Description of "ART" Alloderm Reverse Tunneling Technique

The Alloderm Reverse Tunneling (ART) technique represents a combination of key features contained within the previously described gingival grafting protocols. Several highlights of this proprietary technique are outlined as follows:

1)    Application of Platelet Rich Plasma (partitioned blood containing patient-derived growth factors) to facilitate wound healing, enhance graft/flap stabilization, and improve recovery times with minimal post-operative symptomology.

2)    Simplified surgical armamentarium consisting mainly of a Curved/Flexible Blade, Double End Titanium Nitride Composite Instrument or equivalent for tunneling (11mm long/1.8mm wide working blade), SUB-O gracey curette or equivalent for advancing the tunnel, UNC-15 periodontal probe to verify dissection and continuity of the pouch, and a Castro Viejo needle holder for suturing.

3)    Bi-directional tunneling of the gingival tissues to improve tunnel creation, tissue mobility, and graft insertion while minimizing nicks, tears, and perforations to the free gingival margins, gingival vent entry points in the alveolar mucosa, and overlying native tissues. The term “reverse” tunneling implies performing the flap dissection in the opposite direction, in the context that it is either being compared to sulcular or vestibular tunneling methods.

4)    Maximum access to the sub-gingival environment through multiple entry points which allows for optimal navigation through challenging biotypes, non-uniform bony architecture, and around anatomical limitations within the surgical region.

5)    Ease of insertion of the grafting material (Alloderm, Lifecell) via suture anchoring to the graft material, sulcular threading of the suture, and graft advancement by way of the suture leading the Alloderm through the tunneled preparation. A single papilla may be incised at the furthest point of the surgical region in order to accommodate the width component of the graft through the first gingival sulcus.

Center for Periodontics & Implant Dentistry

www.cpi-dent.com   (847) 818-9950

Gum Disease - Systemic Health Links

Center for Periodontics & Implant Dentistry

www.cpi-dent.com   (847) 818-9950

Dispelling Myths about Gum Disease - Perio.org

American Academy of Periodontology - The Truth Behind Healthy Teeth & Gums

In order to help distinguish between fact and fallacy regarding periodontal disease, the AAP has identified and addressed below some common misconceptions about oral health.

Bleeding gums are not that big of a deal.
Red, swollen and bleeding gums are an important sign of periodontal disease. If you notice bleeding while brushing or flossing, or when eating certain foods, you should schedule a visit with your dental professional to be evaluated for periodontal disease. Studies have shown that in addition to tooth loss, gum disease may contribute to the progression of other diseases, including heart disease and diabetes, so it is important that you begin treating periodontal disease as soon as possible.

You don’t need to floss every day.
Routine oral care, which includes brushing after every meal and before bedtime, and flossing at least once a day, is the best way to prevent gum disease. However, a recent survey estimates that only 13.5 percent of Americans floss each day. It is vital that you keep up with your daily oral care, and see a dental professional for a thorough check-up twice a year. If gum disease is diagnosed, a consultation with a periodontist, a dentist who specializes in treating periodontal disease, may be beneficial.

A visit to the periodontist will be scary.
Periodontists are gum disease experts. They have received three or more years of specialized training following dental school centered on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of periodontal disease. Periodontists are equipped with the latest treatments and technologies, using innovative tools such as digital radiography, ultrasound technology, biomarker measurement and laser therapy to help make your visit more comfortable.

A tooth lost to gum disease is a tooth lost forever.
Gum disease is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. However, in addition to treating gum disease, periodontists are also experts in placing dental implants – a convenient and comfortable way to permanently replace missing teeth. A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is placed into the jaw to hold a replacement tooth. Studies have shown that dental implants have a 98 percent success rate, and with proper care, allow you to speak, eat and smile with confidence. In fact, a survey conducted by the American Academy of Periodontology found that over 70 percent of respondents reported being “pleased” or “extremely satisfied” with the results of their dental implants.

Poor oral hygiene is the only way to develop gum disease.
Forgoing good oral hygiene can certainly contribute to the progression of gum disease, but there are a variety of other factors that can also impact your risk. For instance, tobacco use has been shown to greatly increase your chance of developing gum disease. Stress, poor diet, and even genetics, can also play a role in the health of your gums.

Center for Periodontics & Implant Dentistry

www.cpi-dent.com   (847) 818-9950

Dental Innovation in the Year 2017

The field of dentistry is constantly evolving and changing to best suit patient needs. After reviewing various web sources and researching trends in dental innovation, here are ten different technologies that you might find in your dentist’s office as of the year 2017.

1. VELscope—VELscope is a special type of light that a dentist will shine in a patient’s mouth to detect any abnormalities. This new form of technology is effectively used to detect early forms of cancer or disease during an oral cancer screening.

2. Digital X-Rays—Digital X-rays are faster and contain less radiation than traditional X-rays. When a patient has a digital X-ray done, the image appears on the computer in a matter of seconds. Your dentist can then zoom into the image to better assess and educate the patient regarding their oral health. Digital X-rays are also less harmful for patients as they contain up to 90% less radiation compared to traditional X-rays.

3. Invisalign—Invisalign are clear, practically invisible braces that can gently straighten your teeth. They provide an effective and comfortable way to straighten your smile without the inconvenience of wearing heavy, metal braces. Invisalign braces are easy to take out for cleaning and don’t require a restriction on what type of foods to eat. They get the job done in less time with less hassle.

4. Laser Dentistry—Lasers are used to improve efficiency and eliminate discomfort in a number dental procedures, including filling cavities, reducing tooth sensitivity, getting rid of tumors, and whitening. Laser dentistry is fast, painless, and can effectively eliminate any form of bacteria during the procedure to avoid any further complications or problems.

5. Dental Implants—Dental implants are screw-replacements for the root portion of missing teeth. Implants are used to restore healthy smiles when patients have missing teeth. Implants are effective because they can replace missing teeth, while still giving the patient the feel and look of a natural tooth.

6. HealOzone—HealOzone is a fast, easy and painless way to eliminate tooth decay. HealOzone is effective because it contains ozone (O3), which is a common, natural gas that effectively kills bacteria and fungus. HealOzone is a great tool to detect and get rid of any early signs of tooth decay before it progresses to a more advanced stage.

7. DIAGNOdent— DIAGNOdent is a new, state of the art device that dentists use to detect cavities that are hiding in places regular x-rays can’t find. It ensures that your mouth has been thoroughly checked for early signs of cavities to avoid you having to spend more in the future if the cavities progress and expand.

8. Intraoral Camera—The intraoral camera is a tool that dentists use to gain precise and well-defined pictures of hard to see places within a patient’s mouth. The camera also allows dentist to show these images to patients while assessing and educating the patient’s needs. This new form of technology allows dentist to conduct a thorough checkup of your mouth and better assess their patient’s oral care needs.

9. Zoom! Whitening—Zoom! Whitening is a new, state of the art whitening treatment that gives our patients fast and easy results. In just one appointment, Zoom! Whitening can make a significant change in a person’s smile and can make their teeth up to eight shades whiter.

10. Nitrous Oxide and (Intravenous) IV Sedation—Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, can calm a patient down to a point that they are relaxed but can still interact with their dentist. On the other hand, IV sedation puts a patient to sleep completely so that they are unaware of what happened during their dental session. This is usually recommended for patients who are fearful of going to the dentist or for procedures that are painful such as wisdom teeth extraction.

Center for Periodontics & Implant Dentistry
www.cpi-dent.com   (847) 818-9950

The Truth about the Dental Chair

As a periodontist, the dental chair symbolizes various things for different patients...stress, inconvenience, fear, and anxiety...and it should be the goal of every dental practitioner to challenge those perceptions and change them...patients don't want to be at the dental office in the first place and I understand that...their time in our chair should be as efficient and painless as possible...courtesy calls to check up on patients after any surgical procedures should be routine and common practice...post-ops should be quick and easy, in and out...and a consistent, quality result should be the final outcome every time we have the privilege of assisting patients meet their dental goals...because at the end of the day, no patient wants to become a fixture in our practice, even though we make it as comfy and cozy as possible for them...they want to be back out in the world living life where they belong....just my two cents and not a penny more.

Center for Periodontics & Implant Dentistry
www.cpi-dent.com   (847) 818-9950

Dental Fun Facts

* Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body; however, we do NOT recommend that you use your pearly whites to open bottles!

* The plaque found on your teeth is home to more than 300 different species of bacteria. Listerine, anyone?

* The average person spends about 48 seconds per day brushing their teeth, but dentists recommend at least 2 or 3 minutes.

* 6 is the magic number–magic number of feet away from your toilet you should store your toothbrush in order to avoid airborne particles from toilet flushing making their way to your bristles, yuck!

* In 1994, a West Virginia prison inmate braided dental floss into a rope, scaled the wall, and escaped! We suggest that you use it to clean the 35% of your teeth’s surfaces that you are missing when only brushing, rather than to escape from any prisons (better yet, just don’t go to prison, ok?)

* The common practice of placing a cap on your toothbrush is actually more detrimental–bacteria favor the moist environment, which increases reproduction.

* According to a recent survey by Time magazine, 59% of people would rather have a dental appointment than sit next to someone who is talking on a cell phone (and I don’t blame ‘em!)

* At least 3 out of 4 Americans suffer from some form of periodontal gum disease, which is the leading cause of tooth loss for people over the age of 35. The good news: Gum disease can be prevented and controlled!

* In China, in 1498, the first toothbrush with bristles was made, using hair from hogs, horses, and badgers. The first official commercial toothbrush was manufactured in 1938.

* A snail’s mouth is no larger than the head of a pin, but can contain over 25,000 teeth!

* In early America, blacksmiths often also served as dentists. How about a tooth filling to go with your new horse shoes?!

* In Egypt, mummies have been found with fillings comprised of resin and malachite, and gold wire was used to bind together loose teeth.

* The Romans, in 200 AD, used pretty impressive dental technology! They restored cavity-ridden teeth with gold crowns, and utilized fixed bridgework to fix gaps from missing teeth. They also used a form of toothpaste concocted from honey and crushed eggshells.

* In Medieval Germany, the only cure for a toothache was to kiss a donkey.

* 73% of Americans would rather go grocery shopping than floss.

* What’s the object most often choked on by Americans? A toothpick! Wouldn’t it just be easier to floss?

* The average woman smiles about 62 times per day! A man? Only 8.

* 50% of people surveyed say that a person’s smile is the first physical trait they notice.

* Like your fingerprints, everyone has a unique set of teeth. Even identical twins have different “dental fingerprints”!

* The stone-faced farmer in artist Grant Wood’s famous “American Gothic” painting was actually the artist’s dentist!

* Sports-related injuries account for approximately 5 million missing teeth per year, so make sure you wear a mouthguard, if you or your little ones are athletes.

*Americans spend $100 billion per year on hair care products – and only $2 billion a year on dental care products. What good is great hair without a great smile?

* Contrary to popular belief, George Washington’s famous dentures weren’t made from wood. His four pairs of custom chompers were crafted from gold, ivory, lead and a mixture of human, donkey, and hippopotamus teeth (take care of yours and you won’t have to think about it!).

* The cotton candy making machine that made widely consumed cotton candy possible was co-invented by a dentist. Before it was cotton candy, the fluffy confection was called “fairy floss.”

The Truth about Taking Out Your Own Tooth

This could be the "stupidest" thing I have ever done in my life but it seemed like a good idea at the time...a couple of months before getting married on New Year's Eve, my upper left wisdom tooth had flared up on me once again...and on a random Friday in November, I was determined to remove it out of my mouth...at first my goal was to not let it ruin my big day and/or honeymoon...but I also thought to myself, an opportunity to experience an extraction firsthand and receive immediate feedback of pressure and/or pain could be monumental in understanding this procedure from my patients' perspective...now, I couldn't numb myself up on my own and I thank my wonderful hygienist for providing that service...I guess there is something about sticking yourself with a needle that seems so off-putting...from there, the experience was incredible in terms of understanding how much force I was generating with my instruments and what that felt like in the mouth...I can honestly say that I have a greater appreciation for the pressure we generate and I feel like I was able to accurately gauge the breaking point where the pressure started to feel uncomfortable...the tooth came out no problem but the curvature of the roots/root tips could have been a total nightmare if they fractured off in the process...hence the stupidity of doing it myself...all in all, it was an "interesting experiment" and perhaps I practice a little differently these days knowing that pressure may not be pain but it can still be uncomfortable to bear...it's all about finding the sweet spot where the tooth starts to move and wiggle while still being bearable to the patient...I guess now I can say I "truly" understand :)

You can see it here firsthand if you dare: https://youtu.be/HWJC9TT7DbY

Center for Periodontics & Implant Dentistry
www.cpi-dent.com   (847) 818-9950