Therapy Options
Soft Tissue Graft (Gum Grafting)
Our gums deserve just as much attention and care as our teeth, especially when we notice gum recession. The first step is to determine the source of the recession, in order to minimize further harm. Then, an orthodontist will use a soft tissue graft to cover the roots or develop gum tissue lost to the recession. The tissue can either be harvested or given by a donor. Not only does the process restore the esthetics of your smile, but it improves periodontal health.
Aesthetic Smile Enhancement (Gummy Smile)
There are times where a smile shows off more than we intend. ‘Gummy Smile’ is a case where the gum line is lower than usual, giving your teeth the appearance of being shorter. This can be caused by genetics, poor hygiene, or other various factors.Through crown lengthening, the unnecessary gum and bone tissue are contoured to expose more of the tooth and produce an improved smile.
Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP)
LANAP is a laser procedure developed to reverse the effects of periodontitis. LANAP uses a laser technology that has been refined to target diseased tissue alone. Using the laser, your doctor can easily clean out the pockets left by periodontal disease. The best part is that this process promotes natural healing. Watch over time as new, healthy gums fill in to form a bright smile.
Implants
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is attached to the jaw bone with a titanium screw. Alongside their more natural appearance, dental implants are designed to place no strain on the surrounding teeth.They are best suited to those who have lost teeth, but maintain good oral health. Multiple implants are capable of: stabilizing loose dentures to reduce discomfort, eliminating sore spots, and replacing dentures with a fixed implant-supported bridge restoration.
Periodontal procedures are available to stop further dental problems and gum recession, and/or to improve the esthetics of your gum line.
Exposed tooth roots are the result of gum recession. Tissue recession can cause teeth to become sensitive to hot and cold and vulnerable to decay (cavities). Tissue recession also may make teeth appear too long.
Your gums may have receded for a variety of reasons, including aggressive tooth brushing or periodontal disease. You may not be in control of what caused the recession, but prior to treatment we help you identify the factors contributing to the problem. Once these contributing factors are controlled, a soft tissue graft procedure may help repair the defect and help to prevent additional recession and bone loss.
Soft tissue grafts can be used to cover roots or develop gum tissue where absent due to excessive gingival recession. During this procedure, gum tissue can be harvested or donor tissue can be used to cover the root surface and replace missing gum tissue. This can be done for one tooth or several teeth to even your gum line and reduce sensitivity.
What are the benefits of this procedure?
A soft tissue graft can reduce further recession and bone loss. In some cases, it can cover exposed roots to protect them from decay. This may reduce tooth sensitivity and improve esthetics of your smile. Whether you have a soft tissue graft to improve function or esthetics, patients often receive the benefits of both: a beautiful new smile and improved periodontal health – your keys to smiling, eating and speaking with comfort and confidence.
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root (titanium screw) that can be placed in the jaw bone in order to replace one tooth, multiple teeth, or all teeth. Dental implants can replace one crown, support a bridge or be placed under a denture for increased retention. Dental implants do not rely on neighboring teeth for support and act, look and feel just like natural teeth. Implants are an ideal option for people in good general oral health who have lost a tooth, several teeth or all their teeth due to periodontal disease, an injury, or some other reason.
Partial Tooth Loss: A dental implant is an artificial tooth root (titanium screw) that can be placed in the jaw bone in order to replace one or multiple missing teeth. Dental implants do not rely on neighboring teeth for support and act, look and feel just like natural teeth.
Complete Tooth Loss: Multiple implants can be utilized to help support ill-fitting dentures to allow them to stay in place securely so that a patient can eat and talk without shifting of the denture. Painful sore spots can also be eliminated by having an implant supported denture. Multiple implants can also be placed for a fixed (non-removable) implant-supported bridge restoration to avoid having a denture.
Do you have any questions or concerns? Schedule an appointment with our office today. Our staff is prepared to address your needs.