Procedures

The descriptions of procedures on this page can help to create a better understanding of the benefits available to patients seeing Dr. Hovious.

Scaling and root planing:  Scaling is a type of cleaning that removes plaque and calculus from the teeth at and slightly below the gumline.  Root planing smoothes root surfaces, so the supportive tissues can better reattach to the tooth surface.   Our office uses local anesthesia for your comfort because this procedure goes deeper than regular cleaning.

Flap Surgery: The Doctor gently separates the gum from the tooth, creating a “flap” and access to the infected pocket.  This allows removal of deep deposits of plaque and calculus.  It also can reduce the depth of the pocket and the areas where bacteria can grow.  Little or no gum tissue is removed.

Bone (Osseous) Surgery:  This procedure is used to smooth shallow craters in the bone due to mild or moderate bone loss.  After gaining access to the damaged bone with flap surgery (described above), the bone around the tooth is reshaped to decrease the craters.  This eliminates bacteria accumulating and growing in this area.

Guided Tissue Regeneration:  This material is used during surgery which will eventually dissolve on its own or later may have to be taken out.  This helps keep unwanted gum tissue away from the tooth and bone, allowing ligament fibers to regrow and bone to reform so that the tooth is better supported.

Bone Graft:  Tiny fragments of your own bone, synthetic bone, or some from a bone bank are placed into areas of lost bone.  These grafts act as a platform on which bone can regrow, restoring stability to your teeth.

Soft Tissue Graft:  Soft tissue is added to reinforce thin gums or to fill in areas where gums have receded.  Grafted tissue, usually taken from the roof of your mouth, is sutured in place over the affected area.

Sinus Lift:  The maxillary sinus is located in the back upper jaw above the natural teeth.  The teeth maintain the height of bone.  When teeth are missing, considerable bone loss can result.  There may not be enough height of bone to place implants therefore, to gain enough height for implants, a bone graft can be placed into the sinus.  This graft will serve as a new foundation to place implants.

Dental Implants:  These are metal posts usually made of titanium that are placed in the upper or lower jawbones. They replace the root of the missing tooth.  This will provide an anchor for the crown(s), bridge or partial, or removable dentures.  Dental implants are usually the best choice for those seeking a natural and permanent solution.

Gingivectomy: This procedure involves removing an overgrowth of gum tissue. Removing excess gum tissue eliminates the space in which bacteria can collect, making it easier for you to keep teeth and gums clean. This procedure also creates a less “gummy” smile.

Frenectomy: This is a surgical procedure for removing a frenum. A frenum is a fold of tissue that passes from the movable lip or cheek to the gum. It is a small piece of tissue that can be found in several areas of the mouth. The frenum has no real function and losing it will not affect the appearance or function of the mouth.

Ridge Augmentation:  When someone loses one or more teeth, an indention can become visible in their gums and jawbone where the tooth used to be.  A ridge augmentation can be done to recreate the natural contour of the gums and jaw.  When a bridge is placed, if the concavity is present this prevents the artificial tooth from looking real.  It looks like it is just lying on the gum.  By repairing a ridge defect with a ridge augmentation, the artificial tooth now looks like it is growing out of the gum thus looking natural.

Hard Tissue Crown Lengthening:  This is a procedure that is very common to improve the health and esthetics of your smile.  It is done to make the part of the tooth we see longer.  The Doctor adjusts the position of the gum around the affected tooth or teeth, thereby providing a more solid tooth on which to anchor the restoration of choice.  In some cases this procedure can save a decaying or fractured natural tooth.

Hard and Soft Tissue Biopsies:  This is the procedure of removing a small piece of living tissue for microscopic examination.

Note the bump on the gum.  (This was removed and sent for analysis to the lab)

Periodontal Maintenance:  Periodontal maintenance is a very important step in your periodontal therapy.  This phase begins immediately after the completion of active periodontal treatment.  By adhering to a continual maintenance schedule, you are putting forth your best defense for preventing the recurrence of the disease.

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