Chris Gasper, D.D.S.

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Dental Information

Gum Diseases

Cavities and Fillings

Root Canals and Crowns

Bridges, Dentures and Implants

Bleaching and Whitening

Regular Visits

Patient Comforts

Gum Diseases

Gum disease is an inflammation or infection that attacks the gums and bone holding the teeth in place. The bacteria in plaque cause gum disease. Early stages of gum disease is called gingivitis, a mild inflammation of the gums. Plague and tartar build up at the gumline and the gums become red and puffy. Bleeding during brushing and flossing may occur. The bone and support fibers of the tooth are not affected at this stage and damage may be reversed. The more serious stage of gum disease is periodontitis. At this stage of gum disease, plaque has moved deeper along the tooth and started an infection that has damaged the bone and fibers that support the tooth. The gums may start to separate from the tooth and begin to recede. A pocket can form below the gumline that traps plaque and food debris. This is also a source of bad breath. Dental treatment may prevent further damage. Advanced periodontitis may cause infections due to plaque and can destroy bone and fibers that hold the tooth in place. The gums recede and separate from the tooth. Pain is associated with this loss and the tooth may shift or loosen. If treatment cannot save the tooth, it may have to be removed. Speak to your dentist for more information about this subject.

Cavities and Fillings

Plaque; a sticky, almost colorless layer of bacteria that forms on your teeth, mixes with the sugars in food to produce decay causing acids. When decay creates a cavity in the tooth, the dentist removes the decay and shapes the tooth to hold the filling. The tooth’s cavity is usually filled with a durable material such as a metal alloy (amalgam), a composite resin or gold. The lifespan of a filling depends on its location, the material used and the care that you give your teeth.Speak to your dentist for more information about this subject.

Root Canals and Crowns

If a tooth’s pulp becomes infected or damaged because of decay or injury, root canal treatment is often the only way to save the tooth and repair the damage. The pulp contains nerves and blood vessels. When the pulp becomes damaged, infection can spread to the bone and tissues. An abscess forms at the roots of the tooth. After the tooth is numbed, the dentist makes an opening in it to reach the pulp chamber. A small “file” is used to remove the infected pulp. After the infected pulp is removed, the tooth chamber and the roots are cleaned out, enlarged and reshaped. Once the chamber is clean and free of infection, the tooth is then treated. The tooth may need a crown. Crowns, or “caps” are used to cover the tooth that has been weakened. The most common materials for crowns are metal (gold), porcelain or porcelain fused to metal.Speak to your dentist for more information about this subject.

Bridges, Dentures and Implants

A bridge is a tooth replacement attached to adjoining natural teeth. Bridges are used for people with a few missing teeth. Bridges require that the adjoining teeth be healthy and have good gum and root support. A denture is a set of removable artificial teeth that rests directly on the gums. Partial dentures are usually for people with several missing teeth and whose adjoining teeth are not in the right position to hold a bridge. Full dentures replace all of the teeth on a jaw. Full dentures are used for people who have lost all of their upper or lower teeth. Speak to your dentist for more information about this subject.

Bleaching and Whitening

Peroxide gels have been developed so that “take-home” bleaching is possible. A special tray is made for the patient to allow dental bleaching gel to cover the teeth with small amounts of the gel for several hours. When in contact with the teeth, the bleaching gel releases oxygen and the oxygen eliminates stains. Speak to your dentist for more information about this procedure.

Regular Visits

At every scheduled dental appointment, Dr. Gasper examines your teeth, gums, mouth and throat. This allows the doctor to do a cancer exam, a structural exam, an examination of the chewing muscles, lymph nodes and Temporomanibular Joint (TMJ). Dr. Gasper also checks the gingival, periodontal pockets, the mobility of teeth, occlusion, decay, broken fillings, erosion and teeth contact. Regular cleanings and a good home maintenance program helps in the prevention of the problems described above.

Patient Comforts

Dr. Gasper tries to see to the comfort of each patient. The office atmosphere is pleasant and uncrowded. Nitrous Oxide is also available for the patient’s comfort. Dr. Gasper does not double book patients so that each person is given the doctor’s personalized care. Separate treatment rooms are used for the patient’s privacy.

Call Dr. Gasper for an appointment for your next dental checkup.

Last revised: Date 3/00