NON-SURGICAL PROCEDURES

Initial Exam:

     On your first visit to our office Dr. Ernst will perform a periodontal evaluation.   The examination will begin with a review of your health history. Probing measurements are then taken to assess your condition and the degree of gum and/or bone involvement. This procedure is rapid and does not require the use of local anesthetic. Assessment of the mobility of the teeth as well as a soft tissue examination will also be done. Here the doctor will perform an oral cancer screening to detect any growths or pre-cancerous conditions that could occur in the mouth.  In addition photographs and bone level x-rays may be taken to aid in the diagnosis of your periodontal condition. Intra-oral cameras and overhead televisions help the patient to obtain a magnified view of areas of concern.

     Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical procedure done to treat periodontal disease. When periodontal disease is present the gum tissue surrounding your teeth may become loose or floppy and bleed easily.  If the patient smokes, bleeding may not be noted or very little may be seen.  There can, however, still be active periodontal disease present.

     An important part of long term success following your periodontal treatment includes a maintenance cleaning schedule of approximately every 3 to 4 months. These regular cleaning appointments every 6 months at Dr Ernst’s office include a periodontal cleaning, taking of probing depths, and an oral cancer screening. Dr. Ernst will closely monitor your periodontal condition at these appointments. This schedule is in between your regular visits to your general dentist every 6 months.           

     Gum grafts are done to increase the amount of gum tissue surrounding your teeth, and/or to cover or partially cover exposed root surfaces. Gum recession can be caused by an inherited lack of gum tissue, periodontal disease, trauma, or aggressive brushing among others.  Areas with inadequate amounts of gum tissue can lead to sensitivity and are more susceptible to decay.

     This procedure is done to increase the length of the tooth. It may be done to improve the looks of the front teeth, as in the case of “short teeth”, Commonly, the procedure is completed to gain more tooth length due to a fractured or decayed tooth which is in need of restoration with a new crown or filling. Following the procedure, the edges of the fracture will be more accessible and thus the dentist will be able to get a much more desired “fit” of the new crown.

     Biopsies are done when there is an abnormal growth or non-typical tissue present. There are two types of biopsies done at our office. When possible a brush biopsy is used. This procedure is less invasive than traditional biopsies, as there is no anesthetic required. This biopsy is done by using a small brush to scrape atypical surface cells off the involved area to enable a pathologist to examine them under a microscope.