Other Periodontal Treatments

ROOT COVERAGE/GINGIVAL GRAFTS (PERIODONTAL PLASTIC SURGERY) TO CORRECT GUM RECESSION

When a patient loses gum around a tooth, roots become exposed leading to several problems. First, you lose a natural defense against both bacteria and trauma, so the recession often is progressive. Gum recession may also produce uncomfortable root sensitivity to cold, sweet and acidic foods as well as become unattractive. Exposed roots often decay easily because they are softer than tooth enamel, leading to cavities, root abrasion and eventually tooth loss.

We can solve this problem with a procedure called a gingival (gum) graft. There are many different ways to treat gingival recession. Historically, a thin piece of tissue was taken from the roof of the mouth (palate) and used to cover the exposed portion of the root, significantly improving appearance and health. This is a highly effective and predictable procedure.

Newer methods are also available to avoid the palatal surgery (gum removal from the palate) that are equally or even more effective. We often use regenerative materials, growth factors, collagen products and/or tissue bank material in place of palatal tissue.  Often, this can be done in a minimally invasive method to minimize swelling, pain and enhance recovery.

Our doctors have been involved in clinical research and publications in root coverage surgical procedures using donor-site free methods. In some cases, not only can we reverse the damage caused by recession, but we often can regenerate lost bone support on these teeth.

Pre-Orthodontic Treatments:  POPA/SFOT and Piezocision™

Newly applied knowledge and techniques allow adults to rapidly improve their smiles by straightening crooked teeth and simultaneously strengthening their jawbone and gums with procedures known as Pre-orthodontic periodontal augmentation (POPA) and Surgically Facilitated Orthodontic treatment (SFOT).

At the South Florida Center for Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, we work with your orthodontist or dentist to determine which treatment method is appropriate to accomplish the best results.  Sometimes, when gum or bone is thin, grafting with hard or soft tissue is necessary (POPA).  Other times, minimally invasive incisions can be used to accelerate and improve tooth movement. 

Piezocision™

Often, adults avoid correcting poor dental alignment and tooth crowding because of the treatment time involved with conventional orthodontics. SFCPID is a pioneer in a minimally invasive minor surgical procedure that cuts treatment time in half, while also allowing us to solve other gum problems like recession at the same time. We coordinate with your orthodontist or dentist and can be equally effective with Invisalign® or conventional methods. Dr. Ganeles himself was one of our first patients for this procedure and can attest to the experience and benefits of Piezocision.

Piezocision advantages include:

  • Accelerated tooth movement
  • Less invasive than similar procedures
  • Decreased treatment time
  • No negative effect to periodontal health
  • Little discomfort after surgery
  • Effective for severe orthodontic cases

In either circumstance, in a single procedure, we can both reduce orthodontic treatment time by as much as 2/3, correct pre-existing gum problems and prevent post-orthodontic recession. Make an appointment with one of our doctors to discuss this exciting treatment option.

Tori Removal

Do you have uncomfortable bony “bumps” inside your mouth on the lower jaw or in the center of your palate? Tori don’t normally bother patients. But sometimes they do become uncomfortable or inflamed, causing difficulty when eating, drinking or speaking or even interfering with dental appliances like dentures or braces. Occasionally they become sore and infected when patients are placed on drugs for osteoporosis.  If that’s the case, they should be removed in a straightforward procedure.