Patient Services
When a patient has periodontitis, he or she suffers from an infection and pocketing (loss of tooth support) around the teeth. Deeper pockets signify a more serious condition, which may need surgical intervention. Not all patients need surgery. An initial deep cleaning, scaling and root planning, will often improve one’s periodontal status. However, if surgical intervention is necessary, pocket elimination surgery with or without bone regeneration may be indicated.
Pocket Elimination Procedures Periodontal disease creates pockets around the teeth by destroying supporting tissue and bone, and our pocket elimination procedures repair this condition. The larger the pockets grow, the greater the space for bacteria to thrive and destroy more tissue. Pocket elimination is a surgical procedure performed using local anesthetics, the same anesthesia your dentist uses when removing tooth decay.
Bone Regenerative Surgery If indicated, bone regenerative surgery is performed to restore lost tooth-supporting bone around teeth.
Crown Lengthening Surgical Procedures create more tooth structure above the gum line, thus providing your restorative dentist with adequate tooth length to accept a crown.The results are a more stable crown and less gum irritation.
Periodontal Plastic Surgical Procedures (Gum Grafting), when feasible, reduces further gum recession, protects underlying bone, protects vulnerable roots from tooth decay, and improves esthetics.
Dental Implants If you have missing teeth, or if a tooth is going to be lost, your dentist may suggest replacing it with an implant. This procedure does not require shaving down healthy teeth adjacent to the space created by your missing tooth like placing a bridge does, so it offers the advantage of treating a one-tooth problem with a one-tooth solution.
An implant is a titanium screw placed in the jawbone, and it functions as a prosthetic tooth root. Bone fuses naturally to the titanium to create a solid, dependable foundation for a restoration, or replacement tooth. Dr. Grossman has been placing dental implants since 1989. He will assess your unique case and, working with your restorative dentist, customize your treatment plan.
Once your implant has fused with your jawbone, your restorative dentist will work with a dental laboratory to create a handcrafted restoration that complements your natural teeth. Your dentist will secure the restoration to the implant, and you can enjoy a solid tooth (or teeth) that returns full function to your dentition and beauty to your smile.
Dental implants look and act like natural teeth. They can also anchor partial and full dentures. In the past, a patient with several missing teeth would have been automatically fitted for a removable or full denture. These dentures have to be taken out and soaked at night. They also use messy adhesives and are known to irritate the mouth and feel unnatural. There is quite a lot to be gained from dental implant-supported dentures. Not only are all the hassles of removable dentures eliminated, but newly-anchored dentures are firmly attached to the bone structure, leaving them feeling much more like natural teeth. Foods avoided in the past can return to the menu with dental implants. Since tooth roots and implants stimulate the jawbone and prevent bone shrinkage, dental implants can even help prevent the appearance of premature aging.
You can have one implant or a mouthful. If you currently have bridgework or dentures but would like a more solid restoration, or if you are missing teeth and want to enjoy the lifestyle of a full set of teeth, call us today to schedule an appointment.