Smile Savers is accepting new patients however, we DO NOT accept HMO's, Medicaid, or other State Insurance Programs. If you require financial assistance please contact our office regarding our membership plan and financing options.
At some point in your life, you’ve probably brushed your teeth and spit out pink toothpaste foam in the mouth. That happens when brushing makes your gums bleed. If this occurs, it means that your gums are inflamed because of infections lurking in hidden areas. If your gums appear red or puffy, if you have bad breath or sensitivity around tooth roots, these are also signs of inflammation. You might have several questions about this condition; consulting with professionals can give you the guidance you need.
This infection and inflammation is called gingivitis. A regular schedule of brushing, flossing and visits to the dentist will help prevent gingivitis. Laser dentistry could be a viable option to consider for preventative care. It’s also helpful to avoid sugary foods and smoking. The healthier and less stressful your lifestyle is, the better your oral health will be, facilitating better recovery and regeneration of healthy tissues.
In general, gum disease is caused by the buildup of plaque and tartar on your teeth. When this starts to extend beneath your gum line, the germs trapped beneath your gums can lead to infection and require removal.
There are several factors that can increase your risk of developing gum disease. These include:
It’s important to see a dental professional to get your gum disease treated before it develops into a more serious problem and affects your gum tissue and teeth. Call us at
(410) 730-6460 to schedule your periodontal appointment at our Columbia, MD, office today.
So far, we have mentioned everything you need to know about what gum disease is, how to recognize it, and why you should get it treated right away. Now it’s time to go over the two main ways your dental professional can treat your gum disease and which one we recommend at Smile Savers.
Periodontitis is a very widespread problem. Until recently, the usual treatment for periodontitis involved antibiotics, deep cleanings and even gum surgery, which can be quite painful. In fact, despite the fact that these procedures can be necessary to prevent the loss of one’s teeth, they are often so painful that patients avoid them—causing the gum disease to progress even further. The use of dental laser assisted technologies is transforming the approach to treatment, making it more tolerable for patients.
However, at Smile Savers Dentistry, Dr. Daniel Stewart has found a much better way to help his patients with gum disease. Called “LANAP,” this laser treatment utilizes cutting-edge technology to treat gum disease without the painful effects of previous methodologies. Pioneering the frontier of periodontal health, the LANAP protocol - a laser periodontitis treatment - stands as the first and only regimen of its kind to garner FDA clearance, rapidly becoming a favored selection among discerning dental professionals.
Smile Savers Dentistry is one of the few practices in the Columbia, Maryland area that offers LANAP (short for “Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure”). By passing the laser over the inner surface of the gum pockets, diseased tissue is destroyed so it can be replaced by new, healthy tissue. This new tissue will securely reattach itself to the surface of the tooth, eliminating the empty pocket entirely.
There’s very little trauma to the gums, so healing is much faster than with gum surgery and there is no need for sutures. If you have been told that you suffer from periodontitis, call us to find out if you are a candidate for LANAP treatment. This is a totally different experience than any previous periodontal treatments you’ve had.
In its earliest stages, gingivitis does not typically cause pain. In fact, your symptoms may only happen occasionally, which can make it difficult for you to know if you have gum disease. The best way to be sure is to attend your regular 6-month checkups with our dentists at Smile Savers, who are skilled in periodontal therapy.
In addition, watch out for these common symptoms of gingivitis:
If you don’t get this condition treated by a dental professional fast, you could wind up with advanced gum disease that is more difficult to treat, called periodontitis, which might require periodontal surgery.
When gingivitis is allowed to persist, it progresses to a more serious condition called periodontitis. This stage might necessitate LANAP surgery. In periodontitis, the inflammation is more severe and has a more damaging effect on the gums. Pockets begin to form around the teeth as the gums pull away, creating a conducive environment for bacterial growth and necessitating laser therapy.
Since the bacterial deposits can’t be reached through normal cleaning methods, they have a chance to attack the bones around the teeth, with potential osseous surgery needed in the future. Bone mass is gradually lost, which will ultimately result in teeth that are loose and could be lost. Then you will need dentures or dental implants to replace these lost teeth.
Your gums visibly begin to recede so that when you look in the mirror, your teeth look longer, as though you had crown lengthening done. It’s very easy for abscesses to form in these pockets, as well.
Since periodontitis is the more advanced form of gum disease, its symptoms are much more noticeable. These symptoms can include:
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it's crucial to engage in dental laser assisted therapies for effective outcomes. Schedule a periodontal appointment right away at our dental office in Columbia, MD 21045. In some cases, your symptoms could indicate a dental emergency that needs to be handled fast to protect your smile.
Call us at (410) 730-6460 to schedule your appointment.
The longer you live with untreated periodontitis, the higher your chances of damaging your smile. Getting treatment with periodontics (the branch of dentistry that handles the gums and the bones beneath them) is the only way to prevent this damage. Considering LANAP procedure options can sometimes reduce the risk of further complications.
Untreated gum disease:
There’s no reason to put your health at risk! Call Smile Savers at (410) 730-6460 to schedule your periodontics appointment today.
The biggest difference between gingivitis and periodontitis is this:
Summery (00:00):
You cannot get the LANAP protocol at any dentist. There’s only certain of dentists who have been certified and have the precise laser, from Their Millenium Dental Technologies that can do the LANAP procedure. So many of you have searched for laser dentists in your area, LANAP laser is totally different. You must be certified and you must have the correct laser to do the LANAP procedure. So if you see “laser dentist”, you must ask if they’re laser certified using the LANAP procedure. Schedule your LANAP treatment today! Give us a call at Smile Savers.
Note: we have no interest 3rd party financing services available for those who qualify.
Dr. Stewart (00:00):
Many of you have had the alternatives. You’ve had the stitches, you’ve had the gum scraping, you’ve had the cutting. You’re not going to have this today. You’ll come in, we’ll anesthetize you, we’ll make sure you’re comfortable, we’ll do the procedure and it’ll last about an hour and a half. Is it going to be painful? No. The thing you have to worry about is getting fully hydrated. Make sure you eat before you come in. But when you come in, what we’ll do is make sure you’re very comfortable. We’ll get you anesthetized in the areas we’re going to work on so that you don’t feel a thing. What we’re going to do is we’re going to use this laser below the gum line. You probably won’t even know we’re using it on you. After we use the laser on you we’re going to clean your teeth really well with an ultrasonic. And during the procedure, when we use the laser you’re probably not even going to know that we’re using the laser. It’s literally that simple. I know you’re scared, I know you’re nervous but it’s not that big of a deal. When you leave you’re not going to be in pain. We’re not going to cut your gums, we’re not going to give you stitches. You’re going to go home. You’re going to have no gauze in your mouth, and you’ll be able to just relax when you get home.
Summary (00:00):
Many of you don’t know that not only is gum disease a bacteria problem, it’s also a bite problem. 50% of the depth of the pocket is caused by your bite. And if you can think about a tooth getting bang, bang, bang, all the time, it’s going make the pockets get deeper around your teeth. So it’s not just bacteria. The laser will go down and remove the bacteria, but it also gets the bone to grow. If the bone can’t grow because you’re banging your teeth or your teeth are in the wrong position, then the pockets will never get better. So as a part of LANAP, most of my patients or all of my patients are either going to have their teeth adjusted by lightly polishing edges like fingernails. Or you’re going to get a night guard so that nighttime you’re not banging your teeth while you’re healing. There are other people that even need more treatment which is what I love doing is Invisalign. Invisalign will help move your teeth into the right position. So while you’re healing, they’re not getting banged on.
Note: we have no interest 3rd party financing services available for those who qualify.
Dr. Stewart (00:00):
Have you been told that you’re going to lose your teeth, or you have bad gum disease, or you have gum disease? You’ve been to the periodontist every three months, you’ve had your teeth cleaned every three months, but if feels like nothing’s happening, nothing’s changing. Well, you could be a candidate for LANAP. I’ve had many patients that have wondered if they can benefit from LANAP. Really, what I have found is you have to have deep pockets around your gum. And usually, when you have deep pockets you have bad breath, you have bleeding gums, you have loose teeth, and you’ve had scaling and root planing if you know what that, have heard that before. Usually the patients that I see that need LANAP are those are having a hard time keeping their teeth clean. If you can’t keep your teeth clean, then you have deep pockets around your teeth. So you would be a great candidate for LANAP because what LANAP does is it makes the pockets smaller so that you can keep your teeth clean and you can keep your teeth longer. So what is the best part about LANAP? It’s gentle, for people that have beginning gum disease, or people that have progressive gum disease or those that have really complicated gum disease, it works for all of you. So if you have a question and you think that you may be a candidate give us a call and I’d be happy to do a consultation with you and show you if LANAP will benefit you.
Summer (00:00):
The cost of LANAP, it depends on the severity of your disease. So we like to get you in, do an evaluation, and then give you a cost of what it would be for you.
Insurance usually will cover a portion of it up to your yearly max, so if your yearly max is a thousand, then they'll cover up to that thousand dollars. The absolute.
We have several payment plans anywhere from 12 months with no interest to extended plans with interest to make affordable payments for you.
Note: we have no interest 3rd party financing services available for those who qualify.
Dr. Stewart (00:00):
It's pretty amazing. The laser has been made so that it'll actually go after the bacteria in the pocket and it's specific to the type of bacteria that caused gum disease. So when you use that laser, it literally will sterilize around the pocket and kill the bacteria. That's how it works.
It also uses the light of the laser to actually energize the bone and the hi the tissue that heals and it allows it to heal faster. If you don't do lan nap treatment, you most likely will lose your teeth because if you're coming to see me for LANAP, you usually are pretty advanced and you don't have much time left. So I usually find if you don't do anything, you're gonna lose your teeth. In most cases it will.
through the years of doing this, we've had really excellent results. Sometimes you'll lose a few just because they're so badly damaged, but the majority of them you'll be able to save.
(00:53)
the LANAP is a lot different cuz we use a laser to do a lot of our procedure and the laser is so small that very nice to the gums. We don't have to use scalpels and, and sutures to hold everything together. When we're finished, we actually just use the laser and it'll actually heal it on its own.
Well, if you file a protocol that you've been, you'll be taught after you do the procedure, is you shouldn't have to have it done again. In some rare cases, you may have to, you might have to go back in and to retreat using LANAP near certain sites, but a majority of the patients that I've seen haven't needed to have that done afterwards. Usually it depends on how much is needed, but normally if it's your full mouth, we do two parts, one half of the mouth one day and the other half the other day.
(01:39)
And it's usually about a hour and a half. Oh yeah. it's like a normal dental procedure where you would have anesthetic, you would be totally fine after you're finished. It's about an hour and a half appointment, so you might be a little tired, but you should be totally fine.
And again, drive yourself an It does. it depends on if you want me to write you a note and get outta work. No, just the amazing thing about it is it seems like a very complicated procedure, but actually for you can go home, you can have a normal day, you can go right to work. You may be anesthetized so you make people make, may make fun of you, but outside of that you should be totally fine. Go back to work, resume most of your normal routine.
Actually it's really amazing considering what we're doing for you and the surgery that we do. You won't have much pain at all. Some people may need a Motrin afterwards or an ibuprofen, but most cases people are like, call me the next day asking when am I gonna be in pain? And they aren't. That's the pretty neat thing about it.
We would need to do an exam to see if you qualify for the procedure because everyone’s disease is different in severity.
It will depend on your insurance benefits. Most insurance will have an allowance for it. But it will depend on your plan, past gum treatments, and your yearly maximums. It's always best to consult with your insurance provider and ask specific questions regarding coverage.
It is common to have gingivitis. This form of gum disease causes inflammation in the gingiva. Plaque on the teeth triggers an immune response in the gums. This can lead to redness, swelling, and bleeding.
The more severe form is called periodontitis. It affects supporting structures such as ligaments and bones of teeth. Untreated gingivitis can cause the bone and tissue that hold teeth in place to break down. Untreated periodontitis can cause gum recession, tooth cavities, and other dental issues.
Although gingivitis and gum disease are both forms of the same condition, they differ in severity and tissues affected. Periodontitis is treated by antibiotics, deep cleaning and surgery.
The following are the first signs of gingivitis:
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is vital that you make an appointment with Dr. Patel. Gingivitis can be treated by good oral hygiene like daily brushing and flossing. Gingivitis, if left untreated can progress to a more serious form of gum infection known as periodontitis. This is a condition that should be treated as soon as possible.
This condition may cause discomfort, such as bleeding or swelling, but it is not harmful. Gingivitis, if left untreated can lead to more serious forms of gum disease, like Periodontitis. This can cause tooth decay and other dental problems.
Researchers have also found that gum disease can be linked to other health conditions such as stroke, diabetes or heart disease. The exact cause of gum inflammation is not yet fully understood. However, it is believed that systemic inflammation can increase the risk for other health problems.
To maintain good health, it is important to treat gingivitis promptly to prevent it from progressing to more severe forms. This can be achieved with good oral hygiene. Regular dental cleanings and checkups are important, as is brushing and flossing.
Periodontitis can occur in conjunction with gingivitis. Periodontitis can begin with gingivitis. Untreated gum disease can progress to more advanced stages.
Periodontitis can develop when bacteria in plaque and tartar start to spread and grow below the gumline. The gums may pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that become infected. Over time, the infection can cause tissue and bone supporting the teeth to break down. The teeth can become loose and even fall out.
Consult a dentist or periodontist if you think you may have both gingivitis and periodontitis. They can conduct a thorough examination and prescribe the right treatment. To remove plaque and tartar, it may be necessary for a deep clean to be performed below the gumline. Infections can be controlled by antibiotics. In severe cases, surgery may be required to repair bone and gum damage.
To treat gingivitis effectively, dentists must first assess the severity of the disease through a comprehensive dental exam, which includes assessing the gums, teeth, and oral tissues. Once gingivitis is diagnosed, the dentist will recommend a specific treatment plan.
Treatment of gingivitis is aimed at reducing the inflammation and preventing it from progressing to more serious gum disease such as periodontitis. Treatment includes:
Treatment of gingivitis is dependent on severity and the individual's needs. The majority of gingivitis cases can be treated with the right care and maintenance.
The healing of gingivitis can be slow, depending on the severity, how it is managed, and the health of the individual. With proper oral care and treatment, gingivitis can be reversed within a few weeks or months.
A dentist may suggest that you undergo more frequent cleanings in the beginning stages of treatment. Every three to four month, for example, to remove tartar and plaque buildup on your teeth and gums. For example, a person may have to alter their lifestyle in order to promote healing and reduce swelling. This could include quitting smoking, or changing their diet.
You will see an improvement in your symptoms within a few weeks of starting treatment. This includes less swelling and bleeding. Regular dental cleanings are still necessary to prevent gingivitis and other forms of gum diseases from developing.
Although gingivitis can be reversed and treated, it is not a panacea. To maintain good oral hygiene, regular dental cleanings and examinations are essential.
Also known as gum disease, periodontal disease can be a chronic infection caused by bacteria. This is a chronic infection that affects the gums and tissue surrounding teeth. Tartar build-up on teeth can lead to inflammation and infection. Untreated periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss and bone destruction.
Periodontal disease can be divided into two main types: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is the milder form of periodontal disease. It's characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums. The gums can become infected when they pull away from the teeth. Periodontitis may also lead to bad breath, receding gum lines, loosening teeth, and changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite.
Regular brushing, flossing and professional cleanings can help manage and treat periodontal disease. Surgery may be needed in more advanced cases. Consult a dentist or periodontist if you suspect you have periodontal disease. Early treatment will prevent further damage to your teeth and gums.
A bacterial infection is the main cause of gum disease, also known as periodontal (gum) disease. The bacteria in dental plaque, a film that forms on teeth, can cause gum and tissue inflammation and damage.
A number of factors can cause periodontal disease.
It's important to keep your mouth clean and see a dentist regularly if you want to prevent gum disease. If you think you have gum disease, you should see Dr. Patel.
The severity of periodontal or gum disease can influence the symptoms. Early symptoms may not be apparent. These symptoms may increase in severity as the disease progresses.
Red, swollen, or tender gums can be an early sign of gum disease.
Gum disease may not be visible in some people. Early detection of gum disease can be prevented by regular dental cleanings and examinations.
Periodontal disease has been linked to other health conditions. Periodontal diseases has been associated with other health conditions.
It is difficult to understand the relationship between gum disease and other conditions. Regular dental cleanings, checkups and brushing and flossing can help reduce the risk of gum disease.
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, cannot be cured. However it can be effectively treated. The treatment aims to control the infection, manage symptoms and prevent further damage.
Most gum diseases are treated by a combination of office procedures and at-home care. Early gum disease treatments can include dental cleanings and improved oral hygiene, such as brushing regularly and flossing.
The treatment for advanced gum disease, or periodontitis, may involve more invasive procedures such as scaling and planning (deep cleaning), surgical intervention or bone and tissue grafts.
Although gum disease is treatable, it is a chronic disease that requires maintenance to keep it at bay. It is recommended that you have regular dental cleanings, checkups, and improve your oral hygiene. In some cases, prescription antibiotics or mouthwashes may be prescribed.
Although gum disease cannot be cured, it can still be managed and treated effectively through a combination of in-office procedures and at-home care. It is essential to work closely with your dentist or periodontist to develop a treatment plan that meets your needs.
Treatment options can be affected by the severity of gum or periodontal disease. The treatment may involve a combination of in-office procedures and at-home care.
There are several treatments for gum disease.
You can treat gum disease at home with improved oral hygiene including brushing, flossing and antiseptic mouthwash.
It is essential to work closely with Dr. Patel or a periodontist to develop a treatment plan that meets your needs. To manage gum disease, it is important to have regular dental cleanings.
Some patients may experience discomfort during and after the procedure, even though teeth cleanings and periodontal treatments are not supposed to cause pain. The level of discomfort you experience will depend on the severity of your gum disease and what treatment you receive.
Using special tools, the dentist or dental hygiene will remove plaque and tartar from the teeth and gums during a professional cleaning. This procedure can cause some discomfort, especially if your gums or teeth are sensitive.
For more advanced gum disease, like periodontitis, periodontal surgery or scaling and root planning may be needed. These procedures can be uncomfortable and cause sensitivity during and after the procedure. Anesthesia can minimize discomfort.
It's vital that you tell Dr. Patel if you are experiencing any discomfort. Dr. Patel can adjust treatment to reduce discomfort.
You should make an appointment to see Dr. Patel immediately if you suspect that you may have gingivitis. It is important to seek treatment early on and intervene quickly if you want to avoid the disease progressing further into more serious forms of gum disease, like Periodontitis. It can lead to permanent damage of the gums and teeth.
Here are some symptoms and signs that could indicate gingivitis.
Regular dental cleanings are also necessary to prevent gum disease and detect problems early. You can discuss with Dr. Patel how frequently you should make these appointments based on your risk factors and individual needs.
Dr. Daniel Stewart founded Smile Savers to offer one-of-a-kind service to our neighbors in Columbia, MD, and the surrounding communities. Whether you need gum disease treatment, dental implants, or a simple cleaning, our caring team will be here for you every step of the way.
It’s because Doctor Stewart cares about your comfort and oral health that he invested in the LANAP machine for treating gum disease. For over 30 years, our mission has been to provide the best dental care in Maryland, and we work hard for you to live up to that ideal.
If you have gingivitis or periodontitis, call Smile Savers to schedule an appointment with our experts. You deserve a healthy smile, and we’ll help you achieve it!
Call us at
(410) 730-6460 today.
Contact Us
Smile Savers is accepting new patients however, we DO NOT accept HMO's, Medicaid, or other State Insurance Programs. If you require financial assistance please contact our office regarding our membership plan and financing options.
Content Reviewed by
All Rights Reserved | Smile Savers Dentistry