Periodontics
Periodontal treatment: periodontal (gum) diseases are serious infections of soft tissue that, left untreated, can lead to tooth loss. Periodontal disease has two stages: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is the mildest form of the disease where gums are red, puffy and bleed easily. It is often caused by inadequate home care routine and associated with little to no discomfort. Gingivitis is reversible with improved oral hygiene and professional treatment.
Untreated gingivitis can advance to periodontitis. Toxins produced by the bacteria in plaque and calculus (tartar) stimulate inflammatory response that causes the gums and bone that support the teeth to break down and get destroyed irreversibly. As disease progresses to a more advanced stage of periodontitis, gums separate from the tooth even more and leads to eventual tooth loss. Again, as with gingivitis, periodontitis is often a silent destroyer where patients do not experience discomfort until they see loose teeth where it might be too late. This is another reason why periodic visits for maintenance are important.
Periodontitis is irreversible and it goes through a cycle of active phase and dormancy. Initial treatment for periodontitis consists of scaling and root planing (considered non-surgical treatment), where bacterial plaque and calculus is removed from below the gum line deep into the packet and root is smooth out to remove toxins. This initial therapy with good home care allows for reduction in the gum packet either through shrinkage or reattachment. Then, patients are able to maintain the condition with proper oral hygiene and more frequent professional teeth cleanings.
Dental Implants
Implants is a treatment modality when you are missing a tooth or multiple teeth due to periodontal disease or an injury. Dental implants are an artificial tooth root, usually made of titanium, that is placed into the jaw to hold replacement teeth that look, feel and function like natural teeth. A key to implant success is the quality and quantity of the bone where the implant is to be placed. Therefore the first step is always the consultation where we do thorough exams, take radiographs and impressions to evaluate the available space. Then, implant is surgically placed into the jaw bone and allowed to heal and integrate itself into the bone for three to six months. If the site is lacking bone, additional bone can be grafted upon placing the implants. During the healing time, temporary replacement option can be worn over the site. Depending on the type of implant, a second surgery may be required to uncover the implant and attach extension. This extension is called the abutment where custom fitted teeth can be attached restoring the smile and function of your teeth.