General Consultation
At your consultation visit, our experienced periodontists will discuss your referral and concerns followed by a thorough oral examination. With the information gathered from x-rays, your referral and our oral examination, we will diagnose and educate you on your condition and formulate a treatment plan to your individual requirements.
If you have any questions relating to our services, this consultation visit is a great opportunity to learn more about your condition or about our area of expertise.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are small fixtures that replace the tooth root to support a tooth crown, bridge, or denture.
Implants are made of titanium alloy, which is able to integrate with the jaw bone.
Implants become fixed into the jaw bone and are connected to an overlying prosthesis (crown, bridge, or denture).
The implant itself cannot be seen except on X-ray films and the overlying prosthesis is made to appear as natural as possible.
Implant placement can be carried out under local anaesthetic in the surgery most of the time. Our practice also offers treatment under relative anaesthesia, intravenous sedation, or general anaesthesia in a hospital setting.
In the cases where there is deficiency of jaw bone for implant placement, bone augmentation may be carried out either before placement or simultaneously at the time of placement. Our surgeons are proficient in all bone augmentation procedures including lateral bone augmentation, block graft, transcrestal sinus augmentation and lateral window sinus augmentation techniques.
Periodontal Treatments
Non-Surgical Debridement
Non-surgical tooth debridement removes plaque and calculus (tartar) from above and below the gum line. The removal of the bacterial biofilm, allows the gums to heal and the inflammation to resolve. In most cases local anaesthesia will be administered. Our surgeons will encourage and specify the maintenance and review appointments based on the individual’s periodontal condition.
Surgical Debridement
Surgical periodontal debridement involves creating small incisions to fold back the gums to remove calculus in areas which are difficult to access which would not be possible using non-surgical means. This method also permits reshaping of the tissues if needed.
Periodontal Maintenance and Reviews
The most important factor in preserving the periodontal tissues is maintenance. Following periodontal treatment, our surgeons encourage that patients follow a routine maintenance protocol. The interval of maintenance will be based on the risk and susceptibility of the individual. At these appointments, maintenance will be carried out along with an assessment of the status of the periodontal tissues. If needed, our surgeons will encourage and promote a change in oral hygiene techniques to allow maximum benefit.
Sinus & Bone Augmentation Procedures
Guided Tissue Regeneration
Guided tissue regeneration infers to restoring the structure and anatomical components of the periodontal tissues. This normally involving using a barrier membrane to prevent down growth of epithelium in combination with various alloplastic graft or xenograft. Regeneration can also be carried out using enamel matrix derivative, which commercially is known as Emdogain®.
Soft Tissue Procedures
Gingival recession can occur as a result of bone loss and/or tooth brushing trauma and this can create aesthetic concerns and tooth sensitivity. Gingival grafts can be carried out to cover the recession defect. The soft tissue is normally collected from the palate. In large complex cases, Alloderm® can also be used.
Tooth Exposures
In some cases, teeth become trapped in the jaw bone and cannot erupt into the mouth naturally. An orthodontist or dentist may request for a tooth to be surgically exposed so that the tooth can move into the mouth.
Crown Lengthening
Crown lengthening makes the tooth appear longer in the mouth by removing some surrounding gum and/or bone. This may be needed for aesthetic reasons to enhance the gum line or to allow a well-fitting crown to be placed in an aesthetic area.
Soft Tissue Grafting
Soft tissue grafts reinforce thin gums and may replace gum in areas where the gums have receded. Grafted tissue is usually taken from the roof of the mouth and placed over the affected area.
Frenectomy
A frenectomy involves the removal of a small piece of soft tissue that connects the gums to the inner lip. This is performed if the frenum attaches too close to the gum margin, causes excessive tension in the gums, prevents closure of a space between the teeth, or interferes with a denture. A soft tissue laser is used for most cases which promotes accelerated wound healing.
Sedation Options
Penthrox®
Penthrox®, also known as the “green whistle”, is a medicine in the form of an inhaler which is used to reduce pain. It is a clear, almost colourless liquid with a characteristic fruity smell. Patients who are anxious but are not willing to undergo general anaesthesia can have access to Penthrox® during the procedure to make it relaxing and pain free.
General Anaesthesia
We understand that attending the dental surgery can be an anxious experience for some. We have an ongoing relationship with our community hospitals with access to general anaesthesia services allowing you to undergo our services whilst you are asleep.