Periodontics & Implantology Specialists

Periodontics

The word periodontal means “around the tooth”. Periodontics is a branch of dentistry that focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases that affect the supporting structures of the teeth, including the gums, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone. Common conditions treated by periodontists include gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) and periodontitis (inflammation and infection of the gums and surrounding tissues). Periodontists are specially trained to perform procedures such as scaling and root planing (deep cleaning of the teeth and roots), periodontal surgery, and dental implant placement to restore or maintain the health of the gums and supporting structures of the teeth.

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Dental Implants

Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth and also provide a fixed solution to having removable partial or complete dentures. Implants provide excellent support and stability for these dental appliances.

Dental implants are artificial roots and teeth (usually titanium) that are surgically placed into the upper or lower jaw bone by a dentist or Periodontist – a specialist of the gums and supporting bone. The teeth attached to implants are very natural looking and often enhance or restore a patient’s smile!

Dental implants are strong and durable and will last many years. On occasion, they will have to be re-tightened or replaced due to normal wear.

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Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling is the process of removing plaque, calculus (tartar), and stains that have formed on the crown and root surfaces. This is the first step in the chronological sequence of procedures that constitute periodontal treatment.

During your first Scaling and Root Planing (SCRP) appointment, you will be introduced to one of our highly qualified and accredited hygienists. Based on your needs, the hygienist will go over the most updated and complete oral hygiene instructions (OHI) and comprehensive plaque control regimen. This will by followed by a session of thorough cleaning of teeth and affected root surfaces, with local anesthesia. This phase provides an opportunity for the Periodontist to evaluate the health of your teeth and gums and make the right choice for future treatment(s).

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Surgical Approach to Gum Disease

Periodontal surgery can eliminate existing bacteria which are the cause of irreversible conditions where the pocket depth is over 5 mm. Since deeper pockets are difficult to treat through brushing and flossing, or by professional maintenance, it is highly recommended to approach this problem by eliminating existing bacteria, the main cause of this irreversible condition. This phase (periodontal surgery) will be performed under local anesthesia. In addition, according to your individual needs, pain will be controlled by pain medication following the procedure.

Esthetic Crown Lengthening

Having short teeth is not uncommon; this phenomenon creates excessive gum exposure (“Gummy Smile”). A procedure called Esthetic Crown Lengthening can be performed on one tooth to make it proportional to the other teeth. The procedure can also be done on several teeth in order to expose the natural teeth, resulting in a beautiful smile. The results are immediate- patients are pleased to see that they have their own natural and beautiful teeth that have been hidden under excessive gums. Patients are very happy with the results of the procedure; it gives them more confidence when speaking and smiling.

Cosmetic Periodontal Procedures

When you see a person for the first time, the first thing you notice is his/her smile. A beautiful smile brings confidence- there are many procedures that can help you attain such a smile. Dental Implants, for example, are frequently used as replacements for missing teeth, in order to restore proper tooth function and appearance. Most importantly, Dental Implants ultimately lead to a healthier life and more confidence. Research demonstrates that Dental Implants restore the health of the surrounding bone and gum tissue, resulting in a healthier smile and overall health.

Frenectomy

A piece of ligament attaches to the muscles of the lips to the gums; the most common location is the attachment between the upper and lower lips and front teeth. For some patients, this attachment causes dental and/or periodontal problems such as separation of teeth or severe gum recession. In some cases, the frenum can be found close to the tongue and lower front teeth which can impair speech. All these problems can be corrected by a simple procedure called Frenectomy, in which the frenum is surgically removed in order to give the chance to either proceed with further treatments (i.e, the orthodontist might ask for this procedure to be performed in order to contain orthodontic treatment), or to retrieve normal gum tissue.

Crown Lengthening

Sometimes there is a situation in which the tooth is very short or broken, and has decay beneath the gum line. In this case, your restorative dentist might be unable to provide the ideal height of the crown. To make the ideal crown or any other type of restoration, a Periodontist has to perform crown lengthening to make the crown long enough so that the future restoration (final crown) will be adequate without disturbing the surrounding structures.

Crown Lengthening can also be performed for esthetic reasons, when the natural crown has been covered more than usual by gingiva (gums). Crown Lengthening can be done on a single tooth or multiple teeth, for cosmetic purposes.

Occlusal Therapy (bite correction)

Occlusal Therapy corrects the proper function between the upper and lower teeth, depending on the individual’s need. This can be achieved in several ways. One procedure is as simple as correcting the bite, or it can be done through a combination of treatment and delivering a custom made appliance (usually upper or lower night guard) which eliminates the effects of trauma caused mainly by an uneven bite, or teeth grinding (generally while you are asleep). Lack of Occlusal Therapy in some individuals leads to wearing of the teeth by grinding them down, migrains, or head, neck, shoulder and/or joint pain.

Sinus Lift

In some patients either naturally or due to the loss of the upper back teeth or molar (or sometimes premolar) area, the bone is not high enough to properly place the length of the implant. In these cases, a technique called Sinus Lift is performed. During this procedure, the membrane of the sinus floor is lifted and autogenous bone harvested from your own bone (generally from the jaw or chin area) or synthetic bone leads to the formation of adequate bone height, which enables the Doctor to place the implant within the bone.

Periodontal Disease and Risk Factors

Periodontitis (gum disease), a bacterial infection, is recognized as one of the most common chronic diseases, affecting around 30% of the adult population, between 25-75+ years of age. Periodontal disease is among the most important causes of pain, discomfort, and tooth loss. In addition, there is emerging evidence that suggests that Periodontitis increases the risk of certain systemic conditions and diseases such as heart disease, low birth weight, respiratory disease, stroke, uncontrolled diabetes, and severe osteopenia (the stage before osteoporosis). With scientific and technologic paradigms of dentistry and the public’s expectations for a good quality of life, the Periodontist can help you achieve optimal periodontal health, which will give you a lifetime of comfort and confidence.

Ortho-Perio Strategies

Sometimes there is a need for orthodontic procedures in order to improve the position of the gum tissue. There is also a possibility of performing periodontal procedures in order to achieve better orthodontic results, based on the need for either one. The doctor will explain different options which will be based on the patient’s need(s).

Orthodontics is an area of dentistry concerned with the analysis and correction of teeth position. Two main indications for orthodontic treatment are based on the recognition of tooth position as an important aspect of the health and normal function of teeth. This not only includes the position of the teeth, but also the structures around them (bone, gums). Sometimes crowded teeth can cause serious problems in the surrounding gum tissue. The surrounding tissue may become less optimal because oral hygiene such as brushing and flossing are not effective in those areas as a result of crowded teeth. In addition, local irritating agents such as food, bacteria, and calculus (tartar) may initiate and accelerate an inflammatory response, which unless controlled, can progress. Patients may face some problems such as gum recession and frenum pull.

Dr. Amin will explore all options based on the patient’s needs. In more advanced cases, periodontal surgery might not be the only solution, and the particular case might need an interdisciplinary approach such as orthodontic treatment which is complemented by the work of an oral surgeon who also involved in the treatment.