Coral Gables Periodontist

A periodontist is a dental professional specializing in the treatment of periodontal disease. In addition, a periodontist performs procedures designed to prevent the loss of teeth and permanently replaces teeth that are already missing using innovative solutions like dental implants.

Experienced Periodontists at Lamas Dental Specialists in Miami, Near Coral Gables

Becoming a periodontist requires the mastery of many trades; nonetheless, experience in and of itself is just as important. Therefore, choosing a skilled periodontist who is experienced and well-rounded is essential to maintaining a radiant smile and healthy mouth.

The periodontists at Lamas Dental Specialists have the skill, knowledge, vision and experience necessary to address previous issues, treat current conditions and anticipate the likelihood of a future issue arising.

When patients visit Lamas Dental Specialists in Miami, near Coral Gables, his or her mouth is thoroughly examined. In addition, the connective gum tissue, gums and jawbone are all examined to ensure that they are all working together properly. Should a problem be detected, the periodontist will create a treatment plan custom designed to meet the specific needs of the patient.

A Periodontist: The Plastic Surgeon of Dentistry

Many consider a periodontist to be the plastic surgeon in the world of dentistry: This view is understandable since people who want to improve their smile typically seek the help of a periodontist. Dr. William P. Lamas and his staff use a variety of surgical and non-surgical procedures to improve the health of their patients’ mouths and provide them with the beautifully vibrant smiles they desire.

How Dr. Lamas Addresses an Uneven Gum Line or a Gummy-Looking Smile

A gummy-looking smile usually occurs when the bases of the teeth are covered by excess gingival tissue (gum). The same is typically true of an uneven gum line, only in this case, the bases of the teeth are not covered evenly; thus, creating the uneven gum line. Dr. Lamas can address both of these issues by performing a dental crown lengthening procedure at his office in Miami, near Coral Gables.

Addressing Indentations in the Gingival Tissue and/or Jawbone

Following the loss of a tooth, an indention may form in the area of the gingival tissue or jawbone where the tooth used to be. These indentions are caused by the receding jawbone. The jawbone deteriorates and recedes due to a lack of stimulation. The only way to stimulate the jawbone once a tooth is extracted or missing is to replace it with a dental implant.

Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease): The Number One Cause of Tooth Loss Among Adults in the US

If your gums bleed easily or are sensitive, you may have periodontal disease.

Signs and symptoms of a gum infection:

  • pain while chewing;
  • gingival tissue that bleeds easily; and/or
  • bad breath even after brushing, and flossing.

If you are experiencing any of these problems, you might have a gingival infection. You should seek treatment right away to avoid additional problems that could arise if your gum disease is left untreated. These problems may include heart disease, stroke and even diabetes.

Kinds of Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease)

Although they both fall within the periodontal disease spectrum, there is a difference between gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease and periodontitis is the second stage.

The First Stage of Gum Disease: Gingivitis

Gingivitis sets in when excess plaque builds up on the teeth and the gums become inflamed. You can prevent gingivitis from developing into periodontitis by scheduling an appointment with Dr. William P. Lamas so he can examine your mouth and determine which treatment he can use to keep your gingival infection from becoming periodontitis.

Periodontitis

If treatment is not sought, your gingivitis may progress into periodontitis. Common warning signs of periodontitis include mouth pain while biting and/or chewing, mouth sores, deep pockets filled with bacteria, gums that pull away from the teeth and chronic bad breath. At this stage, permanent changes in the mouth may occur.

These permanent changes may include:

  • loose fillings and/or teeth;
  • teeth and/or fillings that fall out; as well as
  • changes in the fit of a dental bridge, dental plate, partial or flipper.

Left Untreated, Gum Disease Could Lead to Serious Complications

Periodontal disease can lead to a serious jaw or gum disease that requires surgical intervention from an experienced periodontist. Once serious jaw or gum disease sets in, part of the jaw line may need to be removed. As a periodontist, Dr. William P. Lamas is experienced with these types of procedures; however, he prefers to correct these issues before such drastic measures are required.

Diagnosing and Treating Gum Disease

Prior to determining treatment, the stage of infection must be determined. Dr. Lamas accomplishes this by gathering information and examining the patient’s mouth. He may also take digital X-rays. These X-rays provide the periodontists at Lamas Dental Specialists in Miami, near Coral Gables, a way to assess the health of the patient’s jawbone and teeth.

As soon as the stage of infection is ascertained, the periodontists at our office can create a viable treatment plan that is custom-tailored to meet the patient’s specific needs.

At Lamas Dental Specialists in Miami, near Coral Gables, we follow the guidelines as set forth by the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) which stress the importance of reaching periodontal health via the most cost-effective and least-invasive manner possible. Therefore, whenever possible, non-surgical treatments are used to restore periodontal health.

Non-Surgical Treatments and Procedures Frequently Used by Periodontists

Supportive Periodontal Therapy at Lamas Dental Specialists

The American Academy of Periodontology recommends that patients with gum disease schedule Supportive Periodontal Therapy (i.e., a dental cleaning and exam) appointments every few months. At Lamas Dental Specialists, each of our dental hygienists is committed to assisting our patients in addressing and then preventing periodontal disease through the practice of proper oral hygiene. When a patient arrives and periodontal disease is already present, the disease is addressed immediately because we know the importance of early intervention.

Since dental cleanings are vital to preventing the onset of gum disease, individuals who do not have gum disease should schedule a dental cleaning and exam every six months. Moreover, cleanings maintain the results that were achieved at the patient’s last dental cleaning.

  • What to Expect During a Dental Cleaning

    – when a dental cleaning is performed at Lamas Dental Specialists in Miami, near Coral Gables, our dental hygienists do much more than just remove the plaque, tartar and stains that have built-up on the patient’s teeth: Our hygienists carefully examine all areas of the mouth to determine if gum disease is a problem. If periodontal disease is present, the bacteria that is below the gum line will be removed. Once these bacteria are removed, additional bone loss is prevented; however, any bone loss that has already occurred cannot be reversed.

Modular Periodontal Therapy

This safe, pain-free, non-surgical therapy technique is used to treat periodontal disease. On many occasions, this is the non-surgical method that Dr. William P. Lamas decides to start with when treating periodontal disease. During the early stages of periodontal disease, this method of treatment provides exceptional results. In addition, Modular Periodontal Therapy prevents gingivitis from progressing into periodontitis. Moreover, Modular Periodontal Therapy can also shrink infected gum pockets; therefore, this therapy is useful when treating less advanced stages of periodontal disease.

Laser Periodontal Therapy

The traditional non-surgical method for treating gum disease is scaling and root planing; however, studies indicate that lasers provide patients with comparable results. Dr. Lamas can use lasers to address gum disease without the need to make any incisions.

Maintaining the Results Achieved Through Therapy

The results achieved through Modular and Supportive Periodontal Therapy can be maintained through the implementation of a good oral hygiene regimen that includes brushing and flossing on a daily basis. That said, determining what caused the onset of the gum disease to begin with and discontinuing that action can help prevent a recurrence. For instance, if smoking contributed to the development of the disease, quitting would be ideal.

There May be a Connection Between Periodontitis and Oral Cancer

Since advanced stages of periodontal disease is sometimes an early warning sign of oral cancer (especially in adult males), the ability to detect, screen and treat oral cancer quickly is essential: A patient’s life may depend on it.

The dental hygienists and periodontists at Lamas Dental Specialists in Miami, near Coral Gables, know what to look for during an oral cancer screening. We know how important thorough oral cancer screenings are, which is why we perform one at each of our patient’s Supportive Periodontal Therapy appointments.

Gum Recession Treatments

Gum recession treatments available at Lamas Dental Specialists in Miami, near Coral Gables, include traditional gum graft surgery and the revolutionary Pinhole Surgical Technique™.

Replacing Missing Teeth at Lamas Dental Specialists in Miami, Near Coral Gables

Traditional Tooth-Replacement Options vs. Dental Implants

Traditional tooth-replacement options are quickly being replaced with permanent solutions like dental implants. Furthermore, when a patient chooses dental implants, he or she can still enjoy all the foods they love without any concerns related to their teeth slipping or sliding.

As an experienced periodontist, Dr. William P. Lamas enjoys creating individuals who are already wearing dentures with implant-supported overdentures or a beautiful new set of permanent teeth that closely resembles their natural teeth. In addition, individuals who wear a flipper, bridge or have just lost a tooth are usually good candidates for a single or multiple dental implant procedure.

Reasons People in Miami and the Coral Gables Areas Choose Lamas Dental Specialists

Dr. William P. Lamas is an experienced periodontist who has been serving South Florida for more than two decades. He and his staff are dedicated to providing their patients with compassionate, high-quality dental care while utilizing state-of-the-art solutions.

If you think you may have a gum infection, or you have lost teeth and would like to have them replaced, contact Lamas Dental Specialists in Miami, near Coral Gables, today at 305.440.4114 to schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Lamas. Lamas Dental Specialists is located at 2645 Southwest 37th Avenue, Suite 304, in Miami, near Coral Gables.