Periodontal health is important. At StarBrite Dental, we provide preventative dentistry techniques to help ensure patients are not affected by problems such as tooth decay and periodontal disease. Both can negatively affect the health of a smile as well as the way it looks, so patients are guided on how to care for their oral health in a way that protects their smile’s appearance, function, and health.
Dr. Munira Lokhandwala offers preventative services such as professional cleanings and examinations, including x-rays, which can help detect problems as soon as possible. Using physical examinations and x-rays together is the best way to ensure problems are not occurring underneath restorations such as veneers, crowns, and bridges. Patients must take care of their smile with restorations to make sure the natural tooth underneath is not harmed by serious problems. Cleanings can also help in removing plaque and tartar that has developed even when patients take good care of their smile with home dental care.
Home dental care is also important and must be followed precisely to ensure better dental health. This includes brushing and flossing. Patients should do both after every meal for optimum health and wellness. This can keep periodontal disease and tooth decay from affecting the natural tooth structure and requiring further dental attention by Dr. Munira Lokhandwala.
Without proper care and attention, patients may suffer from gum disease and/or cavities. Cavities eat away at the structure of the tooth. They can go deep within the tooth structure and even infect the dental pulp, the mass of tissues within the natural tooth. In some cases, these teeth can be saved with root canal therapy, while others may require the extraction of the adult tooth and restoration with dentures, dental implants, or dental bridges.
Gum disease is also a serious problem and can affect the entire smile. Also known as periodontal disease, this infection starts with the gum tissue. It causes them to become red and inflamed. Patients may notice bleeding when they brush and floss their teeth. As the condition progresses, patients may experience bad breath, pockets between the gum tissue and the teeth, and even loose teeth as a result of bone loss. Patients must take action as soon as possible to bring their smile back to health, and may spend the rest of their life trying to maintain and control the condition.
