The term “periodontics” refers to the dental specialty that pertains to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease that affects the gums and underlying jawbone.  The gum tissues  surround the teeth and the underlying jawbone anchors teeth firmly in place.  Drs. Dennis Nishimine, Dee Nishimine & Sophia Tseng have all completed specialty residencies in peridodontics and dental implants. Periodontists have completed several years of extra dental training and are concerned with maintaining the function, health and aesthetics of your smile, and the replacement of missing teeth with dental implants.

Reasons for periodontal implant treatment

Periodontal disease is a progressive condition which begins with mild gum inflammation called gingivitis.  It is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults living in the developed world, and should be taken very seriously.  Periodontal disease (often called gum disease) is typically signified by red, swollen, painful, or bleeding gums, but in some cases has no noticeable symptoms.

Periodontal disease generally begins when the bacterial plaque causes an infection in the surrounding tissues of the teeth, causing them to become irritated and painful.  Eventually, this infection will; cause the jawbone to recede and the tooth to become loose.

Today the "standard of care," all patients should have a complete periodontal examination or periodontal probing to determine if periodontitis is present.  

There are several reasons why periodontal implant  treatment may be necessary:

• Moderate/advanced gum disease – This occurs when the gums are bleeding, swollen or red around most teeth and the jawbone and gums has begun to recede.  Drs. Dennis Nishimine, Dee Nishimine & Sophia Tseng may be able to rebuild the bone and gums for you and help you save your teeth and smile.
  
  
• Localized gum recession – The infection which propagates moderate or advanced gum disease often begins in one area.  Gum recession may also be caused due to over brushing with a hard bristle brush, or due to a tooth that is not positioned properly. You may "appear to have long teeth" and with proper grafting techniques these roots can be covered for a nicer smile.  Periodontist are sometimes considered "the plastic surgeons of the gums," by grafting tissues to cover root surfaces and create ideal gingival harmony for a beautiful smile.
•  
• Before crown lengthening –  Drs. Dennis Nishimine, Dee Nishimine & Sophia Tseng may lengthen the crown of the tooth by removing surrounding soft tissue to provide more tooth exposure.  This will allow your restorative dentist to make an ideal crown or cap for you.
•  
• Dental Implants -  Drs. Dennis Nishimine, Dee Nishimine &  Sophia Tseng have been placing dental implants since 1990 with a great deal of succes and esthetics are our main concern.  We want it to be very natural looking. If you are missing one tooth or all of your teeth today they can easily be replaced with dental implants.  The first choice of treatment for a missing tooth is a dental implant.  "Why should you cut down adjacent teeth and have a bridge placed?"
• 
   
• Ridge augmentation – If you have been missing a tooth or teeth for a long time the bone may also be missing and we can rebuild this bone for you with to allow us to place implants and rebuild your facial profile.

In the case of mild/moderate periodontal problems, the focus of the Drs. Dennis Nishimine, Dee Nishimine & Sophia Tseng, will be on curing the underlying bacterial infection and then providing advice on the most appropriate oral hygine instruction tailored for your own needs for the daily removal of bacterial plaque.

Sometimes a deep scaling and root planing is needed to remove the bacterial plaque and calculus (tartar) from the roots under the gum line.  Where periodontal disease is advanced and the jawbone has regressed significantly, more intensive therapy may be required to rebuild the bone for you.

Drs. Dennis Nishimine, Dee Nishimine & Sophia Tseng are trained in all aspects of dental implant procedures, which can restore functionality to the mouth when teeth have been lost due to periodontitis.

Because periodontal disease is progressive, it is essential to remove the bacteria and calculus build up to halt the spread of the infection.  Your removal of bacterial plaque daily will allow you to save and maintain your natural teeth and dental implants.  "Brush and Floss Daily."

If you have any questions about periodontal disease , please ask our Periodontal Implant Team. "Beautiful Smiles Through Periodontics and Dental Implants."  Contact us