| Dental
Implants Pembroke Pines Florida/Broward, Dental Implants Florida Dental Implants/Broward
Procedures
Non-Surgical
Treatments
Periodontal health should be achieved in the least invasive and
most cost-effective manner.
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Scaling |
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Root
Planing |
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This is often accomplished through
non-surgical periodontal treatment, including scaling and root
planing (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 bacterial toxins). Sometimes,
there is also a need for adjunctive therapy, such as local
delivery antimicrobials and host modulation. This is determined
on a case-by-case basis.
Dr. Forrest and
most periodontists would agree that after scaling and root
planing, many patients do not require any further active
treatment, including surgical therapy. However, the majority of
patients will require ongoing maintenance therapy to sustain
health. Non-surgical therapy does have its limitations, however,
and when it does not achieve periodontal health, surgery may be
indicated to restore periodontal anatomy damaged by periodontal
diseases and to facilitate oral hygiene practices.
Periodontal
Surgery
If
you're diagnosed with periodontal disease, Dr. Forrest may
recommend periodontal surgery. Periodontal surgery is necessary
when Dr. Forrest determines that the tissue around your teeth is
unhealthy and cannot be repaired with non-surgical treatment.
The two types of surgical treatments most commonly prescribed
are Pocket Reduction Procedures and Regenerative Procedures.
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Treatment of
Gum Recession
Exposed tooth roots are the result of gum recession. There are
many causes of gum recession including periodontal disease,
aggressive brushing, anatomic susceptibility, and tooth
position. If recession progresses without treatment, it can lead
to esthetic compromises, tooth sensitivity, tooth decay on
roots, or even tooth loss. Recession does not always need to be
treated. Therefore, it is important that an examination be
completed to identify the potential risks for future
progression. Soft tissue grafting is the most common treatment
for recession. During this procedure, Dr. Forrest will move
healthy gum tissue from the roof of the mouth (palate), and
restore the tissue in the area of recession.
For more
information about gum grafting, click on the link below to view a
video from the American Dental Association.
ADA
Video on Gum Grafting
Crown
Lengthening (Functional)
When
a tooth requires restoration with a filling material or a crown,
the dentist must have adequate access to remaining tooth
structure. It is a common occurrence that the dentist will not
have adequate tooth structure to attach the restoration, and
preserve favorable gum tissue health. Crown lengthening is a
surgical procedure which adjusts the gum and bone level to
expose more of the tooth so it can be restored.
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Before
Crown Lengthening, necessary tooth structure is below gum
tissue and not accessible |
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After
Brown Lengthening, necessary tooth structure is above gum
disease. |
This procedure
remodels the contour of the gum tissue and surrounding bone around
one or more teeth providing the exposure of previously covered
healthy tooth structure. Crown lengthening is often used as part
of a treatment plan for a crown needing more tooth structure. This
provides the necessary space between the crown margin on the tooth
and the bone level, thus preventing damage to the gum tissue.
Crown lengthening
is also recommended for making certain restorative procedures
possible. If part of a tooth is broken down below the gum line,
whether due to fracture or decay, a crown lengthening procedure
adjusts the level of the gum and bone around the tooth or teeth
involved, thereby providing for more tooth structure and allowing
for the final crown restoration to be constructed.
The benefits of
crown lengthening is important for the overall strength of the
final crown, and provides for better health, comfort, and
function. With periodontal gum health, one will be able to smile,
eat, and speak with comfort and confidence.
For more
information about crown lengthening, click on the link below to view a
video from the American Dental Association.
ADA
Video on Crown Lengthening
Cosmetic
Periodontal Procedures
In addition to
procedures to treat periodontal disease, Dr. Forrest also performs
cosmetic procedures to enhance your smile. Cosmetic Periodontal
Procedures include: Esthetic Crown Lengthening, Soft Tissue
Grafts, Gum Reshaping, and Ridge Augmentation.
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Before |
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After |
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Periodontal
procedures are available to lay the groundwork for restorative and
cosmetic dentistry, and/or to improve the esthetics of your gum
line. You may ask Dr. Forrest about procedures to improve a
"gummy" smile because your teeth appear short. Your
teeth may actually be the proper length, but they're covered with
too much gum tissue. To correct this, "esthetic" crown
lengthening is performed. During this procedure, excess gum and
bone tissue are reshaped to expose more of the natural tooth. This
can be done to one tooth, to even your gum line, or to several
teeth to expose a natural, broad smile.
Soft Tissue Grafts
are available to stop further gum recession, and/or to improve the
esthetics of your gum line. Exposed tooth roots are the result of
gum recession. Perhaps you wish to enhance your smile by covering
one or more of these roots that make your teeth appear too long.
Or, you may not be bothered by the appearance of these areas, but
you cringe because the exposed roots are sensitive to hot or cold
foods and liquids. Your gums may have receded for a variety of
reasons, including aggressive tooth brushing or periodontal
disease. Once these contributing factors are controlled, a soft
tissue graft procedure will repair the defect and help to prevent
additional recession and bone loss.
Sometimes when you
lose one or more teeth, you can get an indentation in your gums
and jawbone where the tooth used to be. This happens because the
jawbone recedes when it no longer is holding a tooth in place. Not
only is this indentation unnatural looking, it also causes the
replacement tooth to look too long compared to the adjacent teeth.
Dr. Forrest can fill in this "defect" with a procedure
called ridge augmentation, recapturing the natural contour of your
gums and jaw. A new tooth can then be created that is natural
looking, easy-to-clean, and attractive.
Dental
Implants
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What Are
Dental Implants?
Today, the
preferred method of tooth replacement is dental implant treatment.
Dental implants replace missing tooth roots, and form a stable
foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function
like your natural teeth. Dental implants also help preserve the
remaining bone by providing the stimulation previously provided by
the natural tooth roots.
There are numerous
advantages of dental implant treatment over other treatment
options. It is not necessary to grind down the adjacent teeth for
a bridge, or secure a partial denture to adjacent teeth with
clasps or hooks, which can cause tooth loosening.
Implant-supported replacement teeth spare patients many of the
disadvantages of traditional false teeth.
Dental implants are
available in several different forms. The most common dental
implants are called "root form implants." Root form
implants are similar to teeth in that they mimic roots of teeth.
They can be used to support individual teeth or to help anchor
removable dentures. The implants are placed under the skin and
into the bone at the first surgical  appointment.
This surgical appointment is performed in the dental office under
local anesthetic, and when necessary, with oral sedation. The
dental implants are allowed to heal for a period of two to four
months. Sometime after this healing time, the implants must be
exposed at a brief second surgical appointment prior to placing a
post (abutment) inside. The post becomes the extension to which a
crown is attached. The total process tends to take a period of
four to six months.
Implants are made
of a bio-compatible material called titanium, which cannot decay
and does not need root canal therapy. An advantage of implants is
that they stimulate bone growth, and thus, prevent future bone
loss. Bone behaves similarly to muscle. When the muscle is
stimulated and active, it will grow. If the muscle stops being
active, it shrinks. The same events occur with bone; however if
bone disappears, it can only be replaced with a bone graft.
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The Process
In order to determine the best
treatment for each patient, an extensive number of diagnostic
records must be taken. These include X-rays, models, photos,
an examination  and possibly a CT Scan. This information together
with the patient's desires will determine the ideal treatment.
It is
impossible to give an exact estimate of time, fees or extent of
treatment without a blueprint of the treatment plan.
Occasionally, if a patient does not
have a sufficient amount of bone to place an implant, a bone graft
may be necessary prior to implant placement. The amount of available
bone is determined through the use of the diagnostic records.
Dr. Forrest will explain any additional procedures necessary prior to
implant placement.
If you have a budget concern, please
discuss this with the doctor prior to his planning out your
treatment. The doctor will design the best possible outcome for your
desires and budget.
 How Long Will
a Dental Implant Last?
Modern dental implants have been
maintained in individual cases for more than twenty years. An implant, although made of metal,
still requires continued care after placement. This includes patient
home care and professional maintenance. The life of the implant varies with
factors of patient health (diabetes, HIV, metabolic bone disease),
patient habits (smoking, oral hygiene) and structural overload.
It is impossible to predict exactly how long an implant will last, therefore it is impossible to
predict or guarantee success. If an implant fails it may be
replaced, however the prosthesis (overdenture/crowns) will need to
be remade. It is not uncommon to have success rates over 95% in the
field of dental implants.
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Sinus
Grafting
A key to
implant success is the quantity and quality of the  bone where the
implant is to be placed. The upper back jaw has traditionally been
one of the most difficult areas to successfully place dental
implants due to insufficient bone quantity and quality, and the
close proximity to the sinus. Sinus bone grafting can help correct
this problem by raising the sinus floor and developing bone for
the placement of dental implants.
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Ridge
Modification (Augmentation)
Deformities
in the upper or lower jaw can leave you with inadequate bone in
which to place dental implants. To correct the problem, the gum
is lifted away from the ridge to expose the bony defect. The
defect is then filled with bone or bone substitute to build up
the ridge. Ridge grafting modification has been shown to greatly
improve appearance and increase your chances for successful
implants that can last for years to come.
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