periodontal services Milford, MA

Periodontal Dentistry

Periodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry that focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease as well as the process of replacing teeth with dental implants. Periodontists receive up to three years of additional, specialized training in treating periodontal disease and other conditions.

Periodontists are also specialists in treating oral inflammation and any condition requiring either non-surgical treatment or oral plastic surgery. Oftentimes, periodontists are treating conditions caused by periodontal disease and its effects such as persistent bad breath or gum recession.

Crown Lengthening Milford, MA

Crown Lengthening

For patients who believe that their smile is too “gummy” or that their teeth are too short, we are proud to offer crown lengthening services to fix those concerns. Crown lengthening procedures are done to expose more of the tooth and remove extra gum tissue. By doing this, we can reshape your gums and help give your teeth the look and shape you desire. In addition to the life-changing results, crown lengthening is a minimally-invasive procedure that will allow for a more balanced, even smile.

Before we begin treatment, we will first meet to learn more about your desired results as well as determine if crown lengthening is the best procedure for you. Factors such as oral hygiene and gum health will determine the best course of action and treatment plan. During the dental crown lengthening procedure, our team will remove excess gum and bone tissue to reshape the tooth to expose a more natural tooth. This procedure can be done to just one single tooth or several, or even to your entire gum line. These changes can be done for restorative or cosmetic purposes depending on your needs.

The recovery time for the crown lengthening procedure is approximately three months. As your gums heal, you’ll be able to resume normal habits and functions. In recovery, you will be asked to avoid demanding activities during the first two to three days after your operation. Some patients report mild discomfort during the procedure and increased sensitivity after the treatment is complete, but with a personalized treatment plan we can help manage any discomfort and pain. Moving forward, practicing good oral hygiene is paramount.

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Gum Grafting

Gum grafting treatment for receding gums works best for patients who are suffering from more extensive gum loss where gum disease cannot be resolved by a professional cleaning alone. This procedure can help repair the damaged area of the gums and work to prevent further gum tissue loss. In addition to stopping recession, gum graft treatment will better protect the roots of the teeth from decay by giving the patient more gum line, and reduce tooth sensitivity to hot and cold foods.

There are three types of gum grafts: connective-tissue grafts, free gingival grafts, and pedicle grafts. Connective-tissue grafts are most commonly used because the procedure involves taking a flap of healthy tissue from the roof of your mouth then stitching it over the precise area suffering from an exposed root and gum recession. Free gingival grafts involve the same process as connective-tissue grafts except that the tissue is specifically taken from the palate of the mouth. Lastly, pedicle grafts use the tissue next to the affected tooth in need of repair.

During a gum graft procedure, the patient doesn’t feel a thing as we use a local anesthetic to keep them pain-free. After the operation, the patient may experience some soreness and slight discomfort, which can be effectively treated with a combination of rest, cold compresses, and, if needed, prescription medication. With proper care, the gum graft will protect the previously exposed root and serve as a healthier gum line, restoring your smile and confidence.

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Periodontal Surgery

At Frederick J Norfolk, DMD, LLC, we are proud to offer periodontal surgery and regeneration treatment options to our patients. These procedures can often reverse damage caused by periodontal disease by regenerating bone and tissue that has been lost.

This procedure requires the disease-causing bacteria to be removed before the regeneration can begin. We will then use tissue-stimulating proteins, membranes, or bone grafts to stimulate the growth of new healthy bone and tissue. By removing bacteria and regenerating new tissue and bone, we can often reverse or repair the effects of periodontal disease while preventing it from progressing.

After periodontal surgery and regeneration it is important to practice good oral hygiene to prevent infection from returning. With daily at-home care and professional maintenance care you should be able to achieve a healthy, natural smile while improving your oral and overall health.

For more information about periodontal surgery and regeneration, contact us today at (508) 478-7925.

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Periodontal Therapy

Many people develop periodontal disease, which is another name for gum disease. This disease has three levels of severity: gingivitis, periodontitis and advanced periodontitis. While gingivitis can be reversed with proper care, when untreated it tends to progress into the more serious forms of gum disease, which creates extensive damage that is irreversible.

In many cases, gum problems can be treated with general dentistry services. But when general dentistry options are not creating an improvement in a person's gum disease or other gum problem, he or she probably needs periodontal therapy. If during a comprehensive exam, we decide you would need this type of treatment, you would not need to look for a specialist. We offer periodontal therapy within our broad range of dental services to help you stay under one roof for all of your and your family's dental care needs.

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