South Texas Periodontics & Implants Blog

Gingivitis—the earliest stage of gum disease—is a common condition caused by a buildup of plaque and bacteria along the gumline. While most people know it stems from poor oral hygiene, fewer realize that gingivitis may also be contagious under certain conditions.

Wait, gum disease is contagious?

That’s right—although it’s not infectious in the same way as the flu or a cold, the bacteria responsible for gingivitis can be transmitted from one person to another, especially through saliva.

Here’s what you need to know to keep your mouth—and your loved ones—healthy.

If you’ve never had a tooth extracted before, it probably seems a little scary. But the good news is that there’s no reason to be afraid. Tooth extractions are safe, effective, and your dentist knows how to ensure that you’re kept comfortable for the whole treatment. If you’re scheduled to have a removal soon, here’s what you can expect to occur, and why there’s nothing to fear during this common procedure!

For many patients, dental visits can be stressful. Whether it’s anxiety, a sensitive gag reflex, or fear of pain, these concerns can make it difficult to get the dental care you need. Thankfully, dental sedation offers a safe and effective way to help patients relax during procedures. However, despite its benefits, dental sedation is often misunderstood. Let’s clear up some of the most common myths surrounding it.

You’re not alone if you’re feeling nervous about an upcoming dental appointment. Many people experience anxiety when it’s time to see their provider, and some even avoid certain procedures if they’re overly afraid.

Fortunately, your dentist can provide IV sedation to help you feel relaxed and comfortable throughout your visit. However, it’s essential to be well-informed to decide whether this service is right for you. Continue reading to learn about four medications commonly used for IV conscious sedation so you can make an educated decision regarding your dental health.

Advanced forms of gum disease such as periodontitis cause serious damage that must be managed with care from a qualified periodontist. Even after the infection has been resolved, it may be necessary to perform restorative treatments to rebuild lost soft tissue structure. Here’s a brief guide to how gum grafting works and how these procedures can be performed.

Dentists laud dental implants because they look, feel, and work just like real teeth so that people with tooth loss can enjoy the many benefits of a complete smile. Since these prosthetic devices are so incredibly lifelike, many prospective patients may wonder if they are vulnerable to the same infections as real teeth. Here’s a brief guide to why excellent oral hygiene is still necessary regardless of how many implants you have.

If you need to replace missing teeth, you’re probably eager to get started on the road to recovery. Getting implant dentures is an excellent way to restore your beautiful smile, but the magic doesn’t happen overnight. Here’s a rough estimate of what the process will look like, and how long you can expect it to take for your new gorgeous new grin to be ready to share with the world!

Thanksgiving has come around the corner and is on its way to the dinner table. Soon you’ll be able to enjoy the company of family and friends, and, if you have dental implants, plenty of good food! Before Black Friday comes screeching by with supermarket deals and online discounts, why not take a moment to appreciate your new replacement teeth? Here’s how dental implants will improve your holiday experience.

How many dental implants will you need to complete your smile? At first, it may seem like a simple, straightforward question and one that you’d naturally ask if you are considering this replacement option. However, answering this question can get tricky, especially without meeting with a specialist in person. In fact, because of the complexity of implants, your periodontist won’t be able to give you a clear idea until they examine you and then consider these factors.

Dental implants are a popular solution for replacing missing teeth, but certain lifestyle factors can impact their success. Smoking, in particular, poses unique challenges to the implant process due to its effects on oral and overall health. This article will explore whether dental implants are feasible for smokers, the risks involved, and how to improve implant success if you’re a smoker.