Non-Surgical
Charting and probing are essential diagnostic tools in periodontal care. During this process, a periodontist uses a calibrated probe to measure the depth of the spaces (or pockets) between the teeth and gums. Healthy gum pockets typically measure between 1 to 3 millimetres. Deeper pockets indicate gum disease, signalling the presence of infection, inflammation, or bone loss. These measurements are documented in a periodontal chart to monitor changes over time. Regular charting and probing help detect periodontal disease early and guide the development of treatment plans to restore gum health.
Deep scaling and root planing are non-surgical treatments for gum disease. Scaling removes plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline, preventing bacteria from causing further damage. Root planing smooths the tooth roots, encouraging the gums to reattach to the teeth and reducing pocket depths. This procedure is necessary for individuals with periodontal disease, as it helps prevent the progression of infection and promotes long-term oral health. Depending on the severity of the condition, scaling and root planing may require multiple sessions for optimal results.
Chemotherapeutic agent placement is used to control bacterial growth and inflammation. It is a medication that is applied directly to periodontal pockets. These agents include antiseptic gels antimicrobials, and antibiotics.
It complements procedures like scaling and root planing. This treatment is necessary for patients with persistent gum infections, as it enhances the healing process and reduces the risk of recurrence.
Chemotherapeutic therapies can vary in form and may involve single or multiple applications depending on the patient’s response.
Regenerative Procedures
A dental bone graft is a surgical procedure used to increase the volume and density of bone in areas of the jaw where bone has been lost or thinned. During this procedure, a healthcare provider adds grafting material, either natural or synthetic, to support bone growth. The graft is a scaffold, allowing new bone tissue to develop and strengthen the jaw over time. Bone grafting is essential in cases where additional support is needed, such as before dental implants, or when bone loss from gum disease or missing teeth compromises the jaw structure and the health of surrounding teeth and gums.
One approach to bone grafting involves taking bone from another part of the body, such as the hip, tibia, or back of the jaw, and attaching it to the jawbone. This method, known as an autograft, is often preferred because it uses the patient’s own bone, promoting quicker healing and robust bone regeneration. In some cases, synthetic bone material or donor bone may be used as well. Regardless of the material used, the procedure typically involves making an incision in the gum to access the jawbone and then attaching the graft to stimulate new bone growth. Bone grafting effectively restores the jaw structure, providing a stable foundation for future treatments and improving overall oral health.
In surgical procedures that use barrier membranes to direct the growth of new bone and gingival tissue at sites with insufficient volumes or dimensions of bone or gingiva (gum) , the membrane is placed over the root surfaces or defect area following surgical exposure and debridement. The membrane is placed to exclude tissue from migrating into the healing wound and preventing bone or tissue regeneration.
Ridge augmentation restores the shape and volume of the jawbone that may have been lost due to trauma, tooth loss, or gum disease. The bone graft material is used to rebuild the ridge, creating a stable foundation for dental implants or improving the aesthetics of the jawline. This procedure may involve minor surgery and require healing time, but it is essential for restoring both function and appearance to the affected area.
Socket preservation is performed immediately after tooth extraction to prevent bone loss in the jaw. A bone graft material is placed into the empty socket to maintain its shape and volume. This procedure is crucial for patients planning future dental implants. It ensures the socket remains stable and ready for implant placement. Bone can shrink without socket preservation. This will complicate implant surgery or require additional grafting procedures later.
Periodontal Plastic Surgery
The pinhole surgical technique is a minimally invasive procedure to treat gum recession without traditional grafting. A small pinhole is made in the gum tissue, allowing your periodontist to use special instruments to reposition the gums over exposed roots. This technique eliminates the need for sutures, reduces recovery time, and provides immediate aesthetic results. It is a popular option for patients seeking a less invasive approach to correcting gum recession.
A sinus lift is a surgical procedure that adds bone to the upper jaw, specifically in the molars and premolars area. This procedure becomes necessary when the bone height in the upper jaw is insufficient to support dental implants. The sinus membrane is carefully lifted, and bone graft material is placed in the space beneath it. Sinus lifts are critical for patients requiring implants in areas with reduced bone volume, ensuring successful and secure implant placement.
A frenectomy is a minor surgical procedure that removes a frenulum, a small band of tissue in the mouth that can restrict movement. Commonly treated frena include the lingual frenulum, which connects the tongue to the mouth floor, and the labial frenum, which connects the upper lip to the gums. Frenectomies address oral function issues, such as tongue-tie, speech difficulties, and breastfeeding challenges in infants. The procedure, performed under local anaesthesia, is quick and safe, with most patients resuming normal activities within a week.
Surgical
Gingival flap surgery treats advanced periodontal disease by lifting the gums to access and clean the roots and bone beneath. Once the area is thoroughly cleaned and any damaged tissue is removed, the gums are repositioned and sutured in place. This surgery helps reduce pocket depths, promotes healing, and prevents further infection. Gingival flap surgery is essential for controlling severe gum disease and preserving natural teeth.
Osseous surgery reshapes the bone surrounding teeth affected by periodontal disease. It involves smoothing irregularities in the bone to eliminate deep pockets where bacteria can accumulate. This procedure helps prevent the further progression of gum disease. It also encourages healthy tissue bonding. Osseous surgery is often performed in conjunction with gingival flap surgery to achieve optimal results in managing advanced periodontal conditions.
A gingivectomy is a surgical procedure involving the removal of gum tissue, or gingiva, to treat gum disease or enhance the appearance of a smile. Commonly recommended for severe gingivitis, gingivectomy removes inflamed or excess gum tissue, preventing future gum damage and allowing for easier cleaning around the teeth. For those with gum disease, this procedure helps eliminate bacteria and plaque that build up in pockets at the base of the teeth, reducing the risk of further periodontal issues.
Gingivectomy is also frequently performed for cosmetic reasons, especially to address a “gummy smile,” where excess gum tissue makes teeth appear shorter or boxy. By reshaping the gumline, gingivectomy creates a more balanced and appealing smile.
Pocket reduction surgery, also known as flap surgery, aims to reduce the depth of periodontal pockets, making it easier to clean and maintain the area. This procedure involves folding back the gum tissue to remove bacteria, tartar, and infected tissue. Reducing pocket depth helps prevent further gum infection and promotes long-term oral health by enabling more effective at-home care.
Crown lengthening is a surgical procedure that reshapes the gum and bone tissue to expose more of the tooth’s surface. It is often performed for restorative purposes, such as making room for a dental crown, or to improve the aesthetics of a “gummy” smile. This procedure ensures that restorations fit properly and securely while enhancing the appearance of your smile. Crown lengthening can involve minor bone removal and requires healing time before final restorations are placed.
Other Services
Dental implants are titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone to replace missing teeth. They act as artificial tooth roots, providing a stable foundation for crowns, bridges, or dentures. Implants integrate with the bone, preserving jaw structure and preventing bone loss. Unlike traditional bridges, implants do not rely on neighbouring teeth for support, making them a durable and long-term solution for tooth replacement. Dental implants restore both function and aesthetics, allowing patients to eat, speak, and smile with confidence. Read more...
A sinus lift is a surgical procedure that adds bone to the upper jaw, specifically in the molars and premolars area. This procedure becomes necessary when the bone height in the upper jaw is insufficient to support dental implants. The sinus membrane is carefully lifted, and bone graft material is placed in the space beneath it. Sinus lifts are critical for patients requiring implants in areas with reduced bone volume, ensuring successful and secure implant placement.
Also known as halitosis or fetor oris. Halitosis can cause significant worry, embarrassment, and anxiety but it is relatively easy to remedy. Many simply require a comprehensive assessment of their periodontal health (teeth and gums ) to initiate treatment (an antibacterial agent or an antibacterial mouthwash or if alternatively gum disease is present, professional treatment may be necessary to clear out build-up of bacteria in pockets between gums and teeth.
This involves the microscopic examination and removal of a small sample of soft tissue for diagnostic purposes. Soft tissue biopsies are performed on the oral mucosa, gingiva, and tongue. Hard tissue biopsies collect samples from bony structures or access intraosseous areas. Its purpose is to obtain tissue for histopathologic examination.
Our practice provides Conscious Sedation to help minimise the anxiety and fear that some patients may experience. Sedation has become a key component of pain management in modern dentistry. Delivery methods include oral medication or controlled intravenous medications. We have a trained Anesthesiologist (M.D.) on staff who facilitates all the patient’s sedation needs.
