Dental Specialty Services
Periodontics (treatment of gum disease)
Periodontal disease, also called gum disease, is an infection of the gums and bones that hold the teeth in place. If left untreated, gum disease can cause tooth loss. The good news is, gum disease is easy to prevent with proper dental hygiene and regular dental appointments.
Gingivitis is the initial stage of periodontal disease. Gum areas become increasingly red or dark and may bleed easily and appear swollen. At this stage, the disease is reversible. If not treated, gingivitis may lead to a more serious condition called periodontitis. Periodontitis is an advanced stage of gum disease and it irreversibly damages gums, bones and other structures that support the teeth. At this stage, more complex treatment is necessary to prevent tooth loss.
Endodontics (Root Canal)
In past years, if a tooth had a diseased nerve, the patient would have lost that tooth. Today, with a special dental procedure, called root canal therapy, the tooth can be saved. Inside each tooth is the nerve, also known as the pulp, which provides nutrients and feeling to the tooth. It runs like a thread down through the root of the tooth. When the nerve is diseased or injured the tissue around the nerve dies. If the dead tissue is not removed the tooth will get infected and would need to be pulled. The dentist will remove the nerve, clean out the root canal and seal off the tooth to protect it. The dentist will then put a crown over the tooth to make it stronger. Typically, a root canal is a simple procedure with little or no discomfort.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons care for patients who experience such conditions as problem wisdom teeth, facial pain and misaligned jaws. They treat accident victims suffering from facial injuries, offer reconstructive and dental implant surgery, and care for patients with tumors or cysts of the jaws and functional and esthetic conditions of the maxillofacial areas.
Orthodontics
ForwardDental works closely with the orthodontic specialists of Deerwood Orthodontics to provide integrated dental care and the best possible service for all of our patients. If you have questions about orthodontics, ask your dentist for a referral, or call to schedule an initial consultation. Orthodontic services are available at select ForwardDental locations.