South Texas Periodontics & Implants Blog

It’s safe to say that pretty much everyone loves a bargain. Whether it’s a great deal on a new car, a sale on your favorite laundry detergent or even choosing the most cost-effective way to restore your smile, it’s more important than ever to lower your expenses wherever you can. But one way you may not have realized can protect your bottom line is by restoring your smile with dental implants. Sure, while other options like dentures and dental bridges may seem more affordable up front, when you consider the long-term costs of permanently replacing your lost teeth with these restorations, the savings really add up!

If you’ve been struggling with advanced gum disease for a long time, you may feel frustrated, uncomfortable, and ready for a permanent solution. When teeth become loose or painful, it’s natural to wonder: If I just remove the teeth, will the gum disease finally go away?

It’s an understandable question. But the answer isn’t as simple as yes or no.

Let’s take a closer look at what gum disease really is — and what happens after teeth are removed.

Dental implants are a popular and reliable solution for replacing missing teeth, but not everyone is immediately ready for implant placement. In some cases, a bone graft is necessary before an implant can be placed. While the idea of a bone graft may sound intimidating, it plays an important role in creating a strong and stable foundation for a successful dental implant.

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!