What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease (clinical term: periodontal disease), including gingivitis and periodontitis, is a chronic bacterial infection that, if left untreated, can lead to tooth loss. Gums can become red, swollen and bleed easily or have no symptoms at all. If the condition worsens, gums and bone that support the teeth can become seriously damaged and the teeth can become loose, fall out or have to be removed. Gum disease is often a silent and painless condition and can go undetected or ignored until severe gum and bone destruction occurs.

Traditionally, patients diagnosed with moderate to severe gum disease had to undergo scalpel and suture periodontal surgery. During the surgery, gums are cut in order to scrape tartar off the roots, and drills are used to reshape bone. The gums are repositioned to the tooth with stitches, sometimes along with placement of bone grafts to fill in the defects. Following surgery, gum and exposed roots can be sensitive, painful, and subject to cavities. The conventional surgical process involves procedures that can require from eight to ten appointments and is not a reversible procedure. Call us today for more information at 310-322-1814

Tooth Sensitivity?

What is it?
Tooth sensitivity is something that affects a number of people. It is often caused by eating or drinking something hot, cold, sweet or acidic. Under normal conditions, the underlying dentin of the tooth (the layer that immediately surrounds the nerve) is covered by the enamel in the tooth crown, and the gums that surround the tooth. Over time, the enamel covering can get thinner, thus providing less protection. The gums can also recede over time, exposing the underlying root surface dentin.

The dentin contains a large numbers of pores or tubes that run from the outside of the tooth to the nerve in the center. When the dentin is exposed, these tubes can be stimulated by changes in temperature or certain foods. Good oral health care is a must and affordable at Dr Cardona’s office in El Segundo California….come see us today, or give us a call at 31-322-1814.

The Mouth-Body Connection

You may have heard of the mind-body connection, but what about the mouth-body connection To many people, a dental visit is about getting their teeth cleaned, having a tooth pulled, or getting a filling. However, a dental visit is not just about teeth. It is also about your overall health. What goes on in your mouth can affect the rest of your body. What goes on in your body also can have an effect on your mouth. Many diseases and conditions can affect your oral health. For example, people may get more infections in the mouth if their immune system is weak. The immune system protects your body from illness and infection. It can be weakened by disease, by drugs taken to prevent the rejection of transplanted organs, or as a side effect of cancer chemotherapy drugs. Medicine for other conditions also can affect the health of your mouth. For example, many drugs cause dry mouth. This can increase your risk of dental decay and yeast infections. It also can affect taste. While examining your mouth, your dentist might see a sign or symptom of an illness or disease that you might not even know you have. The dentist may perform tests and/or refer you to a specialist for treatment. If you have certain medical conditions, you may need specialized oral and dental care. If necessary, your dentist can refer you to an expert in oral medicine. Your oral health also can affect other medical conditions. For example, if you are diabetic, a mouth infection can disrupt your blood-sugar levels and make your diabetes harder to control. Researchers also are exploring whether periodontal (gum) disease may increase the risk of various medical problems. These may include heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and premature births. About 35% of U.S. adults have some form of periodontitis. Another 50% have gingivitis, the mildest form of gum disease. Because gum disease is so common, its treatment and management can have important implications for overall public health. For more information, call us today..310-322-1814.

Implants Complications

The vast majority of complications in implant surgery can be prevented by correctly selecting patients and treating difficult cases in the most adequate way, while knowing the risks, trying to avoid them with the necessary information and having carefully devised a specific plan for every patient. For more info...call us today, 310-322-1814