John Fontana
Periodontics and Dental Implants
910 Walker Road, Suite A
Dover, Delaware 19904
Dover, Delaware 19904
In some cases, patients with deep pockets may be candidates for bone regeneration surgeries known as guided tissue regeneration (GTR) and bone grafting. These methods, performed alone or in combination, are employed to repair underlying bone defects caused by periodontal disease so that a tooth, or set of teeth, gain more support and stability. These procedures also reduce pocketing.
See MoreCrown Lengthening is necessary when a tooth is damaged extensively due to fracture, decay, or other reasons. As a result, there may be inadequate tooth exposed above the gum line for your general dentist to place a new restoration (crown or filling). By reshaping the gum and underlying bone support around the tooth, more stable tooth structure can be exposed that was hidden beneath the gum surface making it possible for your dentist to deliver a quality restoration.
See MoreDental implants are the ideal solution to replace missing or extracted teeth. They are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. The patient who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat virtually anything and can smile with confidence, knowing that teeth appear natural and that the contour of gum tissue and underlying bone will be preserved.
See MoreThough the periodontist’s mission is to save teeth, extraction of a tooth may be inevitable if it becomes too decayed, fractured, or diseased or if it loses too much bone. Luckily today, many tooth replacement options exist from removable dentures to complex implant supported bridges and prosthetics. To learn more, please see our page on dental implants.
See MoreA frenectomy is a simple surgical procedure that involves the removal of a frenum from the mouth. A frenum is a connective tissue structure that attaches one surface within the mouth to another. When the labial frenum from the inside of the lip inserts at its other end too close to teeth, undesirable conditions may arise. One of these problems is gum recession and the other is spacing between teeth. Removal of the frenum will allow for the prevention or correction of either of these conditions.
See MoreA variety of gum grafting techniques exist including a free gingival graft, a connective tissue graft, or a pedicle graft. These procedures are performed usually in response to gum recession (root exposure) and may replace hard, keratinized gum tissue which normally surround teeth or cover exposed root surfaces.
See MoreGum recontouring, known as a gingivectomy, may be recommended for a variety of conditions but is most likely known for treating overgrown gums or a “gummy smile”. This procedure includes removal and reshaping of the gumline with no suturing involved. Both improved gum health and esthetics are achieved with this treatment.
See MorePeriodontitis (gum disease) is an infection and results in the destruction of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. It's typically caused by poor brushing and flossing habits that allow plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, to build up on the teeth and harden, though genetics may also play a significant role in the disease process. In advanced stages, periodontal disease can lead to sore, bleeding gums, painful chewing problems, and eventually tooth loss.
See MoreScaling and root planing (deep cleaning) is a careful cleaning of the root surfaces to remove plaque and calculus (tartar) from deep periodontal pockets and to smooth the tooth root to remove bacteria and their toxins.
See MoreSometimes after scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) or during routine periodontal maintenance cleanings deeper gum pockets may persist or return. In many cases, pocket reduction surgeries, such as osseous surgery or open flap debridement, may be recommended to access these deeper areas for ease of cleaning at home and when you visit your dentist for routine cleanings.
See MoreScaling and root planing (deep cleaning) is a careful cleaning of the root surfaces to remove plaque and calculus (tartar) from deep periodontal pockets and to smooth the tooth root to remove bacteria and their toxins.
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