Learn More: Medical technology has been advancing at a breakneck pace for the past several decades, and dentistry hasn’t been left behind. Dental professionals are constantly looking for the newest forms of treatments and technology that will aid in providing their patients with the best possible care, and we’re going to introduce you to some of the newest advancements that have been made. VELscope This technology employs a special form of light that our dentists use to detect dental abnormalities. VELscope is particularly effective in the detection of disease and cancer in its earliest stages as part of an oral screening. Digital X-Rays A common concern of patients is the amount of radiation they’re exposed to during a dental exam. The newest forms of imaging technology employ digital x-rays, which not only employs 90% less radiation than traditional x-rays but provides viewable films to the dental staff immediately. These images are able to be zoomed in on for highly accurate assessments of dental health. Invisalign For decades braces have been the go-to method of straightening misaligned teeth. While effective, braces are uncomfortable and unsightly. Invisalign is an innovation in this area of dental care that provides the benefits of braces while remaining nearly invisible. Additionally, Invisalign can be removed when eating, removing dietary restrictions associated with braces. Laser Dentistry Past techniques for whitening, reducing tooth sensitivity, tumor removal, and filling cavities have often been uncomfortable for the patient, and time-consuming. New innovations in laser technology have created painless alternatives that also aid in eliminating harmful bacteria. Dental Implants Traditional dentures are often ill-fitting, uncomfortable, and prone to embarrassing mishaps like slippage. Modern dental implants provide prosthetic teeth that are nearly indistinguishable from normal teeth and are long-lasting. HealOzone This innovation uses ozone (O3) to rapidly kill bacteria and fungus painlessly. It also makes a great tool for detecting tooth decay and suppressing it before it becomes more advanced. DIAGNOdent This cutting-edge technology is capable of detecting cavities in places that traditional x-ray techniques can’t locate. By employing DIAGNOdent your dentist ensures that no early signs of cavities go unnoticed, saving you time and money on future dental treatments. Intraoral Camera This tool employs a special camera that provides well-defined and precise images of places difficult to see in a patient’s mouth with traditional imaging. Just one more tool to aid your dentist in a thorough and accurate assessment of your dental condition. These are just some of the technologies that have been brought into common use in recent years in our dental offices. Every year we keep an eye out for new methods of treating our patient’s dental concerns by improving visibility, reducing discomfort, and aiding us in providing complete and thorough assessments. If you have any questions about the technology your dentist is using in your exams, don’t hesitate to ask! Curious patients are educated patients, and we love to encourage our patients to be knowledgeable about their dental care.

Learn More: Periodontists treat their patients with the most conservative measures possible, but sometimes surgery is necessary to facilitate oral health and aesthetics. Some of the reasons your periodontist may recommend gum surgery include: To restore gum tissues lost to periodontal disease. Also known as guided tissue regeneration, this procedure is often combined with bone grafting to help support the teeth. To cosmetically improve your gum line. Known as mucogingival surgery, this procedure grafts soft oral tissues into the gum line to fill in areas that have become recessed. The gum grafts conceal exposed tooth roots to allow for a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. To prepare your teeth for dental restorations. The purpose of this type of gum surgery is to reveal more of the tooth’s root, effectively lengthening the crown of the tooth. Crown lengthening is reserved for patients who have decay below the gum line or have inadequate tooth structure to support a dental restoration. Did you know… That your jaw bone and gums should naturally hug the roots of each tooth, encircling the base of the crown to hold it in place? But when gum disease is allowed to progress, the gums can recede and begin to create ‘pockets’ around the teeth that will only become deeper with time. As bacteria proliferate in these pockets, patients experience further bone and tissue loss. Gum surgery is often the most conservative solution for patients with advanced gum disease – otherwise leaving the option of eventually having the teeth extracted. Frequently Asked Questions Am I a candidate for gum surgery? Gum surgery may be right for you if you need crown lengthening for a restoration, you want to cosmetically enhance your gum line, or you have 3mm or greater pockets around your teeth due to periodontal disease. To find out more about gum surgery and your options for treatment, schedule an appointment with your periodontist. What should I expect during a gum surgery? Gum surgery is an in-office procedure performed under local anesthesia. Most patients feel no discomfort during the procedure, and you may be under mild sedation for its duration. Will I need to follow any special instructions following my gum surgery? Although the surgery itself should not be uncomfortable, you will experience sore and swollen gums in the days immediately following the procedure. Use a cold pack to reduce swelling in the hours after the treatment, and consume only a soft diet for the first few days after the procedure. Your periodontist may prescribe pain medication as well as antibiotics to ensure your recovery is free of complication. Be sure to keep the surgical site clean, and schedule a time to return to your periodontist’s office if you have sutures that need to be removed.

Before Insertion Placement Result Previous Next Learn More! Your smile is an important part of your appearance. And though the size, shape and color of the teeth are most frequently associated oral cosmetics, the gums play an essential role too. When gingival tissues begin to recess, your teeth may look oversized and uneven. Soft tissue grafting is often used to restore the gum line using a bio-compatible grafting material that is attached to the gums to protect the tooth surface. The resulting augmentation produces restored dental symmetry and eliminates a ‘toothy’ smile. Did you know: That gum recession can be more than just a cosmetic problem? The enamel below the gum line is more prone to decay and tooth sensitivity when exposed. A receding gum line can put your long-term dental health at risk – potentially causing cavities, bone loss, additional gum recession, and even tooth loss. Frequently Asked Questions Am I a candidate for soft tissue grafting? Generally, soft tissue grafting is recommended once the gingival tissue has reached the mucosa. However, you may be a candidate for soft tissue grafting if you have noticeable gum line recession that is a source of embarrassment, is a risk to your oral health. What should I expect during a soft tissue grafting procedure? If you decide to undergo soft tissue grafting, your procedure will take place in your oral health provider’s office. The grafting site will be numbed, and the existing gum tissue will be loosened to make room for the graft. The grafting material is sutured in place, and you will return home the same day as your procedure. How long is the recovery period following soft tissue grafting? It is normal to experience some soreness and swelling at the grafting site after your procedure. However, this will subside after a few days as your tissue graft continues to heal. Be sure to follow your post-procedural guidelines exactly as ordered by your oral surgeon, and take any prescriptions as instructed. Sutures usually dissolve or will be removed within a few days, and you should notice a significant improvement in the appearance of your gums within a few weeks. Keep in mind, however, that soft tissue grafts take several months to completely heal.

Learn More! Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is a substance taken from your own blood that helps to promote healing. Since PRF is taken from your own blood, it is highly biocompatible and there is an extremely low risk of allergies, reaction, or adverse side effects. When applied to the treatment site, PRF helps to stimulate the healing process and acts as a bioactive band-aid. PRF is composed of various essential healing components, including: White blood cells, which help to decrease the risk of infection by cleaning the area Platelets, which help to attract growth factors and clot the blood Fibrin, which helps to clot the blood by binding platelets together Cytokines, which are proteins with anti-inflammatory properties Stem cells, which can help regenerate any type of tissue Did You Know? Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) was the first generation blood platelet concentration. However, PRP lacked white blood cells and released around 90% of its growth factors within 10 minutes of coagulation. PRF, on the other hand, contains more growth factors and has a prolonged release, meaning that it gradually releases these growth factors during the first 1-2 weeks of healing. Frequently Asked Questions: Can I benefit from PRF? You may benefit from PRF if you: Are having dental implants placed Are having one or more teeth extracted Have severe periodontal disease with bone loss Have gum recession Have oral soft tissue that failed to heal with sutures Need to prevent or treat an infection Are having a sinus lift To determine if PRF can benefit you, schedule a consultation with our office today. How is PRF obtained? PRF is obtained through a simple blood draw. Once a sample of your blood has been obtained, the vile of blood will be placed in a centrifuge for approximately 10 minutes. This will spin the blood at a speed of 3,000 rpm in order to separate the blood into three layers. Plasma will collect at the top of the vile, platelet rich fibrin will collect in the middle, and red blood cells will collect at the bottom. Our office uses the newest and most innovative equipment to optimize the quality of both liquid and solid PRF for different dental applications. How is PRF used during dental procedures? After the required treatment has been carried out, PRF will be placed over the treatment site. PRF is a gelatin consistency and is self-degradable, meaning that it will degrade within 1-2 weeks after placement. Depending on the type of treatment and the location, PRF may or may not be sutured in place. In some cases, it can even be injected into the treatment site. After its placement, PRF will release growth factors over the course of the next week or two in order to promote healing.

Our state-of-the-art facility is equipped with the most advanced equipment available in the USA including the latest lasers, surgical devices and advanced 3D scanning equipment. We are committed to providing the most advanced treatment for your comfort and safety. Laser Dentistry- LANAP® protocol:Our doctors offer an FDA-cleared laser periodontitis treatment called the LANAP protocol, a less painful and more successful treatment alternative to traditional gum disease surgery. The LANAP protocol is the only scientifically proven laser treatment that results in true periodontal regeneration, growth of new bone and gum tissue reattachment. The specific laser we using during LANAP treatment can target the bacteria causing gum disease without damaging the surrounding healthy gum tissue. This allows the gums to heal without the need for scalpel or sutures. Dr. Towe and Dr. Shoff have completed the advanced training required to become certified in this technique. Benefits of LANAP® treatment: Less Discomfort– Patients report less discomfort during and after the procedure compared to traditional gum surgery treatment. More Rapid Healing– the LANAP® protocol is minimally invasive and allows faster healing. Most patients have little or no down time. Reduction in Gum Bleeding and Inflammation– The laser detoxifies the gums by targeting bacteria without injuring healthy tissue. Little to No Gum Recession–There is no cutting or suturing of the gums and therefore there is minimal gum shrinkage. This preserves your beautiful smile and reduces the chance of the teeth becoming sensitive to heat and cold. Safe for patients with Health Concerns – The LANAP® protocol is safe for patients with health concerns such as HIV, diabetes, hemophilia and for those taking blood thinners. Saves Teeth and Dental Implants– This technique has allowed patients to keep their natural teeth and dental implants when traditional treatments have failed. LANAP, or Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure, is a form of periodontal therapy used to treat periodontitis. Unlike traditional surgeries, which involve the removal of both diseased and healthy gum tissues, LANAP specifically targets infected areas of the gums – leaving healthy tissues behind. LANAP works using the Periolase® laser, which is FDA approved for periodontal treatment. This flexible laser emits energy at varying pulsating frequencies, effectively removing periodontal infections and facilitating the regeneration of the gums in areas where they have pulled away and recessed from the teeth. Did you know… That LANAP periodontal treatments have many advantages over traditional surgery? In addition to only targeting diseased tissues, LANAP features: Rapid recovery Minimal discomfort Decreased bleeding Infection removal Reduced inflammation Frequently Asked Questions Am I a candidate for LANAP? Patients who benefit from LANAP have been diagnosed with a periodontal disease with pocket depths between 5 and 6 millimeters. You may also benefit from LANAP if you have advanced periodontal pockets that are inoperable or that have become infected against despite a previous periodontal treatment. For more information about LANAP and whether it is right for you, schedule a periodontal consultation with our office today. What should I expect during LANAP treatment? Patients undergoing LANAP are made comfortable using a local anesthetic. Your periodontist will use a laser to gently removed diseased gum tissues from the pockets surrounding your teeth. After the infection is eliminated, your teeth will be cleaned, and the laser will be used once more to help your gums form clots in the pockets. What should I expect after undergoing LANAP? Following your treatment, you should be able to return to work immediately. If you are like most patients, you’ll experience much less swelling and discomfort than you would with traditional flap surgery, and your gums will bleed less following the procedure. You will be given special instructions for keeping the treatment site clean and free of debris, and you may need to follow a special diet in the days following your procedure. Because the clots are sensitive in the first week following LANAP treatment, you’ll also need to avoid brushing your gum line for the first several days after your procedure.

Learn More! There is a wide range of procedures at the disposal of periodontists for the treatment of periodontal diseases and conditions. When multiple treatment choices are available, the American Academy of Periodontology supports the use of the most minimally invasive and cost-efficient option. Often, this means that patients can undergo non-surgical treatments to restore periodontal health. Examples of non-surgical periodontal treatments include: Scaling and Root Planing – This procedure is used to remove bacteria and built-up tartar from deep within the gum pockets surrounding the teeth. It usually involves supplemental therapy, such as the use of topical antibiotics. Did you know… That periodontal disease is a serious epidemic throughout the U.S.? Although the disease is not contagious, it can be found in half of all adults over the age of 30. According to the Centers for Disease Control, periodontal disease can range from mild (gingivitis) to severe (periodontitis). Approximately 16 percent of Americans have either the mildest or most severe forms of periodontal disease, leaving about 30 percent with a moderately advance case of the disease. Frequently Asked Questions Am I a candidate for non-surgical periodontal treatment? Only your periodontist can tell you if you are a candidate for non-surgical periodontal treatment. However, non-surgical treatments are typically only available to patients with mild to moderate periodontal disease. Schedule a consultation with your periodontist to find out if non-surgical treatment is right for you. What should I expect during a non-surgical periodontal treatment? Your experience will vary depending on the type of treatment you receive. If you have especially mild periodontal disease, you may be given a custom-fitted tray delivery system for use at home. However, many patients undergo in-office scaling and root planing. During this procedure, you’ll be given a local anesthetic to prevent discomfort, and a small probe will be used to remove tartar and smooth the tooth’s root to prevent bacteria build-up. Will I need to follow any special instructions following non-surgical periodontal treatment? In the days following your scaling and root planing treatment, you may experience heightened tooth sensitivity. Use a sensitivity toothpaste and try to eat only soft foods to prevent pain. If you were prescribed antibiotic, be sure to take it according to your periodontist’s instructions.

Learn More! The wisdom teeth are the final four teeth to erupt from the gums – usually sometime between age 17 and 25. Ideally, the teeth emerge without complication. But according to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, as many as 9 in 10 Americans have at least one wisdom tooth that is impacted. Even if the teeth all erupt normally, they may cause overcrowding or grow in at an angle that can be problematic in the future. For that reason, many people elect to have their wisdom teeth removed to prevent infection, crowding, and other complications. Did You Know? That wisdom teeth may need to be removed even if they have not yet caused any problems? Even wisdom teeth that erupt normally may still be vulnerable to decay over time. Because of the location of wisdom teeth at the back of the mouth, many patients find it difficult to clean and floss all surfaces of the teeth each day. Although complications may not appear immediately, wisdom teeth may begin causing problems in middle to late adulthood. Frequently Asked Questions: Do I need my wisdom teeth removed? You may need your wisdom teeth removed if you have one or more impacted wisdom teeth or if you are having difficulty adequately cleaning those that have emerged. It is recommended that all young adults be evaluated by our surgeon. A consultation and x-ray can reveal impaction, damage to neighboring teeth, signs of decay, gum disease, or perceived complications with future wisdom tooth eruption. What should I expect during a wisdom teeth removal? Your wisdom teeth removal will likely be performed in your oral surgeon’s office. Most removals take only minutes to perform, but you’ll be under anesthesia or sedation to prevent discomfort. Once the teeth are removed, the gums are sutured shut. Keep in mind that you will need a responsible driver to take you home following the extraction, as it will not be safe for you to drive after being heavily sedated. Will I need to follow any special instructions following my wisdom teeth removal procedure? Yes. You’ll need to keep the extraction site clean and free of debris for the first couple of weeks after the wisdom teeth removal. You’ll also need to take all medications exactly as prescribed by your surgeon. Avoid sucking through a straw for the first several days after surgery, and notify your surgeon if you experience fever or discomfort that worsens after a few days.