Archive for May, 2010
Root Coverage Surgery
by c0le on May.29, 2010, under Vancouver Periodontal Articles
Root Coverage Surgery
Gingival recession is a clinical problem that dental professionals face on a daily basis. Patients with gingeval recession have an increased risk of root caries, for which there are limited restorative options. A high lip line can be aesthetically unattractive and root exposure often causes dentinal hypersensitivity. This can significantly affect quality of life by limiting the types of foods patients can eat and sensitivity can interfere with normal hygiene procedures, leading to increased plaque accumulation while increasing the risk of further recession. Over half the adult population has at least one site of gingival recession, so there is a significant burden of illness as a result.
A number of periodontal procedures are successfully used to cover exposed roots: CTG, free gingival grafts, coronally positioned flaps, lateral sliding flaps, and the use of barrier membranes (GTR). The success of the procedure is dependent on a number of factors. These include the experience, the nature of the gingival defect, anatomical considerations and whether or not the patient smokes.
Consult a Vancouver periodontist concerning root coverage surgery
Live Longer with Dental Implants
by c0le on May.27, 2010, under Vancouver Periodontal Articles
Dental implants can improve quality of life for the elderly
Many longevity studies have drawn a correlation between the ability to chew and digest fibrous foods and living longer. Missing teeth, poor fitting dentures and bridge work can make chewing nutritious food, so vital to living longer and better, painful or almost impossible. The mind can associate discomfort with eating and this can lead to loss of a healthy appetite. Depression in the elderly can often be linked to the inability to enjoy certain foods.
Suffering as a result of tooth loss in later years in generally no longer necessary. Treatment with implants can be considered safe and predictable for older as well as for younger patients. Old age does not represent a factor of major prognostic significance in treatment with dental implants.
Consult a Vancouver periodontist about dental implants
