South Texas Periodontics & Implants Blog

Did you know that sources estimate approximately 4% to 11% of newborns have lip or tongue-ties? If the band of tissue under the tongue or behind the lip, or frenulum, is overly short, tight, or hard, its movement is restricted, resulting in a limited range of motion that can impact their dental health, growth, and development.

But many adults who struggle with basic skills, such as speaking, eating, breathing, or kissing, don’t realize their challenges might also be due to a lip or tongue-tie. If you’re unsure whether your struggles are associated with this condition, continue reading to learn more!

Did you know that, according to the CDC, an estimated 84% of infants are breastfed initially, but then this rate drops to about 27% by the time they’re six months old?

A lip or tongue tie can prevent your child from latching correctly, which can make it uncomfortable to continue nursing. Today, an estimated 11% of infants suffer from this condition, though the number of diagnoses seems to be on the rise. Continue reading to learn more about the prevalence of this condition and how your dentist can help!

If the thought of visiting the dentist makes your palms sweat, you’re not alone. Many patients struggle with dental anxiety, and in some cases, that fear can prevent them from getting the care they need. Fortunately, modern dentistry offers solutions that make dental treatment calm and comfortable—one of the most effective being IV sedation.

If you’ve ever wondered whether IV sedation might be right for you, here’s what you should know about how it works and who makes an ideal candidate.

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.