11 - 2021 - Mesquite Dental

Keeping your gums healthy is important, and issues such as gum disease or oral cancer can affect not only your dental health, but your overall health if left untreated. Attending your regular appointments in our office can help to get in front of any gum issues before they become serious. Our staff will clean and polish your teeth, and we will also evaluate your gum health, and perform an oral cancer screening.

If during your appointment our team notices a lesion or area of concern, we may recommend a gum biopsy. A gum biopsy is when we test an infected area to identify what may have caused the abnormal tissue to develop. Gum biopsies are very important, and can help identify the issue or stage of cancer that requires treatment.

Symptoms of Gum Cancer

Bleeding gums
Thick or unusual looking gum tissue
Red, white, or dark patches on the gums
Gumline cracks

How Does a Gum Biopsy Work?

During a gum biopsy we remove a sample piece of tissue from you gums or jaw to determine the cause of the abnormality. Local anesthesia is used, and the procedure itself is minimally invasive. If the area is hard to reach, we may recommend general anesthesia, but this is rarely needed. A pathologist can take a look at the tissue sample, determine the cause, and check if the tissue is cancerous.

What Can I Expect After My Gum Biopsy?

After the biopsy is complete your gums may still feel numb from the anesthesia. This should wear off after a few hours. Patients may feel tender or sore near the area where the biopsy took place. This should subside after a few days. If you notice prolonged pain or swelling, we recommend contacting our office right away, so we can take a look at the area. Risk for infection is rare, and patients can return to normal activity after a day or two.

Gum biopsies can save lives, and help us treat the issue promptly before it becomes worse. Patients can reach out to their insurance provider to review their benefits, and check to see what coverage is available should you need a gum biopsy.

Ready To Find Out More?

If you have an area of concern, or are due for your regular dental exam and cleaning, contact Mesquite Dental & Implant Center. Our doctors have years of experience in periodontics and treating gum disease, and love to help our patients. We always put your oral health first, and our passion is to help you keep your teeth and mouth healthy. Never hesitate to contact our office if you feel you have an issue or are in pain. Gum issues that are not treated can progress, and complications can occur if they are not treated promptly.

To schedule your appointment, contact Mesquite Dental & Implant Center, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you!

Periodontitis is also known as gum disease, and is a gum infection that damages soft tissue. This disease can destroy the bone and eventually cause tooth loss if not treated promptly. Periodontitis slowly progresses, and can advance quickly before you may even notice you have an issue.

During this advancement process you typically don’t feel anything, and the process is painless. Attending your regular exams and cleanings in our office is extremely important to stay on top of your teeth and gum health. Our doctors can get in front of issues quickly before they become a problem.

Many feel because they are still in their 30’s that they do not have to worry about developing periodontitis. However, your 30’s is when you start to see damage that is caused by not taking care of your teeth and gums in your younger years. Gum disease is very common amongst people in their 30’s, and this age group is when it starts for those that have maybe neglected their teeth when they were younger, or are genetically susceptible to gum disease. If periodontitis is not addressed this can lead to losing your teeth prematurely.

What Can I Do To Prevent Periodontitis?

If you want to prevent issues with your gums or inflammation you should start by evaluating your oral hygiene routine at home. Make sure you are brushing and flossing daily to help minimize your risk for developing gum disease. At Mesquite Dental & Implant Center, your oral health is our priority, and when you visit our office, we perform a detailed evaluation of your gums and teeth to determine the condition of your gums. If we notice any issues, we will discuss them with you and may recommend changes to your oral care routine at home. Our staff can provide a personalized care program for you to follow, and this can help you stay on track with your oral hygiene at home.

Tips To Prevent Periodontitis

Attend regular cleanings and exams to remove plaque and tartar buildup, and to help detect signs of gum disease early.
Use a toothpaste that contains fluoride to help prevent cavities.
Brush for at least two to three minutes at least twice a day, and make sure to brush along the gum line.
Floss daily to remove the plaque in between your teeth.
Use a mouthwash to help rinse away plaque and bacteria, and keep your mouth feeling fresh.
Avoid tobacco products that can accelerate the deterioration process, and cause gum disease.
Exercise regularly and follow a healthy diet, avoiding foods with high levels of sugar.
Seek care right away to treat cavities or any other issues promptly.

Our job is to keep your teeth and mouth healthy, and we pride ourselves on quality dental care you can trust. Let our team at Mesquite Dental & Implant Center help you take charge of your oral health, and prevent serious issues such as periodontitis from developing.

Interested in Making an Appointment?

If you think you may have gum disease or would like to schedule your exam and cleaning, contact Mesquite Dental & Implant Center. Our doctors have years of experience in periodontics, and always provide the highest level of care to all of our patients. At Mesquite Dental & Implant Center, we use state of the art technology in a welcoming and calm environment where patients know they are in good hands.

To schedule your appointment with us, contact Mesquite Dental & Implant Center, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.