Dental Services

What is dental care, and why is it important?

Dental care is crucial because it helps maintain the health of the oral cavity and its impact on overall body health. Dental care consists of two main forms: at-home treatments, which include brushing, flossing, and using other aids like a water pick, and professional care, which involves treatments performed by dental professionals such as dentists, their specialists, and hygienists.

What are some good practices for having healthy teeth?

One of the most important practices for maintaining healthy teeth is to brush and floss your teeth twice a day. The key to effective brushing is using the correct technique and brushing for the appropriate amount of time. Ideally, you should brush your teeth for a full two minutes.

How often should a periodontist check my teeth?

A periodontist should be involved in the dental care of any patient with a history of periodontal disease that requires specialist attention. Typically, the periodontist alternates treatments with the general dentist once the condition is in a maintenance phase, so patients should be seen at least twice a year.

What are the signs of unhealthy teeth?

There are many signs of unhealthy teeth, some of which are visible, while others require x-rays to diagnose. Any discoloration, holes in the teeth, pain, sensitivity to hot and cold, or areas of the gums that appear irritated, with symptoms like bleeding, swelling, or recession, are potential signs of dental issues.

What is involved in a dental cleaning?

A dental cleaning is typically divided into two phases. The first phase involves reviewing medical history, discussing treatment options, and ensuring that everything is appropriate for upcoming care. The second phase involves removing bacteria present on the teeth using ultrasonic instruments, hand instruments, and polishers.

What are the most common periodontal treatments, starting with prophy?

There are three common non-surgical periodontal treatments: prophy, periodontal maintenance, and scaling and root planing. A prophy is a type of cleaning for patients without a history of periodontal disease. This is a shorter cleaning, typically lasting 30 minutes to an hour, and usually does not require numbing medication. Scaling and root planing is a type of dental cleaning performed when there is an active diagnosis of periodontal disease, meaning the patient cannot clean beneath the teeth. This procedure is typically done with numbing (local anesthetic) to ensure patient comfort and often requires two dental visits due to the time needed. A periodontal maintenance visit is a cleaning for patients with a history of periodontal disease who are in a maintenance phase with no active disease. This visit typically takes about an hour and usually does not require numbing.

When might a periodontist recommend major periodontal treatments?

A periodontist may recommend major periodontal treatments when certain disease classifications require them. Common procedures include crown lengthening, gum grafting, and dental implant-related services. Crown lengthening is performed when there is a tooth fracture that requires the periodontist to work beneath the gums, or there is a history of periodontal disease requiring surgical treatment. Gum grafting involves procedures where gum tissue is taken from the roof of the mouth or other materials are used to improve the quality of the gum tissue around natural teeth, preventing further issues and tooth loss. Dental implants are alternatives to natural teeth when a tooth must be removed due to hopelessness.

Are dental services painful?

One of the most common questions we receive is whether dental services are painful. At Periodontics and Implant Dentistry in Tallahassee, our goal is to ensure that patients are comfortable during any dental procedure. While we cannot guarantee a completely pain-free experience, we take great care to minimize discomfort during and after procedures.

What options are available to me to afford the dental services I need?

Dental services can become expensive if major treatments are needed. At Periodontics and Implant Dentistry in Tallahassee, our goal is to ensure that patients receive the necessary care. If a patient cannot pay for services upfront, we offer several financing options that allow them to break up payments over months or even years.

How can I schedule an appointment for dental services?

Now that you know more about dental services, please call us at (850) 909-9731. We'd love to see you for an exam and any appropriate treatment.

Specialty Care, Exceptional Service

Two of the most common dental problems are gum disease and tooth loss, and unfortunately, they can also be two of the most devastating conditions as well. These issues can rob a person of their ability to chew and speak properly as well as severely affect their appearance, making everyday life uncomfortable in innumerable ways. Often, general dentists are unable to fully address them, but that’s where a dental specialist can help with advanced periodontal services in Tallahassee, FL.

Dr. Matthew Rasmussen is a certified periodontist, which means he’s able to provide next-level care when it comes to healing the gums, repairing any damage, and replacing missing teeth. Comprehensive periodontal therapy can reverse infection and prevent it from coming back, and dental implants can fill any gaps to help a patient eat whatever they like, speak clearly, and smile with complete confidence for decades to come.

To learn more about how our dental office can improve your oral health and help you get your life back, you’ll find our complete service menu below. Click on a link to learn more about a specific procedure. If you have any questions, or if you’d like to schedule an appointment, contact us today.

Periodontal Therapy

Dental Implants

Cosmetic Periodontics

Sedation Dentistry

Emergency Dentistry