Thursday, March 27, 2014

Ridge Augmentation

If you have lost a tooth quite some time ago and now want to get a dental implant, you may not be eligible for one. This is because after losing a tooth, the jawbone of the missing tooth starts deteriorating. If the tooth was not replaced quickly, it increases the likelihood of this happening.
 
Our patients often visit us wanting a dental implant to replace one of their missing teeth, but then realize they don’t have sufficient bone to support the titanium metal post. Luckily, we offer ridge augmentation, a procedure to restore the bone structure.
 
The ridge augmentation procedure is done by lifting the gum from its ridge and creating an opening where the jawbone is located. Then, a bone graft or other bone-like material is used to fill these defected areas where the jawbone is starting to deteriorate. It is closed up and left to heal before the implant procedure can be completed. By getting ridge augmentation before implants, patients increase their chances of success after having the metal post implanted into the jawbone.
 
Patients looking for the ridge augmentation procedure should call Greenville Family Dentistry at 903-455-6701.
 

Thursday, March 13, 2014

Frenectomy

Here at Greenville Family Dentistry, we provide a variety of pediatric dentistry procedures, including the frenectomy. A frenectomy is a common procedure performed right here in our dental practice, which helps remove the frenulum located in the mouth.
 
A frenulum is a small piece of tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth. The frenulum is usually found while the patient is a child, and prevents them from moving their tongue properly. It can affect eating and speech, which is why we recommend having a frenectomy performed.
 
The frenectomy procedure is quick and simple, usually taking no more than 20 minutes. We use two main methods for the procedure, including using a laser or a scalpel. Many patients choose to utilize our laser technology for the frenectomy because minimal bleeding is involved, and no stitches are needed after it is done. There is also a significantly faster healing time. There is no need to worry about the procedure, regardless of how it is performed, and the benefits of getting it done far outweigh the healing process.
 
Call our Greenville, TX dentist Dr. Joseph Alexander at 903-455-6701 to schedule an appointment for a frenectomy.