Philadelphia Periodontist Corrects Overgrowth of Gum Tissue During Orthodontic Treatment

Excess gum tissue can create the appearance of short teeth and a "gummy" smile—and make your oral health more difficult to manage. A number of factors can cause a gummy smile. Philadelphia periodontist, Dr. Stephen Brown can remove excess gum tissue to give your mouth a new look. Esthetic crown lengthening can enhance your smile by creating a more even gumline, making the teeth appear longer. The procedure can also improve the patient's ability to eat and allows for better oral hygiene, resulting in less irritation.

During Cosmetic Crown Lengthening, a cosmetic periodontal procedure, gum tissue is surgically removed, and in some cases, some of the underlying bone is also removed.

In this example, a young lady had experienced irritation from braces (orthodontics). If a patient has excessive gum tissue at the time of orthodontic treatment, the gums can become irritated by the braces, even with proper oral care. Following orthodontic treatment and removal of her braces, an overgrowth and enlargement of her gums became evident, making her teeth appear much too short and her smile much too "gummy".

Before

Montgomery County Periodontal Specialist, Dr. I. Stephen Brown corrected the condition utilizing a cosmetic periodontal procedure, making her smile much more attractive.

After

To learn more about correcting gummy smiles and other gum procedures, call Philadelphia Gum Specialist Dr. Stephen Brown (215) 735-3660 or visit him on the web at www.theperiogroup.com and submit your questions online using one of the "contact us" forms located throughout the website.

What is the Cost of a Dental Implant?

With the continually rising costs of health care, patients must recognize that fees for dental implants, beyond inventory and overhead, are a reflection of significant additional educational requirements and considerable investment in the highly technical equipment which is required to assure you the most favorable, predictable and long-lasting clinical outcomes.
When compared to routine dental procedures like fillings, cleanings, extractions and root canals, dental implants might be considered expensive. However, unlike conventional methods of tooth replacement, a successful dental implant can last a lifetime.

Multiple published studies have shown that virtually every other form of tooth replacement has a finite life, and requires replacement on a regular basis. For instance, caps or crowns and bridges represent short term solutions to tooth loss, and need to be replaced every 5-7 years. Every time a crown is replaced it causes additional loss of tooth and gum tissue, a potential need for root canal treatment and / or periodontal therapy Camden NJ.

Furthermore, each time a crown is replaced, the current fee is considerably greater than the original fee, simply due to inflation. Consider the initial cost of a dental implant versus the continuing costs of replacing existing restorations. Many studies have shown that the success rate of implants and implant supported crowns and bridges is around 95% or better. Every other form of tooth replacement, or medical procedure, pales by comparison.

Unfortunately, it’s hard to provide an “average” fee for dental implants. Fees are determined based on type and number of implants required. Costs are also related to the extent of related procedures which are often necessary to properly prepare the site of a missing tooth to receive an implant. These procedures may be required to build up bone and gum tissue. The condition of the jaw bone, medical issues such as Diabetes and smoking, are all elements which also must be factored into the establishment a fair fee.

It should be remembered that nobody comes to a dentist for an implant. Discerning patients expect that an implant is placed to insure a functional and cosmetically acceptable tooth replacement. Providing such an outcome requires significantly more skill than simply placing an implant in the jaw bone.

All things considered, Philadelphia dental implant treatment represents not only the most technologically advanced, but the most cost effective form of tooth replacement. Coupled with the level of care, skill and judgment exercised by a well trained implant surgeon, one would be hard pressed to find a more affordable option. Dental implants can provide a permanent solution to your dental problems, while avoiding the long term inconvenience and escalating costs associated with less permanent options for tooth replacement.

New Periodontal Laser Provides Many Benefits for Philadelphia Gum Disease Patients

Laser surgery provides another option for patients who have already undergone a scaling and root planing procedure without sufficient results. Normally traditional blade surgery would be indicated for such a patient; however, with the addition of the PerioLase® to our treatment armamentarium, patients have available to them a realistic alternative with comparable results. The benefits of LANAP™ include less pain, less gum recession, decreased bleeding, swelling and root sensitivity, and maybe the most important benefit, less downtime after treatment. An added benefit of laser surgery is the antibacterial effect that helps discinfect the periodontal pockets.

Laser treatment is also beneficial for patients who have medical problems requiring medications such as aspirin, Plavix, and Coumadin. Since LANAP® causes much less bleeding than traditional surgeries; patients do not have to discontinue using these life-saving medications prior to surgery. Patients with advanced periodontal disease who take bisphosphonate medications such as Fosamax can avoid having extractions because even teeth with a poor prognosis can often be saved with this life-changing procedure. This is especially important because studies have shown that Fosamax can lead to osteonecrosis of the jaw following tooth extraction.

For more information about how Philadelphia Dental Patients can benefit from LANAP Laser Therapy, contact Dr. I. Stephen Brown at The Perio Group 215.735.3660 or visit the "Laser Alternative" page of The Perio Group Website.

Functional Crown Lengthening: Laying the Groundwork For Exceptional Restorative Results

Periodontal procedures are available to lay the groundwork for periodontal and restorative dentistry and/or to improve the health and esthetics of your smile. Functional crown lengthening Philadelphia is a procedure that recontours the gum tissue surrounding one or more teeth so that an adequate amount of healthy tooth is exposed.

Crown lengthening is often used as part of a treatment plan for a tooth that is to be fitted with a crown. This procedure provides the necessary space between the supporting bone and crown, preventing the new crown from damaging gum tissues and bone. Montgomery County Periodontist, Dr. I Stephen Brown often recommends a crown lengthening procedure to make a restorative procedures possible. If a tooth is badly worn, decayed, or fractured, below the gum line, crown lengthening adjusts the gum and bone levels to gain access to more of the tooth so it can be restored.

What are the benefits of this procedure?
Functional crown lengthening is an important part of an integrated effort to optimize your health, appearance, comfort, and function. A beautiful new smile and improved periodontal health are your keys to smiling, eating and speaking with comfort and confidence.

Questions? Call Dr. I. Stephen Brown, Periodontist & Implant Dentist in Philadelphia, PA at 215.735.3660 or visit him on the web at http://www.theperiogroup.com/.

Cosmetic Dentistry: A Cosmetic Crown Lengthening Procedure Can Be The Key To Smiling, Eating and Speaking With Comfort and Confidence

You may have asked your Periodontist about procedures to improve a "gummy" smile because your teeth appear short. Your teeth may actually be the proper lengths, but they're covered with too much gum tissue. To correct this, Philadelphia periodontist, Dr. I. Stephen Brown performs a gum lengthening procedure often referred to as Cosmetic Crown Lengthening Montgomery County.

During this procedure, excess gum and bone tissue is reshaped to expose more of the natural tooth. This can be done to one tooth, to even your gum line, or to several teeth to expose a natural, broad smile.

Your dentist or Periodontist may also recommend crown lengthening to make a restorative or cosmetic dental procedure possible. Perhaps your tooth is decayed, broken below the gum line, or has insufficient tooth structure for a restoration, such as a crown or bridge. Crown lengthening adjusts the gum and bone level to expose more of the tooth so it can be restored with a crown or a bridge.

What are the benefits of this procedure?
Whether done to improve function or esthetics, cosmetic crown lengthening often gives patients the benefits of both: a beautiful new smile and improved periodontal health. Patients find that those are the keys to smiling, eating and speaking with comfort and confidence.

To learn more about Tooth Lengthening Philadelphia and many other periodontal and dental implant procedures go to www.theperiogroup.com or call Camden NJ area periodontist, Dr. I. Stephen Brown at 215.735.3660.

Montgomery County Periodontist Provides Tooth Extractions Without Trauma

The offices of Periodontal and Implant Dentistry Specialist Dr. I. Stephen Brown are unconditionally committed to the lifelong retention of natural teeth in function and health. However, as a dental implant specialist, Philadelphia Periodontist, Dr. Stephen Brown is frequently faced with the difficult decision of how to most appropriately manage severely-compromised teeth from a periodontal or restorative standpoint.

The clinical challenges which result from the extraction of periodontally-hopeless teeth are profound. Treatment planning and atraumatic management of extration sites must focus upon the retention or re-creation of sufficient volume of bone and soft tissue and adequate crestal height and contours to achieve esthetic and functional restorations.

It is extremely important to envision a functionally and cosmetically acceptable tooth replacement and consider ridge preservation or immediate implant placement before the removal of any tooth. Patients are encouraged to consult with Dr. I. Stephen Brown regardging the most efficient way to handle such treatment and to click here to read more about atraumatic extraction and ridge preservation.

By anticipating the possibility of alveolar loss subsequent to the extraction of a tooth, Camden, NJ dental implant specialist Dr. I. Stephen Brown can also minimize the number of surgical procedures a patient may have to endure to achieve optimal treatment results.

What Patients are Saying About Montgomery County Periodontist, Dr. Stephen Brown

What Patients are Saying About Philadelphia Periodontist Dr. Stephen Brown:

Patient Testimonials

From beginning to end, my experience with Dr. Brown and his staff could be categorized as first class. Dr. Brown did an outstanding job of restoring my gum tissue and his assistants were always friendly and accommodating. I was also impressed with the high level of professionalism that was demonstrated by his front office staff. Overall, I would rate my experience with Dr. Brown's office as top-notch and would recommend his practice to anyone who is in need of periodontal services.
Arnold Sirull

I regret that I had to go through this experience but now that I have, you were the right people! I sincerely, value and appreciate your patience, expertise, patient focus and support. I wish you each much continued success!
John Creveling

Never have I had a better treatment than Dr. Brown gave to me. I think that his experience makes him an excellent Doctor. Moreover, the staff of Dr. Brown was so friendly with me, giving therefore a comfortable atmosphere. At the beginning I was so afraid; I thought I would never recover my beautiful smile. However, Dr. Brown gave me faith and a beautiful new smile for all my life.
Thank You Very Much Dr. Brown and Staff.
Richard Aguilar

My treatment with Dr. Brown was an unqualified success. I had two surgeries and they both went remarkably well. His staff is both caring and professional and a pleasure to work with. I would recommend him any day.
Karen Reibstein

I was undergoing extensive dental work and found I needed implants for a few future teeth. I was recommended to Dr. I. Stephen Brown. I had a consultation with him and he explained everything that needed to be done and he answered all my questions. His staff is friendly and knowledgeable and the work went well. Dr. Brown did a wonderful job putting my implants in and I am very happy with the results. I would recommend Dr. Stephen Brown to anyone who would need his experience.
Connie Hagan

Dr. Brown,
I am very pleased with the way things are turning out. I was overwhelmed and completely uncomfortable by my gums when I first came to you. Thank you for the genuine interest and reassurance that you gave me. It is making a world of difference. Your staff is the friendliest group I’ve ever seen. I feel very fortunate.

Click here to read more patient testimonials and to see what Doctors are saying about their colleage and gum disease expert, Dr. Stephen Brown.