Author: Nrp900Ri22Df

Your first visit to the periodontist may sound scary. You may not know what to expect, and perhaps you are worried about any issues your periodontist may uncover. The first step in allaying those fears is knowing exactly what to expect when you visit North Raleigh Periodontics for a comprehensive oral evaluation.
First, we will review your dental history with you to make sure we have a thorough understanding of your oral health and any problems or concerns you or your dentist may have. Don’t worry if you cannot remember everything; we will remain in close contact with your dentist as well.

Also, we will discuss your oral habits with you. This includes whether you have a history of clenching or grinding, which is a substantial contributor to jaw pain. We will also give you a comprehensive tutorial on the proper technique for brushing, flossing, and other at-home oral health measures.

Next, we will evaluate your periodontium (the tissue surrounding the teeth). We assess the color, contour, texture, tone, movement, and any defects in the periodontium. Also, we will measure periodontal pockets (the space between the teeth and gums) by gently measuring your probing depths.

Pockets that are three millimeters deep or more indicate the onset of periodontal disease; by measuring the pockets, we can analyze and address underlying periodontal issues head-on. Pocket depths are an important indicator of gum disease, especially since gum disease at its early stages is usually painless and may go undetected until it becomes more serious. If you experience root sensitivity or have inflamed gums, this helps us determine the severity of periodontal disease.

We will also measure your occlusion (your bite). Malocclusion (a bad bite) may threaten your overall oral health by damaging your teeth and gums, and malocclusion manifests as an override, underbite, or crossbite. Assessing occlusion gives us a fuller understanding of the contributors to periodontal issues you may be experiencing.

Moreover, we will review radiographic (x-ray) findings with you. Radiography helps reveal osseous (bone) loss, density of your jaw bone, and any periapical recession. The periapical is the tissue at the apex of the tooth root. Unfortunately, gingival recession at the periapical is common, but catching it early on helps us chart the best course of treatment for you.

After obtaining this full picture of your oral health, we will be able to formulate a course of action for any gingivitis, periodontitis, or other complications that we uncover. Then we will discuss treatment options with you and answer any questions you may have.

For patients, one of the most intimidating parts of a periodontal exam is facing the reality of oral health complications. However, it is much better to tackle these issues and begin a treatment plan tailored to you than to simply do nothing and hope any complications will disappear (they won’t). We look forward to working with you and your dentist to help restore your periodontal health– and your peace of mind!

Have questions? Give us a call at (919) 518-8222. You can also learn a little more about Dr. Singletary here.

For more information on this topic, listen to the Gum Guru Podcast by clicking the link below:

Golf Bag Of Treatment Options

You’ve Been Diagnosed With Periodontal Disease

Some individuals are born with excessive gum tissue covering an abnormally large portion of their teeth. When these people smile, usually much of their gum tissue is revealed and their teeth appear unusually small in comparison. This condition is known colloquially as a “gummy smile.” Fortunately, for people concerned with the appearance of this condition, a relatively simple procedure called an “esthetic crown lengthening” can remedy this problem.

To improve appearance, more tooth material must be uncovered than is currently available below the gum line. We can use an esthetic crown lengthening to achieve this outcome. This procedure is a gentle cosmetic process that contours the gum line and removes excessive gingiva (gum tissue).

An esthetic crown lengthening involves accessing the area below the gum line and increasing the amount of healthy tooth material exposed. Before beginning the procedure, the area is numbed. Then we remove excess tissue from the tooth surface and sculpt the gum line. This procedure lengthens the appearance of the tooth, making the teeth appear larger.

Esthetic crown lengthening can be performed on a single tooth or on an entire gum line. Additionally, we can utilize laser technology as opposed to a traditional scalpel. Patients who choose to receive a crown lengthening using a laser experience reduced bleeding, heightened comfort, less pain and swelling, and shortened healing time. Additionally, the procedure is performed in one sitting with little to no downtime.

In conclusion, an esthetic crown lengthening is an effective remedy for the appearance of small teeth, excessive gingiva, and an uneven gum line. Are you unhappy with your smile? Give us a call at (919) 518-8222. We’d love to discuss your options with you.

For more information on this topic, listen to the Gum Guru Podcast by clicking the link below:

Three Painless Ways To Improve Your Smile

Wishing you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Our offices will be closed from December 26th thru January 2nd so our team can enjoy the holidays with family and friends. We will reopen on January 3rd.

Wishing everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving. In observance of the holiday, our offices will be closed on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.

As adults age, they may notice a variety of oral health changes, from mild tooth decay to oral cancer. There are many possible causes of declining oral health. Fortunately, there are solutions as well.

Oral Health Changes

Some common dental health issues for older adults include gum disease (a.k.a. periodontal disease). This condition is an infection that impacts the bone and tissue supporting the teeth. It is quite common in mature adults.

Did you know that Dr. Singletary, as suave as he appears, was an aggressive snorer until a couple of years ago? Believe it or not, he is the reason we began our Sleep Solution Program here at North Raleigh Perio. In no uncertain terms, his wife let him know his snoring (and associated sleep apnea) was a big problem. Thanks to treatment, he no longer snores, and he’s enjoying more energy and a happier marriage.

Snoring is more than an annoyance; it is the most common sign of sleep-related breathing problems and a warning sign for a more serious, chronic health problem called obstructive sleep apnea. Check out these red flags to see if you think you may have sleep related breathing issues: