Dental Blog

Have Severe Dental Anxiety? IV Sedation May Be the Answer   Taking care of your oral health is important, but if you are anxious about visiting your periodontist, you are not alone. Many adults suffer from some form of dental anxiety, which can include symptoms ranging from an elevated heartbeat to an all-out panic attack. The good news is that sedation dentistry provides safe options to help you get dental care even if you are anxious. If your dental anxiety is severe, Dr. Leo Tokarczyk offers IV sedation, which may be right for you.   What Is Dental Anxiety?   Dental anxiety is when a person exhibits physical symptoms of anxiousness or panicking by visiting the periodontist or another dental professional. The anxiety can range from mild to severe. In patients who experience severe symptoms, it may be a feat to even walk in the office, let alone sit in a dental chair or have a professional work in the mouth.   How Can IV Sedation Help?   IV sedation is a ...

One of the biggest reasons that periodontal patients give for putting off treatment for their symptoms is fear of the recovery time. Living with gum disease, patients are often aware that waiting can make the condition worse, but surgical recovery times can be an obstacle to patients with rigid work schedules or other commitments. That’s why it is important that patients understand options like laser gum surgery and how they minimize the downtime associated with complex procedures. How Laser Surgery Works There are a variety of laser-related therapies that your periodontist might discuss with you, but the one that has gained the most patient attention recently is laser surgery. It is designed to do the same work of removing infected tissue while preserving regular tissue that traditional procedures aim for, but with a few advantages. Laser procedures are more precise, preserving more healthy tissue around the infection They involve less discomfort because incisions, when necessary, are sma ...

Millions of Americans have lost a tooth, and a surprising number of them fail to replace it. A gap in your smile brings aesthetic problems, but there are also health concerns to be aware of. In lieu of finding a prosthodontist in the area, you should instead schedule a visit with Dr. Leo Tokarczyk to get dental implants immediately. The risks are far too great to ignore.   1. Eating Issues   You need every tooth in your mouth to help you chew food. When you lose a tooth, whether it is in the back or front, you may find it harder to eat certain foods. Most people find it is harder to chew tougher, more fibrous foods, such as vegetables. Since it is harder to eat these healthier foods, many people resort to eating softer, more processed meals. These types of foods are not as good for your health, and the lack of essential nutrients could lead to digestive issues.   2. Crooked Teeth   Normally, your teeth will stay where they are once you reach adulthood. However, when ...

Gum disease is serious and progressive, and it’s easy to miss the early signs if you don’t know what to look for. That’s why patients at risk of developing gum problems should talk to a periodontist regularly. Periodontists specialize in gum health, so they have extra training in the procedures for preventing, treating, and repairing the damage done by diseases that affect the gums. Early Symptoms Before a patient develops a disease that can be diagnosed, there are several warning signs that typically present themselves. Patients may develop a few or all of these warning signs as their condition progresses, and there is no definite moment when early symptoms officially cross over to gingivitis. Some patients simply show more early signs than others. Patients experiencing all three symptoms with daily bleeding gums are likely experiencing gingivitis and not just warning signs. Sensitive gums with occasional bleeding during brushing and flossing Minor gum recession Plaque build ...

Gum disease is serious and progressive, and it’s easy to miss the early signs if you don’t know what to look for. That’s why patients at risk of developing gum problems should talk to a periodontist regularly. Periodontists specialize in gum health, so they have extra training in the procedures for preventing, treating, and repairing the damage done by diseases that affect the gums. Early Symptoms Before a patient develops a disease that can be diagnosed, there are several warning signs that typically present themselves. Patients may develop a few or all of these warning signs as their condition progresses, and there is no definite moment when early symptoms officially cross over to gingivitis. Some patients simply show more early signs than others. Patients experiencing all three symptoms with daily bleeding gums are likely experiencing gingivitis and not just warning signs. Sensitive gums with occasional bleeding during brushing and flossing Minor gum recession Plaque build ...

Whether you realize it or not, October 5th is the day we celebrate World Smile Day. If you haven’t observed it before, it’s a great chance to follow up with your periodontist about anything impacting your smile. This year, make it a point to talk to someone about dental implants on World Smile Day if you have any missing teeth. Why Implants for Missing Teeth? Patients who have multiple teeth missing are at risk of having permanent alterations to their smiles. Some of these alterations can come with bone and tissue loss that permanently alter facial structure, too. That’s why it’s important to make a move to replace those missing teeth right away. Still, when it comes to that replacement, you do have a few options. Dentures and bridge work have both been tried and tested for various numbers of missing teeth. So what makes implants special? Well, for starters, dental implants are the only option designed to be permanent. You might need a replacement tooth if you crack or break o ...

Gum disease is a very common oral condition, especially for older adults. If you’ve noticed some changes in your gum tissue, here are some indications you have one of the three stages of periodontal disease and need gum disease treatment. Stage 1: Gingivitis The first stage of periodontal disease is referred to as gingivitis. It’s characterized by plaque buildup at the gum line that leads to inflammation of the gum tissue. Regular brushing and flossing can usually remove the plaque and reverse symptoms. Gingivitis is the only stage of gum disease that can be reversed with proper oral care. Symptoms of gingivitis include: Minor bleeding of the gums during flossing and brushing Minor swelling and discomfort in the gum tissue If you are unable to remove the plaque causing your symptoms, it’s important to visit your periodontist. Dr. Leo Tokarczyk has specialized tools that allow him to remove plaque from the gum line quickly and effectively. Stage 2: Periodontitis Perio ...

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