A periodontist is a specialized dentist that treats issues
with the soft tissue in the mouth as well as the jaw bone that supports the
teeth. Gum disease and bacterial infections are usually at the top of the list
when it comes to ailments that a periodontist fixes. However, they are also
proficient in other procedures such as dental implants, lip repositioning,
repairing damage from a tongue piercing gone wrong, and frenectomies. Here is a
breakdown of each of these procedures.
Simply put, dental implants are replacement tooth roots.
They match your regular teeth and act as a foundation for permanent or
removable teeth. Implants give patients an overall better appearance and are
highly durable. As opposed to dentures, it is easier to eat and speak with
implants. Not everyone is a candidate for implants; call our office today to
make an appointment for a consultation if you are not sure.
Lip Repositioning
Some patients that come into our office have what is called
a gummy smile. This means that the patient has short teeth or that the gums
have grown over the teeth and when they smile they show a lot of their gums.
Lip repositioning is a simple procedure where a small piece of tissue is taken
out from the upper lip in order to give it a lower position. The procedure
takes under an hour to perform and once the healing process is over, the
results of the lip repositioning are immediate.
Tongue piercing damage can come in many forms. Teeth can be
chipped and gums can be punctured with the barbell jewelry worn in tongues.
Studies have also shown that gums tend to recede in those who have their tongue
pierced. In extreme cases, the tongue can become infected and need
reconstructive surgery.
Frenectomy
A Frenectomy is when the periodontist removes the frenum.
There are two frena, the lingual and the maxillary labial. The lingual frenum
connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth and is most commonly found in
young kids. Although in most cases there is no eating or speaking problems,
patients will opt for the procedure to remove it for cosmetic purposes. The
maxillary labial is attached from the upper lip to the gums right in front of
the teeth. A large maxillary labial can cause a gap in between the front teeth
which is why patients come in and get it removed.
Those looking for periodontal services can call us right
away to get an appointment scheduled.
