Perio Health
Periodontist, Periodontal Surgery in San Jose
Dr. Takeuchi

Studies have shown links between periodontal (gum) disease, heart disease and other health conditions. Research further suggests that gum disease may be a more serious risk factor for heart disease than hypertension, smoking, cholesterol, gender and ages.Researchers conclusions suggest that bacteria present in infected gums can become loose and move throughout the body through the bloodstream. Once bacteria reach the arteries, they can irritate them in the same way that they irritate gum tissue causing arterial plaque, which can cause hardening and affect blood-flow.

Scaling / Planing
Periodontist, Periodontal Surgery in San Jose
Dr. Takeuchi

Tooth scaling removes plaque, tartar and hard crusty calculus deposits, which are loaded with bacteria. Sub-gingival tooth scaling is necessary when plaque and tartar are detected below the gum line. After scaling the tooth roots may need to be planed to smooth the root surface. Soft tissue will re-attach itself to a smooth tooth surface. Your dentist may also recommend medications to help control infection, pain, or to encourage healing.

Gum Lift
Periodontist, Periodontal Surgery in San Jose
Dr. Takeuchi

A gum lift may be performed to create a more even gum line. Patients with a gummy smile can quickly and safely have unwanted tissue removed, thus exposing more tooth to shape a more attractive smile.

Tissue Graft
Periodontist, Periodontal Surgery in San Jose
Dr. Takeuchi

Root exposure resulting from gingival tissue recession may pose multiple problems for patients:

• Undesirable esthetics
• Root sensitivity
• Impaired oral hygiene
• Increased caries susceptibility
• Teeth may become loose

A gingival tissue graft will restore the proper gum tissue structure around the tooth.

Crown Lengthening
Periodontist, Periodontal Surgery in San Jose
Dr. Takeuchi

Periodontal procedures are available to lay the groundwork for restorative and cosmetic dentistry and/or to improve the esthetics of your gum line. Your teeth may actually be the proper lengths, but they are covered with too much gum tissue. Crown lengthening is a procedure to correct this condition.

During this procedure, excess gum and bone tissue is re-shaped 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.

Crown lengthening can 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.

Occasionally, a tooth that fractures below the gum line is impossible to restore without removal of gum tissue and, at times, a small amount of bone. The newly exposed tooth structure allows a crown to be placed.