What is Gum Recession & How Can You Treat It?

You are staring in the mirror asking yourself, "Are my gums receding?" It is a concern that seems to get worse over time. This phenomenon does nothing for the look of your smile. To make matters worse, you may be experiencing pain and bleeding from the gums. If this is the case, then you need to make an appointment with your dentist in Powell. The team at Infinite Smiles can help you figure out the root of the issue and will provide proper treatment to alleviate pain. But why does gum recession happen and how do you care for it? 

What Is Gum Recession?

Gum recession happens when the gum line begins to pull away from the teeth towards the roots of the teeth. If it continues to recede, the roots of the teeth could be exposed and open gaps that will be a breeding ground for bacteria, which will most likely lead to infection. If left untreated, supporting tissues and bone structure can become permanently damaged, and that may result in tooth loss. To avoid more severe oral conditions, you must brush carefully, floss regularly, and gently massage the gums nightly.

Why Do Gums Recede?

There are more reasons for receding gums than poor dental hygiene. Although periodontal disease is the main cause, you might be surprised that receding gums can be genetic, which would make someone predisposed to gum disease, regardless of how well a person cares for their teeth. Even brushing too hard can cause the enamel on your teeth to wear away and gums to recede. 

Hormonal fluctuations in female patients over their lifetime can make gums more sensitive and vulnerable to gum recession. Also, tobacco products leave a sticky plaque on the teeth that is difficult to remove and can cause gum recession. Lastly, grinding and clenching your teeth while you sleep, or at any other time, can place too much force on your teeth and result in gum recession. 

How Is Gum Recession Treated?

Mild gum recession may be treatable with a thorough cleaning of the affected area. Clearing stubborn tartar and in between the teeth may be all it takes for the gums to return to their original state. However, if this is not effective, surgery may be required to repair the damage. 

This procedure is called open flap scaling and root planing. A periodontist folds back the affected gum tissue and removes the harmful bacteria, then replaces the gum tissue over the root of the tooth. It effectively eliminates the pockets where bacteria were collecting. Other surgical procedures include soft tissue grafting. That may involve removing a portion of soft tissue from the palate and reattaching it to the affected area.

Prevention Should Be on Your Mind

Good dental hygiene comes first in the fight against receding gums. Daily brushing with a soft bristle toothbrush and careful flossing is essential. Also, eat a well-balanced diet and monitor any changes in your mouth. Regular visits your dentist in Powell at Infinite Smiles are also critical to keep your gums in great shape and to stay on top of any issues.

Infinite Smiles offers a level of expertise and care like no one else. Dr. Neal Patel travels the world teaching other dentists how to use the latest dental technology. They are more than experts, they will also make sure you are comfortable. Let Infinite Smiles help you move towards the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted. Don’t wait to take that first step toward the smile you have always wanted. Call us today at 740-881-2600 or use our online form to schedule an appointment.

Orthodontics Isn't Just for Teens; Adults Can Benefit Too!

We smile for many reasons. It could be because we are happy or amused. Whatever the case, your smile is something that should be with you for your entire life because one way or another, you will find a reason to smile. Now if you feel that, even as an adult, you aren't happy with your smile, then you should know that orthodontics is not just for adolescents. More and more adults are getting braces to correct the alignment of their teeth and make their smile all that it can be. A winning smile is a door opener for many of life's opportunities, and Infinite Smiles won't let misaligned teeth stand in your way!

Brace Yourself for Options

Do not think that we are still in the days of those less attractive metal braces. Things have changed, and now there are more options than ever before. Braces now come in a variety of colors and are much more reasonable in terms of care. While metal and wires are still an option, today's traditional braces are made from advanced materials and even can be virtually transparent. 

Invisible aligners are often the choice of many adult orthodontic patients. No more feeling self-conscious about improving your smile. Your orthodontist in Powell or a dentist near you will have information on all the options available. Infinite Smiles can help you find the right solution because you shouldn't be unhappy with your smile or your braces.

Innovative Technology

One of the more remarkable products offered today is Invisalign Invisible Braces. Hearing that they need braces, used to elicit feelings of fear in a patient. Now, with the help of 3D imaging, Invisalign creates braces that are practically unnoticeable. From a clear acrylic to mold, these braces are created all in one piece to the exact shape and size of your mouth, so you don't need to be concerned about frequent appointments for new, tighter wires. 

Also, you can look forward to less time spent in front of the mirror to remove bits of food in between wires and teeth. Invisalign allows you to feel like you don't have braces, and the aligners can even be taken out when you want and replaced later. (Keep in mind that results require aligners to be worn nearly all day.) That's right, whether you are sitting down for corn on the cob, doing your nightly brushing and flossing, or posing for a selfie while on vacation, you can remove the braces and be worry-free. 

Ask your orthodontist in Powell at Infinite Smiles about the options for straighter teeth! 

Infinite Smiles offers a level of expertise and care like no one else. Dr. Neal Patel travels the world teaching other dentists how to use the latest dental technology. They are more than experts, they will also make sure you are comfortable. Let Infinite Smiles help you move towards the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted. Don’t wait to take that first step toward the smile you have always wanted. Call us today at 740-881-2600 or use our online form to schedule an appointment.

Why is It Important to Have Regular Dental Cleanings & Exams?

When was the last time you went to see your dentist? Was it last month? Or was it last year? Procrastinating a dental cleaning or exam from your dentist in Powell only makes matters worse. You may be missing vital opportunities for your dentist to notice deteriorating oral conditions. Save yourself from worsening oral health and book your appointment with a skilled dentist at Infinite Smiles in Powell, Ohio. Regular check-ups and cleanings are the perfect way to ensure your teeth, gums, tongue, and jaw are in top shape. Here is a reminder of why it is essential to plan for a visit to a dentist in Powell every six months or so.

Plaque from Poor Dental Health

As you eat, sticky, semi-hard deposits build up on your teeth formed from various foods and the bacteria that are in our mouths. Bacteria then uses the plaque deposits as a breeding ground. They continue to multiply and eat away at the enamel of your teeth until cavities begin to form, and dentin can even be exposed. Plaque is also one of the main causes of bad breath, which only a good cleaning can resolve. At the gum line, tartar can build and be the cause of further problems such as gum disease. 

You Need a Checkup

Everyone dreads the checkup. Usually, it is because we don't know if the dentist will find issues or not. However, it is so vital to get a checkup every six months to avoid painful and costly procedures. It only takes about thirty minutes, for an examination and X-rays, to get peace of mind gained for another six months. You will leave the Infinite Smiles office with a clean bill of oral health.

Cleanings Are Essential

Getting your teeth cleaned typically requires a separate appointment, but there are some who prefer to get both a checkup and a cleaning in one session. During your cleaning, a hygienist removes any stubborn tartar build up in a process called scaling. After the tartar is removed, they will polish your teeth with a special brush tool and a gritty toothpaste. It will remove any surface stains. Lastly, a good flossing is performed to displace any debris that may still be in between your teeth.

As much as we dread going to the dentist, you will leave feeling refreshed. Infinite Smiles ensure every patient feels comfortable in our office, from the moment they enter until they leave. Book an appointment today to keep your oral health at its best!

Infinite Smiles offers a level of expertise and care like no one else. Dr. Neal Patel travels the world teaching other dentists how to use the latest dental technology. They are more than experts, they will also make sure you are comfortable. Let Infinite Smiles help you move towards the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted. Don’t wait to take that first step toward the smile you have always wanted. Call us today at 740-881-2600 or use our online form to schedule an appointment.

What is the Difference Between Dental Implants and Dentures?

For one reason or another, you might find yourself in a biting predicament. It could be an unfortunate accident or complications with your teeth and gums, but in any case, you might wind up with missing teeth and need to make an important choice about what will sit in your mouth for the long term. Two primary options are dentures and dental implants. 

Dentures have been the mainstay for decades now. However, old technology comes with old complications. Some of which there is no new solution for. Dental implants, on the other hand, are still advancing and have already made a significant impact on how dentists think about replacing lost teeth. Infinite Smiles has the options you need to fill in the gaps of one or many teeth. So, let's take a brief but critical look at both solutions.

The Denture Dilemma

It is a safe bet to say that most people know, or at least have met, someone who wears dentures. It may not be as easy to tell as it used to be, but the signs are there, nevertheless. For example, if you see someone with a nearly perfect row of unnaturally white teeth then there is a good chance, they are wearing dentures.

Dentures can be a more affordable option up front. However, when you account for the cost of taking care of your dentures and needing them replaced every 15 years, that perceived savings then vanishes. Dentures can also feel unnatural in the mouth, often slipping and moving around. If the foul taste of denture cream does not appeal to you, then you should also know that not having rooted teeth in your gums means continued jawbone deterioration and degradation of facial structure. 

Dentures are an old technology whose time has come and gone. There is a better long-term solution though.

Dental Implants Save Smiles

Dental implants are fast becoming the defacto solution for smile reconstruction, and the experts at Infinite Smiles in Powell, Ohio improve smiles with this solution every day. Implants outshine dentures in almost every aspect. 

Dental implants are a far more permanent solution that demands far less bother and maintenance than dentures. Implants provide the closest comparison to healthy, natural teeth. They are a match for the appearance and strength of real teeth, allowing you the freedom to eat whatever you want with confidence. Since dental implants are rooted into the jaw as your natural teeth would be, there is no jawbone degradation to worry about. 

Implants Are the Closest Thing to Real Teeth

Installed with titanium screws and capped with porcelain teeth, dental implants are the closest thing to real teeth. They are durable but not wholly indestructible. Dental implants require care to ensure that they will last for years. You still must brush and floss them, not unlike your natural teeth. With proper care, you may never need a replacement or adjustment, and your implants could last the rest of your life.

Infinite Smiles offers a level of expertise and care like no one else. Dr. Neal Patel travels the world teaching other dentists how to use the latest dental technology. They are more than experts, they will also make sure you are comfortable. Let Infinite Smiles help you move towards the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted. Don’t wait to take that first step toward the smile you have always wanted. Call us today at 740-881-2600 or use our online form to schedule an appointment.