Services
Dental Implants
Implants are a tooth replacement option that involves placing a new "root" into the bone of your jaw. Once this titanium "root" has fused with your bone, it can be used to support a crown, bridge, or denture. Dental Implants have now become the standard for replacing older dentistry and missing teeth because they look and feel like your natural teeth and have a higher success rate than all other forms of tooth replacement.
Laser Assisted Periodontal Treatment (LANAP)
Laser-assisted dental treatment represents an innovative approach to oral healthcare, revolutionizing traditional dental procedures with precision and efficiency. Laser technology enables dentists to perform procedures with exceptional precision, targeting specific areas of concern while minimizing impact on surrounding healthy tissue. This precision allows for conservative treatments, preserving more of the natural tooth structure. We use an FDA-cleared laser treatment called the LANAP (Laser Assisted Regeneration) protocol which offers a less painful, more successful treatment alternative to conventional surgery. LANAP or LAR is the only scientifically, research proven, methodology that results in true periodontal regeneration of new bone growth and gum tissue reattachment.
Periodontal Maintenance Cleanings
Supportive periodontal maintenance, often referred to as a periodontal recall appointment, plays a crucial role in managing gum disease and maintaining oral health after initial periodontal treatment. These appointments typically occur every three to four months and involve a combination of professional cleanings and comprehensive oral examinations to allow ongoing monitoring of gum health, early detection of any signs of disease recurrence, and personalized oral hygiene instructions to optimize at-home care. By providing regular, specialized care, supportive periodontal maintenance helps patients achieve and sustain healthy gums and overall oral well-being.
Soft Tissue Surgical Procedures
We specialize in soft tissue procedures such as frenectomies, crown lengthening, soft tissue grafts, and biopsies.
Tradional Periodontal Surgery
Traditional periodontal surgery involves diagnosing and treating gum disease through procedures like incisions, flap elevation, debridement, bone reshaping, and soft tissue grafting. It aims to remove diseased tissue, restore bone structure, and improve gum health. Patients receive local anesthesia, post-operative care instructions, and may require follow-up appointments for monitoring.
Our Approach
About Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums, which gradually leads to the destruction of the support of your natural teeth. This disease affects more than 80% of Americans by the age of 45.
Dental plaque is the primary cause of gum disease. Bacteria found in plaque produce enzymes and toxins which injure the gums. Injured gums turn red, swell and bleed easily.If this injury is prolonged, the gums separate from the teeth, causing pockets (spaces) to form.Plaque can also harden into a rough, porous substance known as calculus (tartar).This can occur both above and below the gum line. As periodontal disease progresses, the supporting gum tissue and bone that hold the teeth in place deteriorate. If left untreated, this leads to tooth loss. Pain is usually not present until damage from this disease is very advanced.
We strongly believe that each patient must be treated as an individual. Therefore, one of our goals during your first visit is to understand you as an individual. During this visit, you will have the opportunity to discuss your concerns and expectations with Dr. Kuhns and our staff. Evaluating your x-rays, examining the condition of your mouth, and discussing your personal information and how that might impact treatment decisions allow us to serve in the capacity of an adviser.
In most cases, at the initial visit, future appointments will be determined, estimated fees discussed, and financial arrangements reviewed. So we may address all of your questions we encourage you to invite your spouse, friend, or family member to accompany you to this important appointment. This is especially valuable if this person will be actively involved in your treatment or financial decision-making process.
We strongly believe in thoroughly educating our patients and taking a "no surprises" approach to patient care. We will communicate with your general dentist, in the form of a letter and a personal phone call, when necessary, so that as a team we can all stay well informed of each other's treatment recommendations.
