Services

• Overview of Dental Implants

  Dental implants are metal posts or frames that are surgically inserted into a patient’s jawbone. Once in place, the implants become bonded with the jawbone, creating a strong foundation for replacement teeth. Once the implants have healed, your dentist will permanently mount replacement teeth onto the fixtures, completing your smile. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF DENTAL IMPLANTS? Dental implants are a popular option for replacing missing teeth. The benefits are numerous and include the following: * Comfort: The implant posts fuse with the jawbone, meaning they won’t move around like removable dentures. You will speak and chew normally. * Convenience: Dental implants don’t require any special care like dentures. You’ll brush and floss your teeth normally, just like you did before you lost your teeth. * Durability: The implant posts should last a lifetime. As long as you keep your teeth and gums healthy, your implants won’t fail. WHAT IS THE PROCESS OF GETTING DENTAL IMPLANTS? Usually, the first step to getting dental implants is a consultation with your dentist. They will go over your oral health, discuss any medical conditions, and talk to you about your options. Your dentist may also take x-rays of your mouth. These x-rays will help your dentist see if you have any underlying conditions. For example, if your dentist sees that you have bone loss, they may recommend a different procedure. Once you and your dentist have decided to move forward with the procedure, your dentist will create a treatment plan for you.  The procedure of placing dental implants includes the following steps: 1. Placing the implant post itself. * An incision is made in the gum line. * The bone is prepared for placement of the implant post. * The dental implant post is inserted into the bone, and the gums are sutured closed. * The implant post needs 2 - 6 months to fuse with the jawbone before the restoration is attached. 2. Attaching the restoration. * Once the dental implant post has fused with the bone, a dental restoration is attached. The restoration may be a crown, bridge, or denture. * The restoration is customized to blend in seamlessly with your surrounding teeth. At LAGOS Periodontics & Dental Implants, Rodrigo A. Lagos, DDS, MS, practices a full scope of periodontics with expertise in preventive periodontics, cosmetic periodontal surgery, gum grafting, and dental implants. To schedule an appointment, call us at 760-568-3421 or visit our practice at 36945 Cook St.Suite 101, Palm Desert, CA 92260. 

  Read More
• Cosmetic Periodontal Surgery

  Periodontal surgery is a procedure used in the treatment of gum disease. This gum disease is an infection of the gum tissues. It occurs when bacteria build up in the mouth due to poor oral hygiene. WHY OPT FOR COSMETIC PERIODONTAL SURGERY? There are a variety of reasons a patient may opt for cosmetic periodontal surgery. Some patients may suffer from gum disease, which can affect any area of the mouth. Gum disease can cause gum recession, where a patient’s gums begin to pull back and expose more of their tooth’s roots. This exposes more of the tooth’s structure, making it appear longer and causing tooth sensitivity. Gum disease can also cause gum pockets, where bacteria gets trapped and can cause bad breath. Other patients may have an uneven gum line. This can cause a smile to be asymmetrical, giving the patient an uneven smile. Cosmetic periodontal surgery can be used to even out a patient’s smile. Cosmetic periodontal surgery can also be used to fix a tooth that is too short or too long. Cosmetic periodontal surgery can be used to shorten the tooth so it can be hidden behind a patient’s gums. COSMETIC PERIODONTAL SURGERY PROCEDURES * Gum Grafting Gum grafting is a common procedure used to fix gum recession, which causes tooth sensitivity, root exposure, and decay. * Ridge Augmentation A cosmetic periodontal procedure called ridge augmentation reshapes the gum line to make the smile appear more even. In this procedure, the gums are lifted away from the ridge, and artificial bone-like material is inserted under the gums. This material allows for the gums to be pulled back to their desired position, creating a more symmetrical smile. * Gum Reshaping Gum contouring involves reshaping and contouring the gums. It’s often done for cosmetic reasons, but it’s also used to prepare the mouth for orthodontic treatment. Gum contouring is typically done using a laser. During the procedure, the dentist will use a soft tissue laser to remove excess tissue around and above the gum line. This creates a more symmetrical gum line and makes the teeth appear longer. * Gingivectomy Gingivectomy, also known as a “gum lift,” is the removal of excess gum tissue. This cosmetic dental procedure is beneficial for patients with “gummy smile” or “long teeth” who want their smile to appear less gummy and for their teeth to appear more uniform. * Soft Tissue Grafting Soft tissue grafting, or gum grafting, is a procedure in which small pieces of gum are taken from the roof of the mouth and grafted to the gum line. This can be used to fill in a diastema or gap between teeth. It can also be used to reverse gum recession, which exposes the roots of the teeth. At LAGOS Periodontics & Dental Implants, Rodrigo A. Lagos, DDS, MS, practices a full scope of periodontics with expertise in preventive periodontics, cosmetic periodontal surgery, gum grafting, and dental implants. To schedule an appointment, call us at 760-568-3421 or visit our practice at 36945 Cook St.Suite 101, Palm Desert, CA 92260. 

  Read More
• Periodontics and Medicine

  What is periodontal medicine? Periodontal medicine is a specialized field of dentistry that focuses on gum health. The gums, or gingiva, surround the teeth. The gums are important for both oral health and overall health. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in the United States and has been linked to heart disease, stroke, and pregnancy complications. With regular dental cleanings, periodontal medicine can help you keep your gums healthy and prevent disease. Here are the signs you might have gum disease Your dentist can check for signs of gum disease during every six-month checkup. Unfortunately, many patients with gum disease don’t know they have it. Here are some of the warning signs to look out for: * Bad breath * Bleeding gums * Receding gums * Red gums * Loose teeth * Pockets (pockets of gum tissue that have formed around your teeth) * Gum sensitivity WAYS PERIODONTAL MEDICINE CAN IMPROVE YOUR LIFE. The benefits of periodontal medicine reach far beyond your mouth. The health of your mouth affects the health of your body and vice versa. Here are just a few ways periodontal medicine can improve your life. 1. Protect against heart disease. Did you know that heart disease and gum disease often go hand-in-hand? As bacteria build up in your gum tissue, they can enter the bloodstream. This bacteria can then attach itself to the fatty plaques lining your arteries, leading to heart disease. Fortunately, good periodontal health can protect your heart. Keeping your teeth clean can reduce the number of bacteria in your mouth and prevent plaque from building up on your teeth. Regular dental visits can also reduce your risk for gum disease. 2. Help prevent diabetes. Diabetes is a disease that can cause problems with your metabolism. Diabetes can also cause an insulin deficiency, which may lead to high blood sugar. Gum disease can also cause these problems. This is because periodontal disease can cause inflammation throughout the body. This inflammation disrupts the gut microbiome, which can affect the body’s ability to process insulin properly. Protecting against gum disease is especially important for people living with diabetes. In fact, people with uncontrolled diabetes are more likely to develop gum disease. 3. Promote better sleep. Studies show that people with poor oral health are more likely to experience sleep-related problems. These problems include snoring and sleep apnea. If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to an increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure. When treating gum disease, it is important to address the underlying issues that could be causing sleep problems.  HOW PERIODONTAL MEDICINE CAN ENHANCE YOUR OVERALL HEALTH Periodontal disease is a serious condition that can affect the rest of your body. It has been linked to an increased risk for health problems such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and premature birth. Periodontal medicine addresses these issues and results in good oral and overall health.  At LAGOS Periodontics & Dental Implants, Rodrigo A. Lagos, DDS, MS, practices a full scope of periodontics with expertise in preventive periodontics, cosmetic periodontal surgery, gum grafting, and dental implants. To schedule an appointment, call us at 760-568-3421 or visit our practice at 36945 Cook St.Suite 101, Palm Desert, CA 92260. 

  Read More
• Tooth Extraction

  Tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth from the mouth. There are many reasons why a dentist would recommend a tooth extraction, but the most common reason is when the tooth is badly damaged or decayed. The tooth may be so damaged that it cannot be saved with restorative dental work, and the tooth may need to be completely removed. WHAT CAUSES A TOOTH EXTRACTION? Sometimes, a tooth cannot be saved and must be removed. This can be due to extensive decay, a crack or chip in the tooth, or an infection. Tooth extractions are a common dental procedure. Dentists will recommend extractions for a variety of reasons that include the following: * To extract a crooked, partially erupted, or impacted wisdom teeth * To remove severely damaged teeth with gum disease * To extract teeth with dental trauma * For orthodontic reasons * In case of a cracked or decayed tooth that cannot be restored WHAT HAPPENS DURING A TOOTH EXTRACTION? When it’s time to remove a damaged tooth, your dentist will numb the area with a local anesthetic. This will keep you from feeling any pain during the procedure. If you wish, your dentist can also provide sedation to help you relax. During your procedure, your dentist will use a tool called an elevator to loosen the gum tissue on top of the tooth. Then, they will use forceps to remove the tooth. To make sure that the site is healed properly, your dentist may recommend a few follow-up visits. AFTER-CARE After your tooth extraction procedure, it’s important for you to know how to take care of yourself as you heal. For the first few days, avoid: * Alcohol * Hot foods * Hard foods * Smoking Additionally, you’ll need to: * Follow any directions that were given to you by the dental team * Take any medications as prescribed * Rinse with salt water after meals (one teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) * Resume brushing and flossing your teeth as normal If home hygiene isn’t possible, your dentist may provide you with a prescription for a mouthwash that will help control the bleeding and soothe your gums. TIPS FOR QUICK RECOVERY AFTER A TOOTH EXTRACTION PROCEDURE * Avoid smoking for at least 48 hours following tooth extraction. Smoking can delay healing and cause complications. * Refrain from drinking from a straw or rinsing the mouth vigorously for the first few days. * Maintain a soft diet for the first 24 to 48 hours after tooth extraction. * Avoid strenuous activity for 24 to 48 hours after tooth extraction. Rest is recommended instead. At LAGOS Periodontics & Dental Implants, Rodrigo A. Lagos, DDS, MS, practices a full scope of periodontics with expertise in preventive periodontics, cosmetic periodontal surgery, gum grafting, and dental implants. To schedule an appointment, call us at 760-568-3421 or visit our practice at 36945 Cook St.Suite 101, Palm Desert, CA 92260. 

  Read More