Periodontal surgical options

Flap surgery for severe periodontitis

With the rare cases of gum disease that cannot be treated with perioscopy, we use flap surgery.
This procedure creates a surgical opening, and the gum is lifted away from the tooth to allow
access to the infected area. (The flap of gum tissue is analogous to an envelope flap that
provides access to the contents within.)
We can then thoroughly clean hardened bacterial buildup from the roots, leaving a smooth
surface that is difficult for bacteria to cling to. This allows the gum tissue to regenerate without
further irritation and reattach to the roots of the teeth.
The area is then medicated, and the gum flap is replaced and sutured, providing an environment
for the bone and gum tissue to heal. One of the goals of flap surgery is to reduce the depth of the
periodontal pockets to make them easier to keep clean in the future.

Rebuilding lost bone

Video: Bone Grafting Socket Preservation
Bone loss can occur as a result of periodontal disease. Our doctors have a variety of options for
rebuilding jawbone at their avail, and will choose the treatment that best fits your specific needs.
Bone grafting
Bone grafting is commonly done during periodontal surgical procedures. If needed, we can add
materials to regenerate bone that has melted away. The bone used for this procedure can be your
own bone, bone from a tissue bank, bovine bone or synthetic materials. Bone grafting can add
years of life to a compromised tooth or even totally reverse the damage.

Emdogain Gel
When gums have receded, or there is damage below a tooth root in the area where it
branches out (furcation), we may use Emdogain gel.
This revolutionary product utilizes a protein to stimulate regrowth of gum tissue,
ligament and bone that have been lost due to moderate-to-severe periodontitis. Regaining
the structural support provided by these hard and soft tissues helps save your tooth.

Platelet-Rich Plasma
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a preparation derived from a patients own blood, and is
used by surgeons to help improve surgical outcomes.
Blood is primarily composed of liquid plasma, but it also contains tiny solid components;
red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Platelets are blood cells that help stop
bleeding by clotting blood, and they also contain proteins called growth factors.
PRP is made from a small sample of your own blood. The blood is spun down in a
sophisticated, computerized centrifuge to concentrate your platelets. These concentrated
platelets containing huge reservoirs of growth and wound healing factors are added to
remaining plasma, and can dramatically enhance and accelerate your bodys natural
healing process after surgery.

GEM 21
Gem 21 is a state-of-the-art approach to rebuilding bone and tissue that combines an
active growth factor (PDGF) with a synthetic bone substitute. PDGF (plasma-derived
growth factor) is a protein that plays a significant role in blood vessel formation and is
used in periodontal surgery to treat bone loss.

Guided tissue regeneration

Guided tissue regeneration (GTR) is a process of placing a membrane to act as a barrier
between tissues that heal more quickly (gums and ligaments) and bone. This procedure
allows time for the bone to regenerate without the encroachment of the faster healing
tissues.
Dr. Weingarden was among a panel of ten American and international dental specialists
who teamed up to compare studies regarding regeneration of bone. The panel established
that the most effective solution to lost bone was Guided Tissue Regeneration.

Laser Gum Surgery

Recontouring a gum line
Smiles are known as gummy when the amount of gum tissue displayed when talking or
smiling is disproportionate to amount of teeth shown. Our doctors use lasers to gently remove
excess gum tissue and give a more balanced appearance to your mouth.
Uneven gum lines can flaw the appearance of an otherwise lovely smile. Gum tissue can be
easily modified with a laser to create a smooth, even gum line to frame your smile.
Frenectomies
Frenectomies involve the removal of a frenum in the mouth. A frenum is a muscular attachment
between two tissues. There are two frena (the plural form of frenum) in the mouth that can
sometimes obstruct normal function and need to be removed.
The lingual frenum, which connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth, can run the full length
of the tongue and interfere with speech. The maxillary labial frenum, which connects the inside
of your upper lip to your gums just above your upper two front teeth, can become so prominent
that it causes a gap between the two front teeth.

Experience you can trust

For any type of periodontal treatment you may need, you can be assured that you are in kind,
caring and experienced hands with our team of dental professionals.