Occasionally, a single tooth requires removal. This could be due to a fracture that extends below the gum line. Or, this is necessary when a tooth is beyond repair that can be resolved with a crown. Because each tooth helps to keep neighboring teeth in proper position, promptly replacing any lost tooth is a wise decision.

When a single tooth is removed, many adults now choose to replace it with a dental implant at the time of removal. One advantage of this is the prevention of bone loss. By inserting the implant at the same time of tooth removal, you minimize the risk of ‘resorption.’ Resorption occurs when tooth roots are no longer present to provide stimulation to the bone. Without this, the bone begins to shrink, or ‘resorb,’ over time.  It is a fact that the teeth adjacent to areas of bone loss have the greatest risk of being the next to be lost.

Another benefit of same-day implant placement is the preservation of gum contours. When a tooth is lost, the arch of gum tissue and ‘points’ formed by tissues between each tooth begin to flatten within days. When an implant is immediately placed and the replacement tooth attached the same day, the natural contours of gum tissues are preserved.

Appearance is another reason for placing an implant and crown immediately following tooth removal. This means patients avoid the awkward and embarrassing look of a gap in their smile.

Immediate replacement is also beneficial when two or several teeth in a row are missing. Because one implant can often support a bridge of teeth, this saves on treatment cost while also preserving natural gum contours. Additionally, since the position in your upper or lower jaw bone is already to a proper depth and size, placing the implant following removal greatly simplifies the treatment time and procedural requirements.

As a Periodontal Specialist, I work with general dentists and other specialists on a regular basis. Through this team treatment approach, the patient receives a speedy result with an exceptional outcome. To discuss immediate placement implants or any type of dental implant, call (828) 274-9440. We’ll be happy to arrange a consultation appointment so I can explain the process and answer your questions thoroughly.

The dictionary defines a smile as: “a pleasant or agreeable appearance, look, or aspect.” Does that describe your smile?

As a periodontist who performs gum recontouring to repair ‘gummy smiles’ and dental implants to replace missing teeth, patients often share the emotional repercussions of a flawed smile before treatment. Many of them explain how they’ve  ‘held back’ on their smile, often concealing it with their hand or smiling with lips only. Some share they felt uncomfortable speaking with the opposite sex. Others felt their smile has kept them from pursuing higher positions or particular jobs.

Your smile is much more than teeth and gums. It reflects your overall personality. Would a confident smile make you more comfortable smiling and interacting with others? Would it prompt you to smile more often? Would it make you feel more attractive and outgoing? These are changes that patients have shared after treatment. Truly, the effects go much deeper than visual.

Adults often indulge in cars, clothes, electronics and trips as ways to create good feelings. Yet, none can provide the lasting effects of a confident, appealing smile. If you’d like to discuss dental implants for tooth replacement or gum recontouring for a smile you’ll enjoy sharing, every day, call (828) 274-9440 to arrange a consultation.

Gum recession causes the tooth root to become exposed, which can make your teeth look long. Recession can occur as a result of a variety of causes, including periodontal diseases.  Whatever the reason, exposed roots are unappealing and also create risk for developing cavities.

Gum grafting can cover exposed roots, reduce further gum recession and protect vulnerable roots from decay. Call (828) 274-9440 to schedule a consultation to discuss your options and have your questions answered thoroughly.

Having attractive teeth is not the only requirement of a beautiful smile. Your gums effect a smile’s appearance tremendously.

We have addressed procedures for correcting a ‘gummy smile’ previously in our blog. This is when too much gum tissue is visible over the tops of teeth in a full smile. Katie Couric, for example, has a gummy smile.

While a gummy smile can be corrected by removing the excess of gum tissue, crown lengthening is a procedure that adds gum tissue. This is done to even out the gum line in a smile when porcelain veneers or crowns are placed.

Today’s crowns and veneers are beautiful, even reflecting light as natural teeth. When crowns or veneers are placed on teeth most visible in a smile, the arch of gum tissue above each tooth forms a frame. When some teeth have a higher arch than others, it makes the teeth or restoration (crown or veneer) appear long. Although the restorations may be beautiful, this mismatch of gum framing tends to detract from a smile’s appearance.

The best time to have crown lengthening performed is promptly following placement of the final restoration. Once the gums have an even line of ‘arches,’ those veneers or crowns will make your smile even more fabulous!

For more information, call us at (828) 274-9440 and request a Consultation appointment.