Implants and Oral Surgery:

Implants:

Dental implants are small titanium cylinders that are surgically
inserted into the bone of the jaw to replace the roots of missing
teeth.  Dental implants can be used to support dentures or bridges
or replace a single tooth.  They keep pressure off of bone and
nerves and also help stop bone loss that continues once teeth
have been removed.  Securing your teeth with dental implants can
make a world of difference.  You can eat, talk, laugh and smile
with confidence.

Restorations with dental implants are accomplished in two stages.
The first phase of the procedure is the surgical placement of the
implants.  They are under the gums for several months while the
bone attaches to them.  After healing, the second phase begins.
The implants are re-exposed and new teeth are made. 

For the surgical placement of the implant, your mouth will be numbed. 
An incision is made in your gums and a channel is made in the bone
to receive the implant.  After the implant is snugly in place, the gums
are closed over the implant with a stitch or two.  Over the course of
the next few months, the implant becomes securely attached to
the bone.

The second phase starts with the surgical exposure of the implant.
Another incision is made in your gums and a small extension is placed
to bring it above the gum line.  We then start a series of appointments
to make your new teeth.  Though some of the steps may be different
in your case, they usually include making impressions of your mouth.
From these impressions, we make precise working models of your
mouth which are carefully mounted for proper alignment.

The last step is the placement of the teeth.  The success of your
implants then depends on your care of the implants at home and our
support through regular check-ups and cleanings here in our office.

Oral Surgery:

Oral surgery is an option in several situations. 

When you've lost bone in your jaw, it can often be restored by a process
called bone grafting.

If a tooth is seriously broken down, a procedure called crown lengthening
can be used to increase the amount of available tooth structure so that the
tooth can support a crown, which is the best choice for covering and
protecting a tooth.

Periodontal flap surgery is necessary when pockets and infection still
remain after scaling and root planing.

A procedure called gingival grafting allows us to correct gums that have
pulled away from the tooth and exposed the root surface.  This apparent
lengthening of the teeth can really age a person's smile.  If left uncorrected,
the loss of protective gum tissue may also mean even more severe problems
down the road. 

Gingivectomy is a safe and effective procedure for removing excess gum
tissue.  When gums extend onto the front surface of the teeth, the
natural balance between the length of the teeth and the height of the gum
is lost.  With a gingivectomy, we can return your gums to a more healthy
and attractive condition.

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