Located in the Financial District of New York City, The Exchange Dental Group makes it easy to receive all the dental treatment you need in one place. Learn more about the periodontal services we provide below.
LANAP
Our board-certified periodontist, Dr. Song, graduate of Harvard University College of Dental Medicine, has decades of expertise in treating gum disease. Dr. Song uses the Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP), a laser procedure that represents a revolutionary advancement in the treatment of periodontal disease. The use of lasers virtually eliminates the swelling, down-time, pain, and receding gums associated with older methods.
GUM DISEASE
Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is an infection that damages the soft tissue surrounding the tooth causing inflammation. Plaque is a film that forms on the tooth caused by bacteria. Without treatment, this plaque hardens into tartar, or calculus. It can spread below the gum line, making it hard to clean, and eventually destroy the bone that supports and holds your tooth in place leading to tooth mobility and tooth loss. The early form of gum disease is called gingivitis. At this stage, the gums can be treated and damage is reversible. Periodontitis is a more serious form of gum disease and what precedes gingivitis when bone loss occurs and damage is irreversible. A dental health professional must use special tools and techniques to remove the tartar to prevent bone destruction and stop the periodontal disease process.
CROWN LENGTHENING
A smile that shows too much gum and too little teeth, is often referred to as a “gummy smile.” A surgical procedure can be performed to improve the appearance of the smile by removing excess gum tissue and possibly bone to expose more of a tooth’s surface making the tooth appear longer. Crown lengthening is also performed when there isn’t enough tooth structure in place for a crown to attach to. By reducing gum tissue, a crown can be properly placed and firmly attached to the tooth.
DENTAL IMPLANTS
Considered the gold standard in tooth replacement, dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth and roots. Dental Implants are made of a small, titanium, screw-like post and capped with a tooth-top or crown. The implant screw is placed in our office by our oral surgeon or our periodontist. After 3-6 months of healing, the implant crown can be placed by your general dentist. Dental implants look natural, are durable and comfortable, and require little upkeep once they’re in place.
SINUS LIFT
Sinus lift surgery, also known as a sinus augmentation or sinus graft, is a procedure recommended by dentists for patients who do not have enough bone to secure a dental implant. During this surgery, the sinus floor is raised through an incision in the gum tissue. The space beneath it is then filled with bone graft material, which can regenerate lost bone and tissue. After the incision is closed, bone usually develops in 4-6 months. An implant can be placed once the bone has healed and developed. In some cases the implant can be placed the same day the sinus lift surgery is performed. Sinus lift surgery is very common and patients report experiencing minimal discomfort during the procedure and after surgery.
BONE GRAFT
A bone graft is a procedure your dentist may recommend if there isn’t enough bone in your jaw for a dental implant to be placed successfully. Bone grafting restores the density and volume of your jawbone by inserting bone grafting material into the bone to encourage bone regeneration. There are different types of bone grafting material which are used and can be discussed during your consultation with our oral surgeon or periodontist. Healing is required for 3-6 months after bone grafting before enough bone has been regenerated to support a dental implant.
CONNECTIVE TISSUE GRAFT
A connective tissue graft, or gum graft, is performed to repair damage caused by receding gums. Gum disease is the most common reason for gums to recede. If left untreated, gum recession can lead to tooth loss due to exposure of the tooth’s root. During the procedure, healthy gum tissue is taken from another area of the mouth and attached to the exposed root to build the gum back.
