Gum Abscesses

Replacing teeth is our specialty at the Massachusetts offices of Dr. Martin Urban. Although a tooth may be lost to an acute injury, many fall out or have to be removed due to progressive gum disease. We don’t want this to happen to our patients, especially if they’ve already lost some teeth and are at increased risk for recurring periodontal infections, so we wanted to discuss the dangers and treatments for a gum abscess.

An abscess is where pus from a bacterial infection gathers. Gingival abscess are those that form at the gum line, while periodontal abscesses are more advanced and form deep within the gum pocket. As they build up, more of the gum wall will pull away from the tooth root, leaving a tooth less stable. Abscesses cause pain, sensitivity, swelling, and bad breath, and they are often accompanied by a fever and difficulty opening the mouth. They are emergencies and patients should not attempt to self-medicate them.

During an examination, we will determine the extent of an infection and whether a root canal is necessary. If only the gum material is infected, we will make an incision to drain the pus and cut away infected material. If the tooth is natural we will smooth its root in a process called planing to make it harder for bacteria to recolonize. The patient will be given painkillers and a recommended regimen of antibiotics. If an abscess is caught in time, the patient may be spared loss of jaw bone tissue and be able to keep the tooth.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Martin Urban, call 508-425-9640 or visit us at Martin Urban DDS.

 

Gum Disease and Cirrhosis

As specialists in implants, we at the dental office of Dr. Marin Urban are particularly concerned about anything that could exacerbate gum disease. When gingivitis turns into periodontal disease, the integrity of the tooth roots or implant posts can be imperiled. But we also know that oral health is closely tied to overall wellness, and we wanted to share an exciting new study that found treating gum disease can also reduce the harmful effects of liver inflammation.

Cirrhosis is the term doctors use to describe the development of scar tissue on the liver. When the liver has been inflamed long enough to develop scar tissue, it is no longer an effective filter for toxins from the bloodstream. As a result, the patient’s immune system triggers the inflammation response elsewhere in the body, including the brain. Cognitive fog and mood swings are common results. Gum disease exists at particularly high rates in people with cirrhosis. This is partly explained by both resulting from smoking and alcohol, but it was less clear why gum disease would be disproportionately common in people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Bacteria that cause gum disease have been found in the livers of cirrhosis patients. Recently, researchers conducted an experiment in which patients with both diseases were given gum cleanings at different times. The results were that cirrhosis symptoms such as cognitive fog and suppressed anti-inflammatory bacteria count improved following dental treatment. While we’re still learning more about the effect of oral bacteria on the rest of the body, we hope our patients will understand why dentistry is so important.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Martin Urban, call 508-425-9640 or visit us at Martin Urban DDS.

 

Periodontal Maintenance

In its most advanced stages, gum disease can lead to gum recession, and even tooth loss.  Dr. Martin Urban, DDS wants to make sure it never gets to that point for you and your family!  When plaque builds up on a tooth, the gum starts to pull away from the tooth and form a pocket around the buildup, which only leads to more gum recession.  A deep periodontal cleaning, also called a scaling and root planing procedure, is used to treat this buildup and prevent the later stages of gum disease.

Scaling and root planning are two parts of a deep cleaning procedure your dentist can perform to help reverse the progress of gum disease.  The procedure beings with scaling, which is the process of the dentist removing plaque from the surface of the teeth, all the way down to the gums. Root planing is the term for any minor contouring to smooth the surface of a tooth near the root.  When plaque has been removed and the tooth root has been smoothed, the gums that have pulled away will have a clean, smooth surface to reattach to as they heal.

To learn more about deep periodontal cleaning and all the other treatments provided at the dental practice of Dr. Martin Urban, DDS, visit www.martinurbandds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Martin Urban, DDS in Boston, MA, call 508-425-9640. 

Cosmetic Periodontal Surgery

At the practice of Dr. Martin Urban, DDS our staff see many patients who are unhappy with their smile. The look of your smile includes your gums, and even patients without any damage to their teeth feel like their gums keep them from enjoying their best smile.  Some people naturally have more gum tissue than others and it results in a gummy smile, while others have less gum tissue that gives a look of elongated teeth. 

We offer cosmetic periodontal surgery so that any patient can have their perfect smile.  Cosmetic periodontal surgery is a technical way of saying sculpting the gum line, and each procedure is different depending on the patient’s goal.  Soft tissue grafts can be placed to extend the gum line, or excess gum tissue can be removed to expose more tooth.  The result is a visually pleasing ratio of tooth to gums that creates an even smile! If you think your smile would benefit from cosmetic periodontal surgery, please contact us.

To learn more about cosmetic periodontal surgery and all the services we provide at the practice, visit www.martinurbandds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Martin Urban, DDS in Boston, MA, call 508-425-9640. 

Crown Lengthening

Crown lengthening is the term for removing excess gum tissue from the surfaces of teeth.  Dr. Martin Urban, DDS removes gum tissue from patient’s mouths for aesthetics and for function.  We see many patients unhappy with their smiles, and even patients without any damage to their teeth feel like their gums keep them from enjoying their ideal smile.  When gum tissue is removed for function it is typically for making room to affix a restoration, like a crown, to a tooth.

Whether a crown lengthening procedure is done for function or aesthetics, it is a simple in-office procedure. Local anesthetic is used while your dentist removes excess gum tissue with either a scalpel or laser tools.  If tissue is being removed for a restoration to fit you may only require tissue to be removed from a couple of teeth.  Some people have more gum tissue than others and it results in a gummy smile, which can be corrected throughout the entire mouth.  The result is a visually pleasing ratio of teeth to gums that creates an even smile! 

To learn more about crown lengthening and all the services provided at the dental practice of Dr. Martin Urban, DDS, visit www.martinurbandds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Martin Urban, DDS in Boston, MA, call 508-425-9640. 

Healing Periodontal Disease with ARESTIN

Periodontal disease will not only compromise the health of your teeth and gums. Periodontal disease has the ability to compromise the immune system, cause bad breath, and potentially lead to tooth loss if the condition is severe enough. If a patient is diagnosed with gingivitis and this goes untreated, he or she poses a risk of aggressive periodontitis. Because aggressive periodontitis will eventually cause the bone supporting the tooth to deteriorate, Dr. Martin Urban, DDS uses ARESTIN to treat the problem.

ARESTIN has the ability to reduce the severity of periodontal disease. In a clinical study, when used in addition to scaling and root planing, ARESTIN reduced harmful bacteria by nearly two times as much as scaling and root planing alone. This is because adding ARESTIN to the mix disrupts the progression of periodontitis by specifically targeting the active infection. ARESTIN is easy for the doctor to use and is 100% safe for the patient.

If you have questions or concerns regarding periodontal disease or restorative dental services, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.martinurbandds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Martin Urban, DDS in Boston, MA, call 508-425-9640. 

Importance of Periodontal Health

Healthy gums are firm and pale pink in color. If yours are red, purple, or are sensitive to the touch, it’s time to schedule a visit with Dr. Martin Urban, DDS. Periodontal disease is associated with serious health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and respiratory disease. By keeping your gums healthy, you are keeping the rest of your body healthy.

When you have healthy gums, your teeth are supported by the tissue in your gums and your chances for long-term oral health are significantly increased. Because periodontal disease is linked to an increased susceptibility to systemic disease (bacterial pneumonia, diabetes, cardiovascular disease), it is important to prevent it as well as control it. Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly is important and helps remove the thin film of bacteria that builds up on your teeth each day and contributes to tooth decay. If you have trouble maintaining a daily oral hygiene routine, give Dr. Martin Urban, DDS a call today.

If you have questions or concerns regarding periodontal disease, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at the practice, visit www.martinurbandds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Martin Urban, DDS in Boston, MA, call 508-425-9640. 

Scaling and Root Planing

If you don’t visit the dentist twice a year, or brush and floss your teeth on a daily basis, the dental plaque that accumulates from the foods you eat will begin to harden on the teeth and turn into tartar. Excessive tartar buildup may cause gums to recede, eventually leading to an aggressive form of periodontal disease called periodontitis. To treat periodontitis, Dr. Martin Urban, DDS will need to perform scaling and root planing.

Teeth scaling and root planing causes very little discomfort and can be completed in one single visit. During the teeth scaling process, Dr. Martin Urban, DDS will numb the gums and tooth roots with local anesthesia. He will then use special tools to remove the hardened deposits of tartar from the teeth both above and below the gum line. Root planing involves detailed scaling of the root surface to decrease inflammation of the gum tissue. After this procedure is complete, you will need to maintain proper oral care habits to prevent accumulation from returning.

If you have questions or concerns regarding periodontal disease, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at the practice, visit www.martinurbandds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Martin Urban, DDS in Boston, MA, call 508-425-9640. 

Periodontal Disease: Periodontitis

If gingivitis is left untreated, it will advance to the second stage of periodontal disease, known as periodontitis. Periodontitis is a more aggressive form of gum disease because it has the ability to destroy the tissues surrounding the teeth which can lead to potential tooth loss. Untreated periodontitis will not only result in tooth loss, it may also increase the risk of stroke, and heart attack. Don’t let your oral health status reach this level, instead schedule a consultation with Dr. Martin Urban, DDS.

There are several forms of periodontitis – chronic, aggressive, and necrotizing. Imagine these stages moving from bad to worse. Chronic periodontitis is the most common and affects most adults. This type is caused by plaque buildup and involves slow deterioration that can cause destruction to the teeth. Signs and symptoms of periodontitis include swollen or puffy gums, gums that bleed easily, bad breath, loose teeth, and painful chewing. Treatment will depend on the level of severity.

If you have questions or concerns regarding periodontal disease, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at the practice, visit www.martinurbandds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Martin Urban, DDS in Boston, MA, call 508-425-9640. 

Periodontal Disease: Gingivitis

If you don’t maintain an adequate oral care routine, your gums will begin to develop gingivitis. Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease, and though it’s reversible, prevention is important. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is the infection of the tissues that surround the teeth and is caused by a buildup of plaque. Healthy gums are firm, and pale pink in color, if they are any other color, it’s important to visit Dr. Martin Urban, DDS to get the problem under control.

Bacteria will cause an inflammation of the gums and is usually left on the teeth from dental plaque. Dental plaque accrues after eating foods that are high in sugar and carbohydrates. Because bacteria thrive in a warm environment, it’s important to brush the teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once a day to keep them clean. If you spit a little blood in the sink while doing so, know that gingivitis is reversible if you can maintain flossing for at least seven days. Additionally, it’s important to schedule professional cleanings twice a year to prevent periodontal disease from becoming worse.

If you have questions or concerns regarding periodontal disease, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at the practice, visit www.martinurbandds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Martin Urban, DDS in Boston, MA, call 508-425-9640.