Laser Periodontal Therapy(TM): Laser Periodontal Therapy or Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP) is a laser based technique for the treatment of periodontal disease. It is an FDA approved and patented laser gum therapy that significantly reduces the pain and recovery time associated with traditional gum surgery. Scaling and Root Planing: A type of cleaning that removes plaque and calculus from the teeth and below the gumline. The root planing process smoothes root surfaces so that the supportive tissues can better reattach to the tooth surface. (Local anesthesia is commonly recommended.) Bite Correction: An imbalanced bite may increase bone destruction and cause chips on other teeth. It may be advisable to wear a biteguard to protect teeth and relax the jaw muscles. Bite adjustment may also be recommended and is commonly required as part of LANAP. Flap Surgery: Gentle separation of the gum from the tooth is performed creating a "flap" and access to the infected pocket allowing deep deposits of plaque and calculus to be removed. Gingivectomy: This process removes the overgrowth of gum tissue which eliminates space where bacteria collects. Dental Implants: Dental Implants are a great alternative to dentures or bridgework for replacing teeth. The dental implant is made from titanium and is surgically placed in the jaw bone. The function of an implant is like that of the root on a natural tooth. The implant provides support to the tooth or denture to provide natural appearance and function. Implants are surgically placed in our office, and there is generally minimal post-operative pain or discomfort. Implants can be used to replace single teeth, several teeth, or all teeth. Implants can also be used to help stabilize and support dentures. We will work with your general dentist to provide restoration of the implant. Osseous (bone) surgery: A procedure that is performed to smooth shallow craters in the bone due to mild or moderate bone loss. Guided Tissue Regeneration: Insertion of a membrane between the gum and bone that helps keep unwanted gum tissue away from the tooth and bone thus allowing ligament fibers to regrow and bone to reform for better tooth support. Bone Graft: The bone graft acts as a platform on which bone can regrow. Fragments of your own bone or synthetic bone are placed into areas of lost bone to restore tooth stability. Soft Tissue Graft: Grafted tissue, usually taken from the roof of your mouth, is sutured in place to cover exposed roots and build up the gum. Supportive Periodontal Maintenace Therapy: Once the diseases have been arrested, ongoing maintenance care is critical to preserve dental health. Periodic cleaning both above and below the gum line are provided along with a re-evaluation of the periodontal condition and the overall oral health. Ridge Augmentation: Reconstruction of the jaw bone where the ridge has collapsed from tooth loss. Sinus Elevation: Repositioning the sinus floor to obtain more bone in the upper jaw into which tooth form implants can be placed. Crown Lengthening: Repositioning of the gum and bone tissue to provide access for tooth repair/restoration due to decay, fracture or worn dentition.