Dr. Owens offers periodontal therapy to patients to treat the signs and symptoms of gum disease as well as gum grafting to treat cosmetic and functional problems concerning gum tissue.
Periodontics is one of nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association. A periodontist focuses mainly on the treatment and prevention of gum disease as well as the placement of dental implants. Dr. Owens offers periodontal therapy to prevent and treat the signs and symptoms of gum disease. He works closely with a Fort Collins periodontist who makes visits to his office to treat advanced symptoms, place dental implants, and perform cosmetic treatments.
About Gum Disease
Gum disease is the leading cause for tooth loss in adults, estimated to affect 3 out of every 4 American adults. Not only does gum disease pose serious dental concerns, the condition has been linked to other serious health risks including heart disease and diabetes.
Preventive dentistry is the best way to avoid gum disease, which includes routine teeth cleaning and dental examinations. At home care is equally important, Dr. Owens recommends daily flossing and brushing twice a day.
Causes & Symptoms of Gum Disease
There is no single cause or factor for gum disease. Common causes for gum disease include:
- Poor oral hygiene
- Smoking or tobacco use
- Genetic predisposition
- Hormonal changes, such as pregnancy or menopause
- Stress
- Certain medications
- Teeth grinding
- Poor nutrition
Gum disease is considered a “silent disease” and many patients don’t experience pain or obvious symptoms until advanced stages of the condition. Common gum disease symptoms include:
- Red, swollen or sore gums
- Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
- Receding gums
- Loose teeth
- Mouth sores or pus between gums and teeth
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Changes in the fit of dentures
Replacing Missing Teeth
If you have missing teeth or are about to lose teeth as a result of gum disease, there are a number of replacement options. Dr. Owens offers comprehensive solutions including dental implants, dental bridges, and dentures.
Gum Lift and Gum Grafting
Dr. Owens offers gum grafting surgery as a cosmetic dentistry procedure to improve the appearance of a gummy smile and as a restorative dentistry procedure to restore inadequate gum tissue, typically lost as a result of gum disease or trauma to the gum tissue.
Cosmetic Gum Lift
A cosmetic gum lift involves removing excess tissue to expose more of the tooth structure. Dr. Owens uses a soft tissue dental laser to perform these types of procedures, which makes for quicker treatment and faster healing times. Patients who undergo gum lift procedures see dramatic results that reveal more teeth than gum for an instant smile lift.
Gum Grafting
Dr. Owens also offers gum graft procedures which harvest donor tissue from the mouth and transplant it to teeth that have inadequate gum tissue. The success rate of gum grating is entirely dependent on the patient, extent of recession and their post-op care.
Schedule an Appointment
Prevention is the best way to fight gum disease. Don’t wait until it is too late. Contact Tim Owens, DDS in Fort Collins, CO to schedule your next dental visit. Call us at 970-578-0355 or schedule an appointment online.
