General Dentistry   Bad Breath-Halitosis We all have chemical components in our mouth, that produce volatile sulfur compounds, also called VSC's. It is a mixture of bacteria, saliva, and proteins. These VSC's are the major components of periodontal disease and are controlled by regular oral hygiene-brushing and flossing. Ordinary toothpaste and mouthwashes only mask or cover-up.   The most effective oxidizing agent against VSC's is chlorine dioxide and this dental procedure can be obtained through you dentist.

Extractions/Oral Surgery During oral surgery or extractions, either an oral sedation can be used or nitrous oxide, also called laughing gas.

Dentures and Partials Dentures may be the answer when one or more teeth have been lost. Dentures are replacement teeth, which are removable. When several natural teeth can be saved, dentures can be customized to fit over the roots of the natural teeth, thus stabilizing the dentures and preserving bone.   Downfalls: Dentures sit on the jawbone thus causing continual shrinking of the jawbone, and exposure of nerves. Dentures can slip and slide, or fall out during speech; ill fitting dentures that slide around in the mouth can develop slurred or mumbling speech, as the patient tries to hold the partial/dentures in place.   Eating - denture patients eat at a 20-25% efficiency.

Digital X-Rays Digital radiography - Dr. Ruintan has chosen to use digital X-rays for the protection of his patients health. The newest technology in X-rays is digital and has around 95% less radiation than the traditional X-rays.   Implants-(Branemark system ™) "An implanted smile lasts a life time". Dental implants are inserted in the jawbone and function like natural teeth. They greatly, out-stabilize dentures in most patients, and sometimes work better than natural teeth. Implants can be considered if you currently or in the near future will be missing a tooth, wear a denture or a bridge.   Benefits: Improved Appearance and Confidence They can slow down or stop the shrinking of the jawbone due to lost tooth (teeth), while eliminating the face looking older, due to missing teeth. No more chances of dentures popping out. They provide comfort as the implants eliminate the pain of removing full or partial dentures. Dentures sit on top of the jawbone and gums so there is continuous shrinking of the jawbone. Implants cannot irritate, slip, rock or expose the nerves as dentures can.   Gum Treatment - Non-Surgical Periodontal disease is the main cause of tooth loss in adults. It is caused by a build-up of plaque which causes inflammation of the gums. The treatment includes scaling to remove the plaque above and below the gum line, smoothing the rough surface of the root to promote healing, and oral irrigation, which uses an anti-microbial liquid to wash and kill germs to promote healthy tissues.   Gum Disease-Periodonics Gum disease is the major cause of tooth loss in adults. It affects 3 out of 4 adults over the age of 35. Early stages of this inflammatory disease can be found in over 1/2 of adults 18 and older. It attacks the gums, bone, and other supporting structures of the teeth.   There are Three Stages in Periodontal Disease: Gingivitis Gingivitis is the earliest stage and it occurs when plaque and bacteria cause the gums to be inflamed. Plaque gets in the space between the gum and tooth, causing "pockets". The gums become inflamed, causing redness and swelling around one or more teeth. As the disease progresses, the gums bleed easily and if it is detected early and treated, gingival tissues will return to normal.

If Symptoms Occur, See Your Dentist at Once: @ Red, swollen, or tender gums. @ Gums that bleed when you brush your teeth. @ Gums that pull away from the teeth. @ Pus between the teeth and gums (noticeable when the gums are pressed). @ Loose permanent teeth. @ A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite. @ A change in the fit of your partial or dentures. @ Bad breath.

Gum Disease Treatments-Scaling and Root Planing (SRP)

Scaling and Root Planing Is a type of professional tooth cleaning that removes plaque and tartar from teeth and smoothes the root surfaces.   Enzyme Suppression Plus (SRP) This kind of treatment includes oral medication and helps stop enzymes from attacking gums and bone.   Antibacterial Therapy This treatment includes oral medication, locally applied antibiotics, and rinses that can help fight bacteria.   Surgery Surgical treatment is used for advanced infections and pockets too deep for SRP alone. Surgery may be done on soft tissue or bone to help the healing process.