Having developed an interest in the aspect of periodontics, he pursued a specialty in periodontics. Additional residency training in Periodontology was conducted at University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA.

Periodontal exams are vital in the maintenance of your oral health as they are used to assess the health of your gums and teeth. They can help your dentist diagnose gum diseases, gingivitis and periodontitis. These exams can also reveal receding gums, exposed roots, tooth grinding and other problems.

Gingivitis is the medical term for the first stage of periodontal disease that causes inflammation of the gums. In general, gum disease can be caused by long-term exposure to plaque, the sticky but colorless film on teeth that forms after eating or sleeping. Periodontitis occurs when gingivitis goes untreated, which makes periodontal exams vital to preventing and putting an end to gum diseases. If gingivitis goes untreated, more serious problems such as abscesses, bone loss or periodontitis can occur.

Periodontitis is treated in a number of ways. One method, called root planing, involved cleaning and scraping below the gum line to smooth the roots. If effective, this procedure helps the gums reattach themselves to the tooth structure. However, not all instances of scaling and root planing successfully reattach the tooth to the gums. Additional measures may be needed if the periodontal pockets persist after scaling and root planing

SCALING AND ROOT PLANING An ultrasonic cleaning device is used to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth - under the gum line, on the tooth, and around the root - then the rough surface of the tooth and the root are smoothed out (planed).

POCKET DEPTH REDUCTION (Osseous Surgery). During pocket reduction procedures, flap surgery, the gum tissue is folded back and the bacteria hiding underneath is removed, as well as the hardened plaque and tartar that have collected.

SOFT TISSUE GRAFT (also called gingival recession). As the gums recede, more of the roots are revealed and can cause increased sensitivity to hot or cold liquids or food. A Soft itissue graft sews tissue to your gum area covering the roots.

A dental implant is designed to look, feel, and function like natural teeth and it is an effective way to restore lost teeth. They provide a durable, long-lasting option for oral care. A dental implant is a synthetic tooth root in the shape of a post that is surgically placed into the jawbone.

The root is usually made of titanium: the same material used in many replacement hips and knees, and a metal that is well-suited to pairing with human bone. A replacement tooth is then fixed to the post. The tooth can be either permanently attached or removable. Permanent teeth are more stable and feel more like natural teeth.

From the American Academy of Periodontology: - The types of dental implants - Are you are a candidate for dental implants? - What is the dental implant procedure like? - What can I expect after receiving a dental Implant?

SINUS LIFT AUGUMENTATION A sinus lift augmentation/graft is a surgical procedure that restores the sinus cavity to its original size, and replaces the bone that has been lost as a result of the enlarged sinus.

RIDGE AUGUMENTATION A ridge augmentation is a common dental procedure often performed following a tooth extraction to help recreate the natural contour of the gums and jaw that may have been lost due to bone loss as a result of a tooth extraction, or for another reason.

Dr. Hector Pinero is a periodontist who has helped many Orlando patients obtain healthier teeth and gums. He serves patients throughout the Central Florida area. In addition to treating periodontal disease, Dr. Pinero plans, places and maintains dental implants.

Read what other patients have shared... Testimonials And, we welcome your feedback! Your feedback will help other patients make informed decisions. You will also be helping Dr. Pinero and his staff know how they are doing and how they can improve their services.