Periodontics: A Strong Foundation for a Healthier Smile

A healthy smile isn’t just about strong teeth. Your long-term oral health also depends on your gums, as well as the ligaments and bone sockets that hold it all together. Periodontics is a branch of dentistry focused on keeping these support structures strong and stable.

At Anderson Family Dental, we’re committed to providing comprehensive care under one roof, including several types of periodontic treatments in Winter Park, FL. Let’s take a closer look at what we can do for your gum health!

WHY HEALTHY GUMS MATTER

Your gums are a key part of the support system that holds your teeth in place. They cover and protect the area where the roots of the teeth meet the bone socket and seal bacteria and other contaminants out. That makes your gums essential in defending against infections.

Unfortunately, bacteria can trigger inflammation in the gums and weaken the seal that prevents bacterial invasion. Left untreated, the bacteria and inflammatory materials that cause gingivitis can reach the ligament that surrounds the tooth root, holding it in the socket, as well as the bone socket itself.

EVEN HEALTHY GUMS NEED SUPPORT

Even if your gums are healthy, other issues can damage their stability. Chronic teeth grinding and jaw clenching (bruxism), aggressive brushing with abrasive products, tobacco use, and certain anatomical issues like misalignments and tight connective tissue under the tongue can cause gum recession, which pulls the gum line down and exposes the tooth root. 

On the other hand, certain medications, orthodontic braces, and some medical conditions can cause the gums to become overgrown. This creates a trap for plaque and food debris, which can then create a cycle of inflammation and more enlarged gums, not to mention negatively affect the look of your smile.

GUM HEALTH AND YOUR OVERALL HEALTH

Your gums and jawbone play a big role in keeping your teeth strong and secure. But they’re also an important factor in your overall health.

GUM DISEASE INCREASES HEALTH RISKS

Gum disease also causes chronic inflammation that can strain your entire body, increasing your risk for several systemic health issues. Evidence suggests that gum disease increases your risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, pancreatic cancer, pancreatitis, arthritis, negative pregnancy outcomes, and many other issues. 

MISSING TEETH CAN AFFECT YOUR HEALTH AND YOUR WELL-BEING

Since gum disease is also the number one cause of tooth loss in adults, it is important to understand how missing teeth affects your health. Every tooth that goes missing may increase your risk for cognitive decline (like dementia and Alzheimer's) later in life. 

Difficulty biting and chewing because of missing teeth or denture use can also lead to nutritional deficiencies, further affecting your health. Plus, not being able to enjoy a full variety of foods significantly impacts your quality of life.

POOR PERIODONTAL HEALTH MAKES IT HARDER TO RESTORE YOUR SMILE

Periodontal disease and missing teeth both lead to loss of bone volume in the jaws. As the bone shrinks, your teeth can shift, become loose, and fall out. For people who wear dentures, this ongoing bone loss will affect the fit of their dentures, affecting their function and comfort. 

Bone loss in the jaw can lead to other serious issues, such as strain on your jaw joints. It also complicates getting dental implants and alters the shape of your face over time. 

PERIODONTAL TREATMENTS AT ANDERSON FAMILY DENTAL

As you can see, periodontal health is important for all aspects of oral and overall health. At Anderson Family Dental, we’re committed to supporting all aspects of wellness, including periodontal health.

We offer select periodontal treatments to keep your gums and jawbone healthy. These treatments help prevent and manage gum disease, repair damage, and restore your smile. 

Scaling and Root Planing A deep cleaning that removes bacteria and plaque from beneath the gums to stop gum disease from getting worse. This is often the first step in a more comprehensive gum disease treatment.

Osseous Surgery A procedure that removes infected tissue and reshapes the bone to prevent further damage and restore stability.

Crown Lengthening A process to adjust the gum and bone around a tooth to expose more of the tooth’s surface, often needed for a dental crown or filling, or to create a more even smile with cosmetic dentistry.

Gum Grafting Restores receding gums by covering exposed tooth roots, reducing sensitivity, and protecting against decay.

Bone Grafting Rebuilds lost bone in the jaw, making it possible to place dental implants or prevent further bone loss.

Frenectomy Removes a tight band of tissue that may be causing gum recession, speech issues, or difficulty with dentures.

Oral Cancer Screenings & Biopsies Helps detect early signs of oral cancer, giving you the best chance for successful treatment.

WHY GET PERIODONTAL DENTAL CARE AT THE SAME PLACE AS YOUR REGULAR DENTAL VISITS?

It is easier to stay on top of your oral health when everything is done in one place. At Anderson Family Dental, we offer both routine dental care and advanced periodontal treatments, so you don’t have to go to multiple offices for different procedures. Here’s why that’s a big advantage:

Everything is connected.  Your gums, teeth, and jawbone all work together. When the same team handles all aspects of your care, we can create a plan that looks at the big picture.

No need for referrals.  You won’t have to visit different specialists or wait for appointments at other offices. We handle it all right here.

Less stress.  You already know our team, and we already know your dental history. That means you get consistent care from people you trust.

Better results.  A complete approach to dental health helps prevent small issues from becoming more significant problems.

GIVE YOUR SMILE COMPLETE CARE

Your gums and jawbone are the foundation of your smile. Taking care of them means fewer dental problems down the road. Whether you need a deep cleaning, gum grafting, or bone support for dental implants, we’re here to help. Schedule a visit with Anderson Family Dental in Winter Park, FL, and let’s keep your smile strong and healthy!

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

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Dr. Bryant Anderson, DMD

Dr. Bryant Anderson knew from a young age that he wanted to become a dentist. He studied Biology and Chemistry at Utah Valley University. He continued his education at the University of Florida College of Dentistry earning his Doctorate in Dental Medicine. As a top-ranking graduate in his dental class, Dr. Bryant Anderson was inducted into the dental honor society OKU. READ MORE