Non Surgical Gum Disease Treatment

Gum Disease is also called Periodontal Disease, Periodontitis, or Gingivitis. Some of the symptoms of Gum Disease include bleeding inflamed gums, pockets deeper than 3 mm, bad breath, loose teeth, bone loss, and sub-gingival (below the gum-line) tarter/ calculas. Gum Disease is simply the presence of bacteria below the gum line that eventually causes destruction of the connective tissues and loss of supporting bone. The long-term result of not treating gum disease is permanent bone loss eventually leading to tooth loss. Studies show that more teeth are lost from untreated gum disease than cavities. As accessible as treatment is, about 80% of the population have some stage of gingivitis.

Once this condition is diagnosed, a treatment plan is tailored to treat the specific areas indicated. Treatment is completed in about one to two visits non-surgically and involves the use of a special instrument called an ultrasonic scaler in combination with chlorehexidine which kills bacteria. The hygenist is able to effectively clean below the gum line removing hard deposits of calculus/ tarter. Patients are very comfortable during the procedure becasue we use local anesthesia to numb only the areas being treated. Post operative sensitivity is minor, and this procedure usually does not interfere with ones daily activities.

We see excellent results with this treatment. The more severe cases may require surgery and are referred to a periodontist who specializes in this treatment.

Tooth Colored Fillings

The fillings we offer are a tooth colored resin material. Dr. Cook gently removes any tooth structure that has been compromised by tooth decay or has chipped or cracked. Then the filling is placed using a bonding agent.

Inalys/ Onlays

Inlays and Onlays are restorations that repair teeth that have been compromised by decay or cracks. They are similar to a crown in that they are made of porcelain or gold instead of plastic like a filling. However, they are more conservative than a crown because less tooth structure is removed for this procedure than is required with a crown. Basically the tooth is prepared and an impression is made. The dentist will then place a temporary material while the inlay/ onlay is being fabricated in our lab. Sometimes these can be done in one visit eliminating the need for a temporary. Then the patient will return, the temporary is removed and the new restoration is placed just like a puzzle piece.

Crowns

When the majority of the tooth has been compromised by decay, fracture, or cracks a larger restoration like a crown becomes necessary to insure the functionality and strength of the tooth. A crown can be made of many different types of materials or a combination of materials. A tooth that has had root canal treatment in the past or is used in supporting a partial or bridge may also require a crown for strength.

A cerec or all porcelain crown is both esthetically pleasing and strong. This is usually recommended for front teeth.

A Porcelain Fused to Metal (PFM) crown has a metel substructure with porcelain on top. This allows for excellent esthetics as well as more strength. This is typically recommended for back teeth that require more strength for chewing or in supporting a partial.

A Gold crown is made entirely of gold which is very strong and durable. It also does well in the oral environment. This is typically recommended for back teeth where esthetics are not an issue.

Core Build Up

A Core Build Up is most often used in conjunction with a crown. Whenever a tooth is severely broken down, it must be rebuilt before being crowned. This gives the dentist more to work with and allows for better crown retention.

Extractions

An extraction is simply the process of removing a tooth including the roots.

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Monday - Thursday

8:00 am- 5:00 pm

Lunch 12:00 - 1:00