We Are Your Edmonton Specialists in Periodontics and Prosthodontic
10665 Jasper Avenue Suite 890, Edmonton, Alberta | 780-429-2112
When most people think about oral health, they often focus on their teeth. But your gums and the structures that support your teeth play an equally important role in maintaining a healthy smile.
Periodontal care focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions that affect the gums and supporting tissues around the teeth. At Hill Top Dental Group, periodontal care can help patients protect their oral health, address gum-related concerns, and maintain a strong foundation for their smile.
Periodontal care is the area of dentistry focused on the health of your gums, the bone surrounding your teeth, and the tissues that help keep your teeth stable.
Healthy gums should generally fit snugly around the teeth and should not regularly bleed, feel swollen, or cause discomfort.
When gum health begins to decline, it can lead to inflammation, gum recession, and in more advanced cases, damage to the tissues and bone that support the teeth..
Gum disease is commonly caused by a buildup of plaque and bacteria along and below the gumline.
The earliest stage is called gingivitis. At this stage, the gums may appear red, swollen, or bleed during brushing and flossing. Gingivitis can often be improved with professional dental care and consistent oral hygiene at home.
If gum inflammation progresses, it may develop into periodontitis. Periodontitis can affect the bone and tissues that support the teeth and may lead to gum recession, tooth mobility, or even tooth loss if left untreated.
Gum disease can sometimes develop gradually, which is why regular dental examinations are important.
Some signs that may indicate a periodontal concern include:
If you notice any of these changes, a periodontal assessment can help determine what may be causing them.
Gum recession occurs when the gum tissue pulls away from the tooth, exposing more of the tooth or its root.
Receding gums may cause tooth sensitivity and can also make certain areas more difficult to keep clean. Depending on the cause and severity, treatment may help protect the exposed area and support healthier gum tissue.
Recession can develop for several reasons, including gum disease, aggressive brushing, tooth positioning, genetics, or other oral health factors.
Dental implants also depend on healthy gums and supporting bone.
Just as natural teeth can be affected by gum disease, the tissues surrounding a dental implant can become inflamed or infected. These conditions are often referred to as peri-implant diseases.
Early inflammation around an implant may sometimes be managed more easily when detected promptly. More advanced peri-implant conditions can affect the supporting bone around the implant.
Regular examinations, professional cleanings, and good home care are important for maintaining the health of both natural teeth and dental implants.
Periodontal treatment varies depending on the condition and the individual patient.
Care may include:
In some cases, additional periodontal procedures may be recommended to address specific concerns.
The goal is to control inflammation, support healthy gum tissue, and protect the structures that help keep your teeth and implants stable.
Good daily oral hygiene can play an important role in reducing the risk of gum disease.
Brushing twice a day, cleaning between your teeth regularly, attending routine dental examinations, and scheduling professional cleanings as recommended can all help support healthy gums.
Your dental team may also recommend more frequent visits if you have a history of periodontal disease or other risk factors.
If you have concerns about gum disease, gum recession, bone loss, or the health of a dental implant, a periodontal consultation can help you better understand your condition and available treatment options.
Dr. Hamdan is a certified periodontist and Clinical Professor of Periodontics at the University of Alberta. He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Dentists of Canada, a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and Dental Implant Surgery, and a Fellow of the International College of Dentists.
With extensive clinical, academic, and teaching experience, Dr. Hamdan provides evidence-based periodontal care focused on the prevention and treatment of gum disease, gum recession, bone and supporting tissue concerns, and conditions affecting dental implants. His goal is to help patients achieve and maintain healthy, functional, and confident smiles.