Passionate Partners for Periodontal Health

All of us at our Anchorage dental office is passionate about helping you attain and maintain optimum dental health. This starts, first and foremost, with your gums and the underlying bone. Millions suffer from gum disease—nearly half of all adults—but it often goes undetected until it causes significant problems and bone loss. This is because many don’t think they have gum disease since they don’t see or feel it. With a comprehensive dental exam, we can diagnose gum disease as we see the signs and symptoms of the disease. Having regular visits for professional cleanings with one of our hygienists is the best way to ensure your oral hygiene is in top shape.

Our dental hygienists here at Excellence In Dentistry are highly trained professionals that are here to help you keep your teeth. Their tooth cleaning and periodontal therapies, adjunctive services with CAMBRA and CariFree cavity susceptibility testing are designed to assist you in keeping your teeth for your lifetime. In addition to their caring and gentle tooth cleaning skills, they have been highly trained with dental diode lasers to very comfortably and precisely aid in your care to get you the best dental health possible. We are proud to say our hygienists are the only hygiene team in Alaska to hold the prestigious credential of Certification with the Academy of Laser Dentistry.

At Excellence in Dentistry, Dr. Kendall and the team not only promote the best in patient care and dental services but also take great interest in patient education. We know that prevention is better than cure, so we work hard to educate our patients on how they can prevent gum disease. We also offer you ADA-approved home care products, a Fresh Breath Center, and an “In-House Store” to purchase dental products not readily available in Anchorage, Alaska.

Why You Need To Get Your Gums Checked Now

Several factors contribute to periodontal disease: plaque buildup, heredity, and lifestyle choices. By far, the most controllable factor is bacterial plaque, the sticky, colorless film produced by normal oral bacteria. Bacteria release toxins that break down the natural fibers that bond gums to teeth. When this occurs, pockets between the gums and teeth form, and more bacteria and toxins hide, flourish, and destroy your gums and teeth. Over time, this process can affect not only gums, teeth, and bone within the mouth, but also overall health. Bacteria in your mouth will be inadvertently ingested and pass through your bloodstream, compromising your whole-body health. Not only that, but your body’s immune response (often described as chronic inflammation) can be damaging not only to your gums, but to your body as a whole.

Because of these serious health consequences, treating gum disease not only helps you stay healthy, it can also prevent future tooth loss. If gum disease has caused you to lose teeth, dental implants can help restore both your smile and your oral health. Dental implants are titanium posts that are placed into the jawbone, acting as artificial roots for replacement teeth. They offer a stable, permanent solution to missing teeth, preventing further bone loss often caused by untreated gum disease. By integrating with the jawbone, dental implants prevent the bone from deteriorating, maintaining the structure of your face and jaw.

man with short curly hair shows off his healthy smile

Dental Implants and Gum Disease

For patients with gum disease-related tooth loss, dental implants offer an ideal solution. Traditional dentures and bridges don’t address the underlying bone loss, which can continue over time if not treated. In contrast, dental implants stimulate the jawbone just like natural tooth roots. This stimulation can prevent further bone loss and help maintain the strength and integrity of your jaw. Additionally, dental implants are easier to maintain than traditional solutions, as they don’t require special care beyond regular brushing and flossing.

All-On-4 Dental Implants: A Revolutionary Solution for Severe Gum Disease

For patients who have lost most or all of their teeth due to gum disease, the All-On-4 dental implant system is an innovative and efficient solution. Unlike traditional implants, which require a separate implant for each missing tooth, the All-On-4 system uses just four strategically placed implants to support a full set of replacement teeth. This system is particularly beneficial for those with severe bone loss due to gum disease, as the implants are placed at angles that provide maximum stability even when the bone has been compromised.

All-On-4 implants are often referred to as “Teeth in a Day,” as patients can leave the office with a fully functional set of teeth on the same day as the procedure. This system eliminates the need for bone grafting, which is commonly required with traditional implants when significant bone loss has occurred. The four implants anchor a full arch of replacement teeth, providing a stable and secure foundation for your new smile. All-On-4 dental implants are not only a functional solution but also help prevent further bone loss and gum tissue recession, both of which are often consequences of untreated gum disease.

Gum Disease and Overall Health

Gum disease has been linked to many serious health conditions, including:

  • Heart disease
  • Stroke
  • Diabetes
  • Pregnancy complications
  • Autoimmune disorders
  • Cancer, including oral cancer, pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, and colon cancer

By addressing gum disease early, you’re not only protecting your oral health but also your overall well-being. If gum disease has already caused you to lose teeth, dental implants and All-On-4 dental implants can provide a long-lasting and effective solution to restore your smile, preserve jawbone health, and help maintain your overall health.

What If Anxiety Keeps You From the Dentist?

We understand that many people have dental anxiety and may find it hard to make regular dental visits. This can be even harder when your gums are swollen or tender. Let us help you overcome your anxiety. Sedation dentistry can eliminate your anxiety so you can get your gums checked out and treated to ensure your best oral and overall health. Whether you’re interested in dental implants or All-On-4 implants, we’ll make sure you feel relaxed and comfortable every step of the way.

Give us a call at (907) 349-0022 to come see why everyone is raving about the hygiene team at Excellence In Dentistry in Anchorage, Alaska!