Periodontal Procedures
Dr. Jeffrey West is committed to treating the whole patient with an understanding that the mouth is a primary indicator of an individual’s overall health. Many diseases that affect the body manifest themselves first as oral health problems, which is why it is vital to maintain good periodontal and overall dental health. Through the range of periodontic procedures that he offers at his practice, Dr. West is able to dramatically improve the health of the gums, jaw and teeth. Dr. West expertly treats gum disease, and can resolve other dental issues including gum recession, bone mass depletion, and overabundant gum tissue to help patients achieve a healthier, more beautiful smile.
- Laser Procedures - Waterlase® MD
- Gum Disease
- Scaling and Root Planing
- Bone and Tissue Regeneration Procedures
- Ridge Augmentation
- Soft Tissue Grafting
- Crown Lengthening – Gingival Recontouring
Visit our section of frequently asked questions for essential information about periodontics. Learn more about periodontal terminology, procedures, gum disease and our dental experts.
Laser Procedures - Waterlase® MD
The Waterlase® MD tissue cutting system is a unique device with diverse hard and soft tissue dental applications. The use of this device requires proper clinical and technical training.
For hard tissue procedures, the Waterlase® MD utilizes advanced laser and water atomization technologies to safely and effectively perform tissue cutting, shaving, contouring, etching and resection. A flexible fiber optic cable with a custom handpiece delivers the unique laser wavelength and atomized distribution of water particles to the targeted tissue. A red light emitted from the handpiece pinpoints the area of treatment. The optical power of output and atomized water spray may be adjusted to specific user requirements for both hard and soft tissue applications.
For soft tissue procedures, the Waterlase® MD utilizes direct laser energy to perform tissue removal, incisions, excision, ablation and coagulation using direct laser energy either with or without water for cooling and hydration.
Gum Disease (Periodontitis) Prevention and Treatment
Maintaining healthy gums is vital in preserving beautiful teeth and, in general, good overall physical health. Periodontal disease is a silent and destructive disease of the supporting structures of the teeth including the gums, jawbone and periodontal ligaments. At least 80 percent of adults who have periodontal disease experience bleeding gums and bad breath among other possible symptoms. Periodontal disease is linked to many other diseases that affect the body, including coronary artery disease, diabetes and a weakened immune system.
If your dentist notices signs of gum disease, it is extremely important to visit Dr. Jeffrey West to eradicate the infection and prevent tooth loss, damage to surrounding structures, and the compromise of your overall health. He and his knowledgeable dental staff will educate you about gum disease and effective methods of prevention that you can utilize at home to keep your smile healthy and beautiful.
Pocket Reduction - Scaling and Root Planing
Periodontal disease (periodontitis) flourishes in deep pockets that can form between the gum tissue and the tooth root due to lack of proper dental hygiene. As bacterial enzymes cause the gums to separate and pull away from the root, plaque and bacteria are able to move deeper into the gumline where they cannot be removed with simple brushing and flossing. Once an infection is established within the gums, it will progressively worsen until treated by a specialist. Left untreated, periodontitis can cause damage to the gums and teeth that can only be repaired through tooth extraction and surgical treatment.
Using scaling and root planing techniques, Dr. West is able to eliminate infection from the gums and reduce the size of gum pockets to help prevent future infection. During the procedure, Dr. West will pull back the gums to clean plaque and bacteria from around the tooth root and within the pocket. Indentations along the surface of the tooth root can also hide additional bacteria. To clear the bacteria and prevent future build up, Dr. West planes the surfaces of the tooth root to smooth the exterior, removing and preventing the reattachment of disease causing agents. Once the pocket has been thoroughly cleaned and the root has been smoothed, Dr. West reattaches the gum tissue snugly against the tooth. Regular exams, in addition to daily cleaning and flossing, are necessary for preventing recurrence of gum disease and maintaining good dental health.
Contact the office of Dr. Jeffrey West today to learn more about non-surgical treatment of gum disease through scaling and root planing.
Bone and Tissue Regeneration Procedures
Ridge Augmentation – Bone Grafting
Individuals missing one or more of their teeth can often experience degeneration of the jawbone beneath the area where the tooth is absent. Normally, pressure on the jawbone caused by chewing stimulates bone cells beneath the tooth root to naturally maintain healthy bone mass. When the tooth is missing, the natural bone maintenance process is halted unless a dental implant is placed to restore the root. If this is not done, the bone can begin to recess, causing the formation of an indentation in the jaw. Left untreated, jawbone recession can affect speech and cause cosmetic abnormalities in the appearance of the smile.
Using grafting techniques, Dr. West can restore the natural shape of the jaw and gumline. Once he adds the appropriate amount of bone tissue to the area, the tooth can then be replaced through the creation of a properly fitting bridge or the placement of a dental implant. Often times, patients seeking to replace missing teeth with dental implants may require ridge augmentation to provide sufficient bone mass so that the titanium anchor(s) can be implanted.
Contact the office of Dr. Jeffrey West for further information about ridge augmentation.
Soft Tissue Grafts
Recession of the gumline from its natural position can be the result of many factors. Gum disease, teeth clenching and grinding, orthodontic treatment, overly aggressive brushing and lack of proper dental hygiene can all contribute to the gums’ withdrawal from the teeth. In severe cases, the tooth root can become exposed, causing extreme tooth sensitivity and vulnerability, in addition to increasing the chances of developing gum disease. Cosmetically, gum recession can cause the gumline to appear uneven and unhealthy, negatively affecting the appearance of the smile.
Using healthy, resilient soft tissue harvested from the soft palate, Dr. West is able to mend gum damage or recessions in the gumline to cover exposed portions of the tooth root and create a healthy, natural looking gumline. Because the replacement tissue is stronger and more durable, it is rare for the restored gumline to recede again or become damaged when properly maintained.
For additional information about soft tissue grafting to restore damaged or receding gums, please contact our office today.
Crown Lengthening – Gingival Recontouring
Overabundant or uneven gum tissue can dramatically affect the appearance of the smile. Occurring naturally, or as the result of orthodontic treatments or prolonged gum irritation, a “gummy smile” can make the teeth appear small and disproportionate in comparison to the gums. An asymmetrical gumline can also detract from the natural beauty of the smile, causing it to appear crooked or uneven. To repair these cosmetic imperfections, Dr. West offers cosmetic crown lengthening, also called gingival recontouring, to reshape the gumline and elongate the appearance of the teeth by eliminating areas of excess gum tissue. Often gingival recontouring is performed so that the gums better complement the results of a cosmetic dental procedure such as the application of porcelain veneers or crowns.
If you would like to eliminate the appearance of a “gummy smile” or reshape your gumline to enhance the results achieved with a cosmetic dental procedure, please contact our office today to schedule an appointment with Dr. West.
Visit our dental implants page to learn about dental implants. Dr. West offers dental implants to replace individual missing teeth or secure bridges and dentures. No tooth replacement option provides more secure, functional or natural looking results than dental implants.
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