Surgical Services

Dr. Dean's practice provides a variety of surgical services. He prides himself on the fact that he is very conservative in his treatment recommendations and limits surgery to the areas where it is absolutely necessary. Periodontal procedures are available to regenerate the bone and gum tissue to it's original function and cosmetic appearance.

These procedures are a predictable way to cover unsightly, sensitive or exposed root surfaces and to prevent future gum recession. If you are unhappy with the apperance of short unsightly teeth this can be greatly improved by a combination of peridontal procedures by Dr. Dean and cosmetic dentistry by your dentist.

When recession of the gingiva occurs, the body loses a natural defense against both bacterial penetration and trauma. When gum recession is a problem gum reconstruction using grafting techniques is an option.

When there is only minor recession, some healthy gingiva often remains and protects the tooth, so that no treatment other than modifying home care practices is necessary. However, when recession reaches the mucosa, the first line of defense against bacterial penetration is lost.

In addition, gum recession often results in root sensitivity to hot and cold foods as well as an unsightly appearance to the gum and tooth. Also, gum recession, when significant, can predispose to worsening recession and expose the root surface, which is softer than enamel, leading to root caries and root gouging.

A gingival graft is designed to solve these problems. A thin piece of tissue is taken from the roof of the mouth, or gently moved over from adjacent areas, to provide a stable band of attached gingiva around the tooth. The gingival graft may be placed in such a way as to cover the exposed portion of the root.

The gingival graft procedure is highly predictable and results in a stable healthy band of attached tissue around the tooth.

When decay occurs below the gum line it may be necessary to remove a small amount of bone and gum tissue. Your dentist may ask for this procedure before he or she makes a new crown for your tooth.

This will allow your general dentist adequate room to place a quality final restoration.

Another indication for crown lengthening is when the front teeth are too short or of uneven length.

Traditionally, gum disease is treated by eliminating the gum pockets by trimming away the infected gum tissue and by recontouring the uneven bone tissue. Although this is still an effective way of treating gum disease, new and more sophisticated procedures are used routinely today.

This surgical procedure "regenerates" the previously lost gum and bone tissue. Most techniques utilize membranes which are inserted over the bone defects. Some of these membranes are bioabsorbable and some require removal. Other regenerative procedures involve the use of bioactive gels.

Over a period of time, the jaw bone associated with missing teeth atrophies or is reabsorbed. This often leaves a condition in which there is poor quality and quantity of bone suitable for placement of dental implants. In these situations, most patients are not candidates for placement of dental implants.

We now have the ability to grow bone where needed. This not only gives us the

opportunity to place implants of proper length and width, it also gives us a chance to restore the esthetic appearance and functionality better.

Careful management of extraction sockets after tooth extraction prevents unsightly bone loss and a better cosmetic outcome of tooth replacement.

Dr. Dean has been placing dental implants since 1981 and works closely with your referring dentist in planning the best result for you.