Drs. Bass and Hall provide Plano-area residents with implant dentistry and periodontal services. Our practice provides a number of treatments that can increase oral function, health, and the aesthetic value of a smile. As periodontists, Drs. Bass and Hall are well-acquainted with performing surgical treatments that improve oral function including soft tissue grafts, various types of procedures that manage gum disease, and crown lengthening.
Soft Tissue Grafting
A soft tissue graft has many applications in implant and cosmetic dentistry as well as periodontics. A soft tissue graft replaces lost gingiva with tissue taken from areas such as the roof of the mouth or from another source. The tissue is then placed over the treated area where gum tissue is sparse. Within time, the new tissue will attach to old tissue. Soft tissue grafts are especially useful for the treatment of periodontal disease where gum recession has occurred as well as in treatments of other natures including improving the stability of dental implants.
Periodontal Surgery
Periodontal surgeries can involve all areas of gingival tissue including areas where the gums make contact with teeth and bone. Most of the time, these surgeries relate to the treatment of gum disease. Periodontal surgery involves any surgical treatment performed on the gingiva. For instance, the periodontal pockets that form between teeth and gums might require surgical treatment to re-attach gingival tissue to the base of teeth at its proper place. Necrotized and diseased gum tissue is often surgically removed to control bacterial development and encourage new tissue growth. In severe cases of periodontal disease, the innermost areas of gingival tissue or tissue that meets up with bone requires professional treatment to control the advancement of the disease. When it comes to more invasive periodontal treatment protocols, patients may require sutures after treatment to facilitate proper healing.
Laser-Assisted Periodontal Therapy
One way that our periodontists can reduce invasiveness of procedures and improve recovery times is by using soft tissue lasers to open, remove, and debride compromised oral tissue. Soft tissue lasers are used to contour the gum line for aesthetic purposes along with various types of periodontal treatments including scaling and root planing and reattachment procedures. One of the most common areas where our practice utilizes lasers for periodontal therapy is in a procedure called LANAP (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure). LANAP is a treatment that opens the innermost parts of the gums, removes bacteria, and reattaches healthy tissue to the bases of teeth. Since a laser opens tissue and seals it, bleeding and bruising is greatly minimized, as is the need for sutures. This is one way that lasers reduce invasiveness so that patients can heal as quickly as possible.
Crown Lengthening Treatments
Sometimes the crown of a tooth will need to be lengthened for aesthetic purposes or for the placement of a restoration. Lengthening the crown of a tooth involves exposing and reshaping the gums and/or bone to uncover more tooth structure. Aesthetic crown lengthening is beneficial for those who have developed excessive periodontal tissue. Lengthening the visible structure of a tooth can enhance a smile by improving its symmetry. Excessive gum tissue is removed via surgical means, sometimes with a soft tissue laser. When it comes to increasing the length of a crown for oral health reasons, this type of procedure is beneficial for creating more tooth surface for restorations to adhere. This is necessary when a tooth requires extensive restoring but is broken or too worn down to support a dental crown. When a tooth needs to be lengthened for restorations, the gums are gently pulled away from the teeth in order to expose the roots and surrounding bone. A small amount of tissue and bone is then removed to reveal more tooth structure. Essentially, crown lengthening will adjust the gum and bone level of a tooth so it can be treated.
Patient Comfort and Advanced Technology
Dr. Bass and Dr. Hall have extensive experience performing a variety of oral surgeries. Our practice utilizes state-of-the-art technology and advanced techniques to improve oral health and reduce invasiveness wherever possible so that our guests enjoy reduced recovery periods. Our doctors offer anesthetic medication when necessary to maintain comfort during treatment. If your dentist has referred you to our practice, we recommend calling our office to reserve a consultation with one of our periodontists. A consultation includes meeting with our doctor and staff, receiving an oral examination, a review of your medical and oral health history, and a conversation about your potential treatment options. Consultations are a great time to ask questions, discuss your symptoms, and address concerns.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you achieve a healthy smile and optimal oral health.