Phoenix Periodontist Blog | Arizona Periodontal Group - Page 3 of 13 - This is the blog of Arizona Periodontal Group discussing periodontics and a healthy mouth!

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Why An Experienced Periodontist Matters

October 31st, 2017 by AZ Perio Group | No Comments

The Arizona Periodontal Group is lead by the experienced Phoenix periodontist Dr. Ariel Trujillo. We strive as a practice to give each of our patients high-quality periodontal services. We work with our patients to give them individualized care and to listen to their needs and concerns. Every patient is unique, and we take the time to listen and address every concern.

Dr. Trujillo is also a Phoenix dental implant specialist, and he has made his office one where old and new clients are welcome. He and the team at Arizona Periodontal Group work to provide gentle dental care and to take time to get to know each individual patient.

We know that some patients have worries or fears when it comes to going to the dentist. This is why we offer services that reduce anxiety like sedation dentistry. This also helps patients who have a lower pain tolerance. Overall, it is our goal to accommodate our patients and to help them feel welcome and safe.

Why see a Periodontist?

When it comes to specific dental procedures such as dental implants or the treatment of periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, it is important to go to a periodontal specialist. Dr. Trujillo has many years of experience as a periodontist. You wouldn’t go to a family physician for a medical issue that requires a specialist. The same holds true when it comes to oral healthcare. Seeing a periodontist can make a big difference when it comes to gum related issues and needs.

We have much to offer the people of Phoenix.

Our office uses the latest technology in the dental field such as LANAP to treat gum disease. These modern advances help us identify issues and give our patients the best care possible.

Dr. Ariel Trujillo has many years of experience providing dental implants, treatment of gum diesase, and other specialized care. He is certified to perform IV sedation and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology.

Contact Us to Schedule an Appointment

To schedule an appointment with us, feel free to give our office a call. We are happy to accept new patients, and our friendly desk staff will be glad to assist you. For periodontal needs, seeing a periodontist can make all the difference. We have the experience and high-quality periodontal care you are looking for in the Phoenix area.

Pinhole Surgical Technique Vs Gum Graft

September 15th, 2017 by AZ Perio Group | No Comments

Gum recession can lead to several problems for dental patients. Quite often receding gums expose the root of a tooth, leading to decay below the gum line. If decay occurs, the tooth can end up needing root canals or even an extraction based on the severity of infection. Gum recession is a problem that not only could cause problems with tooth infections, it can impact the aesthetic look of a person’s smile. Failure to have confidence in your smile can cause psychological problems for many patients. At Arizona Periodontal Group, we are here to help you achieve your best smile! We use pinhole surgical techniques designed to repair gum recession problems and improve your smile.

What is the Pinhole Surgical Technique?

Gum grafting is often used to restore the gums to proper health, but it can be painful. Grafting involves the transfer of gum tissue, stitches, soreness, bleeding, and several weeks of healing. It can be painful to eat and drink for several days following an intense gum grafting procedure. The pinhole surgical technique we use eliminates the need for stitches. Patients often mention the recovery time is faster and less painful.

The pinhole surgical technique requires a single pinholes entry points at locations along the under layer of the gums. The skin underneath the gums moves with the gum tissue, allowing us to properly move the gums to fill the areas where you have gum recession. What this means is, we can cover the exposed root of the teeth without major surgery, and we can do it in a single visit to our Arizona dental office.

The Healing Process

Pinhole surgery has a high success rate and faster recovery time from other periodontal procedures. The recovery period is short-term as the gums heal quickly. The change is the gumline will be noticed in our office once we have completed the procedure. Patients can smile and instantly notice the difference. The small pinhole punctures in the gumline take a day or two to heal. Normally patients experience mild discomfort for the first day following the procedure.

Scheduling Pinhole Surgery

If you would like to improve your problems with gum recession and exposed roots, call Arizona Periodontal Group today. We will do an evaluation of your oral health to determine the best procedures to treat your current issues. Most patients are eligible for treatment, unless there are serious health conditions or severe problems that would not allow the treatment to be successful. If you would like more information about the pinhole surgical technique in Phoenix, call our office today!

What Is A Dental Implant?

August 27th, 2017 by AZ Perio Group | No Comments

A dental implant in a 3d rendering

A dental implant is a solution to missing or damaged teeth. While dentures and bridges work as well, the benefit of dental implants are the permanence of them. Dental implants are surgically implanted in place of the original root of your tooth, making them look and function like a normal tooth. Because dental implants function like a normal tooth, there is no need to worry about the slipping caused by dentures or the damage that bridges can cause to surrounding teeth. Dental implants remain in your mouth and you can eat, talk, and smile normally with them.

What are dental implants made of?

Dental implants are typically made of titanium, which is a biocompatible metal- meaning that it is not harmful to the living tissue in your mouth- that can be easily integrated into your mouth. This titanium post is then surgically implanted in place of your root. A replacement tooth, or a dental crown, is then created from a mold that your dentist takes from your teeth, and is placed over the implant to create the look of your natural tooth.

How do dental implants work?

After the dental implant is surgically inserted it typically takes about 12-24 weeks for the implant to heal, in which time the titanium post is fusing with the bone in your mouth and creating a permanent seal to your implant. This is a big benefit of a dental implant, unlike dentures or bridges which only rest on the surface of your mouth, dental implants become a part of your mouth. With proper care and hygiene, a dental implant can last a lifetime and not need replacing in 5-10 years as other tooth replacement solutions do.

Are dental implants right for me?

Dental implants are not typically covered by insurance, so it is important to talk to your insurance provider before making a decision. However, along with the previous stated benefit of not needing to replace a dental implant, you are also not able to get a cavity in a dental implant. So, dental implants can turn out to be a very cost-effective solution for tooth replacement.

Schedule an appointment with us here at the Arizona Periodontal Group to see if dental implants are right for you. We are one of the best options for dental implants in the Phoenix area, and we would love to help you!

What is Laser Gum Treatment in Phoenix

July 31st, 2017 by AZ Perio Group | No Comments

Periodontal disease often impacts individuals in their 30s and 40s. Many of these individuals are seeking ways to fix gum disease without invasive treatments. Laser gum treatment is an effective way to reverse gum disease and prevent it from causing additional problems. Lasers will vaporize and remove diseased tissue, allowing a patient to return to having a healthy, normal mouth. If you need laser gum treatment in Phoenix, trust Dr. Trujillo at Arizona Periodontal Group.

Understanding LANAP

LANAP or laser assisted new attachment procedure is one of the most common methods used to treat gum disease. Using laser to vaporize and remove diseased tissue from the mouth requires precision, which is why it is essential to work with a provider with the correct training and experience. The laser will initially strip away the diseased gum tissue before it creates cauterizes the area to begin the healing process.

LANAP is popular due to its ability to treat a large variety of periodontal diseases. Gingivitis and periodontitis are the most common conditions treated with LANAP. Patients experiencing inflammation and bleeding of the gums find LANAP to be a non-invasive treatment to prevent additional bone deterioration.

Research has found when lasers are used for gum disease treatment, patients will experience less pain, swelling, inflammation, and discomfort during and after surgery. The lasers have multiple wavelengths and power levels, allowing providers to adjust them as needed to make the necessary improvement for gum disease ailments.

How Laser Gum Disease Treatment Works

When a patient schedules a consultation, we begin by pre-testing the bacteria to determine the extent of infection. Following pre-testing, we can begin decontaminating the deep pockets with laser gum disease treatment. Patients may experience mild discomfort during the procedure. Once the procedure is complete, patients will need to follow at-home instructions to prevent additional infection. A post-treatment appointment is made to check on the results of the laser treatment, and to determine if additional treatments are needed.

Why Laser Gum Disease Treatment?

Why should you consider laser treatment for gum disease over scaling and root planing? There are several advantages lasers provide compared to traditional treatment, here are some you should consider:

Eliminates gum bleeding
Cleans and seals periodontal pockets
Eliminates the need to cut the gums and remove infected tissue, which can lead to longer healing times and soreness.
Reduces the risk of tooth loss
Regenerates bone and ligament tissue
Improves healing time

If you want to learn more about laser gum disease treatments, or you would like to schedule a consultation, contact Arizona Periodontal Group today!

How Much Money Could You Save Flossing Your Teeth?

July 7th, 2017 by AZ Perio Group | No Comments

How often do you floss your teeth? Although most people assume that they are alone in their rebellion against that minty string, the fact of the matter is that only about 50% of Americans floss daily, and close to 20%, or one in five, report not flossing at all. Unfortunately, skipping the floss could cost you, which is why Phoenix periodontists recommend making it a part of your daily dental hygiene regimen.

The Great Flossing Debate

In the summer of 2016, an associated press report called into question the efficacy of flossing, sparking a conversation about how often you really need to floss to keep your teeth healthy. Although the Federal Government had recommended flossing as part of a healthy dental regimen since 1979, the report stated that flossing had no real medical benefits. However, dentists across the world argued that patients who flossed regularly had fewer dental problems and healthier gums. In fact, as a response to the outrage, the American Dental Association (ADA) released the following statement.

“Flossing is an important oral hygiene practice. Tooth decay and gum disease can develop when plaque is allowed to build up on teeth and along the gum line. Professional cleaning, tooth brushing, and cleaning between teeth (flossing and the use of other tools such as interdental brushes) have been shown to disrupt and remove plaque.” – The American Dental Association

Understanding Gum Disease

To understand why flossing is so effective, it is important to understand how gum disease forms in the first place. Like the ADA mentioned, plaque and tartar tend to accumulate along the gum line. This accumulation acts as a food source for bacteria, which emit enamel-eroding acids and toxins as they multiply. Eventually, these toxins spark an inflammatory response in the gum tissue, and can even attack the periodontal ligament, causing loose or missing teeth. Toxins can even seep into the bloodstream, aggravating a myriad of health conditions. By flossing, you remove this gum line buildup, fighting gum disease directly.

Potential Cost of Not Flossing Your Teeth

In addition to causing inflamed gums, tooth loss, and even bone loss, failure to floss can also cost you a tremendous amount of money as a patient. Here is a little more information about what it might cost you if you decide not to make flossing a priority.

Root planing and scaling to remove tartar below the gum line can cost upwards of $1,600.
Surgical treatments for periodontitis can cost over $3,000.
Since gum disease can attack the bone, you could end up spending $300 to $400 per tooth is you require bone grafts.
Even simple tooth extraction can cost $100 per tooth, and then you are left choosing between dentures and dental implants. Dentures can cost up to $8,000 a set, and dental implants typically cost an average of $4,250 per tooth.

On the other hand, a single pack of dental floss costs under $5, and is available at most grocery, drug, and convenience stores across the country. Make flossing a priority today to save yourself time and money. To keep your teeth clean and healthy, schedule an appointment with the Arizona Periodontal Group.

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When you visit our office, your oral health is our top priority. Dr. Trujillo and his entire team is dedicated to providing you with the personalized, gentle care that you deserve.

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