Recognizing the Common Symptoms of Gum Disease
In this video, Dr. Aaron Bratton explains the stages of gum disease, from gingivitis to periodontitis, and emphasizes the importance of early intervention and regular professional cleanings. Schedule a consultation at Atkins Dental Clinic today to address any signs of gum disease and maintain your oral health.
Gum disease is a broad term that includes conditions ranging from mild inflammation to severe infection. One of the earliest signs is bleeding while brushing. If there’s no pain but you see blood, your gums are inflamed, a condition known as gingivitis. This stage is reversible with proper oral hygiene and professional cleanings, but if left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, which affects the bone supporting your teeth.
Plaque, the soft buildup on teeth, hardens into tartar over time. Once tartar forms, it cannot be brushed off and irritates the gums, causing swelling, bleeding, and recession. As the gums pull away, bacteria move deeper, leading to bone loss and tooth instability. While gingivitis can be managed with improved care, periodontitis requires professional treatment to prevent serious damage. Regular dental visits and consistent hygiene are key to maintaining gum health.
Hear What Our Patients Are Saying...
Read The Atkins Dental Blog
Learn about the services we provide, and the latest advancements in general, cosmetic, and implant dentistry.
Attachment-Free Clear Aligners: Are They Effective?
When people think about clear aligners, they usually picture smooth, transparent trays that fit over the teeth. What often comes as a surprise is that many aligner treatments also rely on small additions placed directly on the teeth. These are called clear aligner attachments. Attachments are small, tooth-colored pieces of composite resin that we bond to certain teeth at [...]
Understanding Dental Anxiety: Causes, Symptoms, and Support
You cannot see anxiety the way you can see a cut or a bruise. But many people carry it with them every day. The word anxiety is often used casually to describe moments of stress or unease, but the experience goes far deeper for those who live with it. In clinical terms, anxiety becomes a diagnosis only when it [...]
How Full Arch Teeth Improve Comfort and Stability
When you think about full arch teeth supported by implants, you might wonder if they offer a stronger, more dependable option than what you have now. That question is more common than you might expect, especially for people who have spent years working around limitations instead of having something that feels steady from the start. Think about a simple [...]
Are Implant Dentures Better Than Regular Dentures? [A Video Guide]
When people ask if implant dentures are better than regular dentures, it helps to pause and think about what “better” means to you. Are you focused on comfort? Do you want something that stays in place when you talk or eat? Are you hoping for a solution that feels more like your own teeth? Traditional dentures often fall short [...]
Clear Aligners in Atkins: How Alignment Supports Comfort and Oral Health
People often feel drawn to things that look balanced and well-organized, even if they’re not consciously thinking about it. Psychologists describe this as a natural preference for symmetry and order, the same instinct that makes a neatly arranged shelf or a perfectly aligned picture frame feel satisfying. Our brains process these patterns more easily, so they feel calm, clear, [...]
Making Sense of Dental Implant Financing
For many people, the biggest pause in any dental decision comes down to cost. It is instinctive to look at a treatment option and immediately ask two questions: what will this cost me, and what do I gain from it? When it comes to dental implants, the second question is often easier to answer than the first. Implant treatment [...]
Invisalign Treatment: Is It Right for You?
Invisalign treatment is often framed as something entirely different from braces, when in reality, the goal remains the same. Both approaches guide teeth into healthier, more balanced positions over time. The difference lies less in what the treatment accomplishes and more in how it fits into everyday life. Invisalign treatment builds on the same orthodontic principles, but it changes [...]
Are Mini Implants Cheaper Than Regular Implants? [A Video Guide]
As many people navigate tooth replacement options, they often face a surprising yet important question: “Are mini dental implants cheaper than regular implants?” In many cases, yes. Their slimmer structure frequently simplifies parts of the procedure, which can influence the overall cost. Picture the difference between a full-size umbrella and a compact one you can fold into a bag. [...]