PERIODONTAL

The body loses a natural defense again bacteria and trauma when recession of the gum occurs. Gum reconstruction using grafting techniques is a great option to solve gum recession problems. Significant gum recession can predispose to continued recession and exposure of the root surface, which is softer than the enamel. This can lead to root cavities and deep wear grooves. A gingival graft solves these problems. For the grafting procedure, a thin piece of tissue is taken from the roof of the mouth, or gently moved over from adjacent areas, and attached to the prepared area of recessed gum. After a short healing period, the graft becomes part of the gum tissue and covers the area where the recession had previously been.

Crown lengthening may be necessary when decay or a tooth fracture occurs below the gumline. Crown lengthening repositions the gum tissue so that your tooth can be restored with adequate room for periodontal health.

Crown lengthening may also be necessary to reshape the gum and supporting tissues to allow the dentist enough room to place a quality final restoration.

Another indication for crown lengthening is when the teeth are too short or of uneven length and removal of gum tissue would improve the final restoration.

This surgical procedure is used by the Periodontist to smooth and/or correct defects and irregularities in the bone surrounding the diseased teeth with the ultimate goal of reducing or eliminating the deep periodontal pockets. This is done by trimming away the infected gum tissue and re-contouring the uneven bone tissue.

This refers to procedures that attempt to regenerate lost periodontal structures (bone, periodontal ligament, and connective tissue attachment) that support our teeth. This is accomplished using biocompatible membranes, often in combination with bone grafts and/or tissue stimulating proteins.

A gingivectomy reduces excessive gum tissue. Some medications, such as Dilantin, calcium channel blockers and immunosuppressive drugs, can cause tissue overgrowth. Gum tissue may also grow in response to bacterial plaque along the gumline. A gingivectomy creates a healthier and more cosmetically pleasing appearance.

Occasionally when a tooth is lost or extracted, bone loss can occur causing an indentation in the gum line, which can change the appearance of a person’s smile. Careful management of extraction sockets at the time of tooth extraction prevents unsightly bone loss and a better cosmetic outcome, whether a tooth is replaced with a fixed bridge or implant.