Periodontics
Periodontal disease
Periodontal diseases take on many different forms but are usually a result of a coalescence of bacterial plaque biofilm accumulation of the red complex bacteria (e.g., P. gingivalis, T. forsythia, and T. denticola) of the gingiva and teeth, combined with host immuno-inflammatory mechanisms and other risk factors that can lead to the destruction of the supporting bone around natural teeth.
Untreated, these diseases can lead to alveolar bone loss and tooth loss. As of 2017, these continue to be one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults.[where?][citation needed] Daily brushing and flossing are a way to help prevent periodontal diseases.
Root planning & scaling
Scaling and root planing is a careful cleaning of the root surfaces to remove plaque and calculus [tartar] from deep periodontal pockets and to smooth the tooth root to remove bacterial toxins. Scaling and root planing is sometimes followed by adjunctive therapy such as local delivery antimicrobials, systemic antibiotics, and host modulation, as needed on a case-by-case basis.
Most dentists would agree that after scaling and root planing, many patients do not require any further active treatment. However, the majority of patients will require ongoing maintenance therapy to sustain health.
Periodontal maintenance
When we first find periodontal disease, we treat it with scaling and root planing to remove plaque, tartar and bacteria from beneath your gum line. This treatment disrupts the growth of the bacteria; however, some bacteria remain and may settle back into the pocket where they reproduce. In fact, the number of bacteria doubles every time they reproduce, reaching destructive levels in as few as 90 days. While there is no cure for periodontal disease, it can be managed or controlled. A 3-4 month periodontal maintenance therapy appointment is a soft tissue management program that is a non-surgical approach to control periodontal disease. It is the most conservative approach to prevent more extensive and aggressive treatment.
Soft tissue laser surgery
The laser precisely ablates soft tissue and allows very quick healing and minimal discomfort. Procedures with Soft Tissue Laser. Lasers can be used for many different uses in dentistry from removing soft tissue, decayed teeth, periodontal treatments, and even whitening teeth!The laser precisely ablates soft tissue and allows very quick healing and minimal discomfort. Procedures with Soft Tissue Laser. Lasers can be used for many different uses in dentistry from removing soft tissue, decayed teeth, periodontal treatments, and even whitening teeth!
Gingival grafts
A gum graft is a type of dental surgery performed to correct the effects of gum recession. It is a quick and relatively simple surgery in which a periodontist removes healthy gum tissue from the roof of the mouth and uses it to build the gum back up where it has receded. There is a variety of gum grafts available, and the type of surgery undertaken depends on the extent and severity of damage and a person's individual needs. Dr Fleitas or Dr Guerra will discuss the different types of surgery available with the person to decide which option is the most suitable.. If left untreated, gum recession could eventually lead to tooth loss. Some people choose to have a gum graft for cosmetic reasons, such as to have a better smile; while for others, a gum graft is necessary to protect the exposed tooth from damage and repair any damage already done.
Frenectomy
The lingual frenum is located between the base of the tongue and the floor of the mouth. It comes in all different sizes, and if the frenum restricts the movement of the tongue (a condition called "tongue tied"), a surgical procedure called a frenectomy may be performed. A frenectomy can be performed by a general dentist, an oral surgeon or another specialist. The goal is to free the tongue and allow proper speech, swallowing and movement. In the upper arch, the tissue that connects the gum to the lip is called the labial frenum. If it is abnormally wide or long, it may connect through to the gum tissue between the teeth and extend to the front portion of the roof of the mouth. When the upper frenum is too wide or long, it can create a space between the two front teeth, and that may require a surgical procedure performed by a general dentist, oral surgeon or other specialist. If the patient is seeing an orthodontist and the goal is to close the space between the two front teeth, then a consultation with the orthodontist as to when the surgery should take place is a good idea.
Occlusal adjustments
Occlusal adjustment is the modification of the biting surfaces of a tooth, or teeth, to improve function or morphology. Occlusal adjustment is often used in conjunction with prosthetic placement and involves the grinding and shaping of selected tooth surfaces to improve contact patterns. Bite adjustments may also be made due to night-grinding issues and the discomfort or disfunction this causes for patients. The results of the occlusal adjustment procedure cannot be reversed, which means significant study of the patient’s mouth, tooth surfaces, and bite must occur before any action is taken. This study is usually accomplished through studying the bite contact within the patient’s mouth as well as through the use of dental impressions. Side effects of dental bite adjustment may include some pain or discomfort, though these are usually mild. Occlusal adjustment cost may vary depending on the dental insurance and the extent of the bite adjustment procedure.
Occlusal guards
The purpose of an occlusal guard or splint or even more commonly referred to as a standard “night guard” is to protect these “chewing surfaces” by breaking up that direct tooth on tooth contact. Why would you want to break up the direct contact between the teeth arches? Well, our teeth can be quite violent. When we grind or clench at night, we can emit a force much greater than during the day when we’re awake. Overtime, even if you’re just clenching or grinding your teeth during the day (much less at night), the enamel starts to wear down or tiny fracture lines start to appear. This is a battle of attrition my friends. Your jaw power will eventually win the fight against your teeth and the losses are great. Teeth breakage, teeth flattening, jaw pain, headaches, facial pain, tooth sensitivity and gum loss are just some of the symptoms of incessant teeth grinding and/or jaw clenching.
