Tissue Grafting Can Treat Gum Recession

The Perio & Implant Center by Stanford Medical Center treats gum recession using a variety of modern techniques.  Dr. Pechak is an expert cosmetic dentist and oral surgeon that helps improve the health of his patients using procedures that are customized to address their specific health issues. If you feel that your gums may be receding, schedule an appointment for an examination and to discuss treatment options. 

One of the first treatment options is found in laser dentistry.  Dr. Pechak uses a dental laser to clean the gums and gum pockets in order to remove harmful bacteria.  When bacteria are left on and around the gums it can spread, making the problem worst.  Killing the bacteria is an important first step in allowing the body to start the healing process.  The laser light kills the bacteria without damaging the healthy gum tissue.  If necessary, Dr. Pechak can use an ultrasonic scaler to break up and loosen tartar that has formed around the teeth as well.  This procedure will help the gums to be in better health overall.  When gums have started to recede, simply cleaning them and keeping them bacteria free can help to stop the damage.

Gums that have receded significantly may need more in-depth treatment like tissue grafting.  This is also known as a gum graft or gum plastic surgery.  This procedure is necessary when the gum recession has become so bad that the roots of the tooth are exposed. In order to cover it, tissue is typically taken from the roof of the mouth and grafted to the existing gums.  This helps to stop the pain created by exposed roots, prevent bacteria from getting into gum pockets, and promotes overall oral health.  An experienced Periodontist should perform this procedure as it is highly specialized.  Dr. Pechak is a Board Certified Periodontist that produces superior results for patients in need of gum plastic surgery. 

He also performs a procedure called Chao Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation.  This is the latest treatment option for gum recession and is known for addressing the problem in one easy visit without extended recovery times. In fact, it can be completed over the lunch hour and patients can head back to work immediately afterwards. This is not a traditional surgery as no scalpels are used, and there are no stitches.  The results are stunning with gums being restored to their youthful smile without pain or discomfort.  Dr. Pechak is one of the few dentists that offer this new procedure. 

Gum recession can be painful and pose a serious threat to the patient’s health.  Pregnant women, for example, need to be careful not to get infected gums because it can lead to premature delivery. Diabetics are naturally at a greater risk for gum disease and gum recession can expedite the process while increasing the risk.  It is far better to receive treatment to address gum recession and reverse its course before it can cause pain or additional health issues.  To learn more call the Perio & Implant Center by Stanford Medical Center today.

How an Implant Dentist Helps Seniors

If you are a senior, visiting an implant dentist will provide you with more options for replacing your teeth.  Many seniors make the mistake of thinking that they have to wear dentures after losing a tooth or teeth. This is a common solution that has been used for centuries.  While effective at restoring appearance and the ability to eat and speak, they can be uncomfortable and inconvenient. Fortunately, there is a better way. 

Dental implants are a permanent solution to dentures that are far superior in both appearance and functionality.  They look and feel completely natural and do not rely on the strength of any existing teeth to stay in place.  Once implanted, the new tooth or teeth will stay there permanently.  This means that they do not need to be taken out, nor do they require any additional maintenance steps. Simply brush and floss like normal along with regular teeth cleanings to keep your implants looking perfect and new. 

An implant dentist has multiple ways to replace teeth.  The traditional way is to implant each tooth individually.  This is done by placing a metal piece underneath the gum line and attaching it to the jawbone.  A metal post is used in place of a natural root system and enables each tooth to stand on their own without depending on the teeth around it.  This is ideal for people that need to replace a few teeth or want to enjoy the long term stability of implanted teeth. The key is that the jawbone needs to be strong enough to support the procedure. 

Those who want a faster way to replace all of their teeth will benefit from a mini-implant procedure.  In this scenario, an implant dentist will place four to six metal posts in the upper and lower gums.  The new teeth will be created as a single piece that can be secured into place. This combines the best of implant and denture technology because the new set of teeth is created similarly to how dentures would with natural looking, synthetic teeth.  The major difference is that mini-implants take less time to install and the recovery time is reduced since there are fewer posts to implant.   They are still completely sturdy and will not move out of place, like dentures can. 

There are pros and cons to both types of procedures.  Traditional implants create a level of flexibility and durability that cannot be achieved otherwise.  Each tooth can be moved into place individually and if needed, be replaced in the future without impacting the other teeth.  With mini-implants, the teeth function as a unit so damage to one, means damage to everything as the entire unit would need to be removed and repaired.  

An implant dentist makes it possible to have a natural looking smile that functions like natural teeth.  That is by far the largest benefit. Instead of worrying about maintaining false teeth or having them become loose, seniors can enjoy an active lifestyle that does not involve thinking about their teeth.  To learn more call and schedule an appointment with the Perio & Implant Center today.