Our goal is to provide you with the highest quality of care in
a compassionate and safe environment. In order to do this, we use
the most current periodontal procedures, instruments, medications,
and sterilization techniques.
We want you to be completely informed of your condition
and will answer any questions that you may have regarding your treatment
and care.
We know that preventing the spread of infectious diseases such
as AIDS, herpes, hepatitis and even the cold virus is critical and
our team takes sterilization very seriously. For this reason we use
extensive sterilization procedures, going well beyond those recommended
by the American Dental Association and Centers for Disease Control.
We use barrier techniques such as disposable masks and gloves and
change them for every patient. Every piece of fixed operatory equipment
is wiped-down with antibacterial solution prior to every clinical
procedure. Sterile water delivery systems are utilized. We use autoclave
sterilization for all instruments prior to dental examination and
treatment. You can be assured that our staff has been specifically
trained on sterilization procedures and their importance.
While no dental procedure is 100% comfortable,
we go to great lengths to minimize any discomfort you might feel.
Many of our patients make statements like, "This wasn't even
painful? How did you do that?" We use some of the latest techniques
to provide you with as comfortable an experience as possible. We
also offer headphones with a wide variety of music for your listening
pleasure.
Patient comfort is one of the most important aspects of care. Different
patients have different needs for pain and anxiety control medication.
Depending upon the procedure and your wishes, there are many medications
we can prescribe.
In the past, injections of dental anesthesia were more
likely to be painful. We have recognized this and take extra care
when preparing a patient for anesthetic. We use a topical ointment
on the gum tissue first, and then administer the injection very slowly
and precisely to reduce the burning sensation that can be experienced.
These techniques ensure that patients have minimal, if any discomfort
during this portion of care.
For those patients that would feel more comfortable with conscious
sedation, we offer both oral sedation and nitrous oxide analgesia.
Either one of these techniques will make you feel relaxed and at
ease. Although you will be awake, you will not be aware of your surroundings.
Conscious sedation can allow you to remain calm during dental procedures,
with very minimal recollection of your visit. We are happy to let
you know that Dr. Stein has extension training
and are licensed to provide either one of these options.
We strive to stay on the leading edge of periodontal
techniques and equipment. In order to do this, we take a great deal
of continuing education. We also utilize advanced equipment in our
office. This includes Low Radiation Digital X-Rays which
are are safer than traditional X-rays and are more convenient when
planning treatment with your general dentist.
Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection that gets under the
gums and into the bone around your teeth. This infection must be
removed and the area given a chance to heal. There are generally
two accepted treatments for this condition depending upon the severity
of your infection.
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Upper Level Infection
Removal
The upper level of infection in the pockets around
your teeth can be removed using specialized instruments. This
procedure is called, “Scaling and Root Planing”, “Phase
One Treatment” or “Initial Therapy”. It is
done under local anesthesia and is quite different from the
routine dental cleaning or “deep cleaning” that
is traditionally done in the general dentist's office.
Lower Level Infection Removal
If your infection has spread into the bone which
supports your teeth, and is below the level that can be reached
in “Upper Level Infection Removal”, then a surgical
procedure must be done to retract the gums and remove the lower
level infection. |
When getting a new crown, the general dentist must prepare your
tooth in order to place the crown. Sometimes there is not enough
tooth structure above the gumline to accept a new crown. “Crown
lengthening” provides more tooth structure for your crown.
This ensures a more stable crown with less gum irritation afterwards
Procedure: The periodontist administers
a local anesthetic and gently recontours excess gum and bone tissue
to expose more of your natural tooth.
Many times, your smile is the first thing people
notice when meeting. If your teeth appear small when smiling, it
can look unattractive. This is known as a "gummy" smile.
An uneven gum line can also be distracting. In many cases multiple-tooth
crown lengthening can be done to give your teeth a longer and more
attractive appearance.
Procedure: The periodontist administers
a local anesthetic and gently recontours excess gum and bone tissue
to expose more of your natural teeth.
Your jawbone is what supports your teeth and
gums. Unfortunately, periodontal disease dissolves parts of your
jawbone. This causes bone loss and eventual loss of teeth. The
first step is to remove the periodontal disease which halts the
bone loss. Then we repair the damage that has occurred.
In many cases, various bone grafting techniques can be used
to grow back some of the jawbone that was lost.
Procedure: The periodontist administers a local
anesthetic and gently opens the area, removes the periodontal disease,
repairs the bone damage and then finally fills in the damaged area
with bone grafting material.
Aesthetic Soft Tissue Grafting
Longer teeth or exposed tooth roots can look unsightly. They can
also increase your sensitivity to heat, cold or sweets. In some cases,
gum tissue can be placed in these areas.
Procedure: The periodontist administers
a local anesthetic and gently prepares the area and places a gum
tissue graft.
Some localized, topical antibiotics can enhance your periodontal
treatment. In certain isolated circumstances, placement of antibiotic
medicine can also reduce infection. This antibiotic therapy is always
done in conjunction with scaling and deep cleanings. This procedure
is more often used for patients that have had previous periodontal
repair therapy.
Procedure: Topical antibiotics, in
various forms, are precisely placed in isolated areas to improve
healing after the localized area is scaled and deep cleaned. Afterwards
the results are closely monitored during follow-up maintenance visits.
Sometimes after an extraction there will be a sunken spot or concave
appearance in your gumline. This looks unsightly and can jeopardize
the appearance of a bridge that goes over the area. Grafting material
can be inserted under the gum to fill out this depression.
Ridge augmentation can also be used to build up an area of bone
so that a dental implant can be placed.
Procedure: The periodontist administers a local
anesthetic and gently opens the area. He then fills the sunken area
with grafting material.
Every procedure is done with your comfort and safety
in mind. We work closely with your general dentist to ensure you
get the best possible results in accordance with their wishes.
Please feel free to ask questions before, during, or after any of
these procedures of either doctor or any of our team members.
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