February 2018

Gum disease can bring some unpleasant feelings and great discomfort. It can also affect your overall lifestyle, making it hard to enjoy everyday activities. Here are some tips that our Calgary Perio wants to share to help you combat gum disease.

Proper Flossing is Essential

Use floss that is long enough to accommodate each tooth. Make sure you slide the floss back and forth long enough so that the trapped food particles can be dislodged. Be diligent with your flossing habit. Being committed will greatly help with your fight against periodontal disease.

Glenda, one of our talented Registered Dental Hygienists, recommends gentle gum massages with your finger. You could apply some peppermint tonic oil, giving your mouth an instant refreshing makeover. 

Brush using the correct technique

Brushing your teeth should involve small circular motions. Moving your toothbrush in small circles ensures that plaque and food debris in between your gums and teeth can be dislodged. After you’ve brushed your teeth, do brush your tongue to eliminate the accumulation of bacteria. You can use your toothbrush or a tongue scraper to brush your tongue.

If your gums are sensitive and bleed while you are brushing, try to use a brush with softer bristles. Do not brush too hard as the pressure could be irritating your gums even more. If your gums are still sensitive and prone to bleeding, contact your local periodontist.

Experiencing severe tooth and gum sensitivity? Call our NW Periodontal Clinic Today!

Use an antiseptic mouthwash

Most mouthwash solutions contain fluoride, which help combat cavities. However, an antiseptic mouthwash has even more powerful properties. Antiseptic mouthwashes contain chlorhexidine gluconate, a chemical that can fight periodontal disease, canker sores, gum infections, and halitosis (bad breath).

Dr. Brar says, “Regular dental check-ups are very important. They give an opportunity to your dentist to examine your mouth thoroughly and detect any symptoms of periodontal disease or receding gums. Your dental hygienist is there to help with a deep cleaning of your mouth. Don’t miss your check-up or cleaning appointments. These can really help with early identification of dental issues and periodontal problems.”

Calgary Perio Clinic is located in the Northland Professional Building. Our in-house periodontists, Dr. Brar and Dr. Manhas, have decades of combined experience in the periodontal and dental implant industry. For more information on our staff and services, please click on the link below.

A lot of people do not notice the gradual recession of their gums. It is such a “slow” process that the changes in your gum line are really hard to notice. Gum recession is a fairly common dental problem and can go unnoticed until the condition becomes quite severe.

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Below are some of the common questions you may about gum grafts.

What is Gum Graft Surgery?

Gum surgery sounds worse than it actually is- really! Gum recession can result in exposed roots. If your gum is no longer the “blanket” that covers your tooth’s root, you could suffer from significant dental problems.

Gum grafts is a surgical procedure performed by a periodontist. The main objective of the graft is to stop gum recession and prevent the loss of your teeth’s important supporting structures.

READ MORE ABOUT DR. MANHAS ON RATEMDS.COM

What are the main types of Gum Grafting?

There are 3 main types of gum grating

1. Subepithelial Connective Tissue Graft

This type of gum graft will involve the removal of tissue from the outer layer of the palate. This tissue will then be relocated to the affected site of gum recession.

2. Free Gingival Graft

Gingivital grafts are mostly used to thicken and strengthen the gum tissue. A layer of tissue will be taken from the palate. It will then be transposed tot the site of gum recession.

3. Acellular Dermal Matrix Allograft

In this case, donated human tissue will the transferred to the site of gum recession. There won’t be any tissue taken out of the patient’s palate.

Gum graft surgery can seem complicated and scary. During your consultation with Dr. Manhas, feel free to voice your concerns. We welcome your questions and our staff is here to help you deal with any anxiety you are experiencing about the procedure.  A gum graft sounds frightening, but is in fact, a highly predictable procedure with tremendous positive results. 

What if I choose not to have the gum graft?

The effects of gum recession can be incredibly damaging. If not treated, gum recession can cause tremendous root sensitivity, especially when exposed to hot or cold foods. In addition, you could suffer from loss of bone, decay, and tooth loss.

What are the benefits of a gum graft?

Gum grafts can have tremendous positive effects in terms of function and esthetics. The main advantages of a gum graft are:

• Prevention of further gum recession and bone loss
• Exposed roots are covered and protected from decay
• Reduced food sensitivity and less dietary restrictions
• Improved aesthetic appearance

Is gum graft surgery painful?

Most patients report that post-surgery pain is very manageable with regular pain medication. Depending on your condition and your level of intolerance to pain, you may get a prescription for stronger pain medication. It is common for patients to experience bruising in the lips and cheeks.

Prior your gum graft surgery, our staff will share detailed instructions on how you can prepare for your procedure. After your surgery has been completed, Isabelle, one of our Registered Dental Assistants, will spend some time discussing the post-surgery recommendations. We strive to make the process comfortable, and will partner with you to achieve your quick and easy recovery. 

If you’ve been told that you need Gum Graft Surgery in Calgary, please contact our clinic at 403.288.3334. Our NW periodontal clinic is conveniently located in the Northland Professional Centre Building, next to the Northland Wal-Mart.

LEARN MORE ABOUT GUM GRAFT SURGERY (403) 288 3334