Periodontal Procedures

Dr. Tim specializes in a number of procedures:

Implants

Dental implants are the best treatment option for missing teeth. As a more modern solution than dentures or bridges, an implant is an artificial tooth used to support restoration. Carefully detailed planning and evaluation is necessary to identify an implant as an appropriate solution. By preparing the bone with a cover screw, an implant may be placed in the gums, filling all open areas where a tooth once was. Implants look and feel just like your own and become a permanent part of your mouth, thus you can eat, drink and smile without the discomfort of dentures or partials. As the implant site begins to heal, you will enjoy the flawless appearance of dental implants.

Bone/Tissue Graft

Grafting is a surgical procedure that replaces missing bone with artificial material, repairing areas that have deteriorated and require restoration. The material becomes cohesive with your existing bone or tissue and begins rebuilds itself.

Flap and Osseous

Osseous surgery is the modification and reshaping of deformities along the gum line. A result of gum disease, a periodontist can correct irregularities in the bone surrounding the infected area. Our goal is to reduce and eliminate these areas in the most effective way possible. The procedure takes approximately one hour, which includes 20 minutes needed to numb the mouth. A general anesthetic (Novocain) is used to make the procedure as comfortable as possible. After numbing takes place, the doctor will flap the gum back to evaluate the amount of bone loss. Next, the doctor will remove the plaque and clean the tissue. After the deep cleaning, the gum is put back into place and covered with putty-like packing. After two weeks, a patient will come back for a post-operative appointment to ensure proper healing.

Scaling

Scaling is the removal or elimination of dental plaque, calculus and stain from the roots of teeth. Scaling is essentially a deep cleaning and is a non-surgical procedure.

Post Procedure Care

CARE OF THE MOUTH: Avoid alcohol, smoking, rinsing, spitting, drinking hot fluids, or drinking through a straw for the remainder of the day. DO NOT rub your face in the area of surgery, nor play with the dressing with your tongue.

LOSS OF SURGICAL DRESSING: Occasionally, small pieces or all of the dressing may break off in the days following your surgery. It is fine to wait until your next appointment to see the doctor. You will not need to have this replaced.

BRUSING: Brushing and rinsing of the mouth should be started the day after surgery. Frequent gentile rinsing of the mouth with lukewarm salt water will aid the healing process and maintain cleanliness. Add a teaspoon of salt to an 8 ounce glass of water. If further cleaning seems to be indicated, gently swab with a cotton Q-Tip dipped in warm water.

PAIN: A certain amount of pain or discomfort is to be expected with all types of surgery. If the doctor feels that it is necessary, a pain medication will be prescribed for you. Please follow ALL directions given for it to be effective.

NOTE: SHOULD SWELLING, RASH OR NAUSEA DEVELOP, DISCONTINUE YOUR ANTIBIOTIC PRESCRIPTION AND IMMEDIATELY CALL THE DOCTOR.

SWELLING: A slight amount of swelling and discomfort is not unusual. In most cases swelling can be prevented and controlled. An ice pack application to the outside of the face over the surgical area following the surgery will minimize swelling. Use the ice for a period of 45 minutes on and 15 minutes off for the rest of the day. Discontinue use at night. If there is swelling after the first 24 hours, apply heat to the area.

BLEEDING: A slight amount of bleeding following the surgery should not be alarming. If the bleeding is excessive, PLEASE CALL AT ONCE. Vigorous rinsing of the mouth prolongs bleeding by removing the clotting blood, so avoid the use of liquids if bleeding does occur.

DIET: On the day of surgery, it is best to restrict your diet to fluids and soft foods. A normal diet may be taken the following day. Very hot, cold or spicy foods should also be avoided. Following the first day of surgery, eat what you can manage. If you are having difficulty chewing, you can use diet supplement such as Carnation Instant Breakfast, Nutriment, etc.