Life Smiles Dental Care is OPEN

Life Smiles Dental Care is OPEN to help you with your routine care. In response to the spread of COVID-19, to keep our communities safe we are taking numerous precautions. We are here to help you at Life Smiles Dental Care with all your dental needs. You may either call (602) 786-5484 or contact us through Virtual Consultation to book an appointment.

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New Patients: (602) 786-5484

Existing Patients: (602) 404-7266

4611 E Shea Blvd, Ste 250
Phoenix , AZ 85028 | Direction

Gum Disease

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection of the gums surrounding your teeth. Gum disease is one of the top reasons for tooth loss in adults, and because it is virtually pain-free, many patients do not know they have the disease. During each regular checkup, your dentist will check for signs of periodontal disease by measuring the space between your teeth and gums.

WHAT CAUSES GUM DISEASE?

Gum disease is caused by a buildup of plaque (a sticky form of bacteria that forms on the teeth). If the plaque is not removed (by flossing, brushing, and regular dental checkups), it will continue to build up and create toxins that can damage the gums. Periodontal disease forms just below the gum line and creates small pockets that separate the gums from the teeth. Periodontal disease has two stages: gingivitis and periodontitis.

  • Gingivitis — This is the early stage of gum disease, when the gums become red and swollen, and bleed easily. At this stage, the disease is treatable and can usually be eliminated by daily brushing and flossing.
  • Periodontitis — If left untreated, gingivitis will advance into periodontitis, and the gums and bone that support the teeth will become seriously and irreversibly damaged. Gums infected with periodontitis can cause teeth to become loose, fall out, or be removed by a dentist.

 

Gingival Recession - Recessed Gums

Gingival Recession - Recessed Gums
Video Transcript

So Gingival Recession is a condition where our gum tissue retreats up the root of our teeth so exposing more teeth and often that makes a space between our teeth and we call those black triangles. Most dentists don’t know and you know very few patients know that you can fix those spaces by the gum line that is caused by that Gingival recession with a simple procedure utilizing cosmetic dental bonding so we can add this material on the sides of the teeth so it seamlessly fills in the space and closes that black triangle. It is very non-invasive and inexpensive and it makes a nice result for patients they really appreciate it!


Certain factors can increase a patient’s risk of developing periodontal disease, including:

  • Smoking or using chewing tobacco
  • Diabetes
  • Certain types of medication such as steroids, anti-epilepsy drugs, cancer therapy drugs, calcium channel blockers, and oral contraceptives
  • Bridges that no longer fit properly
  • Crooked teeth
  • Old fillings
  • Pregnancy

While it is possible to have periodontal disease and not know it, some symptoms can include:

  • Gums that bleed easily
  • Red, swollen, tender gums
  • Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
  • Persistent bad breath or bad taste
  • Pus between your teeth and gums
  • Permanent teeth that are loose or separating
  • Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
  • Any change in the fit of partial dentures

TREATING GUM DISEASE

Treatments for gum disease can vary depending on the severity of each individual case. Typical treatments include:

  • Non-surgical treatments such as at-home periodontal trays, and scaling and root planing (deep cleaning)
  • Periodontal surgery and laser gum surgery
  • Dental implants

PREVENTING GUM DISEASE

Regular dental checkups and periodontal examinations are important for maintaining your health and the health of your smile. You don’t have to lose teeth to periodontal disease, and by practicing good oral hygiene at home, you can significantly reduce your chances of ever getting gum disease. Remember to brush regularly, clean between your teeth, eat a balanced diet, and schedule regular dental visits to help keep your smile healthy.

 

 

Dr. Paul Nielson, DDS, MAGD earned a zoology degree from Brigham Young University before completing dental studies at University of Washington, Seattle. He has practiced dentistry for over a decade, and has followed continuing education to exceed the state’s licensing requirements. He’s a Master in the Academy of General Dentistry and holds membership in many professional associations. He’s especially interested in implant, cosmetic and sedation dentistry; and full mouth rehabilitation.
Dr. Timothy Schmidt, DMD, FAGD studied in Utah and Oregon, before serving at University of Washington School of Dentistry as an affiliate instructor. Then he returned to Arizona to serve his local community. As a member of several prestigious dental organizations, he aims to provide comfortable treatments delivering natural-looking and long-lasting results. He aims to raise dental healthcare standards through ongoing education, new technologies and by listening to patients’ concerns.
Dr. Jared Bishop earned his undergraduate degree at Brigham Young University in Utah, after which he completed his dental school training at Midwestern University in Glendale. Having completed a 1 year residency, Dr. Bishop was also honored to practice dentistry in the U.S. Army for 5 years. As a member of the Academy of General Dentistry, the American Dental Association, and the Arizona Dental Association, Dr. Bishop keeps up with current dental technology, techniques, and materials to provide his patients with the highest standard of care.


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