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Posts for: April, 2020

By Frank Gordon Jr DDS
April 27, 2020
Category: Oral Health

Preventing Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease, also called gum disease, presents a serious threat not only to your oral health but also to your overall health. People with gum disease have two or three times the risk of a heart attack. Dr. Frank Gordon Jr is an endodontist and periodontist based in Flint, MI. He gives the following advice for preventing periodontal disease.

What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is a severe infection in the gum tissue that hold your teeth in their normal place. It is caused by poor dental hygiene habits. There are two stages of periodontal disease.

Stage one: The initial stage of gum disease is known as gingivitis. Signs and symptoms include:

  • Bleeding gums when you brush or floss
  • Inflamed gums
  • Bright red gums
  • Sensitive gums
  • Bad breath

At the first signs of gingivitis, Flint residents usually make an appointment with Dr. Gordon.

Stage Two: Periodontitis occurs when gingivitis is left untreated. As well as the above, signs and symptoms include:

  • Receding gums
  • Loose teeth
  • Gum sensitivity when brushing, flossing or chewing
  • Tooth loss
  • Depletion of bone

At his point, the symptoms of gum disease may be irreversible.

How to Prevent Periodontal Disease

You can avoid gum disease by maintaining the following healthy habits:

  • Brushing teeth twice a day
  • Using a fluoride toothpaste
  • Brushing for two minutes
  • Flossing daily
  • Rinsing with mouthwash
  • Visiting the dentist twice a year

Next time you visit your dentist, discuss your gum health. Ask your dentist to provide you with an oral care plan that is designed specifically for your needs. You should also get your children examined regularly for gum disease. If you experience any warning signs of gingivitis, contact your dentist as soon as possible.

If you are looking for a periodontist in Flint, call Dr. Gordon on (810) 230-0990.


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By Frank Gordon Jr DDS
April 09, 2020
Category: Oral Health
Tags: root canal  

When you have a toothache, it's important that you call Dr. Franklin Gordon in Flint, MI, right away. You should never ignore a toothache! It won't go away on its own, and it can cause serious health problems if it continues to fester. Untreated toothaches lead to abscesses and other severe infections. When you have a toothache, your dentist may suggest a root canal to relieve it. If you live in Flint, MI, visit Dr. Frank Gordon for root canals. He can care for all your dental needs.

What is a Root Canal?

A root canal is a procedure where the dentist removes infected material from your tooth to relieve tooth pain. There are nerves and blood vessels inside your teeth. If a tooth becomes infected, removing a nerve from the affected tooth relieves toothache.

Why Do Some People Need Root Canals?

You need a root canal when the soft tissue inside your tooth, called the pulp, becomes infected or inflamed. An injured tooth or chips and cracks in the tooth can cause infection or inflammation. Tooth decay may also be caused by repeated dental procedures on the same tooth or crack within the tooth.

Do You Need a Root Canal?

When you live in Flint, MI, and think you need one or more root canals, Dr. Frank Gordon is ready to care for all your dental needs. Here are some signs that tell you if you may need a root canal.

  • Your teeth hurt and are sensitive to hot and cold foods and beverages.
  • You experience severe pain when you chew or bite.
  • You have a chipped or cracked tooth.
  • Your gums are swollen or tender near the location of the tooth pain.
  • You have pimples on the gum next to the tooth that hurts.
  • Your tooth or gum is dark.

How is a Root Canal Performed?

  • Your dentist takes an X-ray of the affected tooth to determine the extent of the infection.
  • Your Flint, MI, dentist begins root canals by using an anesthetic to numb the tooth so you feel no pain during the root canal procedure. Then he places a sheet of rubber, called a dental dam, to protect the tooth and keep it dry during the root canal.
  • Your dentist drills an opening in the crown of your tooth. He then removes the damaged nerve and pulp.
  • Your dentist seals the tooth or puts a temporary seal until a permanent crown is made.

If you live in Flint, MI, and think you may need one or more root canals, contact Dr. Frank Gordon, an endodontist and periodontist. Schedule an appointment by calling 810-230-0990. Don't ignore a toothache. Contact us today.


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