Periodontics in Crest Hill, IL
Periodontics is a specialty in the dental industry that specifically focuses on gums. These treatments address infections and inflammatory diseases that damage the gums and other supporting structures around the teeth. A periodontist has 3 additional years of training beyond dental school and can assist with everything from mild gum disease to severe forms of periodontitis.
Periodontal Maintenance
Periodontal maintenance focuses on removing the tartar buildup between the gums and tooth surfaces. Often, this buildup runs below the gum line and down the entire length of the tooth to the point where the gum, root, and bone meets. This process is both a treatment for gum disease and a preventive strategy to avoid complications from an underlying infection and inflammation.
Scaling & Root Planing
This deep cleaning method removes buildup below the gum line, helping to treat various types of gum disease. When pockets of infection develop under the gum line, scaling and root planing are necessary to remove the plaque trapped below the gums. For patients with chronic periodontitis, this treatment helps with the prevention of tooth and bone loss. Scaling is the process of removing the tartar and plaque buildup, then root planing smooths the tooth roots so the gums can reattach to the teeth.
Treatment of Chronic and Aggressive Periodontitis
Aggressive periodontitis can cause serious consequences, including tooth loss and a reduction in bone density. Patients with chronic gum disease require immediate and proactive treatment to eliminate the infection and prevent recurrence in the future. In addition to root scaling and planing, it might also be necessary to use antibiotics to manage serious infections. Antibiotics can be placed in the pockets of infection, or administered through oral pills.
Pre-Prosthetic Surgeries (Functional and Esthetic Crown Lengthening, Vestibuloplasty, Bone Grafting)
Pre-prosthetic surgery encompasses any maxillofacial or oral treatments that are necessary to prepare your mouth for an upcoming dental restoration. Each patient has a unique pre-prosthetic surgical plan that might involve smoothing the gums and alveolar ridge, bone grafting, crown lengthening, vestibuloplasty, or rebuilding areas where bone loss has occurred. Other forms of pre-prosthetic surgery include the removal of impacted teeth, reshaping and smoothing the bone, or removing excess gum tissue.
Management of Medically Compromised Patients
Certain treatment considerations are necessary for patients with systemic diseases who require periodontic management. Not only do we evaluate oral health, but it’s also important to consider overall health. Other systemic conditions can affect gum health and the success of periodontal therapy. We use a holistic approach for patient management, maintaining communication between our team, the patient, and other medical providers.
Osseous Surgery
Pockets of infection in the gum can be treated using osseous surgery, which aims to eliminate the bacteria that is causing the infection. This procedure involves a process of cutting the gums so the surgeon can access the area where the bacteria is present, including the tooth roots and underlying bone. Additionally, damaged bone can be repaired and contoured to reduce or eliminate bacterial pockets in the future. Finally, the gums are stitched back in place to restore healthy gum tissue. Not only does osseous surgery help with infection treatment, but it stops the infection from spreading to surrounding tissue.
Guided Tissue Regeneration
Guided tissue regeneration is a treatment process that helps repair periodontal issues that affect the stability of your teeth. For example, when bacteria are trapped in the gums, the chronic infection can damage tissues (gums and bone) that support the teeth. Guided tissue regeneration is a method that places an artificial membrane to hold space between the gum and bone where bone can start rebuilding. The combination of infection removal to eliminate bacteria, a bone graft, and an artificial membrane creates the optimal conditions for strengthening the jawbone and promoting improved bone density.
Periodontal and Peri-Implant Soft Tissue Enhancement
Gum recession around teeth and dental implants can cause problems because of the weakened foundation that is necessary to hold the teeth in place. This surgical method aims to improve the shape and structure of the times, addressing a variety of soft tissue defects that can occur. Not only are these connective tissue grafts helpful for aesthetic reasons, but they are also crucial for functional purposes as well.
Tissue Graft: Root Coverage, Treatment of Gingival Recession, Treatment of Sensitive Teeth, and Minimally Invasive Tissue Graft (Pinhole Surgical Technique)
Gum recession can cause too much of the tooth and root to be exposed, resulting in damage that might require surgery to restore the appearance and function of your smile. Receding gums not only affects the appearance of your smile but can also result in increased tooth sensitivity because of the exposure of the tooth root. However, when the gum tissue starts to pull away from the teeth, a tissue graft can be used to stop the progression of gum recession and recover the damaged areas. Several types of gum tissue grafts are available, depending on the severity and location of your gum recession. We also offer the Pinhole Technique and Gingival Graft. Call us to learn more and to see if this treatment is right for you.
Frenectomy and Frenotomy
When the connective tissue, known as the frenum, at the bottom or top of the mouth is too tight, then a frenectomy is necessary to restore certain functions. This procedure is most common for children who are experiencing orthodontic issues or problems with eating and speech. Common conditions treated with this surgical treatment include lip ties and tongue ties. A frenectomy cuts the frenum connective tissue between the tongue and bottom of the mouth, the lips above the top or bottom two teeth, or the gum connection on the insides of the cheeks.
Treatment of Peri-Implantitis
Even though dental implants aren’t susceptible to tooth decay, gum infections can occur that result in gingivitis and periodontist around the implant. Peri-implantitis requires immediate treatment to decrease the bacterial presence in the gums. Early detection is treated with mouthwashes, antibiotics, and the removal of any cement deposits from the placement of the crown on the implant. If deep pockets of infection continue, more effective treatment might be necessary using surgical techniques such as bone grafts, resective surgery, or implantoplasty.
Surgical Exposure of Un-Erupted Teeth (Orthodontic Teeth Eruption)
If the teeth aren’t spontaneously coming through the gums, then a simple oral surgery can be helpful to bring those teeth to the surface. Often, an orthodontic and periodontist work together in a combined effort. For example, the orthodontist can open a space using braces on the teeth, then the periodontist exposes and brackets the tooth, which pulls the tooth into the correct position.
Periodontal Accelerated Osteogenic Orthodontic Teeth Movement (PAOO)
This surgical method promotes tooth movement using surgical procedures, helping to decrease treatment time and promote faster healing. The goal is to encourage new bone growth in the jaw, with an orthodontist and periodontist working together to combine braces with bone growth treatments. A personalized treatment plan can be designed using a combination of methods, such as corticotomy and bone grafting.
TAD or Mini-Implant Placement for Orthodontic Anchorage
Complex orthodontic cases sometimes require the use of orthodontic mini-implants (OMIs) that provide anchorage for multiple dimensions: vertical, transverse, and antero-posterior. This process applies force on the teeth to promote minor movements and is used along with braces or other types of orthodontic appliances.
Our Services
We Accept Most Insurances
We work hard to make the process of paying for your dental care as simple as possible! Soltani Periodontics & Implant Dentistry accepts all PPO insurance plans, and we file your insurance for you so the benefits will come directly to us. We accept Delta Dental, Metlife, Cigna, Blue Cross BlueShield, Guardian, United Healthcare, and more!
