tooth-grinding.

Various materials can be used for dental fillings, including gold, porcelain, silver amalgam (a mixture of mercury, silver, tin, zinc, and copper), and composite resin fillings made of a combination of plastic and glass materials. The choice of filling material depends on the location and severity of the decay, cost, insurance coverage, and dentist’s recommendation. Together, these factors help determine which type of filling is the most suitable for your specific dental needs.

Root Canal Dentistry

Located within each tooth is a vital component known as the “pulp chamber,” which contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissues. In cases where this pulp becomes infected, it is vital to remove the infection to prevent tooth loss and other consequential issues. Root canal therapy is a safe, effective, and prompt procedure that targets such infections.

If you’re experiencing pain, swelling, sensitivity, or pressure, it could indicate the need for a root canal. These are typical signs of issues occurring in the inner chamber of your tooth. If left untreated, a cavity can cause an infection in the pulp tissue, which can destroy healthy tissue. However, it’s important to note that pulp is not a vital component of fully-developed teeth. By removing the infected pulp through a root canal procedure, Dr. Hodzic can eliminate the infection and alleviate pain while preserving the natural tooth.

Nightguards for a Relief of TMJ Symptoms

Bruxism, or teeth grinding during sleep, can cause dental health issues such as headaches, uneven tooth wear, TMJ (temporomandibular joint) issues, and chipped teeth. At Dental by the Grange, we offer custom-made nightguards to address these issues and protect your teeth. Custom-fitted mouthguards can alleviate TMJ symptoms like jaw clenching, muscle pain, tightness, and swelling.


The Importance of Mouthguards in Sports

Staying healthy includes engaging in athletic activities; however, it’s equally important to safeguard your teeth during these activities. A customized athletic mouthguard is a valuable tool in protecting your oral health. Our dental team provides personalized mouthguards, ensuring superior protection for your teeth and reducing the risk of concussions. Our custom-fit mouthguards offer maximum comfort and protection, allowing you to focus on your athletic performance.

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