Treatment of Periodontal Disease

It is of paramount importance to halt the progression of periodontal disease before it causes further damage to the gum tissues and jawbone.  Dr. Francis will initially assess the whole mouth in order to ascertain the progress of the disease.  When a diagnosis has been made, he may treat the bacterial infection with antibiotics in conjunction with nonsurgical or surgical treatment or both.

In the case of moderate periodontal disease, the pockets (under the gumline) of the teeth will be completely cleared of debris using a procedure called scaling and root planing.  The pockets may

Orthodontics

What is Orthodontics? Orthodontics is specifically concerned with diagnosing and treating tooth misalignment and irregularity in the jaw area.

There are many advantages to well-aligned teeth, including easier cleaning, better oral hygiene, clearer speech and a more pleasant smile.  Though orthodontic treatment can be effective at any age, the American Dental Association suggests that an orthodontic assessment should be performed around the age of seven.  The earlier orthodontic treatment begins, the more quickly the problem can be successfully resolved.

Here are some of the common conditions treated with orthodontics: Orthodontic Solutions Dr. Francis will generally perform a visual examination, panoramic x-rays and study models (bite impressions) in order to assess the exact nature of the discrepancy.

When a diagnosis has been made, there are a variety of orthodontic treatment options available.

Here is an overview of some of the most common treatments:

• Fixed orthodontic braces – A metal or ceramic dental base is affixed to each tooth, and a dental wire is inserted through each base.  The teeth are gradually trained into proper alignment by regularly adjusting the wire.  When the desired results are achieved, the fixed dental braces are completely removed.

• Invisalign^®  – This is a newer, removable type of dental aligner that is completely transparent.  Invisalign^® does not interfere with eating because of its removable nature, and mechanically works in the same way as the traditional metal dental braces.  Not all patients are candidates for Invisalign^®.

• Retainers – After the teeth have been realigned using dental braces, removable devices such as a retainer will then be provided to ensure that the teeth do not begin to move back toward their original positions.  Retainers are generally worn until the underlying bone has reformed into the correct position.

Whether it’s traditional braces or custom made removable appliances, orthodontics can help you have the healthy, straight, beautiful smile you’ve been waiting for! If you have any questions about orthodontists and the treatments they provide, please contact our office.

Periodontal Treatment

Periodontal treatment cares for the soft tissues of the mouth and the underlying jawbone which supports the teeth.

We are mainly concerned with preventing the onset of gum disease (periodontal disease), diagnosing conditions affecting the gums and jawbone, and treating gingivitis, periodontitis and bone loss.  Periodontal disease is a progressive condition and the leading cause of tooth loss among adults.

The most common conditions we treat are:

• Gingivitis – This is the mild inflammation of the gums which may or may not be signified by pain and bleeding.

• Mild/moderate periodontitis – When the pockets between the teeth and the soft tissues are measured to be between 4-6mm it is classified as moderate periodontitis (gum disease).

• Advanced periodontitis – When the pockets between the teeth and the soft tissues in general exceed 6mm in depth, significant bone loss may occur; causing shifting or loss of teeth.

• Missing teeth – When teeth are missing as a result of bone loss, the periodontist can implant prosthetic teeth.  These teeth are anchored to the jawbone and restore functionality to the mouth.

Periodontal Treatments

Dr. Francis is able to perform a wide range of treatments to halt the progression of gum disease, replace missing teeth and make the appearance of the smile more aesthetically pleasing.

• Implant placement – When a tooth or several teeth are missing, Dr. Francis is able to create a natural-looking replacement by anchoring a prosthetic tooth to the jawbone.

• Gingivoplasty (soft tissue recontouring) – As gums recede due to periodontitis, the teeth may appear longer; causing a “toothy” smile.  Dr. Francis can remove tissues or straighten the gum line to make the teeth look more even.

• Bone grafting – Dental implants can only be positioned if there is sufficient bone to attach the prosthetic tooth to.  If bone loss has occurred, bone grafting is an excellent way to add or “grow” bone so that an implant may be properly secured.

• Deep pocket cleanings – As gingivitis and periodontitis progress, it becomes more difficult to cleanse the pockets between the soft tissues and the teeth.  Dr. Francis or our hygienist can scale and root plane the teeth (sometimes under local anesthetic) to remove debris and infection-causing bacteria.
• Crown lengthening – In order to expose more of the natural tooth, Dr. Francis can remove some of the surrounding gingival tissue.