Gum disease is an inflammation of the gum line that can progress to affect the bone that surrounds and supports your teeth. The three stages of gum disease — from least to most severe — are gingivitis, periodontitis and advanced periodontitis. Gum disease can be painless, so it is important to be aware of any of the following symptoms:
Following a thorough periodontal evaluation, our team of professionals will make treatment recommendations based on your individual needs. Treatment of Gingivitis is easily accomplished with professional cleanings and proper home care. Treatment of Periodontitis requires additional treatment in the form of scaling and root planing or “deep cleaning”. A deep cleaning is a careful cleaning of the root surfaces to remove plaque and calculus [tartar] from deep periodontal pockets and to smooth the tooth root to remove bacterial toxins. Scaling and root planing is sometimes followed the placement of local delivery antimicrobials. Most patients do not require additional active treatment following the completion of scaling and root planing. However, the majority of patients will require ongoing maintenance therapy to sustain health.
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint that connects the jaw to the temporal bones of the skull. Temporomandibular joint disorder, known more commonly as TMD, occurs when there are problems with the muscles and jaws in the face. Signs and symptoms of TMD included the following:
For most patients, TMD pain is nothing more than either acute muscle pain and/or a strained/ sprained joint related to past trauma to the joint, chronic overloading of the joint by clenching and grinding and systemic disease including fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis. While there is no single cure for TMD pain, there are lifestyle changes you can make to reduce your symptoms dramatically. Modifcations such as reducing caffeine, avoiding gum chewing and chewy foods, and reducing stress can all result in improvement. If symptoms persist, we may recommend one or more of the following:
A filling is a way to restore a tooth damaged by decay back to its normal function and shape. We will consult with you, taking into account the size and location of your cavity, to determine what treatment and material will be best used to repair you tooth. The two types of filling material used at Spring Creek Dental include the following: Amalgam (a mixture of silver, mercury, copper, tin and other trace metals), or silver fillings, are resistant to wear and relatively inexpensive. However, due to their dark color, they are more noticeable than porcelain or composite restorations and are not usually used in very visible areas, such as front teeth.
Composite resins (a synthetic mixture of glass or quartz filler) are matched to be the same color as your teeth and therefore used where a natural appearance is desired. Composites may not be the ideal material for large fillings as they may chip or wear over time. They can also become stained from coffee, tea or tobacco, and do not last as long as other types of fillings (generally from 3-10 years).
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As COVID-19 Cases Surge in Wisconsin it is more critical than ever to control the spread of the pandemic.
If you, someone you care for or someone you have been in close contact with within the last two weeks leading up to your appointment has experienced any of the signs or symptoms of COVID-19 including: respiratory illness (cough and shortness of breath), fatigue, muscle or body aches, headaches, loss sense of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea please notify us so that we can reschedule you to a more appropriate time.
Also, please notify us if you have recently engaged in public activities that increase your risk of exposure to COVID-19 including, but not limited to, traveling (airports, bus and train stations, cruise ships and river boats), attending large social gatherings (such as weddings, funerals, or parties), mass gatherings (such as sporting events, concerts, or parades), being in crowds (such as restaurants, bars, indoor theme and water parks, casinos and movie theaters). Depending on the circumstance, we may reschedule your appointment as well.