Comprehensive Periodontal Care
Home care is an extremely important part of maintaining healthy gums and teeth, but even excellent brushing and home care cannot prevent bacteria and plaque. If the plaque is not removed, it can harden, becoming calculus. We will recommend a comprehensive periodontal care treatment program that is best for patients based on how quickly they develop calculus and their past and current periodontal disease history and oral health. During your maintenance visits, we will perform an oral examination as well as a dental cleaning.
Imperial Dental Associates provides periodontal services in Westport, CT. Call 203-227-2520 to learn more and schedule an appointment.
Cosmetic periodontal surgery includes, but is not limited to Crown Lengthening, Soft Tissue Grafts, and Bone Grafting. These treatments can enhance your smile by correcting problems like long or short teeth, uneven gum tissue line, gum recession, exposed roots, and indentations in the gums or jawbone. Our team brings the expertise and commitment to help you achieve a beautiful smile and support your overall well-being.
Periodontal Maintenance Program
During an oral examination, a visual inspection is performed to detect normal and abnormal structures of the entire mouth, head and neck. Along with radiographs, an examination detects cavities, abnormalities in existing dental restorations, gum recession and bone loss, and any other abnormal findings within the mouth, head, and neck.
A dental cleaning, also known as an oral prophylaxis, is the removal of dental plaque and tartar (calculus) from the teeth. Specialized instruments are used to gently remove these deposits without harming the teeth. First, an ultrasonic device that emits vibrations and is cooled by water is used to loosen larger pieces of tartar. Next, hand tools are used to manually remove smaller deposits and smooth the tooth surfaces.
Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical procedure used to treat gum disease. During the scaling process, specialized dental instruments are used to remove dental plaque and calculus from beneath the gums. Planing is the procedure used to smooth the tooth’s root after the scaling process. Root planing helps the gums heal and reattach themselves to a cleaner and smoother root surface, reducing inflammation and supporting healthy gums.
Gingivitis and Periodontitis
Gingivitis is an early form of gum disease characterized by inflamed gums, sensitivity, and bacteria buildup along the gumline. When left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more serious disease that affects the bone and soft tissue supporting the teeth. Symptoms of periodontitis include loose teeth, gum recession, inflamed gums, difficulty chewing, and other symptoms that can impact your overall well-being. Patients who notice these signs should contact our team promptly. Early treatment is essential in dental medicine to prevent further health complications and preserve your oral health.
Biopsy
The smooth, pink skin lining the mouth is called mucosa. Abnormalities in the color or texture of this skin can sometimes indicate pathology. Any concerns with the skin in the mouth, a sore that is not healing properly or a lump on the inside of the cheeks, palate, gums or lips, may merit a biopsy so that the tissue sample can be tested for oral cancer. Please do not ignore these warning signs and be sure to mention any concerns you may have during your visit.
Arestin®
ARESTIN® is a locally applied antibiotic that delivers minocycline microspheres in the form of a powder. It is placed directly into the infected periodontal pocket at the time of scaling and root planing procedures for easy, targeted treatment. The microspheres adhere to the surrounding surfaces to provide a sustained release of the antibiotic at the site of active infection for effective treatment. It is used in pocket depth reduction and may be used as part of a periodontal maintenance program.
Benefits of ARESTIN® include:
- No local anesthesia required
- No adhesive required
- No dressing required
- No need for removal as the microspheres are completely bioresorbed
- Remains active in the pocket for an extended period of time
Our periodontist and team also serve patients with dental implants needs. Implant surgery and related dental implants procedures may be recommended for patients with significant bone loss or loose teeth caused by periodontal disease. Research in dentistry continues to confirm the link between oral health and overall well-being, and our doctors and dentists bring the expertise and commitment to serve every patient with care.