Periodontist

The first step in periodontal care is called initial treatment. As part of this phase
great emphasis is placed on improving oral hygiene with demonstration of
techniques to clean all aspects of the tooth. The periodontist will also clean the tooth root surfaces. Disinfectants may be applied to enhance results. For many patients this is the only stage of active treatment that is required.

In some severe cases of periodontal disease surgical treatment is required. This procedure involves directly accessing the tooth root surfaces to clean them and repositioning the gum tissues such that future cleaning by the patient is easier.

It is now possible, in some cases, to regenerate or regrow tissues lost due to periodontal disease. These surgical procedures have been developed over the past 25 year and utilize new technologies, like growth factors, to prompt the regeneration of new tooth tissue support to replace that lost due to periodontal disease. Periodontal regeneration surgery is a very minor procedure.

Gingival recession, or receding gums, leads to exposed tooth roots and can cause tooth sensitivity, visible roots, and an unesthetic “toothy” smile. Early detection is crucial and can minimise future treatment needs. Treatments range from regular monitoring, modification of oral hygiene techniques to replacement of lost gum tissues with soft tissue grafting.

Gingival or gum grafts are used to cover exposed tooth roots and thicken tissue to reduce the risk of further recession occurring. Modern techniques have been developed that result in much less invasive procedures that heal much faster and more comfortably. New ‘biologicals’, substances used during the procedure, result in even faster healing, greater comfort and enhanced results.

Crown lengthening aids tooth restoration and can enhance the aesthetics of the teeth and smile. This procedure is often used to address a “gummy” smile. Quickly performed under local anaesthesia, hard and soft tissue are reshaped with almost immediate results. If restorations are require for the teeth such as crowns, these are placed after a short time to allow the gum tissues to mature. In the interim, aesthetic provisional restorations can be placed.

Tooth loss usually results in the loss of the bone that supported the tooth. This can result in a cosmetic defect and or a situation where a dental implant cannot be placed. Bone grafting can repair this defect and results in the formation of new bone. New materials and techniques mean that many areas, previously unsuitable for dental implant placement, can now be treated.

Dental implants have two components. A portion that is inserted into the jaw bone, the dental implant. The prosthesis (crown, bridge, denture) is then attached to the implant.

The dental implant is usually placed by a surgeon, like a periodontist. The prosthesis is usually made by a dentist such as a prosthodontist. Dental implants provide a fixed solution for replacement of missing individual teeth. They can be used to anchor partial and complete dentures, enhancing denture stability and retention.

Dental implant supported prostheses look natural, restore smiles, and improve chewing, speech, and digestion.

The process involves a diagnostic or preparatory phase to ensure the implants are placed in the proper position. Then the implants are placed. Once the implants have integrated the prosthetic teeth may be fabricated.

The maxillary sinus is an air filled space, connected to the nose, located above the posterior upper teeth. In some patients, after posterior upper teeth are lost, the maxillary sinus expands such that there is not enough bone to support dental implants.

A number of options are available that allow the deficient bone to be increased such that dental implants may be placed. In some instances this increase in bone is performed a number of months before the dental implant is placed. In other cases the bone support is increased at the time of implant placement.

The various techniques for sinus grafting have a long track record of success. These procedures allow patients to have options that were not previously possible. In recent years new techniques and materials have allowed for even faster and simpler sinus elevation treatments.

Occlusion is a term used by dentists to describe how teeth contact together. In some instances, due to tooth movement or poorly contoured dental restorations, traumatic tooth contacts occur. These traumatic contacts can accelerate the progress of periodontal disease.

Bruxism is a term used to describe patterns of teeth grinding and jaw clenching that usually occur at night. This parafunctional activity can result in tooth loosening, tooth fracture and accelerated progression of periodontal disease.

Treatment for both of these occlusal issues, trauma from occlusion and Bruxism, can involve adjustments of teeth, mouthguards (such as the Michigan Splint) and new dental restorations. Periodontal disease must also be treated and controlled.

Pathology screenings are crucial for early detection of oral cancer, which often starts in the lips, mouth, salivary glands, throat, or face. Early-stage treatments are highly effective. Dentists conduct painless exams to check for lumps, red patches, sores, leukoplakia, or other abnormalities in the mouth and surrounding areas, with biopsies taken if necessary for further investigation.