Periodontal surgery can address many issues such as helping a person who suffers from unsightly, exposed or sensitive roots. It can also help those who have a “gummy” smile or “short” teeth. By fixing these problems, periodontal surgery can also help those who lack self-confidence because if left untreated, these issues may lead to decreased health and social issues.
In addition to these types of issues, Dr. Ting and her team can also restore a person’s smile and self-confidence with dental implants, a safe and long-lasting solution for many types of periodontal challenges. Dental implants have been around for a long time and provide a mostly painless solution that makes long-term financial sense for many patients.
There are many reasons why implants are a better solution than dental bridges or dentures. For example, implants do not disturb a patient’s surrounding teeth because the implants will fuse permanently to a person’s jaw bone to support an implant tooth. The advancements in dental implants have increased the success rate for patients receiving dental implants.
Receding Gum Treatment
Receding gums are common and happen when the gum tissue pulls back enough to expose the roots of a person’s teeth. There are many possible causes such as poor oral care, overly aggressive brushing/flossing, a patient’s genetics, trauma, or an abnormal tooth position. Depending on the nature and severity of a receding gum issue, Dr. Ting has several options to address the problem. In some cases, a deep cleaning is known as scaling and root planing are used to remove bacteria, tartar, and any infections that may have set in. In other cases, lost gum tissue may be replaced through various kinds of gum surgery.
Gum Grafting (Soft Tissue Graft)
Gum grafting and soft tissue grafts are one of the primary treatments to counteract the effects of gum recession. Gum recession can affect one in every eight adults. If left untreated gum recession can lead to serious gum, tooth and jaw problems. Dr. Ting can perform several different types of gum and soft tissue grafts, depending on the nature of a gum recession. The most common of these is a connective-tissue graft which involves cutting a flap of skin at the roof of a patient’s mouth, followed by removing the tissue. The tissue is then sutured in place where the receding gum is occurring. Free gingival grafts are similar to connective tissue grafts but involve taking tissue directly from the roof of the mouth. Pedicle grafts remove tissue from the gum around the infected gum and tooth. There are also instances where Dr. Ting may use grafted tissue from a tissue bank, depending on the nature or severity of a receding gum problem. Dr Ting also uses the VISTA technique for gum grafting, which is a minimally invasive gum grafting procedure. It uses small incisions and minimally invasive tunneling procedures to graft the gum tissue. This results in faster healing, and minimal discomfort
Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing are often used before a gum disease problem becomes too severe. The procedure is a deep cleaning between the gums and teeth of a patient, down to the roots, removing plaque and tartar to prevent further infection. Antibiotics are sometimes used to combat overly aggressive bacteria. Overall, scaling and root planing produces only minor discomfort. Some swelling may occur after the gums have been treated, but after a short period of healing the gums become pink and healthy again.
Laser Surgery (LANAP)
Periodontal Laser Surgery, also known as Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure, or LANAP is among the latest advancements in periodontal treatments. One of the best benefits of this FDA-approved PerioLase laser is that it does not require cutting or stitching to treat gum infection, meaning that the healing occurs more quickly and there is less risk of infection. In a LANAP procedure, Dr. Ting will use a PerioLase laser to selectively remove bacteria and diseased tissue from the pocket of a tooth and gum. The laser energy is absorbed by the bacteria which causes it to die. Ultrasonic scalers then use sound waves to break up hardened tartar from the surface of a tooth. Recovery occurs with minimal discomfort and patients heal in about 24 hours.
Gingivectomy
In cases of advanced gum disease, Dr. Ting may need to perform a gingivectomy. In cases of advanced gum disease, Dr. Ting may need to perform a gingivectomy. This procedure removes and reshapes lost and diseased gum tissue. The procedure also gets rid of pockets between the teeth and gums that have become hard to clean. Using a laser for this treatment, Dr. Ting will remove loose, infected, or damaged gum tissue. The precise nature of this procedure means that patients heal more quickly and experience less pain.
Crown Lengthening
Some people have teeth that they feel look too short. In reality, their teeth are the correct length and it is their gums that have creeped over the base of the teeth, producing a “gummy” smile. To improve this look, Dr. Ting can perform a crown lengthening procedure, by taking excess gum and bone tissue and reshaping it to expose more of a patient’s tooth or several teeth, creating a new gum line in the process. In other cases, when tooth structure is lost to decay or fracture, and a crown is needed to restore the tooth. The tooth may be too short to support a crown and a crown lengthening procedure is needed.
Sinus Augmentation
A successful dental implant procedure means having enough healthy and natural bone to support the implant. At times, there may not be enough natural bone on the top jaw of a patient’s mouth to facilitate this. In those cases, Dr. Ting will add bone to the sinus floor so that one or more implants can be placed. Bone regeneration in the sinus may take some time. It must be given enough time to fuse to the jaw to allow the best possible chance for an implant to be able to function in a healthy and normal way. Think Oral Implants and Periodontics serves patients in Paoli, Malvern, Berwyn and surrounding Pennsylvania communities.
THINK ORAL IMPLANTS AND PERIODONTIC PROCEDURES
- Dental Implants
- Cosmetic Periodontal Surgery
- Gum Grafting
- Periodontal Disease Treatment
- Scaling and Root Planing
- Laser Surgery, LANAP
- Gingivectomy
- Soft Tissue Graft
- Crown Lengthening
- Receding Gum Treatment
- Sinus Augmentation
DENTAL IMPLANTS
As you go through life, there’s a good chance that for any number of reasons you could lose one or more of your teeth. Poor dental hygiene, an accident that injures your mouth or your jaw, or just normal decay or gum disease are all possible reasons why you may suffer the loss of one or more of your teeth. Dr. Ting and the team at Think Oral Implants and Periodontics can provide a safe and long-lasting solution in the form of a dental implant. A dental implant is an artificial tooth such as a crown or a bridge that is placed into your jaw and secured into place by implanting a titanium screw into your jaw.
Cosmetic Periodontal Surgery
When you’re trying to make a great first impression, one of the first things people notice is what a great smile you have, or in some cases, don’t have. Some aspects of your smile you have no control over, but in other cases, you can take steps to enhance your smile and also protect the health of your teeth and gums. If you suffer from unsightly, exposed or sensitive root surfaces or have a gummy smile you can elect to undergo cosmetic periodontal surgery.
Gum Grafting
Gum grafting is also known as a gingival graft, and while it may sound like a bit of a daunting procedure, it is less intrusive than you might think. In many cases a gum grafting procedure may become necessary to protect a patient’s teeth from the damaging effects of gum recession. Gum recession occurs when the tissue that surrounds teeth pulls away, exposing too much of the tooth or the root of the tooth. This is a problem because too much exposure can cause damage to the supporting bone structure.
Periodontal Disease
In some form or another, periodontal disease affects large numbers of Americans. Left untreated, it can range from a simple inflammation of the gums to much more serious problems that cause major damage to gums, teeth, and bones in the facial region. Dr. Ting and the staff at Think Oral Implants and Periodontics offer a wide range of treatments to combat periodontal disease, addressing the issues as effectively as possible to minimize long-term detrimental dental health impacts.
Scaling and Root Planing
The best way to describe the benefits of a scaling and root planing procedure is that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Scaling and root planing is one of the most effective ways to treat gum disease before it becomes severe. Severe gum disease requires more invasive and painful procedures to remedy the problem. In a scaling and root planing procedure, Dr. Ting will clean between the gums and teeth of a patient’s mouth down to the roots. In some cases, Dr. Ting will use an ultrasonic tool for the procedure which may be less uncomfortable than a standard scraping tool.
Laser Surgery, LANAP
Advancements in periodontal treatment continue to improve experiences for patients in many ways. One of the most important of these is the use of laser surgery to treat a variety of gum disease conditions. The introduction of laser surgery is a modern approach to treating gum disease that allows periodontists to remove only diseased tissue without removing any surrounding healthy gum tissue. This non-surgical technique means that patients can get the best possible results without unnecessary pain or lengthy healing times.
Gingivectomy
A gingivectomy is generally performed where there is excess tissue and the underlying bone is not in the way. Dr. Ting will begin the procedure by numbing a patient’s mouth with a local anesthesia. This will be followed by using a laser to remove excess gum tissue or damaged gum tissue. The laser allows Dr. Ting to be precise. This precise application also promotes more rapid healing and reduced pain.
Soft Tissue Graft
When the roots of teeth become exposed, or when hot or cold foods become uncomfortable to eat due heightened teeth and gum sensitivity, a person may be suffering from some form of gum recession. There are many options Dr. Ting can explore to help remedy this situation. One of the more common procedures is a soft tissue graft. Soft tissue grafting can address many types of gum issues, making it a versatile solution for all kinds of periodontal problems.
Crown Lengthening
Some people feel that their teeth are too short, because they have a “gummy” smile where too much of the gum covers a person’s teeth. The teeth themselves may actually be the right length, but it is the gums that need to be corrected to improve a person’s smile. To improve this type of a look, Dr. Ting performs what is known as a crown lengthening procedure. This is accomplished by taking excess gum and bone tissue and reshaping it to expose more of a patient’s tooth.
Receding Gum Treatment
Receding gums are a common problem that happens when gum tissue pulls back and exposes the roots of a person’s teeth. There are many possible causes of receding gums, and depending on the cause, Dr. Ting can provide an effective receding gum treatment to restore a patient’s dental health. There are many reasons why a person may experience receding gums, some of them due to poor persona habits, and others are simply due to factors beyond our control.
Sinus Augmentation
One of the keys to a successful dental implant procedure is having enough healthy and natural bone to support the implant. In some cases, there may not be enough natural bone due to gum disease, too development defects, trauma to the face or jaw, spaces left empty after teeth are removed, or other previous procedures where efforts were not made to restore a patient’s natural bone. When this is the case, bone can be augmented through procedures such as bone grafts, ridge expansions, and sinus augmentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a consult?
Do you take our insurance?
• Aetna PPO
• Aetna DMO
• Ameriplan
• Ameritas
• Careington
• Cigna Dental
• Delta
• DHA
• Dentegra
• Dentemax
• Guardian
• Humana
• MetLife
• Premier Access
• Principal
• Unicare
• United Concordia
• United Healthcare
• Some Blue Cross Blue Shield Plans
How do I register?
Follow the link to register as a patient: https://mtp.identalcloud.com:8468/MiriamTingPerio/Patient/_practice/1/Registratio
RECENT POSTS FROM OUR Blog
Meet Your Receding Gums Specialist: Combating Gum Erosion Effectively
At Think Oral Implants and Periodontics, we understand the challenges and concerns associated with receding gums. Gum recession is not just a cosmetic issue—it can be a gateway to more serious dental problems, including tooth sensitivity, decay, and tooth loss. Our...
LANAP: The Innovative Approach to Gum Disease Treatment
At Think Oral Implants and Periodontics, we are committed to embracing cutting-edge technologies that enhance treatment outcomes and patient comfort. One of the most groundbreaking advancements in our field is the Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP). This...
Investing in Your Smile: Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants
At Think Oral Implants and Periodontics, we believe that investing in your smile through dental implants is not only an investment in your appearance but also in your overall quality of life. Dental implants are a popular and effective solution for replacing missing...
Finding the Best Periodontist for Your Gum Health Needs
Gum health is a pivotal aspect of overall dental wellness, often requiring the specialized knowledge of a periodontist. At Think Oral Implants and Periodontics, we are dedicated to providing top-tier care in periodontics, ensuring our patients receive the best...