The health of your gums is realted to the health of your teeth, and even your general health. Maintaining excellent periodontal (gum) health is essential, and periodontal care is our specialty here at Scottsdale Implants & Periodontics. Dr. Braydon Haskell is an experienced periodontist who embraces advanced procedures designed to help you improve your oral health in the most effective and comfortable ways possible.
Please take a look at the sections below to read about the many periodontal care options and gum treatments available at our practice. If you would like to schedule an appointment, please contact Dr. Haskell today.
Explore Topics On This Page:
- Periodontal Care
- Cleanings and Prevention
- Periodontal Maintenance
- Mouth-Body Connection
- Exams and X-Rays
- Scaling and Root Planing
- LANAP® (Laser Gum Therapy)
- Pinhole Gum Grafting
- VISTA (Vestibular Incision Subperiosteal Tunnel Access)
- Gum Contouring
- Gum Bleaching/Gum Depigmentation
- Osseous Surgery (Pocket Reduction)
- Crown Lengthening (Gummy Smile Rejuvenation)
- Bite Guards/Mouthguards
- Bite Equilibration
Periodontal Maintenance
Periodontal maintenance is basically how we refer to dental hygiene appointments. For individuals who have periodontal (gum) disease, these regular appointments are critical in the effort of keeping the condition at bay and maintaining periodontal health. Periodontal maintenance involves a procedure that goes a bit further than standard dental cleanings by addressing bacteria and plaque that has developed below the gumline. As a standard for patients with periodontal disease, these cleanings are necessary every 3-4 months.
Mouth-Body Connection
Believe it or not, your oral health is directly connected to your total body health. The mouth-body connection highlights the vital link between the health of your teeth, gums, and oral tissues and your overall well-being. Conditions such as gum disease and tooth decay may contribute to systemic issues, including heart disease, diabetes, respiratory problems, dementia, and many other afflictions. Conversely, chronic illnesses may exacerbate oral health problems. Maintaining good oral hygiene and periodontal health, regular checkups, and addressing dental/periodontal issues promptly can help protect both your mouth and body. This interconnected relationship underscores the importance of comprehensive care, emphasizing that a healthy smile is a key component of maintaining overall health and longevity.
Exams and X-Rays
Oral exams and x-rays are the first lines of defense when it comes to maintaining healthy teeth and gums. These routine appointments are essential to identifying any signs of existing or potential problems so that treatment can be performed as early as possible before they get worse. Our office utilizes advanced x-ray technology and other state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to help Dr. Haskell clearly visualize oral structures and tissues. Exams are often paired with professional cleanings for convenience. An oral exam should be scheduled at least yearly, or more as recommended.
Scaling and Root Planing
Periodontal scaling and root planing, otherwise known as a “deep cleaning,” is a non-surgical procedure designed to treat less advanced gum disease and maintain overall oral health. This treatment targets plaque and tartar buildup below the gumline. If left untreated, plaque and tartar can continue to develop and lead to increased and more severe inflammation, infection, and damage to the supporting structures of the teeth.
Scaling and root planing begins by removing plaque and tartar from tooth surfaces, especially below the gumline and in deep periodontal pockets. Special tools are used to ensure a thorough cleaning of these hard-to-reach areas. Then, the root planing step of the procedure focuses on smoothing the tooth roots. Root planing eliminates rough spots on the root surfaces where bacteria tend to accumulate. This can ultimately help the gums securely reattach to the teeth and reduce the risk of further bacterial colonization.
Local anesthesia is typically all that is necessary to minimize discomfort during scaling and root planing; however, our practice offers sedation dentistry techniques for individuals who would prefer options for relaxation that can help reduce dental anxiety. Periodontal scaling and root planing is a highly effective way to combat gum disease, promote the healing of gingival tissues, and prevent more advanced stages of periodontal disease from developing.
LANAP® (Laser Gum Therapy)
Dr. Haskell is fully certified in LANAP techniques, which stands for Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure. Otherwise known as laser gum therapy, these techniques harness the power of laser energy to provide state-of-the-art procedures that are much less invasive than more traditional methods, such as gum surgery. Laser gum therapy can precisely target areas of diseased tissue without harming healthy tissues that surround them. This procedure can significantly improve gum health while minimizing discomfort and dramatically reducing recovery time.
Pinhole Gum Grafting
Pinhole gum grafting, sometimes referred to as the pinhole surgical technique, is a minimally-invasive procedure designed to treat receding gums. Unlike traditional tissue grafting methods, the Pinhole technique involves the creation of an extremely small “pinhole” in the gum tissue, through which specialized tools are used to gently reposition the gums and cover exposed tooth roots. No incisions or sutures are required for this technique, which can produce a quicker and more comfortable recovery process. Dr. Haskell is fully certified in Pinhole gum grafting and has helped many patients with this advanced procedure.
VISTA (Vestibular Incision Subperiosteal Tunnel Access)
VISTA (Vestibular Incision Subperiosteal Tunnel Access) is another state-of-the-art gum grafting technique that can help patients suffering from gum recession. This option involves an incision made in the gum tissue, followed by the creation of a small tunnel under the gumline. In many cases, Dr. Haskell will then place a tissue graft inside the tunnel and secure it over the roots of the tooth. VISTA can be an ideal option for patients who have exposed tooth roots and require treatment for severe gum recession. This technique can minimize trauma to the tissue, reduce the time necessary for recovery, and ultimately provide a very effective solution for receding gums.
Gum Contouring
The term “gummy smile” is often used to describe excessive gum tissue surrounding the teeth. Many individuals who have an imbalanced gum-to-teeth ratio are self-conscious about the aesthetics of their smile; however, this common condition can be addressed with gum contouring procedures. In fact, Dr. Haskell is often able to use laser gum contouring techniques for these treatments, which are less invasive and require less recovery time when compared to surgical procedures. Gum contouring can reshape the gums and make them more even, symmetrical, and balanced in their relationship with the teeth. This can result in an improved harmony between the gums and teeth, leading to a more beautiful smile.
“Professional thorough and enjoyable. Quite something for a periodontist!!!”
Gum Bleaching/Gum Depigmentation
Gum bleaching, which is sometimes referred to as gum depigmentation, is an innovative procedure designed to reduce signs of dark spots and patches that can result from excessive amounts of melanin in the gum tissue. This treatment can often be performed with minimally-invasive laser techniques that do not require an extensive recovery period. Gum bleaching can lighten the shade of the gums to produce a more uniform appearance and a healthier-looking, revitalized smile.
Osseous Surgery (Pocket Reduction)
Osseous surgery offers an effective solution for addressing gaps and pockets that form along the gumline, and even further destroy jaw bone supporting our teeth.. These spaces can harbor bacteria, increasing the risk and severity of infection and the progression of gum disease. Osseous surgery reduces the depth of these pockets, allowing the gum tissue to fit more snugly around the teeth. This procedure may be recommended for individuals with advanced periodontal disease in order to create a healthier oral environment and to prevent further complications by treating areas where harmful bacteria thrive.
Crown Lengthening (Gummy Smile Rejuvenation)
In addition to the gum contouring procedures mentioned earlier on this page, crown lengthening is another treatment that can be a great option for addressing signs of a gummy smile. Crown lengthening basically reshapes the gumline and underlying bone to provide more exposure of the tooth’s surface. This versatile treatment removes excess gum tissue and contours the area to create a more balanced and symmetrical appearance. It can also promote healthier gums and a more confident smile, with results that last for many years.
Bite Guards/Mouthguards
Bite guards and mouthguards are custom-designed oral appliances that can protect your teeth and jaw from damage, wear and tear, and other conditions. Bite guards can be particularly beneficial for patients who suffer from bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching) during sleep. They can also be helpful for alleviating jaw discomfort. Mouthguards are useful for protecting teeth and soft tissues during sports or other physical activities that may increase the chance of a facial impact.
Both bite guards and mouthguards are tailored to each patient’s oral anatomy so they fit comfortably and ensure effective protection. Whether for nighttime use or active lifestyles, these devices offer a simple yet powerful way to prevent dental injuries and maintain a healthy smile.
Bite Equilibration
Many individuals experience an uneven bite that results in the teeth being unable to meet while chewing, or in some teeth taking on much more biting pressure than others. This misaligned bite can produce a range of symptoms, including jaw pain, issues with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), headaches, wear-and-tear on the teeth, and even aesthetic imbalances. Bite equilibration is an innovative process that involves reshaping particular areas of the teeth to achieve a balanced bite and reduce stress on the jaw and surrounding muscles. Dr. Haskell can pinpoint areas of excessive contact and make precise adjustments to improve the bite. Ultimately, bite equilibration can not only alleviate discomfort, but also protect teeth from further damage and enhance oral function.
If you have questions about our periodontal care options or other treatments available at our practice, please contact Dr. Haskell today. We will be happy to provide you with additional information, or assist you with scheduling a consultation.