South Texas Periodontics & Implants Blog

After hearing about dry socket, many patients feel nervous about getting a tooth removed. The good news is that this painful condition is much less common than most people think. Only about one to three percent of all extractions result in dry socket, and the risk is even lower if you carefully follow your dentist’s instructions.

Here’s what you should know for a smooth recovery.

When it comes to treating gum disease, patients often worry about discomfort, lengthy recovery times, and invasive procedures that leave their mouths permanently changed. Thankfully, advances in modern periodontics have made treatment more comfortable and efficient than ever before. One of the most exciting developments is laser periodontal therapy, which is quickly becoming a preferred option for patients and providers alike. Here’s what you need to know about this innovative form of gum care!

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.