Archive for November, 2008

Published by admin on 28 Nov 2008

Gum Grafts for Cincinnati, OH

The causes of gum recession are that thin, fragile tissues vary and may be described as:
    a. Prominent Roots of the Teeth
    b. Muscle Attachments
    c. Associated with Orthodontic Treatment
    d. Trauma (physical damage) to the Gums

The treatments for gingival recession vary depending on the amount of recession, the type, the cause and also the expected outcome of the treatment. Certain periodontal plastic surgery procedures can create thick tissue which will stop further recession.The plastic surgery procedures are:

a. The Free Gingival Graft
It is a procedure where a thin piece of gum tissue is removed from the roof of the patient’s mouth and transplanted to another site in order to create thick tough tissue or “attached gingiva”.
In some cases, this type of gum graft can only prevent further recession, which is all that is necessary to keep the tooth or teeth healthy. In other cases, this type of gum graft can partially or almost completely cover previously existing recession.

b. The Lateral Graft
Also called a “pedicle” graft since the gum tissue is raised from the area immediately lateral, or adjacent, to the area of recession. 

c. The Sub-Epithelial Connective Tissue Graft (”Sub-Epi Graft”)
This is a procedure that is designed to:

1. Cover Recession - When there is not enough thick tissue next to an area of recession and a lateral graft can’t be done, the “Sub-Epi” graft can be done. This usually uses a piece of gum tissue taken from the roof of the mouth but from under the superficial, surface gum tissue. An option, in some cases, is to use a “man-made” membrane instead of taking any tissue from the roof of the mouth.

In the surgical procedure, the gum tissue or “man-made” membrane is placed over the root of the tooth. A flap of gum tissue is raised from the base of the recession in order to cover the gum tissue or membrane. This creates the potential to create healthy, tough tissue and also create a better cosmetic result.

2. Reconstruct Areas of Bone Loss or Bone Reabsorption - When some of the upper front teeth are removed there may be the excessive loss of bone from where the tooth came out. This can leave an unsightly, or even ugly “depression” in the gum tissue. Too often, when a “dummy” tooth is replaced into the mouth, this “depression” requires the “dummy” or replacement tooth to be too long and unsightly. Before the replacement tooth is to be made, the “Sub-epi” graft should be done in order to reconstruct this deformed area. The result will be a more natural looking tooth and a happier smilegum.

Ask our experts at Fountain Square Cosmetic Dental Group about the proper treatment for you.

Published by admin on 24 Nov 2008

Cosmetic Dentistry in Cincinnati, OH

healthy and attractive smileCosmetic Dentistry in Cincinnati, OH

Today there are dental procedures to change your smile when it does not please you. Such special procedures are works of art, hand crafted and designed to look natural.

Whitening : Safely lightens the color of teeth due to darkening from age, coffee, tea or smoking. Removes discoloration of teeth. It takes from 2-3 weeks up to 6 months for its completion. Dentists determines if patient is a candidate for bleaching and results can last from 1 to 3 years.

Braces: Correct crooked, crowded teeth, overbites or under bites, incorrect jaw position and disorders of the jaw joints. Time needed for completion is 18-20 months, depending on procedure.

Bridges: Replaces one or more natural missing teeth by cementing a false tooth (a pontic) fused between two crowns onto the surrounding teeth. It might take longer than 4 weeks in order to get a natural shade match of teeth

White fillings: Restore decayed area with natural colored composite resin to look identical to actual teeth.

Crowns: Covers or “caps” broken, cracked, badly shaped or severely discolored teeth to restore it’s normal shape and size.

Bonding: Used for slightly discolored teeth and those in need of reshaping, to fill in gaps, & change color of teeth. The procedure is the same as veneers, but a composite resin is used instead of porcelain. It lasts several years.

Enamel Reshaping: Correct crooked, chipped, cracked teeth. Ideal for candidates with normal healthy teeth yet in need of subtle changes in smile.

Veneers: Used to mask discoloration and/or change shape of teeth improve the smile. Three appointments are needed for diagnosis, preparation, and bonding. Tooth surface is reduced slightly. Ultra thin shells of ceramic material are bonded to front teeth.

Fountain Square Cosmetic Dental Group specializes in giving you a healthy and attractive smile through advanced Cosmetic Dentistry in Cincinnati, OH.  Contact us for more information.

Published by admin on 03 Nov 2008

Cosmetic Dental Care

cosmetic dental careCosmetic dental care focuses on improving the appearance of a person’s teeth, mouth and smile. In other words cosmetic dentistry provides elective treatments or services. Cosmetic dentistry may also provide restorative benefits. Today, dental fillings may fall into the category of cosmetic dentistry, because you can select fillings made of porcelain or composite materials that closely match the color of your teeth, thus maintaining the natural appearance of your teeth and smile. Many people may choose to have their older fillings replaced with newer, tooth-colored fillings to enhance their oral appearance.

Technological advancements in natural-looking, tooth-colored dental materials make today’s cosmetic dental treatments more durable and predictable than in years past. Additionally, dentists are now using more conservative cosmetic dentistry techniques to preserve as much of your natural tooth structure as possible, depending upon your specific clinical situation.

Cosmetic dentists may also use such technologies as lasers in order to perform some procedures necessary for cosmetic treatments in their own offices, without the need for referrals to specialists. This makes cosmetic dental procedures such as smile makeovers more comfortable and convenient for patients, as well as helps to reduce recovery time.

Cosmetic dentistry offers many options for people who are unhappy with their smile. If you are one of these people, we encourage you to make your appointment with one of our dentists at Fountain Square Cosmetic Dental Group to learn about the various treatments available to beautify your smile.