Periodontal Services

Too much or too little exposed teeth can be aesthetically unpleasing. A Periodontist can help with that. In cases of gum recession, a Periodontist can partially or completely cover the exposed roots using a Soft Tissue Graft. On the other hand, where gums are covering too much of the crown, resulting in a gummy smile, a Periodontist will expose the covered portion of the crown through Gingivectomy or Esthetic Crown Lengthening

As the name suggests, in this procedure the Periodontist will work to increase the length of the tooth crown, or to be accurate, increase the length of the tooth structure showing in the mouth. This is done by cutting off a couple of millimeters of the gum and underlying bone. This procedure is indicated when your dentist is planning to crown a tooth that is too short or to treat gummy smiles to improve cosmetics.

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A very well-established and one of the most successful modalities for the replacement of lost teeth. This modality replaces the root portion of the tooth using a Titanium Screw-like structure, the implant, then a ceramic crown is attached to the implant replacing the crown portion of the tooth. The success of this modality is based on the ability of the dental implant to integrate with the jawbone, a process known as osseointegration. Hence, the quantity and quality of bone are critical factors in implant planning and success.

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Periodontists thrive to maintain their patients’ teeth for as long as possible. However, if deemed necessary and in the patient’s best interest, a Periodontist would utilize their skills to perform a minimally traumatic tooth extraction, while preserving the surrounding bone. This is of critical importance as it increases the chances of uneventful recovery and allows for better healing. 

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A frenum is a little muscular tissue that attaches the lips to the gums, this is known as the Labial frenum. In some cases, an aberrant frenum attachment to the gums can lead to gum recession. In these cases, a Periodontist will correct this attachment to prevent or slow down gum recession.

For defects that are amenable to regeneration, the periodontist will use different biologic materials (e.g.: bone graft) and membranes to create the optimum circumstances to stimulate the body’s cells to rebuild the defect.

As the name suggests, in the procedure the periodontist will gain access to the deeper pockets through a surgical opening in the gums. This allows for thorough debridement and cleaning of bacterial accumulation, that is silently (painlessly) causing inflammation and tissue destruction.

Periodontal disease destroys teeth-supporting bone. In some instances, this destruction results in bone defects with bacterial-conducive morphology. In these cases, thorough debridement is not enough to control the inflammatory condition. Depending on the angle and size of the bone defect as well as other factors, the periodontist will either reshape this defect to be non-bacterial conducive or will attempt to regenerate the lost bone through Guided Tissue Regeneration.

When a tooth is removed, the bone surrounding it resorbs away in fact 50% of the supporting bone of that tooth is lost in the first 6 months. A Periodontist can help preserve this bone through a procedure known as socket preservation. It starts by implementing the least traumatic methods to remove the tooth, preserving the bone wall surrounding the tooth, followed by grafting the empty socket. This procedure is important, especially for future dental implants or bridges.

Periodontal disease, as well as other acquired and developmental factors, can lead to gum recession and exposure of root surfaces. In addition to being an esthetic concern, it might result in sensitivity and root caries. Depending on the type of recession and the individual’s concern, using a soft tissue graft, the periodontist will increase the thickness of the gums to stop further recession and cover the exposed roots. The soft tissue graft is commonly harvested from the roof of the mouth (which grows back). Synthetic/biologic grafts can also be used.

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Another frenum, known as the Lingual frenum, attaches the tongue to the floor of the mouth. If this frenulum is attached too far anterior on the tongue, it significantly impacts speech and hinders the important cleansing function of the tongue. A periodontist will release this attachment increasing the mobility of the tongue. Patients notice a difference immediately after the procedure. It usually feels more liberating than anticipated!