Periodontal plastic surgery is designed to restore form and function in your teeth. The surgery involves removing the tissue that has been affected by the disease and reconstructing the gums and surrounding tissues so that your teeth are better supported and can have a much healthier appearance. The major goal of the surgery is to increase the life expectancy of your teeth.

Periodontal disease can be diagnosed by x-rays to check for bone changes and by checking for any abnormal gingival, or gum tissue, attachment. Based on the examination, our dentist will be able to determine the degree of the periodontal disease. Once a diagnosis has been made, our dentist will talk to you about the various treatment options.

These treatments include:

Behavioral Change
A conservative approach, this can include an enhanced oral hygiene program, quitting smoking, and other lifestyle changes.

Deep Cleaning
This is regular and thorough professional removal of tartar and calcified plaque that will be an essential part of your oral hygiene routine. In most cases, little or no discomfort occurs with deep cleaning.

Surgical Therapy
Periodontal plastic surgery is designed to eliminate pockets between the gum and tooth to encourage attachment, normal function, and an attractive smile. Your mouth can be restored to its pre-disease form through advances in soft-tissue and hard-tissue replacement and regeneration.

Periodontal plastic surgery is not a cure for periodontal disease. Prevention is always preferable to any treatment option. Scheduling routine dental office visits, maintaining regular oral hygiene, and quitting smoking are proven preventative techniques.

For more information on periodontal plastic surgery, or to schedule a consultation, contact our office today.

Injuries to the teeth, mouth, or face can be serious. Up to 40% of all dental injuries occur during sports. Even non-contact sports include the risk of impact to the face from a ball, the floor, or another person. The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons recommends that every person participating in any sports activity should wear protective head gear and a mouth guard. When these precautions are used correctly, they can help reduce the level of trauma experienced from any impact to the head or mouth.

There are 3 types of sports mouth guards available. Stock guards are pre-made and purchased for use as-is. These tend to be uncomfortable and provide less protection than a properly fitted guard. The boil and bite guard is softened in boiling water before use. Once the guard is pliant, the wearer will bite down to create an impression fitted for their teeth. These guards provide a better fit, but are not as durable as a custom mouth guard. Custom guards are fabricated from impressions done by our doctor and are the most precisely fitted type. We can help you decide which type of guard is right for your needs.

Over 5,000,000 teeth are injured or knocked out each year. $500,000,000 is spent on repair and replacement for these dental injuries. If your tooth is injured or knocked out, contact our office immediately for instructions. Teeth can often be saved, even reimplanted, with prompt care.

If you have soft tissue bleeding from your head, face, or mouth, cover the wound with a clean cloth and apply gentle, firm pressure. Contact our office or your doctor for instructions.

If you experience an emergency, visit your local emergency room for immediate care and contact our office at your earliest opportunity.

For more information on facial trauma or to schedule an appointment, contact our office.

Our experienced oral surgeon provides excellent results and works to minimize the time required for your mouth to heal following surgery. However, any oral surgery will require you to take extra care of your mouth for at least a few days afterward. If you are preparing for oral surgery, it can be helpful to consider what kinds of foods to avoid and those you may want to have available during this period.

Foods that are hot, cold, spicy, or acidic can be painful for soft tissues during the healing process. Your mouth will be sensitive for the first few days. Foods that require a lot of chewing can cause bleeding, slower healing or even infection. Hard foods like chips can splinter in the mouth and cut into delicate gums. Drinking through a straw adds strain on your tissues and can be harmful. All these should be avoided during the first day or two, at least.

During your initial 24 hours, you will want to take extra care with what and how you eat. Stick with soft and mushy foods that do not require much work to chew. Here are some ideas to consider:

 Banana smoothies – while you should avoid straws, banana smoothies are tasty, filling, and contain valuable nutrition.
 Soft fruits – applesauce, mandarin orange slices in juice, and seedless watermelon are all easy to eat and taste great.
 Soups – warm (not hot) broths and soups help you maintain your strength as you heal. Select soups that do not have chunks that will need to be chewed.
 Mashed potatoes – soft, warm, and filling, mashed potatoes can help you feel as though you’ve eaten a meal. Try adding some shredded cheese for a jazzier dish.
 Puddings and gelatin – though you want to be careful of your sugar intake, puddings and flavored gelatin are a great way to get some needed calories, especially if you are experiencing soreness or stiffness during the initial hours after your surgery. Both are gentle on the stomach, as well as the mouth, making them a useful option.

For more suggestions on post-surgery care and eating, contact our office.