Patient Services
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Periodontal Therapy
Patients appreciate that we have a periodontist, Dr. Patricia Kingston, on staff to help with all modes of periodontal therapy, from treating periodontal disease to preparing gum tissue for implants.
Gingivitis
The mildest form of the disease, gingivitis causes the gums to become red, swell and bleed easily. There is usually little or no discomfort at this stage. Gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment and good home care.
Mild Periodontitis
Gingivitis, if left untreated, can advance to periodontitis. In the mild stage, periodontal disease begins to destroy the bone and tissue that support the teeth.
Moderate – Advanced Periodontitis
In the mid-stages, periodontal disease can lead to more bone and tissue destruction. The most advanced form of the periodontitis includes extensive bone and tissue loss. Teeth often become loose and may have to be removed.
Scaling and Root Planing
Most patients with periodontal disease will require a special "deeper" cleaning called scaling and root planing. Scaling and root planing removes plaque and tartar from below the gum line. This controls the growth of destructive bacteria. It also helps the gums to reattach to the root of the tooth. Because the procedure is performed beneath the gum line, your gums will be numbed for your comfort. Two to four visits may be necessary to the complete the treatment.
Bone Regeneration Treatment
In many cases, it may be possible to restore lost periodontal supporting bone. This is accomplished by a combination of procedures. Osseous Grafting using a variety of graft materials may be used to stimulate the body's ability to grow bone. Guided Tissue Regeneration is also employed to restore not only the missing bone, but also the periodontal ligament and cementum. These structures are necessary to restore the attachment of the bone to the root of the tooth.
Cosmetic Crown Lengthening
Patients may be unhappy with a “gummy” smile or may have an uneven gum line. When the problem is too much gum, we can lengthen the teeth and by working closely with our restorative dentists create a beautiful smile.
