Our Goal
Our goal is to provide you with the highest quality of care in a compassionate and safe environment. In order to do this, we use the most current periodontal procedures, instruments, medications, and sterilization techniques.
We want you to be completely informed of your condition and will answer any questions that you may have regarding your treatment and care.
Sterilization
We know that preventing the spread of infectious diseases such as AIDS, herpes, hepatitis and even the cold virus is critical and our team takes sterilization very seriously. We use extensive sterilization procedures, going well beyond those recommended by the American Dental Association and Centers for Disease Control.
We use barrier techniques such as disposable masks and gloves and replace them with every new patient. Each piece of fixed operatory equipment is wiped-down with antibacterial solution prior to every clinical procedure. Sterile water delivery systems are utilized. We use autoclave sterilization for all instruments prior to dental examination and treatment. You can be assured that our staff has been specifically trained on sterilization procedures and their importance.
Patient Comfort
While no dental procedure is 100% comfortable, we go
to great lengths to minimize your discomfort. We are specially
trained in the use of anesthetics and other techniques
to make your experience as comfortable as possible.
Many of our patients comment after treatment that it was
surprisingly comfortable with little after-procedure discomfort.
Pre-medication
Patient comfort is one of the most important aspects of care. Different patients have different needs for pain and anxiety control medication. Depending upon the procedure and your wishes, there are many medications we can prescribe.
Injections of Anesthesia
In the past, injections of dental anesthesia were more likely
to be painful. We have recognized this and take extra care
when preparing a patient for anesthetic. We use a topical
ointment on the gum tissue first, and then administer the
injection very slowly and precisely to reduce the burning
sensation that can be experienced. These techniques ensure
that patients have minimal, if any, discomfort during this
portion of care.
Conscious Sedation & Nitrous Oxide
For those patients who would feel more comfortable with
conscious sedation, we offer both oral sedation and
nitrous oxide analgesia. Either one of these techniques
will make you feel relaxed and at ease. Although you will
be awake, you will not be aware of your surroundings.
Conscious sedation can allow you to remain
calm during dental procedures, with very minimal recollection
of your visit. We are happy to let you know that Dr. Gelber
has had extensive training and is licensed to provide both
oral sedation and nitrous oxide analgesia.
Special Equipment and Procedures
We strive to stay on the leading edge of periodontal techniques and equipment. In order to do this, we engage in a great deal of continuing education. We also utilize advanced equipment in our office. This includes:
Perioscopy which is a
video microscope that allows for precise detection of infected
areas under the gumline. Dr. Gelber was one of the first
periodontists to offer this treatment. For more information
on Perioscopy, click here.
Panoramic Radiography to be able to more precisely diagnose and treat periodontal disease. It also allows us to accurately and precisely place dental implants.
Low Radiation Digital X Rays which are
safer than traditional X rays and are more convenient when
planning treatment with your general dentist.
Basic Periodontal Treatment
Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection that gets under the gums and into the bone around your teeth. This infection must be removed and the area given a chance to heal. There are generally two accepted treatments for this condition depending upon the severity of your infection.
Upper Level Infection Removal
The upper level of infection in the pockets around your teeth can be removed using specialized instruments. This procedure is called, “Scaling and Root Planing”, “Phase One Treatment” or “Initial Therapy”. It is done under local anesthesia and is quite different from the routine dental cleaning or “deep cleaning” that is traditionally done in the general dentist's office.
Lower Level Infection Removal
If your infection has spread into the bone that supports
your teeth, and is below the level that can be reached in
“Upper Level Infection Removal”, then a surgical
procedure must be performed to retract the gums and remove
the lower level infection.
Crown Lengthening
Before placing a crown, your general dentist must first
prepare your tooth. Sometimes there is not enough tooth structure
above the gumline to accept a new crown. “Crown lengthening”
provides more tooth structure for your crown. This ensures
a more stable crown with less resulting gum irritation.
Procedure: The periodontist administers
a local anesthetic and gently recontours excess gum and
bone tissue to expose more of your natural tooth.
Aesthetic Crown Lengthening
Many times, your smile is the first thing people notice when meeting you. If your teeth appear small when smiling, it can look unattractive. This is known as a "gummy" smile. An uneven gum line can also be distracting. In many cases , multiple-tooth crown lengthening can be done to give your teeth a longer and more attractive appearance.
Procedure: The periodontist administers
a local anesthetic and gently recontours excess gum and
bone tissue to expose more of your natural teeth.
Bone Grafting
Your jawbone is what supports your teeth and gums. Unfortunately,
periodontal disease dissolves parts of your jawbone. This
bone loss can eventually lead to the loss of your teeth. The
first step of treatment is to remove the periodontal disease,
which halts the bone loss. We then repair the damage that
has occurred. In many cases, various bone grafting techniques
can be used to re-grow some of the jawbone that was lost.
Procedure: The periodontist administers
a local anesthetic and gently opens the area, removes the
periodontal disease, repairs the bone damage and then fills
in the damaged area with bone grafting material.
Aesthetic Soft Tissue Grafting
Longer teeth or exposed tooth roots can look unsightly. They can also increase your sensitivity to heat, cold or sweets. In some cases, gum tissue can be placed in these areas.
Procedure: The periodontist administers
a local anesthetic and gently prepares the area and places
a gum tissue graft.
Antibiotic Treatment
Some localized topical antibiotics can enhance your periodontal
treatment. In certain isolated circumstances, placement of
antibiotic medicine can also reduce infection. This antibiotic
therapy is always done in conjunction with scaling and deep
cleaning. This procedure is more often used for patients who
have had previous periodontal repair therapy.
Procedure: Topical antibiotics, in various
forms, are precisely placed in isolated areas to improve
healing after the localized area is scaled and deep cleaned.
Afterwards , the results are closely monitored during follow-up
maintenance visits.
Aesthetic Ridge Augmentation
Sometimes after an extraction, there will be a sunken spot
or concave appearance to your gumline. This looks unsightly
and can jeopardize the appearance of a bridge that goes over
the area. Your periodontist can fill the depression by inserting
grafting material under the gum.
Ridge augmentation can also be used to build up an area of bone so that a dental implant can be placed.
Procedure: The periodontist administers a local anesthetic and gently opens the area. He then fills the sunken area with grafting material.
In Conclusion
Every procedure is done with your comfort
and safety in mind. We work closely with your general dentist
to ensure you get the best possible results in accordance with
their wishes. Please feel free to ask questions before, during,
or after any of these procedures. Both Dr. Gelber and his staff
are happy to answer.
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