Cosmetic Soft Tissue Procedures

We are concerned foremost with your health. However, some of the procedures we perform are intended not only to control disease, but to provide you with a cosmetic benefit. Some patients may look older than their years because their teeth appear to be too long ("long in the tooth"). Soft tissue grafts and other root coverage procedures are designed to cover exposed roots and make the teeth look much better.

When gum tissue recedes due to periodontal disease, it pulls away from the teeth. Periodontal plastic surgery procedures can restore some coverage and dramatically improve a person's smile.

Soft tissue grafts and other root coverage procedures cover exposed roots and restore healthy gum tissue. This will reduce further bone loss and recession, make the tooth less sensitive, protect the root from root cavities, and look more natural when you smile.

Photos courtesy of Dr. David Peto

Crown Lengthening

In many cases of dental decay, tooth fracture, or even in instances where an individual has "short" teeth, a crown lengthening procedure will allow us to properly construct an esthetic and functional crown, bridge, or restoration.

Crown lengthening is a simple surgical procedure which adjusts the position of the gum around the affected tooth, thereby providing a more solid tooth on which to anchor the restoration of choice. A functional crown lengthening will help you regain a beautiful smile and allow you to eat and speak with comfort and confidence.

A purely esthetic crown lengthening procedure to correct a "gummy" smile is often referred to as Gum Contouring.

Dental Implants

Dental Implants have been used successfully for many years. The implant itself is a post that is surgically placed in the jaw. A prosthesis (artificial tooth or teeth) is then attached to the post.

There are two basic uses for Dental Implants:

1. As an artificial root for a single tooth replacement.
2. As anchors for a fixed or removable prosthesis to replace multiple teeth.

With the exception of your natural teeth, nothing looks more natural than an implant. One important benefit of implants is that they slow the shrinking of bone and gum tissue from the area of the missing tooth, thus preventing premature aging.

• Of Americans between the ages of 18 and 64, approximately 49% are missing at least one tooth.
• Dental implants are the most advanced tooth replacement system ever devised.
• More than nine out of ten implants last longer than 15 years.
• Dental implants never develop decay.
• Dental implants never require root canals.
• Dental implants preserve the jawbone, which can prevent premature aging.
• No one can be disqualified for implant treatment solely because of their age -- some patients receive implant treatment when they are in their nineties!

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Photos courtesy of Dr. David Peto

Gum Disease Treatment

Gum treatment is the treatment of active gum and jaw bone disease. The treatment can slow or stop the progression of the disease. Since there are different stages of gum disease (from gingivitis to advanced periodontitis), there are different levels of treatment. In some cases, the patient may be referred to a specialist.