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.
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. [...]
What Are Mini Dental Implants? A Quick Overview
You may already know the basic idea behind a dental implant: a durable post that takes the place of a missing root and supports a new tooth. That’s the classic model, and it works well. Mini dental implants use the same principle, but their slimmer, one-piece titanium design offers possibilities the traditional model can’t always provide. The smaller size [...]
What the Best Gum Disease Treatment Looks Like Today
Gum disease is one of the most common oral health conditions, and it often develops gradually, often going unnoticed until symptoms become more difficult to ignore. Factors like genetics and overall health can raise your risk, but everyday habits have the greatest influence. When plaque lingers along the gumline, inflammation takes hold, and over time, it can progress into [...]
Why More Adults Are Choosing Braces Alternatives
Once upon a time, every phone had a home. You’d pace as far as the cord allowed, twisting it between your fingers while you talked. If you wanted comfort, you brought the conversation to the couch, dragging the phone, the cord, and maybe a stool along for the ride. It worked. The voices came through clear, the connections held [...]
How a Sinus Lift Helps Support Dental Implants
Before a builder pours concrete or a gardener plants a seed, the ground must be studied. Its composition, its strength, and its readiness to hold what’s to come all determine the outcome. A solid foundation, whether made of earth or intention, gives support to things that last. The same idea applies in dentistry. Before placing an implant, we make [...]
What Is a One-Piece Dental Implant? [A Video Guide]
Before the Band-Aid, caring for a cut required patience and parts: gauze, tape, scissors, and a steady hand. It worked, but it wasn’t simple. Then someone realized that the pieces didn’t have to stay separate. That small act of joining what already existed created something entirely new, a solution so practical it became second nature. So, what is a [...]
A Closer Look at the Smile Makeover Process
When we hear the word “makeover,” our minds often go straight to a movie montage. There’s upbeat music, a confident strut out of the dressing room, maybe a pair of sunglasses being tossed on for effect. Or we picture a home renovation show, where the walls are knocked down and the camera pans across a space that feels brighter, [...]