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EAU CLAIRE PERIODONTICS
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Additional Services
Periodontists complete an extensive, three year residency after dental school concentrating on the soft tissue and bone surrounding teeth, periodontal (gum) disease, and dental implants. Further procedures a periodontist provides and descriptions, can be found on this page. No matter the condition, it is our goal to restore your mouth to it's optimum health.
The soft tissue grafting procedure is intended to repair gum recession (root exposure) and thin gum tissue. Additionally, it reduces the risk of further recession and bone loss. These exposed root surfaces can become sensitive to temperature, touch, and sweets. Exposed root surfaces also have a greater risk of developing decay. If left untreated, tissue will continue to recede and supporting bone will be lost. This results in tooth mobility and, in severe cases, tooth loss.
There are various causes of gum recession including vigorous tooth brushing, wearing tongue jewelry, periodontal disease, or orthodontic treatment. For some patients, thin gum tissue, tooth position, or trauma can lead to recession. We can work together to identify the cause and develop a plan for treatment.
The type of tissue (gum) graft recommended is determined by your specific needs. Most often, donor tissue is harvested from the roof of the mouth (palate) to be placed in the area(s) of recession. The procedure is completed in the office using local anesthetic. Patients are comfortable during the entire appointment and experience minimal discomfort following the procedure.
There are two primary reasons for crown lengthening procedures either for cosmetics or for supporting a final restoration. Both processes are relatively the same where gumline tissue is sculpted and bone levels modified. Crown lengthening is completed in the office using local anesthetic. Patients are comfortable during the entire procedure and experience little discomfort in the days following. After an adequate healing period of approximately six weeks, your dentist can complete the restoration. Whether it's for function or cosmetics, you will benefit from a healthier, more confident smile.
CLINICAL CROWN LENGTHENINGCrown Lengthening is indicated when there is inadequate tooth structure to support a restoration due to fracture, decay, or large existing filling. Crown lengthening reshapes the gum and bone levels to expose more of the natural tooth which is necessary to be properly restored. Your dentist, in most cases, will make a referral to a periodontist for this procedure.
COSMETIC CROWN LENGTHENINGIndividuals who have a "gummy" smile or short teeth could benefit from cosmetic crown lengthening. There may be enough natural tooth but it's hidden under an overgrowth of gum tissue. Cosmetic crown lengthening can be performed on one tooth or multiple teeth. Your dentist may also recommend crown lengthening to help accomplish a cosmetic restorative dental procedure.
A frenectomy is recommended when there is interference from a frenum, the small fold of tissue or muscle connecting the lips, cheek or tongue. Labial frenums attach from the lips to the center of the mouth between the upper two front teeth and the lower two front teeth. In some instances, patients may have other areas with frenum attachments. This procedure is most often recommended to prevent or eliminate a large gap between the front two teeth or to interrupt the frenum from pulling the gum tissue leading to tissue (gum) recession. Treatment is completed with local anesthetic and the patient is comfortable during the entire appointment. Post treatment discomfort is minimal.
Tooth exposure is completed when a tooth fails to erupt on its own and remains impacted. Without proper eruption, the impacted tooth can interfere with tooth movement and is subject to disease. Surgical exposure gains access to the tooth and allows for placement of an orthodontic bracket to facilitate eruption. Our office works in conjunction with your orthodontist during this process. Depending on the complexity and individual anatomy of the patient, a 3D image/scan may be required to pinpoint the exact location of the impacted tooth. This provides patients with the most predictable and safest outcome. The procedure is completed with local anesthetic and the patient is kept comfortable the entire appointment. Healing time and recovery is usually with little discomfort.
A biopsy is completed when oral tissue does not appear within normal limits (lesion). The biopsy is accomplished after local anesthetic is administered and by obtaining a specimen of abnormal tissue or the entire lesion. It is then sent to an oral pathologist for analysis. The pathologist will evaluate the specimen and determine if the tissue normal or abnormal. This determination will provide a diagnosis and will be communicated to you and your dentist. If additional treatment is recommended, a regimen or plan will be discussed with you.
In an effort to continually provide superior care, Eau Claire Peridontics utilizes the most advanced 3D imaging technology. This provides the highest level of accuracy and detail. 3D imaging drastically reduces risk while ensuring predictable treatment outcomes.
Patient comfort is a top priority with any treatment. All procedures are completed with local anesthetic assuring there is no discomfort during treatment. Occasionally, patients desire sedation along with local anesthetic. These options can include Nitrous oxide gas, Oral conscious sedation, or IV conscious sedation. The latter two options require a responsible adult driver and supervision following treatment.
