Vancouver Periodontal Blog

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

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

Cosmetic Gum Contouring

Also known as gum reshaping, gum contouring is a cosmetic dental procedure employed to improve a patient’s smile. The most common treatment is for what is commonly known as a ‘gummy smile’, a condition in which gums cover more of the front teeth than is desired. The teeth appear too short. This often causes the person to avoid smiling and can give rise to self confidence issues. A gummy smile can be caused by genetics, health circumstances and some high blood pressure prescriptions.

Gum contouring is a procedure that has been commonly done with a scalpel. In recent years laser devices are often used to trim away excesive gum overlying the teeth. The laser provides the added benefit of sealing blood vessels during the procedure.

Gum contouring is a painless dental treatment and is able solve the ‘gummy smile’ problem in a single visit.

Clinical Crown Lengthening

Crown lengthening is a surgical procedure that often preceeds other restorative work. Re-contouring of the gum ensures that the new restorations are constructed to the highest standard. Restorations constructed with this advance preparation will usually last many longer than those which aren’t.

Consult a Vancouver periodontist about gum surgery

Where the disease has not advanced too far, a non-surgical approach, root planing is generally used in treatment. The bacteria can be cleaned away without reflecting the gum.

In more severe cases it must be treated with periodontal flap surgery. The periodontal flap procedure involves the reflection of the gum from the infected teeth to provide direct access and visibility. This facilitates thorough cleaning of the infected root surfaces. A local anesthetic is administered for this procedure and several small sutures will remain in place for about a week thereafter. Some discomfort can be expected during that period.

After periodontal flap surgery it is very important to keep the treated area(s) spotlessly clean. Your periodontist will demonstrate brushing techniques and you will receive additional instructions and treatment following surgery. In most cases they will schedule an appointment about a month after surgery to check on the healing process and follow up on your hygiene and brushing technique.

Part 1: What is Periodontitis

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Periodontitis is the inflammation of the gum and bone area surrounding the teeth, brought on by a bacteria infection. Bacteria in plaque and calculus adheres to the teeth. Periodontitis can cause irreversible damage to the the teeths’ supporting structure.

The sooner periodontitis is treated, the better the long-term prognosis for your teeth. Generally a painless infection, it can develop without your knowledge. If you are diagnosed with the disease most dentists will refer you to a periodontist. Treatment involves the removal of all bacteria that has adhered itself to your teeth below the gum line.

Part 2: Treatment of Periodontitis

Dental bone graft

Bone grafting is a surgical procedure that may be necessary prior to the placement of dental implants. If implants are the best option for you, but x-rays reveal that the surrounding bone is not of sufficient quality or quantity, bone augmentation material is placed. This acts as a matrix for your own bone to grow into the area.

The area is x-rayed again after a month and the results are reviewed. In most cases the area will be ready for implant placement after a further three months. In some cases a second bone grafting procedure may be required.

Vancouver periodontal services, bone grafting

Choosing a Vancouver periodontist goes beyond the basic health of your teeth. Tooth loss and gum disease are the root of many dental problems. When the gums become diseased, they no longer provide a healthy base for the teeth and this can lead to other problems like tooth loss. The good news is that many periodontic problems can be easily treated.

A periodontist may be a doctor who specializes in this field of dentistry or a dentist who incorporates this area into his/her regular practice. When you are choosing a dental practitioner, it is important to ask how much experience he/she has working with gum health. Find out if the periodontist is board certified and ask about his/her level of specialized education.

It is also important to find out if a particular periodontist is covered by your insurance plan. If not, you will want to know what type of payment plan the office provides to ensure you can pay your dental bills in a timely manner. Most periodontal specialists will offer some type of financing options for their patients.

Another factor to consider is how well the periodontists you’re considering in Vancouver keep up with the latest procedures. For example, dental implants have become a popular treatment for tooth loss today. Instead of dentures that can come loose or cause problems with eating or speaking, dental implants look and feel like your natural teeth. If this is a treatment you are considering, you will want to find out if the particular Vancouver periodontal specialist you are considering has ample experience in the procedure.

Periodontal treatment is an important component in good oral hygiene and health. If you are experiencing bleeding gums, pain while chewing or loose or missing teeth, speak with your dentist or periodontist.

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Vancouver General Practice Dentists

Most general dentists are able to determine which of their patients are good candidates for dental implants. Because surgery is required, only people with healthy gums and strong jawbones should be considered good candidates for dental implants. Older people often feel they may not qualify for tooth implants but that is rarely the case.

Some general practitioners have the skills to perform dental implant surgery, but in most cases it is better if the family dentist refers you to a Vancouver periodontal professional that specializes in dental implants.

Restore Your Smile

Vancouver Dental Implant Specialists

A periodontist that specializes in dental implant surgery relies on superior training in periodontal procedures and specialized experience. A dental implant specialist is better able to decide which type of implant is right for your treatment, minimize your discomfort and provide a long term solution for your tooth loss.

Dental implants by a periodontal professional assure you of a natural-looking smile with no gaps. The anchor of the implant is surgically implanted in the jaw and the bone is then allowed to fuse around it for a period of several weeks. After the implant has taken root, an artificial tooth is created and fitted to the post of the implant. Your implant tooth will look and feel like your own.

Care for your tooth implants as you would the rest of your teeth, with daily flossing and brushing, as well as regular visits to your family dentist. With proper care and maintenance, your dental implants should last for many years.

Referrals from a dentist are not necessary to see a periodontist, but you should check with your insurance policy regarding coverage.

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There are four standard treatment options for the loss of a single tooth.

Partial

1) Single Tooth Partial Denture

A single tooth denture is temporarily fastened between the neighboring teeth. The downside of a single tooth partial denture is the accompanying bone loss that results from the absence of the natural tooth root. Biting forces will also cause the partial to move and shift. Discomfort and gum irritation often result from the movement of the partial.

2) Resin Bonded Bridge

A high speed drill is used to cut into the back of the neighboring teeth in order to prepare them for the bridge. A prothesis is cemented into place, attached to the backs of the neighboring teeth. Bone loss soon occurs as a result of the missing root. Plaque buildup at the edges of the bond often result, which can lead to tooth decay. Over time the cement bonds are likely to loosen due to day to day pressures of biting.

3) Fixed Bridge

A high speed drill removes a large percentage of the structure of the neighboring teeth, creating two mounting posts. A fabricated three unit bridge is then cemented into place. Again, bone loss will occur because the tooth root is missing. Plaque buildup under the margins of the crowns is also common. The neighboring teeth lack sufficient tooth structure, weakening them and leaving them more susceptible to tooth decay. Tooth decay leads to root canals and eventual additional tooth loss. In many cases the three unit bridge may fail due to decay of the neighboring teeth, necessitating a four unit bridge.

Single Tooth Dental Implant

4) Dental Implant

A dental implant replaces your natural tooth root with an implant. The implant is inserted into the bone in place of the natural root. The process of osseointegration causes the bone to heal around the implant, securing it as tightly as the natural root. An abutment is secured to the implant and the crown is then attached to the abutment. Unlike bridges, dental implants look and feel just like your natural teeth. They are stable under the pressures of biting and chewing and will outlast the other three options.

Vancouver dental implants

Tooth Drift

Trauma, disease and decay can lead to tooth loss. If a lost tooth is not replaced immediately the surrounding bone begins to collapse and shrink. Without the support of the adjacent tooth the neighboring teeth begin to drift towards the area left by the missing tooth. Once the two neighboring teeth begin to drift, others lose their support and can begin to move as well.

While tooth movement can mar your smile, there are other considerations as well. Tooth drift can make it difficult to properly clean your gums and teeth. Periodontal disease and decay often follows. Gums may recede and further tooth loss may result.

If you lose a tooth it’s important to seek treatment immediately to minimize the impact of tooth loss.

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