EMERGENCY SAME DAY CROWNS!! We are very excited to be able to offer same day crowns using CEREC technology.

Gum Disease

What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums, which gradually leads to the destruction of the bone supporting your natural teeth. This disease affects more than 80% of Americans by the age of 45.

Dental plaque is the primary cause of gum disease. Specific bacteria (germs) found in plaque produce enzymes and toxins which injure the gums. Injured gums turn red, swell and bleed easily.

If this injury is prolonged, the gums separate from the teeth, causing pockets (spaces) to form. These pockets allow the bacteria to move deeper into your gums.

Plaque can also harden into a rough, porous substance known as calculus (tartar).

This can occur both above and below the gumline. As periodontal disease progresses, the supporting gum tissue and bone that holds the teeth in place deteriorate.

If left untreated, this leads to tooth loss. Pain is usually not present until damage from this disease is very advanced. Sometimes the first thing a patient notices is their teeth are getting loose.

Healthy Gums

Healthy gums are generally pink and help the bone anchor the teeth firmly in place. Healthy gums do not bleed or hurt during normal brushing and flossing.

Early forms of gum disease (gingivitis) can easily be treated by a dental hygienist and maintained with daily brushing and flossing. To keep the gums health an appointment with the hygienist every 6 months is advised. Family Dental Group can get you on your way to healthy gums. All you need to do is call (406) 541-2886 or request an appointment online and come in for a visit. Your gums will be glad you did!

Periodontal Health Effects

Studies have shown links between periodontal (gum) disease and diabetes, stroke, heart disease and other health conditions. Inflammation in the gums can spread inflammation to the rest of the body. Periodontal disease is like a low grade infection that your body has to fight all the time.

Researcher’s conclusions suggest that bacteria present in infected gums can become loose and move throughout the body through the bloodstream. Once bacteria reaches the arteries, they can irritate them in the same way that they irritate gum tissue causing arterial plaque, which can cause hardening and affect blood-flow.

Sensitivity

Suppress the urge to avoid cleaning teeth that are sensitive to cold! Teeth that have suffered damage from gum disease may always be more sensitive to cold. Avoiding them only makes it worse.

After any dental treatment, teeth may become sensitive. This is their way of letting you know that they’ve been injured. Any injury (cavity, tooth clenching/grinding, gum infection) can injure the nerves in a tooth. This should not last long if the teeth are kept clean. If the teeth are not kept clean, the sensitivity will remain or get worse. .

If your teeth are especially sensitive, consult with your dentist. This could be a sign of the need for root canal treatment or a gum tissue graft to cover root surfaces. But often a desensitizing toothpaste (with potassium nitrate)—available over the counter, or a concentrated fluoride gel (1.1% sodium-fluoride)-a prescription from the dentist will reduce tooth sensitivity. There are also desensitizing coatings a dentist or hygienist can apply the will help with tooth sensitivity.

Stages Of Gum Disease

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is an early stage of gum disease. Gingivitis develops as toxins, enzymes and other plaque byproducts by irritating the gums, making them tender, swollen and likely to bleed easily. Gingivitis generally can be stopped with proper oral hygiene—brushing and flossing. A dental prophylaxis (cleaning) by a dental hygienist is needed to remove tartar. With these steps, your gums can return to a healthy state.

Periodontitis

Periodontitis is gum disease where the gums now have pockets forming around the teeth and with the loss of the supporting bone. Periodontitis occurs when plaque byproducts destroy the tissues that anchor your teeth in the bone. The gums deteriorate and begin detaching themselves from the teeth forming gum pockets, which allows more plaque to collect below the gumline. This causes the roots of the teeth to become susceptible to decay. As the pockets in the gums become deeper and infection called a periodontal abscess can occur.

Advanced Periodontitis

Advanced periodontitis occurs when a major amount of gum and bone has been lost. The teeth are losing support due to the loss of periodontal ligament and bone—the teeth can become noticeably loose. Advanced periodontal disease can require that some teeth be extracted. If left untreated, advanced periodontitis can cause severe health problems elsewhere in the body.

Amazing Customers

5/5
Excellent Dentist in Jason T Knable and Exceptional Staff. He put on 2 ???? Crowns on the same day-!-
Mark Alan Henley
5/5
This is the best dentist office I have ever been to! I used to be scared to go to the dentist because of previous terrible experiences – I feel comfortable at family dental!!
Shannon Brewer
5/5
Stunning, professional dental office that responded so quickly when an old filling fractured. They got me in right away and the process of getting that same-day crown was simply amazing. The dentist was fabulous, the assistants were incredible and the crown fit the first time it was put in. This is a happy place – the day I was there it was clear everyone was enjoying their work, enjoying the patients and enjoying each other. Incredibly positive and professional experience.!
N. N.
5/5
On trip to Yellowstone I broke a tooth. Family Dental to the rescue. Thank you Dr. Knable, Kendra, and all the staff who were friendly, helpful, and totally professional. I needed a crown and it was all done in a few hours. The crown feels perfect and I can smile again. Thank you!
Gigi de Jong
5/5
I recently got a mouthful of Crowns, done by Dr. Macy. She was incredible. She contacted me regularly (even on her days off!) to check on me. I can’t say enough good things about Dr. Macy, Dr. Dusseau (our Dentist, who was on vacation) and Timmye (Assistant). My teeth look amazing. Thank you Family Dental!
Jesse Poole
5/5
Family Dental Group had been taking care of my teeth for a few years now and I tell everybody to go there. I not only feel cared for when I get my teeth cleaned but also empowered to continue caring for my own oral health. In my experience, they are honest in their recommendations and care; not always ambling for the upsell. The front desk employees are usually quite approachable.
Kezia Halverson
5/5
Dr Jason was super awesome. I went in for an emergency molar pain. Had it out and us on our way quickly. Love these guys everyone was helpful, professional, and nice
Rhonda Foster

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COVID-19 UPDATE

Family Dental Group now open for regular patient visits with some changes for additional protection against COVID-19. While many things have changed, one thing has remained the same: our commitment to your safety.