LANAP (laser-assisted new attachment procedure) uses laser technology to remove the bacteria and damaged tissue below the gumline that is associated with periodontal disease. LANAP laser dentistry is unique because it does not involve any cutting or sewing of the gum tissue. At Sacramento Periodontics, our periodontists use the Periolase® MP-7 laser, the only FDA-approved laser treatment proven to regenerate gum tissue and bone. Laser dentistry instruments are not created equal, and we use the most advanced laser technology available.

We have found that in certain cases, periodontal disease is best controlled by using a combination of laser treatment and traditional periodontal surgery. In these situations, we use laser treatment wherever possible and employ traditional periodontal techniques (i.e. bone grafting) when necessary. Both treatments are designed to remove bacteria and damaged tissue below the gumline and treat the area in order to heal the remaining tissue by stimulating blood flow and bone growth in the affected area.

The gum graft procedure is designed to control the tooth decay and bone loss that often accompanies gum tissue recession. The grafting procedure uses soft tissue, either obtained from the roof of your own mouth or from a donor, to cover the exposed roots of the tooth. This treatment seeks to rebuild and regrow the lost gum tissue (keratinized gingiva), thereby covering and protecting the exposed roots and underlying bone from further damage.

A sinus lift is often performed prior to the placement of a dental implant when there is not enough bone below the sinus to support the implant. To start the sinus lift procedure, a small space is created in the upper jawbone just below the sinus. The sinus is then carefully lifted, and bone graft material is injected into the empty space between the sinus and the bone. During the healing process, the bone graft material will harden and fuse with the existing bone, thereby creating enough new bone to place and support the dental implant.

A ridge augmentation is performed when a patient has lost a tooth or requires a tooth extraction and does not have enough bone to support a dental implant. During the ridge augmentation procedure, bone graft material is placed on top of the existing bone. Over time, the bone graft material is absorbed and helps to stimulate new bone growth. If enough bone growth occurs, the patient will have sufficient bone to support a dental implant.

Typically, the crown lengthening procedure is performed after a tooth has suffered damage (either from trauma or decay) that extends beneath the gumline. The procedure involves repositioning the gumline to reveal the damaged section of the tooth that was hidden by the gum tissue so that your general dentist can restore the tooth. The gumline is repositioned lower for a bottom tooth or higher for an upper tooth. In other scenarios, the gumline is repositioned because a tooth is too small for your general dentist to place a crown. By repositioning the gumline, we extend the surface area of the tooth so that it can support the new crown.

Together with your team of dental professionals, we correct bite problems and limit the periodontal damage that can result from occlusion trauma.

Tooth extraction may be necessary for a variety of reasons, including advanced periodontal disease, tooth decay, trauma, or impacted teeth. After we perform the extraction, we will follow through with the treatment plan to help restore your smile and get you back to enjoying life.

Periodontal disease is an infection that causes the gum tissue to become inflamed and pull away from the teeth, creating a larger than normal space between the teeth and gums called a “deep pocket.” If left untreated, deep pockets trap calculus and bacterial byproducts below the gumline, making the infection worse. Deep pockets are treated with a procedure called root planing, in which the roots of the teeth are planed to make them smooth and to slow future bacterial colonization. Root planing allows the gums to reattach to the teeth, thereby making the deep pockets smaller and reversing the progression of gum disease.

Gum disease is a chronic disease. While it is not currently possible to permanently cure gum disease, it can be managed with the use of periodontal procedures and maintenance. We use procedures to stop the progression of the disease and to achieve a state of oral health. Once achieved, we use frequent periodontal cleanings called periodontal maintenance to sustain your state of oral health. Without consistent periodontal cleaning, the periodontal infection will return.