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WHAT WE OFFER

Periodontal Treatments | Scaling & Root Planning | Gum Grafting | Dental Implants | Sedation Dentistry

what is periodontal disease?

Periodontal (gum) disease is an infection of the gums that damages the bone & soft tissue around teeth. Gum disease is often silent, which means symptoms may not be noticeable until the advanced stages of disease. Some early signs include red, swollen, tender or easily bleeding gums. Signs of more advanced disease include loose or separating teeth & receding gums, which can cause the teeth to look longer than before. Gum disease treatment is necessary to control the bacterial infection and prevent more advanced bone loss, since this can eventually lead to tooth loss.

the stages of periodontal disease

gingivitis

Inflammation from bacteria may cause gums to be red, swollen, or to bleed easily. If you have any of these symptoms, we highly recommend you seek treatment as soon as possible. A general dentist can usually intervene when the disease is in the gingivitis stage, and typically gingivitis does not cause irreversible damage to your gums if treated early.

periodontitis

Left untreated, gingivitis can progress to the next stage. Periodontitis occurs when gums begin to separate from the teeth leading to infected pockets. Toxins from the bacteria combined with the body’s immune response to the infection can erode the supporting bone around teeth, eventually causing tooth loss. Damage that occurs to the bone in advanced stages of periodontitis is in some cases irreversible, or in select cases can be repaired with a bone grafting procedure.

scaling & root planning

Scaling and root planing reaches where flossing and brushing cannot. Special dental tools are used during the procedure to remove bacteria and tartar that has collected on the root surfaces below the gum line.

benefits of scaling & root planning

When scaling is performed, calculus and plaque that attaches to the tooth surfaces is removed. The process especially targets the area below the gum line, along the root. During this process, the root of the tooth is smoothed, which promotes healing & helps to prevent bacteria from recolonizing the area. After removal of the bacterial irritants, the gums can heal properly and the swelling and inflammation resolves. Bone loss that may be occurring in the area due to the infection either slows down, or stops completely.

periodontal treatments

osseous surgery

Osseous surgery, sometimes referred to as pocket reduction surgery, is sometimes completed to gain better access to the tooth roots to remove tartar and disease-causing bacteria. The gum & bone are often reshaped slightly to smooth irregular areas that form the pockets where infection is present. This approach can limit the damage caused by periodontal infection, prevent tooth loss, enhance the smile, and make it easier to keep your mouth infection-free long term.

gum contouring/crown lengthening

Your gums establish the framework for your smile. If you have excess gum tissue, your teeth may appear shorter or smaller than normal. To reshape your smile, gum contouring can be completed to achieve a better esthetic result. This procedure is also sometimes called gingivectomy or crown lengthening. Our periodontist meticulously adjusts your gum line to create the smile you desire.

ridge augmentation

In cases where a tooth has been missing for a long time, or extensive damage has occurred to the bone due to infection or trauma, atrophy or shrinkage of the bone can occur. In this cases, rebuilding the original height and width of the alveolar ridge (the bone that surrounds tooth roots or implants) may be required for dental implant placement, or for aesthetic purposes.

guided bone and tissue regeneration

Guided tissue regeneration can help you regain a healthy gum line and bone structure by replacing bone that was damaged due to periodontal disease. A variety of materials may be used, including bone grafts, barrier membranes, and growth factors which enhance the speed of healing as well as the long term result. These materials will be carefully tailored to your specific condition.

sinus lift/augmentation

Sinus augmentation (often called a sinus lift) is a type of bone graft that raises the sinus floor to allow for new bone formation in the upper jaw. This procedure is necessary when there has been damage to the bone or in patients whose sinuses are anatomically positioned in an area where an implant is planned. The end result is an implant that is fully surrounded and anchored by healthy, vital bone.

are your gums receding?

If one or more of your teeth appear longer than others, or you can see exposed root that appears slightly darker than the top part of your tooth, you may be experiencing gum recession. While the appearance of recession detracts from the aesthetics of your smile, it may also be a sign of a more significant oral health concern. Gum recession leaves your teeth susceptible to developing cavities on the tooth root, a problem that a simple filling is unlikely to correct effectively. Gum recession is also a sign that you are losing tooth-supporting bone beneath the surface.

common causes of receding gums

Some common causes of receding gums include: rough or aggressive tooth brushing, poor oral hygiene, naturally thin gum tissue due to genetics, tooth crowding, and teeth that have been pushed outward as a result of braces or other orthodontic tooth movement. While gum recession is the most visible sign of damage, the supporting bone underneath the gum tissue may also be undergoing damage. Without intervention, it is possible for this type of gum and bone damage to eventually lead to tooth loss.

benefits of minimally-invasive gum grafting

A tunnelling procedure is a closed procedure where very small openings are created along the gumline, allowing gum graft material to be inserted to cover exposed roots where gums have receded. This type of procedure results in minimal to no scarring, with the ability to cover multiple teeth or areas in a single visit. The gums will appear thicker and healthier with no visible evidence of the graft other than correction of the gum recession.

soft tissue grafts

Our specialists use soft tissue grafts, or gum grafts, to cover roots or develop gum tissue where it is absent due to excessive gingival recession. Grafts not only improve the cosmetics of your smile and protect roots, they can also lead to reduced sensitivity while slowing recession and bone loss.

benefits of soft tissue grafts

regenerate bone growth

Gum tissue grafts have been shown to not only provide for long-term tooth protection, but also to regenerate bone growth.

healthy gum line

Gum issues often have both health and aesthetic consequences. Gum tissue grafts create a healthy and protective gum line while also improving the overall appearance of teeth that may have appeared to be too long.

dependable root coverage

Exposed roots lead to pain and serious issues for the involved tooth. Full coverage with gum tissue prevents the opportunity for root exposure and future damage in the treated area.

reduce tooth loss

Gum recession is defined by bone loss in addition to gum loss. With enough recession, the tooth becomes unstable and may require removal. Gum grafting helps avoid this.

dental implants

Are you missing teeth? 69% of adults aged 35-44 have lost one or more of their permanent teeth. Dental implants provide a long-term solution to replacing a single missing tooth or multiple missing teeth. With the highest success rate of all tooth replacement options, our periodontist meticulously places your dental implants to restore your natural looking smile.

the implants we offer

implant-supported dentures

When a number of teeth are missing, implant-supported dentures are a preferred treatment option. This type of denture is secured in place using two or more dental implants, rather than the adhesive pastes used with traditional dentures. The result is a more stable restoration that never slips or falls out. These dentures can be full or partial, fixed or removable. Implant-supported dentures are not only preferable because of their stability, but also because they prevent facial collapse, a frequent consequence of missing teeth.

dental implant procedure

assessment

An exam will be completed to determine if you are a candidate for a dental implant.
A detailed and accurate health history must be completed.
This will require a CBCT X-ray and bone measurements of the desired implant site.

Your dentist will evaluate your mouth to see if you’re a good candidate for a dental implant. Not all patients are strong candidates for dental implants. You need a certain degree of healthy bone material to place a dental implant. If you don’t have enough bone material, your dentist could recommend a smaller mini dental implant or bone grafting to improve the jawbone at the procedure site.

If you have many missing teeth, a traditional dental implant may not be the only option you have. In addition to implants restorations there are many other procedures that your dentist may recommend, including implant-supported dentures.

bone grafts

To improve the amount of healthy bone at the implant site, your dentist may recommend a bone graft. In most cases a graft is placed at the time the tooth that is to be replaced has been extracted, this is done to preserve the site for the coming implant. At times, this is required after a tooth has been missing for an extended period of time and some bone loss has occurred. There are different types of bone graft materials that can be placed and this will be discussed with you prior to your procedure. After placement, the bone graft will need time to heal before the implant is placed.

dental implant and temporary crown

Next, your dentist will place the dental implant and possibly a temporary crown. The procedure takes around an hour or so to complete for a single implant. Over the counter pain relievers are usually enough to manage any discomfort that you may experience during the first few days after the procedure.

waiting and healing

Before permanent crowns can be placed, your mouth needs time to heal. For many patients, this period lasts for several months. However, it is possible that it could take six months or longer for your jaw to heal enough to finish the dental implant procedure. Your dental provider will assess your progress to make a determination about when to schedule the final appointment.

abutment and crown

During the last appointment, your dentist will remove your temporary crown, attach an abutment to the dental implant, and place a permanent crown. When this is completed, you’re finished with the procedure. Your dentist might give you additional instructions on how to best care for your new dental implant.

benefits of dental implants

Dental Implants are strong and stable and function like a natural teeth.
Dental implants are a good option for patients that are cavity-prone—implants cannot develop cavities.
Dental implants restore your ability to eat, speak, and smile normally.

A relaxing experience

sedation dentistry

We offer Minimal Conscious Sedation and nitrous oxide (laughing gas) as part of our dental experience, which will help you to relax and rest easy during treatment. If the idea of dental surgery makes you or your family members apprehensive, nervous or anxious, we can help. Working together with you, we create a personalized sedation plan to help you settle in while we perform your dental surgery.

are you a candidate?

All patients who experience dental anxiety may benefit from our personalized approach to sedation. If you or your family members have any fears or concerns, please ask our team about sedation dentistry.

Rosewood Periodontics & Dental Implants

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