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Periodontic
(Gum Disease)
Dr. Suen believes that dentists need to be able to use all available treatment modalities. It is important to make a treatment meet the patient’s needs. As a general dentist, knowing which treatment modalities are available and being willing to practice the most suitable treatment is extremely important. For example, if a patient has marginal gingivitis (slight redness on the gums) and is detected early on, the only thing necessary is to get him or her on an effective oral hygiene program. If the patient needs non-surgical treatment such as scaling, root planning, and non-antibiotic medicine application therapy, the doctor should do so appropriately. If the patient needs surgical treatment for pocket elimination, the dentist should also do so applicably. If the patient needs to reestablish bone or soft tissue grafts, the dentist should provide applicable grafting techniques. A golfer doesn’t play golf with only one golf club. In the same way, Dr. Suen believes in performing certain surgical periodontal therapies when necessary; he thinks that dentists shouldn’t talk about non-surgical therapy as if surgical procedure is the only option available. There are many treatment modalities available and it’s important to make good use of them.
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Routine Maintenance
Regular check-ups and teeth cleaning will help maintain healthy gums. |
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Non-Surgical Approach
Gum treatment can be done non-surgically. Most dentists will discuss these options with their patients. |
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Various Surgical Approaches
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Full Thickness Flap Osseous Gum Surgery
When deep pockets and bony defects are present, patients can extend the life expectancy of their tooth with this type of gum surgery.
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Bone Graft to Repair Bony Defects
When a tooth is extracted and the implant is not ready to replace the tooth, bone graft is often needed to minimize the collapse of the alveoli ridge. Bone graft is used to preserve the width of the bone that surrounded the extracted tooth.
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Crown Lengthening Surgery
When a decay or fracture goes below the gum line and into the biological width attachment, crown lengthening surgery is recommended before a crown can be put onto the tooth.
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Gingivectomy
Surgical removal of any excessive hyperplastic gum tissue
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Free Palate Graft Surgery
Free palatal graft surgery is performed when teeth are deficient of attached gingiva and/or when a patient experiences gum recession. This is done by taking a piece of tissue from the palate and grafting it into the problematic area. |
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Lateral Pedicle Graft Surgery
Lateral Pedicle Graft Surgery is performed by taking a piece of donor graft tissue from an adjacent tooth to the problem tooth, which enhances the attached gingiva. |
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Tissue Graft to Repair Gum Defect
Tissue grafts can be performed to cover exposed roots or recessed gum tissue. |
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