Dr. Choi and Dr. Conte are trained periodontists here to restore your gingival health, treat your receding gums, restore your missing teeth with dental implants, all which can help with your overall health.

It has been estimated that 7% of American have some form of gum disease which can be linked to serious health complications and causes dental problems that are avoidable. Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease and is caused by plaque and bacterial buildup around the gum line. For this reason it is imperative that daily home care, brushing and flossing, as well as regular dental cleanings is completed.

If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis. At this stage the supporting bone and fibers that hold your teeth in place have been irreversibly damaged. The spaces between your teeth and gums begin to form pockets, which are deep hollow areas around the teeth that trap plaque and bacteria. These deeper pockets allow plaque, bacteria, and tartar to accumulate, further destroying the structures that support the teeth.

Scaling and root planing often requires hand instruments and an ultrasonic tool to remove the plaque and calculus accumulation from the root surface. The doctor or hygienist will use the instruments below the gum line to clean the roots of your teeth and smooth any rough surfaces. The goal of this deep cleaning is to clear away plaque and tartar away from the teeth to encourage the gum tissues to heal and reattach to the teeth.

Periodontal maintenance therapy is an ongoing program designed to prevent the progression of periodontal (gum) disease in the gum tissue and bone that supports the teeth. Periodontal maintenance is usually necessary for patients who have been diagnosed with and treated for periodontal disease. Periodontal maintenance will be completed in conjunction with your regulary dental check-up and cleanings with your dentist. We will continue to work together with your dentist as a team to maintain your dental and periodontal health.

LASER THERAPY (LANAP) Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP) is a method of gum disease treatment that uses a laser instead of scalpels to remove bacteria and diseased tissue. It is widely considered by patients and doctors to be minimally invasive and minimally painful. The laser is used to remove bacteria and infected tissue as well as to help the doctor gain better access for the removal of bacterial calculus on the surface of the root.

SURGICAL TREATMENT Flap surgery is sometimes performed to remove tartar deposits in deep pockets or to reduce the periodontal pocket and make it easier for you or your dental professional to keep the area clean. This common surgery involves lifting back the gums and removing the tartar. The gums are then sutured back in place so that the tissue fits snugly around the tooth again.

In some cases, bone may be smoothed and reshaped and repaired (grafted) with bone from another part of the mouth or with donor bone graft material. A membrane on the bone graft may be placed to help the bone grow back.

Bone loss can occur in your jaw bone due to periodontal disease or as a result of losing teeth. If inadequate bone is available for implant placement, bone grafting or reconstructive therapy may be necessary prior to implant placement.

RIDGE PRESERVATION Soft tissue and bone collapse may result from a dental extraction. This can make it difficult for implant placement as well as make the area aesthetically unappealing. To prevent this a bone graft into the extraction site can be performed in our office. This will aid in future implant placement as well as help maintain the aesthetics of the area.

Your jaw bone may have already deteriorated because of periodontal disease or a previous extraction. A ridge augmentation bone graft may be necessary in order to build adequate bone for implant placement.

SINUS AUGMENTATION The empty spaces above your upper jaw are called maxillary sinuses. When your teeth are removed or lost from this area, they often leave little bone with which to anchor a dental implant. Sinus grafts are sometimes necessary to lift your sinus away from the area and place a bone graft in preparation for implant placement.

A natural tooth is anchored into the jawbone by its tooth root. Tooth roots attach firmly to the jawbone and keep your teeth stable. When a tooth is lost a dental implant is place in order to replace the root or anchor of the crown of the tooth. A dental implant is inserted into the jaw bone and becomes solidly fixed of osseointegrated with the bone. Your restorative dentist will then place a crown onto this titanium anchor that looks, feels, and functions like your natural tooth.

Normally gum tissue surrounds and protects the delicate roots of your teeth. Exposed tooth roots are prone to tooth decay, discoloration, sensitivity, and can be aesthetically unappealing. In the most advanced cases, gingival recession can lead to tooth loss.

Soft tissue grafting replaces the missing gum tissue and protects your teeth. We offer a variety of treatment options to restore your gingival margins including the minimally invasivePinhole Surgical Technique (PST)that can restore the gum line without incisions, without grafting from the root of the mouth and without sutures.