| Connective Tissue
Grafts |
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Connective tissue grafting procedures
are an important component of cosmetic periodontal therapy.
Patients are often concerned about exposed tooth roots that may
be highly sensitive or unsightly. These procedures are utilized
to correct receding gums. The goals of these procedures include
the following: |
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To regenerate normal, healthy gum tissues
over unaesthetic or sensitive tooth roots. |
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To prevent dental root decay from developing on
exposed tooth roots. |
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To enhance the cosmetic results of dental
implants, crowns and bridges. |
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To prevent further gum recession, bone loss
and inflammation. |
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Drs. Augustine and Donovan will
perform a thorough examination and carefully explain the procedure
at length during your consultation appointment. |
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| Cosmetic
Crown Lengthening (Gum Lift) |
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Cosmetic or esthetic crown lengthening
procedures are performed to correct a “gummy smile”.
In certain situations, an individual’s normal, healthy white
teeth may not fully emerge from the gums. Braces and certain
medications may influence these situations. Additionally,
cosmetic crown lengthening may be performed in conjunction with
a cosmetic dental treatment plan to enhance the final outcome of
treatment. The goals of these procedures include the following: |
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To correct a “gummy smile” and
create a more mature, beautiful smile. |
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To enhance the final outcomes of cosmetic dental
treatment. |
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Drs. Augustine and Donovan will
perform a thorough examination and carefully explain the procedure
at length during your consultation appointment. |
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| Dental
Implants |
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Dental implants are a safe, predictable
and highly desirable solution for tooth replacement. Dental
implants are titanium posts that are carefully placed into the jawbone.
After a period of healing, the implants are used to support new
crowns or bridges. Implant-supported crowns look, feel and
function just like natural teeth. Implants may also be used
to stabilize loose fitting dentures. The goals of dental implant
placement include the following: |
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To replace single or multiple teeth in a safe, predictable
and esthetic manner. |
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To stabilize loose fitting dentures and improve
the quality of life for denture patients. |
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To protect healthy teeth from treatment that is
necessary for bridge placement. |
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To enhance or accelerate orthodontic treatment (braces). |
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To replace broken or severely decayed teeth in a
simple, highly successful manner. |
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Drs. Augustine and Donovan will
perform a thorough examination and carefully explain the procedure
at length during your consultation appointment. |
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| Functional
Crown Lengthening |
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Functional crown lengthening is
a surgical procedure that is often required to save decayed, worn,
or severely fractured teeth. During the procedure, the gums and bone
surrounding the affected teeth are repositioned to expose healthy
tooth structure. The goals of the procedure include the following: |
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To allow proper treatment of severely
decayed or damaged teeth. |
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To provide access for your dentist to create high
quality crowns and restorations. |
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To prevent the metal or porcelain edges of
crowns from irritating the jawbone . |
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To maintain your ability to eat, speak and
smile comfortably and confidently. |
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Drs. Augustine and Donovan will
perform a thorough examination and carefully explain the procedure
at length during your consultation appointment. |
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| Management
of Periodontal Disease (Deep Cleanings) |
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Periodontal disease is a bacterial
infection that directly affects the gum tissues and bone that support
the teeth. It is caused by poor oral hygiene (brushing and
flossing) but influenced by absence of professional care, smoking
and poor systemic health. It often develops with little warning
or pain and may only be discovered by your dentist. Periodontal
disease may be managed successfully, but only if the following requirements
are met: |
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The patient is committed to improving their daily
oral hygiene (brushing and flossing). |
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The patient is committed to improving their total
body health. |
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A proper diagnosis is made and treatment is carried
out in a conservative, but effective manner. |
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The patient understands and is willing to participate
in a maintenance program. |
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While mild forms of disease may be
managed with deep cleanings, more severe forms of disease will require
more advanced treatments. In certain instances, the patient
may have the opportunity to regenerate or grow new bone that was
lost as a result of periodontal disease. |
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| Soft
Tissue Grafts |
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Soft tissue grafting procedures are
surgical therapies designed to correct severe defects in the gum
tissues. Aggressive brushing, using hard-bristle brushes and
failing dental work are just some of the causes of advanced gum
recession. In some instances, the resilient pink gum tissue
that surrounds normal healthy teeth is completely lost. What
often remains is a painful area that is prone to plaque accumulation,
decay, bleeding and bone loss. These procedures are designed
to correct these defects and restore the high quality tissue that
was lost. The goals of these procedures include the following: |
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To correct painful, bleeding defects in the
gums. |
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To regenerate normal, resilient pink gum tissues
in areas of severe recession. |
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To enhance or thicken gum tissues in preparation
for orthodontic treatment. |
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To prevent further recession, bone loss and
tooth decay. |
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Drs. Augustine and Donovan will
perform a thorough examination and carefully explain the procedure
at length during your consultation appointment. |
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