Dr Eric Linden, DMD, MSD

Procedures

• LANAP™ - Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure

  LANAP™ - Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure New York / New Jersey Periodontist Dr. Eric Linden Utilizing the body’s own natural ability to “heal itself”, Dr. Linden utilizes the PerioLase™ for the Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP™). Performed without a scalpel and sutures, LANAP™ creates an environment for regeneration of the tissues around your teeth (gum, bone, cementum, ligament) that are lost due to periodontal disease. Due to the ability of the laser to target and remove only diseased tissue, Dr. Linden is able to help restore you to health with no post-operative pain. This is in conjunction with a detailed homecare program that will be explained to you at the time of your consultation. Please do not hesitate to contact us at 201.307.0339 for further information. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Laser-assisted new attachment procedure (LANAP), is a therapy designed for the effective treatment of periodontitis through regeneration rather than resection. This therapy, and the laser which performs it (The PerioLase MVP-7, Millennium Dental Technologies, Inc.) have long been in use by the dental community. LANAP is a U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved patented protocol for the treatment of periodontitis, or gum disease. LANAP was developed and perfected in Cerritos, California over many years by Dr. Robert H. Gregg II and Dr. Delwin McCarthy to be patient-friendly, dentist-friendly, effective, and predictable. In LANAP surgery, a variable pulsed neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG at 1064nm) dental laser is used by a trained and certified dentist or periodontist to treat the periodontal pocket. The laser energy selectively removes diseased pocket epithelium from the underlying connective tissue. The necrotic epithelium is stripped from the connective tissue at the histologic level of the rete pegs and rete ridges. Since the laser energy is quite selective for pocket epithelium, the underlying pleuripotential connective tissue is spared, thereby permitting healing and regeneration rather than formation of a pocket seal by long junctional epithelium. In periodontics it is a process through which cementum-mediated periodontal ligament new attachment to the root surface in the absence of long junctional epithelium is achieved for the treatment of moderate to severe gum disease (including gingivitis and periodontal disease). Stimulation of existing stem cells permits the formation of new root surface coating (cementum) and new connective tissue (periodontal ligament) formation (collagen) on tooth roots. The paradigm of periodontal healing in the absence of guided tissue regeneration barriers (GTR) or bone grafting materials (allografts) has finally been successfully challenged in the twenty first century. LANAP science is always advancing. Most notably, the work of Raymond A. Yukna (University of Colorado, formerly Louisiana State University) has provided histologic, statistical, and radiographic evidence which demonstrate proof of principle validity that LANAP results in pocket depth reduction via cementum-mediated new attachment. This split mouth study, comparing scaling and root planing to LANAP, employed radiographic and histologic evidence derived from teeth harvested en bloc. Cementum-mediated new attachment was a universal finding for the teeth which received LANAP. Generally, the teeth receiving scaling and root planing evidenced only long junctional epithelium as expected. After LANAP, most patients experience new root surface coating (cementum) and new connective tissues (periodontal ligament) formation (collagen) on tooth roots, preventing tooth loss. Pocket depth reduction is excellent and comparable to that achieved by conventional resective osseous or pocket reduction surgery, but without the gingival recession normally associated with osseous surgery. Significant post-operative reduction in gingival indices, gingival inflammation, and bleeding on probing are also desirable results of LANAP. The patient experience is also generally positive. As LANAP is tissue-sparing and contrary to the old fashioned resective paradigm, patients enjoy a smile with minimal post-operative recession and attendant disfigurement or root sensitivity. Minimization of post-therapy gingival recession also reduces the future risk of root caries/dental decay of the tooth root. Through the natural analgesic biostimulatory effects of laser irradiation, patients usually have minimal post-operative discomfort. This discomfort is easily controlled through the use of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (over the counter NSAIDs) such as Ibuprofen. With normal three month periodontal recall and maintenance, the LANAP-provided new attachment is remarkably stable and resistant to future periodontal breakdown. Patients are encouraged to improve and maintain standards of oral hygiene to prevent further active periodontitis.

  Video: LANAP™ - Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure

  Link: LANAP™ - Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure

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  Dental Implants

  Dental implants are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. The person who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat virtually anything and can smile with confidence, knowing that teeth appear natural and that facial contours will be preserved. The implants themselves are tiny titanium posts that are placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. In addition, implants can help preserve facial structure, preventing the bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing. Dental implants are changing the way people live! With them, people are rediscovering the comfort and confidence to eat, speak, laugh, and enjoy life. Dr. Linden has received extensive training in Implantology. They have been successfully placing implants since 1996. Through continuing education, Dr. Linden stays abreast of the most current information on implant dentistry. LAPIP – "Laser Assisted Peri-Implantitis Protocol" Failing dental implants are a common problem world-wide. No procedure has exhibited success with bone regeneration and reversal of bone loss around implants. Until now. LAPIP (Laser Assisted Peri Implantitis Procedure) is an FDA-cleared procedure to save failing implants, regenerate lost bone, and reverse implant disease to prevent loss of the fixtures. In most instances, the older, traditional procedures of gum flaps, bone grafts, and sutures are now obsolete. As with LANAP (Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure), Dr. Linden is an innovator and expert in the use of LAPIP. His was one of the first practices in the U.S. to use LAPIP, starting in 2007. Dr. Linden also teaches at Columbia University, showing dentists and periodontists how to use lasers using various diodes and wavelengths to treat gum and implant disease. He uses the Periolase MP-7 1064 wavelength ND/YAG Laser both pre- and post-implant – the same device he uses for LANAP. Before the implant post is inserted, THE ND/YAG LASER eliminates "bad bacteria" in the extraction sockets and creates the healthiest possible environment for placement of the implant. After the implant posts are placed, LAPIP prevents the encroachment of bacteria so it can’t impede bone regeneration or result in bone loss around the implant. This allows the posts to become anchored firmly, so the implant can be successful in the long term. Evaluation If, like many others, you feel implant dentistry is the choice for you, we ask that you undergo a dental/radiographic examination and health history. During these consultation visits, your doctor will address your specific needs and considerations. Your questions and concerns are important to us and our team will work with you very closely to help make your procedure a success. We will also discuss fees and insurance at this time. There are many types of insurance plans and coverage for implants is varied. We will be happy to assist you in obtaining any benefits to which you may be entitled. Procedures Dental implants are metal anchors that act as tooth root substitutes. They are surgically placed into the jawbone. Small posts are attached to the implant to provide stable anchors in the gums for replacement teeth. For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures. First, implants are placed within your jawbone. Healing time following surgery varies from person to person, based on a variety of factors that include hardness of bone. In some cases, implants may be restored immediately after they are placed. For the first three to six months following surgery, the implants are beneath the surface of the gums gradually bonding with the jawbone. You should be able to wear temporary dentures and eat a soft diet during this time. At the same time, your restorative dentist designs the final bridgework or denture, which will ultimately improve both function and aesthetics. After the implant has bonded to the jawbone, the second phase begins. Dr. Linden will uncover the implants and attach a small healing collar. After two weeks, your general dentist will be able to start making your new teeth. An impression must be taken. Then posts or attachments can be connected to the implants. The teeth replacements are then made over the posts or attachments. The entire procedure usually takes six to eight months. Most patients do not experience any disruption in their daily life. Dental Implants: Replacement Teeth That Look and Feel Like Your Own A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that a periodontist places into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. • What Dental Implants Can Do • Types of Implants in Use Today • Implants Over Dentures or a Bridge • Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants? • What Is Treatment Like? • What Can I Expect After Treatment?

  Link: Dental Implants

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  Dental Implant Options

  Dental implants can last a lifetime with proper placement by a periodontist and diligent patient maintenance. • Replacing a Single Tooth • Replacing Several Teeth • Replacing All Your Teeth • Sinus Augmentation • Ridge Modification A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that a periodontist places into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. Dental implants are an ideal option for people in good general oral health who have lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, an injury, or some other reason. Dental implants are so natural-looking and feeling, you may forget you ever lost a tooth. Under proper conditions, such as placement by a periodontist followed by diligent patient maintenance, implants can last a lifetime. Dental implants are intimately connected with the gum tissues and underlying bone in the mouth. Since periodontists are the dental experts who specialize in precisely these areas, they are ideal members of your dental implant team. Not only do periodontists have experience working with other dental professionals, they also have the special knowledge, training and facilities that you need to have teeth that look and feel just like your own. Dr. Linden will consult with you to determine where and how your implant should be placed. Depending on your specific condition and the type of implant chosen, Dr. Linden will create a treatment plan tailored to meet your needs. Replacing a Single Tooth If you are missing a single tooth, one implant and a crown can replace it. A dental implant replaces both the lost natural tooth and its root. What are the advantages of a single-tooth implant over a bridge? A dental implant provides several advantages over other tooth replacement options. In addition to looking and functioning like a natural tooth, a dental implant replaces a single tooth without sacrificing the health of neighboring teeth. The other common treatment for the loss of a single tooth, a tooth-supported fixed bridge, requires that adjacent teeth be ground down to support the cemented bridge. Because a dental implant will replace your tooth root, the bone is better preserved. With a bridge, some of the bone that previously surrounded the tooth begins to resorb (deteriorate). Dental implants integrate with your jawbone, helping to keep the bone healthy and intact. In the long term, a single implant can be more esthetic and easier to keep clean than a bridge. Gums can recede around a bridge, leaving a visible defect when the metal base or collar of the bridge becomes exposed. Resorbed bone beneath the bridge can lead to an unattractive smile. And, the cement holding the bridge in place can wash out, allowing bacteria to decay the teeth that anchor the bridge. How will the implant be placed? First, the implant, which looks like a screw or cylinder, is placed into your jaw. Over the next two to six months, the implant and the bone are allowed to bond together to form an anchor for your artificial tooth. During this time, a temporary tooth replacement option can be worn over the implant site. Often, a second step of the procedure is necessary to uncover the implant and attach an extension. This small metal post, called an abutment, completes the foundation on which your new tooth will be placed. Your gums will be allowed to heal for a couple of weeks following this procedure. There are some implant systems (one-stage) that do not require this second step. These systems use an implant which already has the extension piece attached. Dr. Linden will advise you on which system is best for you. Finally, a replacement tooth called a crown will be created for you and attached to the abutment. After a short time, you will experience restored confidence in your smile and your ability to chew and speak. Dental implants are so natural-looking and feeling, you may forget you ever lost a tooth. Replacing Several Teeth If you are missing several teeth, implant-supported bridges can replace them. Dental implants will replace both your lost natural teeth and some of the roots. What are the advantages of implant-supported bridges over fixed bridges or removable partial dentures? Dental implants provide several advantages over other teeth replacement options. In addition to looking and functioning like natural teeth, implant-supported bridges replace teeth without support from adjacent natural teeth. Other common treatments for the loss of several teeth, such as fixed bridges or removable partial dentures, are dependent on support from adjacent teeth. Replacing All of Your Teeth If you are missing all of your teeth, an implant-supported full bridge or full denture can replace them. Dental implants will replace both your lost natural teeth and some of the roots.

• Cosmetic Periodontal Surgery

  These procedures are a predictable way to cover unsightly, sensitive, or exposed root surfaces and to prevent future gum recession. If you are unhappy with the appearance of short, unsightly teeth this can be greatly improved by a combination of periodontal procedures by Dr. Linden and cosmetic dentistry by your dentist. Although your teeth appear short, they may actually be the proper length. The teeth may be covered with too much gum tissue. We can correct this by performing the periodontal plastic surgery procedure, called crown lengthening. This can be done to more than one tooth, to even your gum line to create a beautiful smile. During this procedure, excess gum and bone tissue are reshaped to expose more of the natural tooth. This can be done to more than one tooth, to even your gum line to create a beautiful smile. Another cosmetic procedure is the soft tissue graft. It is used to cover unattractive tooth roots, reduce gum recession, and protect the roots from decay and eventual loss. Tooth loss causes the jawbone to recede and can lead to an unnatural looking indentation in your gums and jaw, an appearance of a general aging. The original look of your mouth may not be recaptured because of spaces remaining under and between replacement teeth. They may appear too long compared to nearby teeth. Bone grafting following tooth loss can preserve the socket/ridge and minimize gum and bone collapse. There is less shrinkage and a more aesthetic tooth replacement for either an implant crown or fixed bridge around the replacement teeth.

  Link: Cosmetic Periodontal Surgery

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  Gum Grafting

  When recession of the gingiva occurs, the body loses a natural defense against both bacterial penetration and trauma. When gum recession is a problem, gum reconstruction using grafting techniques is an option. When there is only minor recession, some healthy gingiva often remains and protects the tooth, so that no treatment other than modifying home care practices is necessary. However, when recession reaches the mucosa, the first line of defense against bacterial penetration is lost. In addition, gum recession often results in root sensitivity to hot and cold foods as well as an unsightly appearance to the gum and tooth. Gum recession, when significant, can predispose to worsening recession and expose the root surface, which is softer than enamel, leading to root caries and root gouging. A gingival graft is designed to solve these problems. A thin piece of tissue is taken from the roof of the mouth or gently moved over from adjacent areas to provide a stable band of attached gingiva around the tooth. The gingival graft may be placed in such a way as to cover the exposed portion of the root. The gingival graft procedure is highly predictable and results in a stable, healthy band of attached tissue around the tooth. Soft Tissue Grafts Periodontal procedures are available to stop further dental problems and gum recession gum-graft1Before soft tissue graft After soft tissue graft After soft tissue graft Periodontal procedures are available to stop further dental problems and gum recession, and/or to improve the esthetics of your gum line. Exposed tooth roots are the result of gum recession. Perhaps you wish to enhance your smile by covering one or more of these roots that make your teeth appear too long. Or, maybe you’re not bothered by the appearance of these areas, but you cringe because the exposed roots are sensitive to hot or cold foods and liquids. Your gums may have receded for a variety of reasons, including aggressive tooth brushing or periodontal disease. You may not be in control of what caused the recession, but prior to treatment Dr. Linden can help you identify the factors contributing to the problem. Once these contributing factors are controlled, a soft tissue graft procedure will repair the defect and help to prevent additional recession and bone loss. Soft tissue grafts can be used to cover roots or develop gum tissue where absent due to excessive gingival recession. During this procedure, Dr. Linden takes gum tissue from your palate or another donor source to cover the exposed root. This can be done for one tooth or several teeth to even your gum line and reduce sensitivity. What are the benefits of this procedure? A soft tissue graft can reduce further recession and bone loss. In some cases, it can cover exposed roots to protect them from decay. This may reduce tooth sensitivity and improve esthetics of your smile. Whether you have crown lengthening to improve function or esthetics, patients often receive the benefits of both: a beautiful new smile and improved periodontal health – your keys to smiling, eating and speaking with comfort and confidence.

  Link: Gum Grafting

• Extraction Site Preservation

  At the time of tooth extraction, Dr. Eric Linden may feel that a bone graft with the use of the dental laser will be needed to fill the extraction socket to preserve the gum ridge and create a solid bone foundation for a future implant, removable appliance or fixed bridge. The time it takes for the bone graft to be dense enough to place a dental implant will be significantly shorter with the use of the laser. Also, post-operative pain and swelling will be minimized.. Implants can usually be placed 3-6 months post extraction. Removable appliances, fixed bridges, and crowns can be placed much sooner, depending on the individual case. After an implant has been placed into the bone, it can take 3-6 months to completely fuse with the bone. This process is called osseointegration. Like a natural tooth root, this integration with the bone will create the needed support for your implant post and crown to function normally.

  Link: Extraction Site Preservation

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  Crown Lengthening

  Crown lengthening (or crown exposure) is required when your tooth needs a new crown or other restoration. The edge of that restoration is deep below the gum tissue and not accessible. It is also usually too close to the bone or below the bone. The procedure involves adjusting the levels of the gum tissue and bone around the tooth in question to create a new gum-to–tooth relationship. This allows us to reach the edge of the restoration, ensuring a proper fit to the tooth. It should also provide enough tooth structure so the new restoration will not come loose in the future. This allows you to clean the edge of the restoration when you brush and floss to prevent decay and gum disease. The procedure takes approximately one hour. When the procedure is completed, sutures and a protective bandage are placed to help secure the new gum-to-tooth relationship. You will need to be seen in one or two weeks to remove the sutures and evaluate your healing. Your teeth may actually be the proper lengths, but are covered with too much gum tissue. Crown Lengthening Before Crown Lengthening Before Close-up Before crown lengthening dental-crown-after Crown Lengthening After Close-up After crown lengthening Periodontal procedures are available to lay the groundwork for restorative and cosmetic dentistry and/or to improve the esthetics of your gum line. You may have asked your periodontist about procedures to improve a "gummy" smile because your teeth appear short. Your teeth may actually be the proper lengths, but they’re covered with too much gum tissue. To correct this, your periodontist performs crown lengthening. During this procedure, excess gum and bone tissue is reshaped 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. Your dentist or periodontist may also recommend crown lengthening to 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. What are the benefits of this procedure? Whether you have crown lengthening to improve function or esthetics, patients often receive the benefits of both: a beautiful new smile and improved periodontal health – your keys to smiling, eating and speaking with comfort and confidence.

  Link: Crown Lengthening

• Bone and Tissue Regeneration

  Traditionally, gum disease was treated by eliminating the gum pockets by trimming away the infected gum tissue and re-contouring the uneven bone tissue. Although this is still an effective way of treating gum disease, new and more sophisticated procedures are used routinely today. Guided tissue bone regeneration "regenerates" the previously lost gum and bone tissue. Most techniques utilize membranes, which are inserted over the bone defects. Some of these membranes are bio-absorbable and some require removal. Other regenerative procedures involve the use of bioactive gels. Bone and gum tissue should fit snugly around your teeth like a turtleneck around your neck. Your bone and gum tissue should fit snugly around your teeth like a turtleneck around your neck. When you have periodontal disease, this supporting tissue and bone is destroyed and pockets develop. Eventually, if too much bone is lost, the teeth will need to be extracted. Dr. Linden may recommend a regenerative procedure if the bone supporting your teeth has been destroyed. These procedures can reverse some of the damage by regenerating lost bone and tissue. During this procedure, Dr. Linden folds back the gum tissue and removes the disease-causing bacteria. Membranes (filters), bone grafts or tissue-stimulating proteins can be used to encourage your body’s natural ability to regenerate bone and tissue. There are many options to enhance support for your teeth and to restore your bone to a healthy level. Dr. Linden will discuss your best options with you. What are the benefits of this procedure? Eliminating existing bacteria and regenerating bone and tissue helps to reduce pocket depth and repair damage caused by the progression of periodontal disease. With a combination of daily oral hygiene and professional maintenance care, you’ll increase the chances of keeping your natural teeth – and decrease the chances of serious health problems associated with periodontal disease.

  Link: Bone and Tissue Regeneration

• Periodontal Bone Grafting

  Major and Minor Bone Grafting Over a period of time, the jawbone associated with missing teeth atrophies or is reabsorbed. This often leaves a condition in which there is poor quality and quantity of bone suitable for placement of dental implants. In these situations, most patients are not candidates for placement of dental implants. Today, we have the ability to grow bone where needed. This not only gives us the opportunity to place implants of proper length and width, it also gives us a chance to restore functionality and esthetic appearance. Major Bone Grafting Bone grafting can repair implant sites with inadequate bone structure due to previous extractions, gum disease, or injuries. The bone is either obtained from a tissue bank or your own bone is taken from the jaw, hip or tibia (below the knee.) Sinus bone grafts are also performed to replace bone in the posterior upper jaw. In addition, special membranes may be utilized that dissolve under the gum and protect the bone graft and encourage bone regeneration. This is called guided bone regeneration or guided tissue regeneration. Major bone grafts are typically performed to repair defects of the jaws. These defects may arise as a result of traumatic injuries, tumor surgery, or congenital defects. Large defects are repaired using the patient’s own bone. This bone is harvested from a number of different sites depending on the size of he defect. The skull (cranium), hip (iliac crest), and lateral knee (tibia) are common donor sites. These procedures are routinely performed in an operating room and require a hospital stay. Sinus Lift Procedure The maxillary sinuses are behind your cheeks and on top of the upper teeth. Sinuses are like empty rooms that have nothing in them. Some of the roots of the natural upper teeth extend up into the maxillary sinuses. When these upper teeth are removed, there is often just a thin wall of bone separating the maxillary sinus and the mouth. Dental implants need bone to hold them in place. When the sinus wall is very thin, it is impossible to place dental implants in this bone. There is a solution and it’s called a sinus graft or sinus lift graft. The dental implant surgeon enters the sinus from where the upper teeth used to be. The sinus membrane is then lifted upward and donor bone is inserted into the floor of the sinus. Keep in mind that the floor of the sinus is the roof of the upper jaw. After several months of healing, the bone becomes part of the patient’s jaw and dental implants can be inserted and stabilized in this new sinus bone. The sinus graft makes it possible for many patients to have dental implants when years ago there was no option other than wearing loose dentures. If enough bone between the upper jaw ridge and the bottom of the sinus is available to stabilize the implant well, sinus augmentations and implant placement can sometimes be performed as a single procedure. If not enough bone is available, the sinus augmentation will have to be performed first, then the graft will have to mature for several months, depending upon the type of graft material used. Once the graft has matured, the implants can be placed. Ridge Expansion In severe cases, the ridge has been reabsorbed and a bone graft is placed to increase ridge height and/or width. This is a technique used to restore the lost bone dimension when the jaw ridge gets too thin to place conventional implants. In this procedure, the bony ridge of the jaw is literally expanded by mechanical means. Bone graft material can be placed and matured for a few months before placing the implant.

  Link: Periodontal Bone Grafting

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  Ridge Augmentation

  When a tooth is lost and not replaced, it is a natural for the bone to recede and tissue to shrink. This natural process can create an altered facial appearance, muscle weakness, and a gum defect in the mouth which could affect eating and digestion. Dr. Eric Linden can correct this defect with ridge augmentation, laser therapy, and bone grafting with or without a dental implant. The use of the dental laser minimizes the post operative discomfort and accelerates the healing time significantly. Careful management of extraction sockets after tooth extraction prevents unsightly bone loss and provides a better cosmetic outcome for tooth replacement. Recapture the natural contour of your gums and jaw. Before soft tissue graftBefore soft tissue graft After soft tissue graft After soft tissue graft Sometimes when you lose one or more teeth, you can get an indention in your gums and jawbone where the tooth used to be. This happens because the jawbone recedes when it no longer is holding a tooth in place. Not only is this indentation unnatural looking, it also causes the replacement tooth to look too long compared to the adjacent teeth. A periodontist can fill in this "defect" with a procedure called ridge augmentation, recapturing the natural contour of your gums and jaw. A new tooth can then be created that is natural looking, easy-to-clean and beautiful.

  Link: Ridge Augmentation

• Pocket Depth Reduction

  When supporting tissue and bone is destroyed, "pockets" form around the teeth. Your bone and gum tissue should fit snugly around your teeth like a turtleneck around your neck. When you have periodontal disease, this supporting tissue and bone is destroyed, forming "pockets" around the teeth. Over time, these pockets become deeper, providing a larger space for bacteria to live. As bacteria develop around the teeth, they can accumulate and advance under the gum tissue. These deep pockets collect even more bacteria, resulting in further bone and tissue loss. Eventually, if too much bone is lost, the teeth will need to be extracted. Dr. Linden measures the depth of your pocket(s). If pockets are too deep to clean with daily at-home oral hygiene and a professional care routine, a pocket reduction procedure will be recommended. In most cases a laser procedure can be done to correct this problem without cutting and sutures. There is no need for bone grafting when using the FDA-cleared laser protocol (LANAP). On rare occasions, traditional surgery has to be done. During this procedure, Dr. Linden gently folds back the gum tissue and removes the disease-causing bacteria before securing the tissue into place. In some cases, irregular surfaces of the damaged bone are smoothed to limit areas where disease-causing bacteria can hide. This allows the gum tissue to better reattach to healthy bone. What are the benefits of this procedure? Reducing pocket depth and eliminating existing bacteria are important to prevent damage caused by the progression of periodontal disease and to help you maintain a healthy smile. Eliminating bacteria alone may not be sufficient to prevent disease recurrence. Deeper pockets are more difficult for you and your dental care professional to clean, so it’s important for you to reduce them. Reduced pockets and a combination of daily oral hygiene and professional maintenance care increase your chances of keeping your natural teeth – and decrease the chance of serious health problems associated with periodontal disease.

  Link: Pocket Depth Reduction