Case Studies

With permanently anchored dental implants, now you have the opportunity to replace your missing tooth/teeth and ill-fitting dentures.

Some of the implants services we offer consider:

• 3D imaging and CT scan-guided implant surgery
• Single implants
• Multiple implants
• Implant-retained removable dentures

More About Implants

Q: What is a dental implant made of?

A: Dental implants are made of titanium or titanium alloy. In order to fit individual needs, dental implants are designed in different shapes,lengths, surfaces, and connections between implant and post. Please discuss with your doctors how to select the right implants for you.

Q: What are the benefits of dental implants?

A: The benefits of dental implants include improved health due to the ability to enjoy a wider variety of foods, improvement of your smile, speech, and confidence, minimal tissue irritation by your dentures and adhesives, preservation of your bone, as well as increased social interaction.

Q: How does implant therapy restore my teeth and mouth?

A: Please see Implant Cases.

Q: Am I a good candidate for implant therapy?

A: As long as you are a healthy individual and can maintain good oral hygiene, you are very likely to enjoy the dental implants regardless of your age.Smoking, inadequate bone support and other negative factors may compromise the success of your implants. Please discuss with your doctors to find out if implant therapy is right for you.

Un-treated periodontal diseases may lead to tooth loss, affect your overall health and life quality and compromise your smile.

Some of the Periodontics Services we Offer:

• Conservative non-surgical therapy
• Scaling and root planning
• Adjunct antimicrobial therapy
• Conventional surgical therapy
• Flap osseous surgery (also called pocket reduction)
• Crown lengthening
• Periodontal regenerative procedures
• Guided tissue regeneration
• Guided bone regeneration
• Ridge preservation
• Ridge augmentation
• Sinus graft
• Frenectomy
• Exposure of unerupted teeth to facilitate orthodontic therapy

More About Periodontitis

Q: What is periodontal (gum) disease?

A: Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection of the gums and bone around the teeth. Periodontal diseases have two basic forms, gingivitis which affects the gums, and periodontitis which destroys both the soft tissue and bony support of the teeth. The most common type of periodontitis is called chronic periodontitis which involves gradual loss of periodontal support (cementum, periodontal ligament, bone etc) around the teeth. The body’s response to bacterial challenge (host response) commonly results in the destruction of gums and bone. There are other contributory causes that may worsen gum problems, such as diabetes, smoking, compromised immune system, certain medications etc.

Stages of Periodontal Diseases

• Gingivitis
• Mild Periodontitis
• Moderate Periodontitis
• Severe Periodontitis

Q: Is gum disease common?

A: Yes. According to a report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, most young adults (more than 60%) suffer from loss of periodontal support; among the elderly (age 65 or more), the prevalence of more severe periodontal diseases is even higher.

Q:How do I know if I have gum diseases?

A: You may have gum diseases if you have one and/or more of the following signs:

• Bleeding gums
• Bad breath
• Swollen gums
• Loosening teeth
• Receding gums
• Root sensitivity

Q: What are the common periodontal procedures?

A: See Services Offered Listed Above.

Do you want to know your risk of developing periodontal diseases? The American Academy of Periodontolgy has a risk assessment test tool to help you understand whether you are at a risk for developing a periodontal disease.

Early diagnosis and treatment of oral conditions is critical to maintain your oral and general health.

Some of the oral medicine services we offer:

Diagnosis and Management

• White and red oral and lip changes
• Oral and Lip ulcers
• Leukoplakia
• Lichen Planus
• Canker sores
• Cold sores
• Erythema Multiforme
• Soft tissue growths
• Neuropathic pain
• Burning Mouth Syndrome
• Dry Mouth
• Short and long term complications of Head and Neck Cancer Treatment

Pre-radiation oral evaluation

Diagnostic and Treatment Procedures

• Vital Staining
• Biopsy
• Carbon Dioxide laser surgery

More About Oral Medicine

Q: When should I see an oral medicine specialist?

A: An oral medicine specialist can help you if you have any of the following problems:

• Dry mouth

• White changes in the mouth

• Red changes in the mouth

• Pigmented changes in the mouth

• Ulcers in the mouth

• A mass or growth in the mouth

• Oral discomfort including burning sensations in the mouth

Q: What should I expect at the first oral medicine consultation appointment?

A: At your first visit in our office, Dr. Nita Chainani-Wu will discuss your concerns and review in detail your medical and dental histories with you. She will perform a detailed oral examination for any abnormalities and discuss the possible causes and treatment options with you. If more definitive diagnosis needed, she may recommend a simple biopsy at the same visit or at another time. Your report from the pathology laboratory is usually available within a week. If necessary, a carbon dioxide laser may be used during a biopsy procedure or if excision of an oral lesion or mass is required.

Q: What type of problems are oral medicine specialists trained to diagnose and treat?

Oral medicine specialists are trained to evaluate changes in the mouth including white changes, red changes, ulcers, growths as well as unusual and/or chronic oral discomfort, and determine the diagnosis and any associated systemic condition. In addition, they evaluate the oral cavity prior to and manage complications from chemotherapy and radiation in patients with head and neck cancers.

Want to know more about some of the conditions affecting the mouth diagnosed and managed by oral medicine specialists?

Some of the Cosmetic Services we Offer Consider:

• Root coverage
• Cosmetic crown lengthening
• Recontour of gum overgrowth associated with medications and pregnancy
• Minimally invasive periodontal plastic surgery