Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is the chief cause of tooth loss in adults. When you get periodontal disease, you get a bacterial infection of the teeth and gums. Sometimes there are warnings, but sometimes there are no signs at all. Periodontal disease has been called "the silent epidemic". The bacteria is dental plaque and this can become calculus or tartar. The plaque and tartar work under the gums down the root of the tooth creating pockets or spaces between the teeth and gums. Periodontal therapy is directed at cleaning the plaque and calculus from the root surfaces, teaching you how to more effectively clean your teeth and making it easier to clean your teeth. Dr. Hasday will evaluate your condition and discuss with how we can accomplish these goals. Periodontal therapy has been shown to be an effective way to help you keep your teeth. Ninety-eight percent of patients with excellent home care respond favorably to periodontal therapy. A commitment to a lifetime of health can help you preserve your teeth for as long as possible.

DENTAL IMPLANTS:

| Implant and X-Ray Images |

Implants are arguably one of the greatest advancements in dentistry today. Implants are small titanium posts shaped like roots. They are placed in the jawbone to replace teeth. There are many different restorative options with implants:

SINGLE TEETH:



Instead of cutting down the tooth on either side of a missing tooth and making a three unit bridge, an implant can placed and a crown can be made that blends in with the normal teeth.

MULTIPLE TEETH:



A removable partial denture is sometimes the only option to replace multiple missing teeth. Implants can be placed in the areas where teeth are missing and a fixed, cemented restoration can be placed over the implants.

COMPLETE DENTURES:

When all teeth are missing multiple implants can be placed to support a fixed bridge. Another, less expensive option is to place 2, 4, or 6 implants for a bar or snap retained overdenture. The bar or snap is supported by implants and they help to resist displacement of the full denture. This is great option for patients who can not keep their dentures in their mouths.



Please feel free to discuss your concerns and questions with Dr. Hasday. He will be happy to take the time to answer all of your questions.

CLINICAL CROWN LENGTHENING:

| Pre and Post-Operative Image |

Sometimes a tooth can fracture or tooth decay will extend too far under the gum to restore a tooth. One of the principles of tooth preparations is to finish the margin of the restoration on solid tooth structure. Clinical crown lengthening (or making the tooth longer) is done to give access to sound tooth structure so your dentist can properly seal off the restoration and prevent further decay. Crown lengthening can also be done to even the gum margin to provide a better looking restoration. This is particularly important when the gum line of the upper front teeth is uneven or the teeth appear to be of different lengths.

GINGIVAL GRAFTS:

| Pre and Post-Operative Images |

Sometimes the gum recedes and a tooth or teeth gets longer. In many cases we need to do a free gingival graft where we take tissue from another location and graft over the tooth with the recession. This will replace the missing gum. Gingival grafting sometimes results in a more pleasing appearance of the tooth and it also yields a healthy zone of attached gum tissue.

FRENECTOMY:

| Pre and Post-Operative Images |

A frenum is a tissue attachment between the gums and the lip. There is some literature to suggest that a thick frenum attached to the gums near the tooth can contribute to tooth spacing or to gum recssion. A frenectomy is a procedure where this tissue attachment is removed.

REGENERATION:

Regenerative techniques are done to restore lost bone and gum tissue. Dr. Hasday is experienced in regenerative techniques. He has been involved in utilizing these procedures for the past ten years. He has built up lost bone around seemingly hopeless teeth with great success and he has used these techniques to allow implant placement. Regeneration of lost bone and periodontal tissue is one of the most exciting topics in dentistry today.  Dr. Hasday remains at the forefront of regenerative technology.  He constantly attends educational programs to stay abreast of new ideas and treatment modalities.  He has recently incorporated a Harvest machine to provide the latest in bone and tissue growth.  Please feel free to discuss how regeneration of the lost periodontium can be utilized in your situation.

Please feel free to discuss your concerns and questions with Dr. Hasday. He will be happy to take the time to answer all of your questions.