Devoted to promoting optimal health and wellness

Periodontal Health

Dr. Becker’s practice located in Shoreline, Washington, is devoted to promoting optimal health and wellness. His services cover all areas of general dentistry, as well as, many restorative and cosmetic treatments. Within these areas he provides mercury-free fillings, gold and porcelain crowns, veneers, bridges, and even dentures. However, Dr. Becker considers one of his most important roles to be in the prevention of tooth decay, periodontal disease and teeth loss.

Caring for Your Gum and Bone Tissues

Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth. Between each tooth and the gum line, there is a shallow v-shaped space called a sulcus. Periodontal disease starts in this small space and damages the tooth’s anchoring and supportive tissues. As the tissues are damaged, the sulcus enlarges to form an actual pocket. Pockets usually deepen as periodontal disease progresses and eventually lead to teeth loosening and loss.

Risk Factors for Gingivitis

Gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) is the mildest form of periodontal disease. With proper dental treatment it is typically reversible. If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to a more serious, destructive condition called periodontitis. Certain factors and lifestyle choices increase the risk of developing periodontal disease. Some of these include:

Smoking or chewing tobacco
Diabetes
Certain medications such as steroids and oral contraceptives
Crooked teeth
Defective fillings
Pregnancy

Read More . . .

Warning Signs for Gingivitis

There are a number of warning signs that indicate problems with gingival (gum) health. If you consistently have bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth it may be a sign of bacterial overgrowth and periodontal disease. If your gums bleed easily, are tender, or appear red and swollen, you need to call Dr. Becker for a thorough analysis and treatment plan.

Although more advanced signs of periodontal disease exist, many people are surprised to find that they suffer from this condition. In the early stages it is often asymptomatic. Dr. Becker has the skill and experience to detect these maladies in their early stages when they are easier and more affordable to remedy.

Treatment and Oral Hygiene

Dr. Becker visually and manually inspects your oral cavity, takes digital x-rays and accurately measures pocket size. Using phase contrast microscopy he also determines the types of microbes causing your condition. The latter part of your exam is important since medical research has shown a correlation between certain oral bacteria and overall health, especially cardiovascular health.

Equipped with this data, Dr. Becker constructs a detailed, computerized mapping system to track the progress of your gingival health. He also devises your personalized treatment plan and your individual oral hygiene program for optimal home care. Dr. Becker believes that one of the most important parts of his job is to serve as your oral hygiene coach.

Gingival Grafting (Gum Grafting)

Gingival grafting techniques were developed to solve these problems. The connective tissue and free gingival grafting procedures used by Dr. Becker produce highly predictable, positive results. The grafted tissue reseals the gums and protects your teeth and underlying bone. The tissues heal quickly and rejection is rare since you serve as both the donor and the recipient. In addition, gingival grafts are minimally invasive surgical procedures, only require local anesthesia and offer excellent long-term results.

Crown Lengthening (also known as Gum Shortening)

Just as your gum-line may recede under certain conditions, it may actually extend down too far over the crown of your teeth in other situations. Dr. Becker will gladly explain the reasons that cause this condition and he offers effective treatments for these cases.

Hide . . .

Call Dr. Becker’s dental office in Shoreline, Washington at 206.542.4848 to get started on a path toward complete oral and dental health.

With proper care and dental hygiene your teeth can look beautiful and function perfectly for a lifetime.

The old adage "Floss only the ones you want to keep!"

Is true, but unfortunately, it is over-simplified. Our team will work with you and devise a customized home care plan that will fit your lifestyle and dental needs. Your custom plan will provide you with the procedures you can use to achieve the best possible periodontal health.

Oral health can be maintained by proper diet, routine and effective home care daily cleaning practices.

Personalized supervision by our office and hygienist on a regular basis helps you know how to clean all areas of your gums and teeth to achieve optimal oral health.

Your visits alert us to possible problems as they emerge. This early intervention requires less work for both of us and improves the treatment outcome for you.

Gerald Becker DDS
Web Design: Aglo Creations