Related Links
- Periodontal Plastic Surgery
- Gingival Grafts
- Dental Implants
- Crown Lengthening
- Pocket Reduction Surgery
- Ridge Augmentation
- Sinus Lift
- Bone Regeneration
- Extraction Site Preservation
- Frenectomy
- Extractions
- Oral Sedation
Dental Implant Presentation
To provide you with a better understanding of dental implants, we have provided the following multimedia presentation. Many common questions pertaining to dental implants are discussed.
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Periodontal Plastic Surgery
These procedures are a predictable way to cover unsightly, sensitive, or exposed root surfaces and to prevent future gum recession. The appearance of short unsightly teeth can be greatly improved by a combination of periodontal procedures by Dr. Waring and cosmetic dentistry by your dentist.
Cosmetic Crown Lengthening
Although your teeth appear short, they may actually be the proper length. The teeth may be covered with too much gum tissue. We can correct this by reshaping the contours of the gums that form the frame around each tooth. Smile design includes creating an even gum line and establishing symmetry in tooth height and width.
During this procedure, excess gum and bone tissue are reshaped to expose more of the natural tooth. This can be done to be done to one or more teeth to even your gum line, and to create a beautiful smile.
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| Gummy Smile | Appearance after Cosmetic Crown Lengthening |
Soft Tissue Grafts
This is another cosmetic procedure that is used to cover unattractive tooth roots, reduce gum recession, and protect the roots from decay and eventual loss.
This procedure involves taking connective tissue from your palate or using freeze-dried donor tissue (AlloDerm) to augment the gum and cover the recession.
Soft Tissue Ridge Augmentation
Tooth loss causes the jawbone to recede and can lead to an unnatural looking indentation in your gums and jaw, an appearance of general aging. The original look of your mouth may not be recaptured if the spaces remaining under and between replacement teeth are not filled in; resulting in teeth that appear too long compared to nearby teeth.
During this procedure connective tissue from your palate or freeze-dried donor tissue (AlloDerm) is inserted into the ridge defect to plump up the area and restore it’s natural contours.
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| Extensive Gingival Recession | Appearance after AlloDerm Tissue Grafting |
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| Recession on Left Maxillary Canine | Appearance after a Subepithelial Connective Tissue Graft |
Extraction Site Preservation
Bone grafting following tooth loss can preserve the socket/ridge and minimize gum and bone collapse. There is less shrinkage and a more aesthetic tooth replacement for either an implant crown or fixed bridge around the replacement teeth.
This procedure involves packing the extraction socket with bone or a bone substitute. The site is covered with an absorbable collagen membrane or a Teflon membrane. The gums are then closed over the membrane using sutures.
Gingivectomy
The gum tissue can be very thick and large covering the tooth surface making the teeth look short. This can happen because of medications, bone that extends too near to the surface of the teeth, or inflammation due to gum disease.
A gingivectomy is a periodontal procedure that eliminates excess gum tissue. The term “gingivectomy” is derived from Latin;
- “gingiva” means gum tissue
- “-ectomy” means to remove
MARK C. WARING, D.D.S.
COSMETIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE PERIODONTICS & IMPLANT SURGERY - TEMPE, AZ