Our Services

At your clinical examination we may request information such as x-rays, charting, photographs, dentascan, or diagnostic models. We are aware of the time and effort necessary to obtain this information and that no treatment may be accomplished at this time. This information is very important for us to establish a diagnosis, and treatment plan. It is also our way of communicating to you, your general dentist, our staff, future practitioners and insurance providers what your problems are, how they are treated and the final results. Our objective is to provide therapy that will allow us to accomplish this goal.

It is very important that you remove bacteria plaque several times a day by using a toothbrush, floss, and to use a rubber tip gum stimulator. We will teach skills to reduce and/or control bacteria which are a contributing factor in periodontal disease. Without consistent and diligent oral hygiene periodontal are guarded. If your oral hygiene skill level is good and your periodontal treatment is satisfactory, you will have a positive long term outcome.

There are a variety of reasons why the gum tissue recedes causing exposure of the root surfaces of teeth. This recession can result in either a functional and/or esthetic compromise to the tooth. There are several different plastic surgical techniques that can be performed. Sometimes it is necessary to use combinations of these procedures with multiple surgical appointments to accomplish successful long term repair. We will attempt to create a result that will return your gum tissue to good health both functionally and esthetically.

This is a procedure to remove plaque and calculus from the surface of the tooth beneath the gum, and to smooth the surface of the root. This is necessary to arrest bacterial growth on the root services. It can be all the periodontal treatment required, or the preliminary step to control and repair deeper periodontal destruction. Usually a local anesthetic is used to numb the gum tissue around the teeth (your whole jaw will not be numb). We prefer to do root planing In quarters (Quadrants), but other arrangements can be made. Most of the time no medication or special instructions are required following root planing.

The purpose of periodontal surgery is to eliminate gum tissue pockets which are the result of a destructive disease process. Treatment is performed to reduce the pocket and/or regenerate lost hard and soft tissues. After the surgery there will be stitches and a periodontal dressing placed around the teeth and gums that will protect the area. In most instances an over the counter medication (Tylenol, Advil) is all that is required post operatively. There is no need to be concerned about what you eat before or after the surgery. If you take any medication, make sure you inform our doctors or staff so we can give you specific pre-operative instructions.

There are times when decay (a cavity) may extend beneath the gum line. Frequently when part of a tooth fractures, the broken edge may extend under the gum. In either of these situations your dentist cannot finish the margin or edge of a filling or crown if it is beneath the gum. There are biologic requirements that determine the distance of the edge of a filling or crown from the bone that supports the tooth and how far the margin can extend under the gum tissue. These criteria often make it necessary to do a procedure called a crown lengthening surgery. The surgery may involve one or more teeth depending on the anatomy of your mouth and other local factors. If the tooth is basically sound there is an excellent success rate in restoring both the tooth and gum complex to health.

Removing teeth may be necessary because of decay, fracture pain, infection and/or bone loss caused by periodontal disease. The bone that holds the tooth in place (the socket) is often damaged by disease and/or infection resulting in a bony defect when the tooth is extracted. These defects can create problems in performing restorative dentistry, whether your treatment involves dental implants, fixed bridges or removable dentures. The defects following tooth removal can usually be repaired by a procedure called socket preservation.

Several techniques are used to preserve the bone and minimize bone loss adjacent to the socket. In one common technique, the tooth is removed and the socket and any associated deformity is filled with bone or a bone substitute. The area may then be covered with a biocompatible barrier to enhance your body’s natural ability to heal itself by regenerating lost bone and tissue. The bone will be allowed to heal for about three to eight months, depending on the site, before an implant can be placed or restorative can be completed.

Socket preservation can greatly improve your smiles appearance and increase your chances for successful dental implants or other restorations for years to come.

An implant is a surgical grade titanium fixture that is placed into the jaw to replace one or more missing teeth. It acts like a tooth root and is placed to receive a crown fabricated by your dentist. We use implant systems that have proven dental therapeutic history and are recognized by the American Dental Association (ADA). We will coordinate your therapy with your restorative dentist to insure a seamless treatment plan between our offices.

Implant therapy may be a two stage process. The first is a surgical procedure using local anesthesia and sterile technique to expose the site and place a titanium fixture. Stitches are placed, post operative instructions are given, and several hours of inactivity are suggested following surgery. It is necessary for you to return in about one week for a post operative appointment, and we follow your healing closely for several more weeks. There may be a second appointment depending on the implant system. The second appointment is to uncover the top of the implant and place a fitting called an abutment to enable your dentist to start the process of making a crown. This is a minimal surgical visit with little post operative impact.

Implant therapy is time consuming and the healing cannot be rushed, but under certain circumstances the process can go more quickly. The doctor will discuss these events when appropriate. We work very closely with your restorative dentist to insure the best possible outcome. There are factors that can contribute to failure and these should be discussed with your surgeon. It is important that you have a good understanding of all surgical procedures, restorative therapy and cost before you engage in implant treatment.

Dental insurance varies as to coverage for implants, but patients are responsible for the total fee. Our office requires payment prior to the first phase of the treatment. If you have any questions or require addition information please ask any of our highly trained staff or your Doctor.

A night guard is a plastic appliance that usually fits on your upper teeth covering the biting surfaces. This is a protective appliance that will distribute the severe force of clenching or grinding your teeth that is frequently done at night. When you are asleep you can exert much greater force on your teeth, jaw bone and tempromandibular joint than when you are awake. The night guard will help to distribute pressure and alter your bruxing habit.

Night guards should be scrubbed with soap, water, and a toothbrush, rinsed thoroughly and placed in a plastic container in a cool, dry area.