Professional Periodontist in Victoria
Gums support and secure our teeth and are therefore crucial to our oral health. Unfortunately, some of the most common dental problems among Canadians are gum-related. Dr. Crapo & Associates can help you prevent and treat periodontal diseases such as gingivitis and gum disease.
Plaque, Tartar, and Gingivitis
Plaque develops on your teeth after every meal. If you don’t floss or brush your teeth regularly, it solidifies and becomes calculus, or tartar, which can only be removed by a dental hygienist. Tartar buildup around the gum line encourages bacterial growth and can lead to gum infections, also known as gingivitis.
Detecting Gingivitis
Gingivitis can cause bleeding or swollen gums, but it sometimes doesn’t have such obvious symptoms. At Dr. Crapo & Associates, we can use a special probe to examine your gums and diagnose periodontal disease during regular dental exams. We can also use dental radiographs to determine the state of your bones and of the areas where your teeth connect to your gums.
Gum Disease
When left untreated, gingivitis can lead to gum disease, a situation in which the gums start to break down and separate from the teeth. The point at which the teeth attach to the jawbone can also weaken, loosening the teeth and eventually causing them to fall out.
Easily Preventable
Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss, but it’s easily preventable. By regularly visiting your dentist and maintaining a proper oral-hygiene routine, which includes regular brushing and flossing, you can effectively prevent gingivitis and gum disease.
Make an appointment at our Victoria dental office to make sure your gums are in perfect health.
Realigned jaw
When Dave first came to visit us about the discomfort in his jaw, he was suffering from something more common than most people realize. The pain stemmed from an alignment problem and was restricting him from even opening his mouth wide enough to eat properly. Without resorting to invasive surgery techniques, Dave underwent a rehabilitation program that gradually moved his jaw back to proper alignment.
“I was having some jaw problems and headache problems. I went to see [Dr. Crapo] and he confirmed with X-rays that… my jaw was out of alignment. It was about a 2-year process… but I got the latest model of splints [for my jaw], and I found him very creative. You feel welcome at the front end… and everyone’s just been excellent I’ve found.”
- Dave