Problem & Solutions
Hema was unhappy with her overlapped & stained teeth that made her look older than she felt. She wanted a natural looking smile that made her look younger. She had always put herself last and felt it was finally time to do something special for her self. She rarely showed her teeth when smiling in pictures.
Dr. Patel straightened her teeth and gave her a younger & whiter smile with 16 porcelain restorations. He also gently re-contoured her gums to achieve that radiant smile.
Testimonial“I smile so much more than I did before and get so many compliments on my smile!”
For health. For beauty. For you.
Gum Disease and Heart Problems
When we think about oral health and taking care of our teeth, we may not always consider the importance of taking equally good care of the health of our gums. Periodontal disease (disease related to the gums), including gingivitis and periodontitis, are serious infections that, if left untreated, can cause the sufferer to actually lose their teeth. The word "periodontal" literally means "around the tooth," and periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth.
Periodontal disease begins when the bacteria in plaque, the sticky colorless film that forms constantly on our teeth daily) causes the gums to become inflamed. When the disease is in the beginning stages, when it's referred to as gingivitis, the gums get red, they swell, and bleed easily. When the disease is at this stage, there is typically no discomfort yet. Gums start showing signs of gingivitis due to inadequate oral hygiene. If you feel you may have the beginnings of gum disease, it is imperative that you seek treatment from a highly qualified dentist immediately to prevent the condition from worsening.
When left untreated, gingivitis can advance to the stage of periodontitis, and, in time, the plaque can spread and grow below the gum line. The toxins produced by the bacteria will irritate your gums and stimulate an inflammatory response. The tissue and bone that support the teeth will be broken down and destroyed. Gums will then separate from the teeth, forming pockets that become infected. These pockets, as the disease progresses, will deepen, and more gum tissue and bone will be destroyed. In the later stages of the disease, teeth will become loose and may have to be removed.
Dr. Tejas Patel at the Center of Cosmetic & General Dentistry in Austin, Texas can treat your gum disease by eliminating the infection, itself, and restoring the health of your gums and teeth.
Periodontal Disease's Link to Heart Disease
At the present time, there are several theories to explain the link between periodontal disease and heart disease. One theory is that oral bacteria can affect the heart when they enter the blood stream, attaching to fatty plaques in the coronary arteries (heart blood vessels) and contributing to clot formation. Coronary artery disease is characterized by a thickening of the walls of the coronary arteries due to the buildup of fatty proteins. Blood clots can obstruct normal blood flow, restricting the amount of nutrients and oxygen required for the heart to function properly. This may lead to heart attacks.
Another possibility is that the inflammation caused by periodontal disease increases plaque build up, which may contribute to swelling of the arteries. Researchers have found that people with gum disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease as those people who do not have gum disease. Gum disease can also exacerbate already-existing heart conditions.
To learn more about the importance of healthy gums or to schedule an examination by Dr. Tejas Patel at the Center of Cosmetic & General Dentistry in Austin, Texas, please contact our office to schedule your complimentary consultation with Dr. Patel.
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512.263.8337
1213 RR 620 South, Suite 205 
Austin, Texas 78734
