Diabetes and Gum Disease

Gum disease is unfortunately common, and some people have more trouble fighting it than others. The doctors at Bishop & Bishop Dental in Silver Spring see a lot of people who face oral health complications, of which one of the most common is diabetes. People with diabetes have greater difficulty fighting infections, and the relationship between the diseases is a two-way street.

It is not completely clear why people with uncontrolled blood sugar have higher rates of infections. We do know that diabetes causes people’s arteries to thicken, limiting the flow of nutrients throughout their bodies. We also know that once an infection develops in the gum pockets, the body will become less able to regulate glucose, resulting in a feedback loop. Gingivitis, also called gum inflammation, is the body’s initial response to a gum pocket infection. (There are other potential causes, but infection is the most common.) Bleeding gums result from inflammation, and if an infection progresses, the gum tissue could recede. At this point, the teeth would be much more sensitive and would be at risk of coming loose.

Gingivitis is treatable. During deep cleanings, we remove bacterial build-up from below the gum line, where patients can’t reach. When infections are controlled, the body has an easier time controlling blood sugar. If you have diabetes, it is especially important for you to brush and floss, but we’re happy to provide you with more assistance.

Dr. David Bishop, Dr. Dorienne Taylor-Bishop, and Dr. Alicia Reynolds operate Bishop & Bishop Dental at 8757 Georgia Ave, Suite 810, Silver Spring, Maryland, 20910. To set up an appointment, call 301-608-9270 orvisitBishop Dental and fill out a contact sheet.

Gum Disease

Caring for your teeth is an essential part of maintaining good oral health, but your gums also play an important role in your health, and proper care is crucial. Gum disease can be a serious detriment to your oral health and overall wellness, and Dr. David R. Bishop and Dr. Dorienne Taylor-Bishop provide the type of regular periodontal care and checkups you need to maintain peak health and prevent gum disease.

 

With periodontal disease responsible for 75 percent of all adult tooth loss cases in the United States, it is critical to check for and treat periodontal issues when they first arise. Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums that starts when a build-up of plaque on your teeth hardens, providing the ideal enviornment for bacteria to collect and attactk surrounding gums. In its early stages, this gum disease is gingivitis, but if it is left untreated, it becomes periodontis. Periodontis can destroy your gum tissue and lead to tooth loss. Periodontis can even result in a loss of bone mass in your jawbone, and heart disease, diabetes and stroke have also been linked to poor periodontal health.

 

The state of your gums affects the health of your entire body, so come to our office in Silver Spring, MD to receive periodontal cleanings and treatment. It is easier to prevent gum disease or treat it early on than to reverse the effects of periodontis. Call (301) 608-9270 to schedule an appointment with Bishop & Bishop Dental. For more information, visit www.bishopdental.com. 

Crowns

In cases when a filling or bonding will not be sufficient, we use dental crowns. Crowns are a great restorative treatment used when teeth become weak due to decay, cracks, discoloration and other issues. We treat many of our patients suffering from weakened teeth with dental crowns.

 

A crown is essentially a “cap” that covers the damaged tooth. Unlike removable devices such as dentures or bridges, a crown is used to improve appearance, shape or alignment. Crowns are cemented onto existing teeth or implant and can be removed by the dentist if necessary. Dental crowns are used in many applications. Mostly, they are used to protect a weak tooth from a fracture and to restore a fractured tooth. Crowns are also used during the dental implant process to cover the abutment while the jaw bone grows around the implant. Temporary crowns help maintain proper chewing and speaking efficiency during the implant process.

 

Crowns are typically made from porcelain fused to metal or a full gold crown. A porcelain crown can be matched to the shade of your other teeth, allowing it to blend in and appear just as your natural teeth do. The process of installing a crown usually takes 2-3 visits. Dr. Bishop will start by reshaping the enamel of the broken tooth so the crown can be placed properly. Once the tooth has been reshaped, a mold will be created of that tooth and the surrounding teeth. A temporary crown will be set in place so the teeth do not shift while the permanent crown is being created. Once the crown is completed, it will be put in place and bonded with cement to assure it stays in place.

Root Canal

When someone you know says they need a root canal procedure, there is often a negative connotation associated with it, leaving you to feel badly for your friend. The misconception that root canals are painful, cause illness or will further cause damage to your teeth is decades old and holds no truth. Science has come a long way since the first root canal procedure occurred in the 1700’s.

 

The whole point of a root canal procedure is to alleviate pain, not cause more. Root canals are performed by removing the pulp of the tooth that has become inflamed, infected or dead. The pulp is a soft substance that is in the center of the tooth, it consists of nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue. The most common causes of pulp damage are cracked tooth, deep cavity and an injury to a tooth. We use this procedure to save a tooth that is badly decayed and would otherwise be extracted. After the pulp is removed, it is thoroughly cleaned and then functions properly.

 

One of the main misconceptions regarding root canals focuses on the idea that the procedure “kills” the tooth rather than repairing it. Once the pulp is cleaned and disinfected, the area filled and sealed with a rubber-like material called “gutta-percha.” Afterwards, the tooth is restored with a crown or filling for protection. After restoration, the tooth continues to function like any other tooth. People also think that a root canal procedure is an invasive procedure that takes hours to complete. Modern root canal procedures are often compared to having a routine filling and can be completed in just one visit.

 

We are proud to offer pain-free root canal procedures at Bishop & Bishop Dental in Silver Spring, MD. Call 301-608-9270 to schedule your appointment today!

Dentures

Dentures are a great option for those looking to replace missing teeth with a non-permanent solution. There are two type of denture and they are used depending on each individual case. At Bishop & Bishop Dental, we offer both full and partial dentures to help our patients retain their original smile quickly and effectively.

 

Dentures are replacement teeth that can be removed and worn at your convenience. In many cases, patients have very different needs when it comes to having their dentures created. Dentures are made of acrylic resin, sometimes in combination with various metals depending on the situation.

 

At Bishop & Bishop Dental, we offer conventional-full, immediate-full and partial dentures to patients hoping to restore their smile. Conventional-full dentures are used when all of the teeth are removed. The tissue is given time to heal before the dentures can be placed; this usually takes a couple months to heal completely. Immediate-full dentures are made before the original teeth are removed. The doctors will take measurements and have the dentures fitted for each specific patient mouth. Once the teeth are removed, the dentures are able to be immediately placed. Partial dentures are used to replace multiple teeth at one time, not all teeth. This removable option is similar to a bridge, but it is not permanent.

 

If you have lost one or more tooth and are interested in dentures, visitwww.bishopdental.com or call 301-608-9270 to set up an appointment at Bishop & Bishop Dental in Silver Spring, MD.

Pregnancy and Oral Health

Pregnancy and oral health

Pregnancy and oral health are two things that go hand in hand when you are expecting a baby. We encourage all of our patients to take good care of their dental hygiene and oral health when they become pregnant.

 

Most women know how vital it is that they take good care of their physical health, but often don’t consider the impact oral health has on their overall health. A surge in hormones can exasperate the way a pregnant woman’s gums react to plaque. As a result, there is an increased risk of tooth decay, loose teeth, and gum disease if proper oral hygiene isn’t maintained.

 

The following steps are important to follow while you are pregnant.

 

1. Brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each session.

2. Floss your teeth regularly, preferably once a day.

3. Visit dentist David Bishop for a check-up and cleaning.

4. Inform Dr. Bishop that you are pregnant and avoid getting x-rays.

5. Avoid eating sugary snacks as it increases the risk of tooth decay.

 

By following these steps, pregnant women have a better chance at maintaining their good oral health during pregnancy. Contact our dentist, Dr. David Bishop in Silver Spring, MD, to discuss pregnancy and oral health in more detail.

Dental X-Rays

Dental X-Rays

While examinations are an important part of regular check-up, dental x-rays are needed in order to better detect oral health issues that cannot always be detected by physical or visual examination alone.

 

Here at our Silver Spring, MD dental practice, we use dental x-rays to examine beneath the gums, look at current dental work to see if it needs to be replaced, find infections, see better between the teeth, investigate cavities, and determine the severity of gum diseases. Dental x-rays are also helpful to examine the jaw ligaments, nerves, and bones.

 

Some patients get their x-rays during every 6-month visit with us, while others only need them once a year or when they develop pain or other problems. We provide dental x-rays regularly not just for our patients who are experiencing pain or dental health problems, but to diagnosis dental problems before they become a more serious issue.

 

If you haven’t had dental x-rays in a while, visit our office and dentist David Bishop to get yours right away.

Dental X-Rays

Dental X-Rays

While examinations are an important part of regular check-up, dental x-rays are needed in order to better detect oral health issues that cannot always be detected by physical or visual examination alone.

 

Here at our Silver Spring, MD dental practice, we use dental x-rays to examine beneath the gums, look at current dental work to see if it needs to be replaced, find infections, see better between the teeth, investigate cavities, and determine the severity of gum diseases. Dental x-rays are also helpful to examine the jaw ligaments, nerves, and bones.

 

Some patients get their x-rays during every 6-month visit with us, while others only need them once a year or when they develop pain or other problems. We provide dental x-rays regularly not just for our patients who are experiencing pain or dental health problems, but to diagnosis dental problems before they become a more serious issue.

 

If you haven’t had dental x-rays in a while, visit our office and dentist David Bishop to get yours right away.

Pregnancy and oral health

Pregnancy and oral health

Pregnancy and oral health are two things that go hand in hand when you are expecting a baby. We encourage all of our patients to take good care of their dental hygiene and oral health when they become pregnant.

 

Most women know how vital it is that they take good care of their physical health, but often don’t consider the impact oral health has on their overall health. A surge in hormones can exasperate the way a pregnant woman’s gums react to plaque. As a result, there is an increased risk of tooth decay, loose teeth, and gum disease if proper oral hygiene isn’t maintained.

 

The following steps are important to follow while you are pregnant.

 

1. Brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each session.

2. Floss your teeth regularly, preferably once a day.

3. Visit dentist David Bishop for a check-up and cleaning.

4. Inform Dr. Bishop that you are pregnant and avoid getting x-rays.

5. Avoid eating sugary snacks as it increases the risk of tooth decay.

 

By following these steps, pregnant women have a better chance at maintaining their good oral health during pregnancy. Contact our dentist, Dr. David Bishop in Silver Spring, MD, to discuss pregnancy and oral health in more detail.

Importance of Coming in Regularly for Cleaning

Importance of Coming in Regularly for Cleaning

Although you may not think about going to the dentist until you have a problem, such as a toothache or loose filling, routine checkups are important. Coming in for a checkup and regular cleanings plays a vital role in maintaining good oral health and preventing dental problems.

 

Bishop & Bishop Dental offers a variety of dental services including hygiene. Regular dental cleanings involve removing plaque and tartar from the teeth and gum line. Even if you brush your teeth and floss regularly, you still need a dental cleaning.

 

A professional cleaning involves the use of special tools, which helps remove tartar that brushing can’t. In addition, the hygienist and dentist can detect signs of gum disease early and recommended treatment.

 

Regular cleanings also allow our dentists to follow your dental health and compare your current condition with previous visits. This helps determine if gum disease is progressing.

Current research indicates gum disease may increase your chances of developing health problems, such as heart disease. Maintaining good oral health is not only about having a nice smile and white teeth. Preventing gum disease and keeping your mouth healthy can have an impact on your overall health.

 

For more information on dental hygiene services, or to schedule an appointment, please call Bishop & Bishop Dental at 301-608-9270.

Gum Disease and Health

How much thought do you give to your oral systemic health?  Do you consider how the health of your teeth and gums affect your longevity and wellbeing? What many patients often forget is that smile and body health are closely related.  Here at Bishop & Bishop Dental, we are working to help all of our patients understand the connection between gum disease and health.

When the teeth and gums are subjected to infection and periodontal disease, they often become inflamed and may easily bleed.  Since bacteria thrive in an unhealthy mouth, they can easily travel through the body’s circulatory system and affect tissues elsewhere, including the heart. The same plaque that results from poor oral hygiene and bacteria control can also thicken the walls of the blood vessels and lead to serious health problems. Gum disease can easily progress if the body’s immune system is compromised due to other conditions like diabetes.  Patients may develop periodontitis, which results in tooth loss, bone loss, severe gum recession and irreversible damage to mouth.
Your smile and your health are worth protecting and preserving. If it’s been a while since your last checkup or you suspect that you or a loved one may be affected by gum disease, please arrange for an exam with us here at  Bishop & Bishop Dental.

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is a severe oral health problem that affects about 10% of the population.  Although the infection begins as a minor inflammation, it can quickly escalate into tooth loss, hard tissue damage, and have an effect on your overall systemic health.  

Fortunately, it is easy to prevent periodontal disease with diligent oral care.  I always remind my patients to brush twice a day, floss and schedule appointments for bi-annual cleanings and exams.  In the event you do find yourself with periodontal disease, it’s important to catch it in its earliest stages.

If you notice any of the following signs of periodontal disease developing, schedule an appointment and be proactive about your oral health:
•    Bleeding gums during or after brushing and flossing your teeth
•    Swollen, tender or sore gums
•    Gums that appear to be receding from your teeth
•    Bad breath or a foul taste in your mouth, even after brushing
•    Loose teeth or teeth that can be physically moved in the gum bed
•    Changes in your bite alignment
•    Lack of stability in any restoratives or prosthetic dental work

Source:
http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/DataStatistics/FindDataByTopic/GumDisease/PeriodontaldiseaseAdults20to64