A REPUTATION FOR EXCELLENCE IN MODERN DENTISTRY
As a diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology Dr. Pawlus and his staff will provide you with comprehensive periodontal treatment and education.
We also provide diagnostic procedures and treatment for oral pathology as well as dental implant surgery for replacement of missing teeth.
We take the time to explain your treatment options and to inform you of additional preventative care methods.
We are here to listen to your questions and concerns and to help provide solutions leading to your better health…Read More
Section 1
What is the Difference Between Healthy Gums and Unhealthy Gums?
Section 2
What are Some Early Stage Periodontal (Gum) Disease Treatments?
Section 3
I Need Gum Surgery – What Happens Now?
Section 4
What is Flap Surgery?
Section 5
What is a Gum Graft?
Section 6
What is Crown Lengthening?
Section 7
How is Crown Lengthening Performed?
Section 8
What is LANAP Laser Surgery?
Section 9
What is Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation?
Section 10
What are Dental Implants?
Section 11
What are the Types of Implants?
Section 12
Single Implant
Section 13
Lower Implant Bridge
Section 14
What Can I Expect During My Recovery?
Teeth are made up of a crown and a root. The crown is the white part of the tooth that can be seen above the gum line. The root is normally under the gum. The neck of the tooth is where the crown joins the root. The is where the gum tissue normally sits, and the gum forms a tight collar around the neck of the tooth, which prevents bacteria from damaging the bone. Inside the root there is a small nerve that supplies tooth sensation, and there is also a small blood supply to keep the tooth living. Healthy gums are pink, firm, and do not bleed. Healthy teeth are normally firm, tight, and do not move.
Unhealthy gums are often red, swollen, and can be tender to the touch. A pocket can develop in unhealthy gums. A pocket is a crevice around the neck of the tooth that traps bacteria under the gum. Bleeding and abscesses can occur, which can lead to damage to the ligaments and bone. If unhealthy gums are left untreated, teeth can become loose and come out. If gum disease does not get better with non-surgical cleaning treatment, advanced surgical options may be considered.
The early stages of periodontal disease can usually be treated by scaling and root planing also known as “deep cleaning.” With more advanced cases, periodontal surgery may become necessary.
If gum surgery is recommended, but before it is performed, Dr. Pawlus will perform a pre-operative exam to make sure it is safe for you to undergo dental surgery. During the exam, Dr. Pawlus will:
- Review your medical history. It is important to answer his questions as fully and honestly as possible.
- Dr. Pawlus will examine your teeth, mouth, and jaw to check for health and stability.
- Dr. Pawlus will check for any infections, abscesses, or lesions that might make healing more complicated.
- Dr. Pawlus will discuss the risks and benefits of oral surgery, and he will give you his expert opinion on which procedure will best help you accomplish your dental goals.
The most common form of periodontal surgery is Flap Surgery, and it is especially helpful for people who have tartar deposits in deep pockets. This procedure allows access to the bottom of the deep pockets and defects in the bone. During this common procedure, Dr. Pawlus will make small cuts in your gum and lift a section of tissue back. He will remove the tartar and bacteria from your tooth and under your gums.
This procedure helps to clean out the infected deep pockets and repair some of the damage that was done due to the periodontal disease. Once the pockets have been cleaned, Dr. Pawlus will suture your gums back so the tissue fits firmly around your teeth. Sometimes, the bone may require reshaping during this procedure, but once you are healed, it will be easier for you to clean areas on your teeth and gums.
When gums recede, a type of periodontal surgery, known as a soft tissue graft, can help restore some of the tissue you lost.
This is done to enhance the amount of healthy tissue around the tooth roots or in certain cases cover the exposed root surfaces caused by recession. A gum graft can reduce further gum recession and bone loss.
In some instances, it can cover exposed roots to protect them from decay. A graft may also reduce tooth sensitivity or improve the aesthetics of your smile.
Periodontal surgery can also be used to enhance the aesthetic outcome with veneers and is often referred to as cosmetic Crown Lengthening. Crown Lengthening is a common surgical procedure that can be performed when a tooth needs to be fixed, such as when not enough of the tooth sticks out above the gum to support a filling or crown. Crown Lengthening can also be performed to reduce excess gum tissue around the upper teeth, which is often referred to as a “gummy smile.” Crown Lengthening can be performed to even your gum line or on several teeth to expose a natural, broad smile. Dr. Pawlus can also perform Crown Lengthening in order to gain access to deep cavities allowing him to remove decay and place a crown to enhance the prognosis of the tooth.
Dr. Pawlus will make small incision that will pull the gums away from the teeth. This will expose the roots of the teeth and the surrounding bone.
In some cases, simply removing a little gum tissue will expose enough tooth for him to place a crown or filling. However, in some cases, he will need to remove some bone from around the roots of the teeth.
Once he has exposed enough tooth, the surgical area is washed with sterile saltwater and the gums will be stitched together.
LANAP stands for Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure. It is an FDA-cleared laser treatment that offers a less painful, more successful treatment to treat moderate to advanced periodontal disease. The LANAP is the only scientifically proven method that removes diseased tissue and allows true periodontal regeneration, new bone growth, and gum tissue reattachment. The LANAP is one of the most successful protocols in treating gum disease since it can target the source of the inflammation without hurting or removing any healthy gum tissue, slow or stop attachment loss and decrease pocket depth while allowing the body to recover from infection without the need for scalpel or sutures.
Dr. Pawlus is certified in this dramatic surgical breakthrough that allows for a less painful, faster and cost-effective alternative to conventional gum grafting. Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation is a minimally invasive alternative to more complicated gum recession procedures that feature grafting or sutures. This procedure is performed by making small holes in the gum tissue near the tip of the tooth root. Using specially designed instruments, Dr. Pawlus will loosen and guide the gum tissue over the receded tooth. Once the gum is in place, collagen strips are inserted through the pinhole. The strips hold the gum tissue in place, which creates the new tissue support. Since there is no cutting or stitching, there is minimal post-operative symptoms, such as swelling and bleeding. With the Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation method, several teeth can be treated at one time.
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root placed in your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge.
Dental implants may be an option for people who have lost one tooth, or more, due to periodontal disease, injury, or other reason.
Endosteal (in the bone) – This is the most common type of implant. This type includes screws, cylinders, or blades surgically placed into the bone. Each implant holds one or more implanted teeth. This type of implant is generally used as an alternative for patients with bridges or removable dentures.
Subperiosteal (on the bone) – Implants placed on top of the jaw with the metal framework protruding through the gum to hold the implanted tooth. Generally used for those individuals who are unable to wear conventional dentures.
If you are missing a single tooth, one implant and a crown can replace it.
If you are missing a single tooth, one implant and a crown can replace it.
Following periodontal surgery your recovery will depend on how severe your disease is, your overall health, and the type of procedure you had. Typically, you can expect to have some minor bleeding and discomfort after surgery; however, you should be able to return to some normal activities within 24 hours. It is important you follow the home instructions given to you by Dr. Pawlus and his staff. However, in general, you will need to:
- Take any medications as prescribed.
- After 24 hours, you can rinse your mouth gently with warm saltwater several times a day to reduce swelling and relieve pain.
- Change gauze pads before they become soaked with blood.
- Relax after surgery. Strenuous physical activity may increase bleeding.
- Eat soft foods such as gelatin, pudding, or light soup.
- Do not lie flat. This may prolong bleeding. Prop up your head with pillows.
- Continue to carefully brush your teeth and tongue.
- Apply an ice or cold pack to the outside of your mouth to help relieve pain and swelling.
- Do not use sucking motions, such as when using a straw to drink.
- Do not smoke. Smoking can interfere with how your body heals after surgery.
With over two decades of experience, Dr. Pawlus wants your dental surgery to be successful. Dr. Pawlus also wants you to approach your dental care with full knowledge and understanding, and he wants to work in partnership with you to achieve your desired dental outcome. Dr. Pawlus is ready and able to answer any question you may have about your dental health, and his knowledgeable, compassionate staff stand ready to make you feel comfortable and at ease. Our office is conveniently located in Sarasota, FL and we invite you to call with any questions. We will do everything possible to ensure you a pleasant visit.
With over two decades of experience, Dr. Pawlus wants your dental surgery to be successful. Dr. Pawlus also wants you to approach your dental care with full knowledge and understanding, and he wants to work in partnership with you to achieve your desired dental outcome. Dr. Pawlus is ready and able to answer any question you may have about your dental health, and his knowledgeable, compassionate staff stand ready to make you feel comfortable and at ease. Our office is conveniently located in Sarasota, FL and we invite you to call with any questions. We will do everything possible to ensure you a pleasant visit.
