- Teeth Cleaning
- CrownsAlternatively, a crown lengthening procedure can also be performed for reasons that are purely aesthetic to reduce the appearance of a “gummy smile” when too much of the gums and far too little tooth structure is displayed when smiling. It can be performed on a single tooth to make the gum line appear even with the other teeth or on several teeth to improve a smile’s overall appearance
- BridgesCrown lengthening is a common procedure that is routinely performed to re-contour gum tissue and bone, as needed, with the intent of making more tooth structure available for the placement of a dental crown or dental bridge. This is often the case when a tooth is decayed or otherwise damaged below the gum line.
- Periodontal SurgeryWhen gum disease has advanced beyond the initial stage, periodontal surgery is often recommended to effectively remove bacteria and tartar from around the teeth, reduce gingival pocket depth, restore lost tissue as possible, and halt disease progression. It’s essential to keep in mind that gum disease is a progressive condition. If appropriate measures are not taken, gum disease continues to compromise the support of the teeth and have consequences to one’s overall dental health and well-being.
- Deep CleaningBy performing a deep cleaning, which is also known as a scaling and root planing, we can remove any excess buildup of plaque and tartar that has accumulated around your teeth in the area below the gumline. The goal of this procedure is to treat periodontal disease by eliminating inflammation and reducing the size of pockets between the teeth and gums. While a dental scaling is intended to carefully eliminate any accumulated deposits on the surface of the tooth below the gumline, a root planing goes deeper to smooth the surface of the root so that the gums can properly reattach and heal.
- DenturesSince implants behave like natural teeth, there is no chance that they will slip or dislodge like removable dentures when speaking or eating.
- OverdenturesMost dental implants are made of titanium but are also available “metal-free” zirconia. Both titanium and zirconia are biocompatible materials, which integrate well with the hard and soft tissues in the jaw. Depending upon the requirements of the case, a single dental implant can be restored with a crown to replace one missing tooth, or multiple implants can be used to support a fixed bridge. In cases where all of the upper and/or lower teeth are missing a full-arch, implanted supported bridge can be placed. Special implants can also be placed for added support and stability for removable overdentures or as anchorage devices in orthodontics called “TAD’s” or Transitional Anchorage Devices.
- Dental ImplantsFor patients lacking a sufficient amount of bone for a dental implant to replace a tooth), a procedure, which is known as a "sinus lift" is performed. During this surgical procedure, the sinus membrane is lifted, and bone graft material is added between the jaw and the floor of the sinus to provide the needed bone height to support a dental implant successfully.
- Oral Surgery
- Flap SurgeryIn many cases, a periodontal procedure, which is known as flap surgery, is frequently recommended. During this procedure, the gums in the affected area are reflected away from the teeth and supporting bone. Now, the pocket and roots of the teeth can be thoroughly cleaned and supporting tissues recontoured as needed. When this step gets completed, the tissue flag gets sutured back into place. While this approach represents a tried and true method of care, in some cases, dental lasers can also be employed to treat periodontal disease.
- Gum SurgeryWe maintain a position at the forefront of advances in the field to provide our patients with the best options in care. Today, many surgical procedures can be performed with microsurgical techniques and smaller instrumentation. Referred to as microplastic gum surgery, these procedures offer the benefits of reduced tissue trauma, improved wound closure, quicker healing, and enhanced outcomes of care.
- Tooth ExtractionsGuided bone regeneration is a dental procedure that is used for increasing bone mass in cases where vertical and/or horizontal defects in the jawbone exist. It is a reliable method for re-establishing hard tissue volume in areas of bone loss, which has taken place in the upper or lower jaw as the result of periodontal disease, trauma, cyst or tumor surgery, as well as after a dental extraction.
- Ridge AugmentationOther periodontal issues can also take a toll on smile aesthetics. Gum recession can diminish one’s appearance by creating a “long in the tooth” look. This cosmetic issue, along with the oral health consequences associated with receding gums, can often be resolved by performing a gingival graft to replace the soft tissue over the exposed area of the tooth. We can also repair unsightly indentations caused by the development of bony defects following the extraction of a tooth with ridge augmentation procedures.
- Bone GraftingLateral Window Technique - This method of care involves cutting out and pushing a defined section of the overlying dental bone against the sinus membrane to elevate it. The space that the dental bone and sinus membrane previously occupied is then filled with bone grafting material. Afterward, the area is given several months to heal before the implant is placed.
- Orthodontics
- General DentistryDr. Braden Seamons attended the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry and graduated in 1978. He then entered the Naval Dental Corps where he practiced general dentistry for ten years. His post graduate training was at Naval Dental School Bethesda which he completed in 1989. After practicing as a periodontist in the Navy until 2003, he retired from military service and entered private practice. Dr. Braden Seamons is a Board Certified Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology. He continues to take numerous continuing education courses to remain aware of the latest trends in periodontics and implant therapy.