Periodontal ProceduresTreatments for Gum RecessionGums are sensitive to oral bacteria. When plaque and tartar build up, gums may begin to pull away from the teeth. Gum recession is a common complication of gum disease, but it can allow bacteria to penetrate deeper into the oral cavity, and exposed tooth roots can be more vulnerable to decay. If you have a receding gum line, periodontal treatments may be necessary.Dr. Ariz offers a range of periodontal treatments to control and stop the spread of the infection and to restore oral health. Some patients may need a treatment called scaling and root planing. This is a deep cleaning that removes buildup below the gum line and smooths the roots of the teeth, which makes it easier for gums to reattach. Other patients may need surgical intervention. Pocket reduction surgery can reduce the size of the periodontal pockets and keep the gums snug against the teeth while gum grafts can restore tissues that have been lost. Each patient has unique dental health needs, and several treatment options are available for treating gum disease. We can help you explore various options and determine the best treatment for your needs. Give us a call today to learn more or to schedule your appointment.What is Crown Lengthening?Crown lengthening is a procedure that exposes more of the natural tooth structure. Our cosmetic dentist in Brentwood can use crown lengthening for cosmetic reasons or for restorative purposes. We may suggest a crown lengthening procedure if you have a tooth that is broken or badly decayed and the future restoration will sit too close to the bone. This can make it difficult to keep the tooth cleaned properly and may allow bacteria and plaque to attack the underlying tissue. The risk of tooth decay and gum disease may increase.A crown lengthening adjusts the gum and bone tissues around the affected tooth to expose more of the crown. This allows our dentist to create a restoration that better supports the natural tooth structure and ensures the ease of good hygiene practice. The process can be performed in our office in about an hour, and the tissues may be allowed to heal before the final restoration is placed.After a crown lengthening procedure, you may notice that it is easier for you to maintain good dental hygiene. Brush at least twice a day, flossing every day and visit us on your recommended schedule to help keep your smile looking and feeling its best. Give us a call today to find out more about crown lengthening or to schedule your consultation with our expert in crown lengthening in Brentwood to schedule your appointment. Advantages of Placing Dental ImplantsDental implants are considered the standard in tooth replacement. Dr. Ariz often recommends implants to patients who are missing one, several or all of their teeth because they offer so many advantages. 1. Dental implants are permanent.Dentures need regular adjustments and dental bridges, which can compromise the health of the abutment teeth, need to be replaced occasionally, but dental implants rarely fail and can last decades.2. Dental implants preserve bone.Once the implant has been placed in the jaw, the bone tissue grows into and around it. Not only does this stabilize the implant, but it also stimulates the bone to keep it strong and dense. 3. Dental implants are easy to maintain.Because they closely mimic the natural design of your own teeth, you can brush, floss and use your implants just like you do natural teeth.4. Dental implants are reliable.They have a success rate of greater than 95 percent.5. Dental implants are versatile.We can restore dental implants with porcelain crowns, dental bridges or dentures for the best solution for you.If you would like to learn more about dental implants, we can help. Contact our expert in dental implants in Brentwood to schedule your appointment.What is the Purpose of Pocket Reduction Surgery or Gum Surgery?Pocket reduction surgery is a procedure that may be needed to treat periodontal disease. It can involve one or several procedures that allow Dr. Ariz to remove plaque and tartar buildup and control the spread of periodontal disease, which can destroy bone and gum tissue if left untreated.We may recommend pocket reduction surgery to:• Reduce bacteria coloniesOral bacteria have been linked to serious systemic health problems. Controlling the population of oral bacteria and restoring gum health can help improve your overall health.• Stop bone lossIf periodontal disease is able to spread, it can access the bone that supports the teeth. The chronic inflammatory response can trigger bone loss and cause tooth loss.• Promote better dental hygieneThe gums often pull away from the teeth when they are infected, and this allows bacteria to grow in the hard-to-reach pockets that are formed. Tightening these pockets will help keep the bacteria out and make it easier for you to brush and floss your teeth.Contact our office today to learn more about available periodontal therapies or to schedule your appointment with our expert in pocket reduction surgery in Brentwood.What is Scaling and Root Planing?If our dentist or hygienist in Brentwood diagnoses you with periodontal disease, we may recommend a scaling and root planing procedure. A scaling and root planing procedure is essentially a type of deep cleaning that can help you get rid of the bacteria that are irritating and infecting your gums and get your periodontal disease under control. The scaling procedure is used to remove all plaque and tartar buildup. Unfortunately, plaque and tartar can accumulate not just on the visible parts of your teeth but also below the gum line. These deposits push gums away from the teeth and create pockets. We clean these pockets out, and then we perform the root planing. Root planing is used to smooth the roots of the teeth so that the gums can more easily reattach as they heal. In some cases, we may place antimicrobial fibers or prescribe an antimicrobial mouthwash to combat bacteria after treatment.We may use a local or topical anesthetic to numb your gums and ensure a more comfortable procedure, but this is not always necessary. Contact our office today if you have any symptoms of periodontal disease, and we will schedule your consultation with our expert in scaling and root planing in Brentwood as soon as possible.
