Our Goal

Sterilization

We know that preventing the spread of infectious diseases such as AIDS, herpes, hepatitis and even the cold virus is critical and take sterilization very seriously.  For this reason we use extensive sterilization procedures, going well beyond those recommended by the American Dental Association and Centers for Disease Control.

We use barrier techniques such as disposable masks and gloves and change them for every patient.  Every piece of equipment is wiped-down with antibacterial solution prior to every operatory procedure.  Sterile water delivery systems are utilized.   We use autoclave sterilization for all instruments prior to dental examination and treatment.  You can be assured that our staff has been specifically trained on sterilization procedures and their importance. 

Patient Comfort

While no dental procedure is 100% comfortable, we go to great lengths to minimize any discomfort you might feel.  Many of our patients make statements like, "This wasn't even painful?  How did you do that?"  The following are some of the latest techniques we use to provide you with as comfortable an experience as possible.

Pre-medication

Patient comfort is one of the most important aspects of care.  Different patients have different needs for pain and anxiety control medication. Depending upon the procedure and your wishes, there are many medications we can prescribe.

Injections of Anesthesia

Injections of dental anesthesia can become more painful if not precisely done or if the injection is done at too rapid a rate.  We recognize this and take extra care when giving injections. 

Conscious Sedation

For those patients that would feel more comfortable with conscious sedation, we are pleased to offer both intravenous sedation and nitrous oxide analgesia. Both of these techniques will make you feel relaxed and at ease. Although you will be awake, you will not be aware of your surroundings. Conscious sedation can allow you to remain calm during dental procedures, with minimal recollection of your visit.

Special Equipment

We strive to stay on the leading edge of periodontal techniques and equipment. In order to do this, we take a great deal of continuing education. We also utilize advanced equipment in our office.

Basic Periodontal Treatment

Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection that gets under the gums and into the bone around your teeth.  This infection must be removed and the area given a chance to heal. There are two generally accepted treatments for this depending upon the severity of your infection.

Upper Level Infection Removal

The upper level of infection in the pockets around your teeth can be removed using specialized instruments. This procedure is called, “Scaling and Root Planing”, “Phase One Treatment” or “Initial Therapy”. It is done under local anesthesia and is quite different from the routine dental cleaning or “deep cleaning” that is traditionally done in the general dentist's office.

Lower Level Infection Removal

If your infection has spread into the bone which supports your teeth, and is below the level that can be reached in “Upper Level Infection Removal”, then a surgical procedure must be done to pull back the gums and remove the lower level of infection.

Crown Lengthening

When getting a crown, the general dentist must prepare your tooth to receive the crown. Sometimes there is not enough tooth structure above the gumline to accomplish this. Crown lengthening provides more tooth for your crown. This ensures a more stable crown with less gum irritation afterwards. Also, if you have a "gummy" smile or uneven gum line, crown lengthening can help your teeth to look longer and more even.

Procedure:  The periodontist gives you a local anesthetic and gently recontours excess gum and bone tissue to expose more of your natural teeth.

Bone Grafting

Your jawbone is what supports your teeth and gums. Unfortunately, periodontal disease dissolves parts of your jawbone. This causes bone loss and eventual loss of teeth. The first step is to remove the periodontal disease and stop the bone loss. Then, in many cases, various bone grafting techniques can be used to grow back some of the jawbone that was lost.

Procedure:  The periodontist gives you a local anesthetic and gently opens the area filling in the missing section with bone grafting material.

Soft Tissue Grafting

Longer teeth or exposed tooth roots can look unsightly.  They can also increase your sensitivity to heat, cold or sweets. In some cases, gum tissue can be placed in these areas.

Procedure:  The periodontist gives you a local anesthetic and gently places a gum tissue graft over the area.

Antibiotic Treatment

Some localized, topical antibiotics can enhance your periodontal treatment. In certain isolated circumstances, placement of antibiotic medicine can also reduce infection.

Procedure:  Topical Antibiotics, in various forms, are precisely placed in isolated areas to improve healing. Afterwards the results are closely monitored during follow-up visits. 

Ridge Augmentation

Sometimes after an extraction there will be a sunken spot in your gumline.  This looks unsightly and can jeopardize the appearance of a bridge that goes over the area. Grafting material can be inserted under the gum to fill out this depression.
Ridge augmentation can also be used to build up an area so that a dental implant can be placed.

Procedure:  The periodontist gives you a local anesthetic and gently opens the area. He then fills the sunken area with grafting material.

In Conclusion

Each procedure is done with your comfort and safety in mind.  We work closely with your general dentist to ensure you get the best possible result in accordance with your general dentist's wishes. Please feel free to ask questions before, during, or after any of these procedures.