Periodontal Patient Education

Your Periodontal Glossary

As a full-services periodontal and dental implant practice, we offer a spectrum of services to better serve our patients' needs. We've included definitions of the services we provide to help clarify their meaning and provide a more comprehensive list of the treatments Dr. Provines performs.

Dental Implants

  • Single Implants - One implant designed to replace a single missing tooth or two adjacent missing teeth.
  • Multiple Implants - Implants to replace missing teeth in your smile, wherever they occur.
  • Implant-Retained Removable Dentures - Dentures that lock-on to dental implants and can be removed for cleaning and maintenance.
  • 3D Imaging and CT scan-guided implant surgery - Using this technology, implant therapy can be completed in a single visit. The patient doesn't have to wait six months for the teeth to be placed on the implants.

Periodontics

  • Conservative Non-Surgical Therapy - Deep cleanings can often alleviate symptoms when cases are mild or moderate.
  • Scaling and Root Planing - We remove bacteria from below the gumline and polish tooth surfaces to encourage healing.
  • Antibiotic Therapy - Placing topical antibiotics in the diseased pockets can reduce the infection and promote healthy gum tissue.
  • Conventional Surgical Therapy - Conventional surgery involves removing diseased gum tissue with traditional methods.
  • Flap Osseous Surgery (Pocket Reduction) - The gums are temporarily separated from the tooth, so the doctor can access the root and bone.
  • Crown Lengthening - A portion of the tooth structure is exposed in order for a crown to be successfully attached.
  • Regenerative Procedures - Membranes, bone grafts, or tissue-stimulating proteins are used to rebuild bone tissue.
  • Guided Tissue Regeneration - Barrier membranes are used to direct the growth of new gum tissue.
  • Guided Bone Regeneration - Barrier membranes are used to direct the growth of new bone tissue.
  • Ridge Preservation - Prior to placing a dental implant, we can rebuild bone with a specialized substance to help optimize aesthetics, health, and function.
  • Ridge Augmentation - This procedure is performed to fill in ridge defects and recapture the natural contour of the gums.
  • Sinus Graft - The doctor gently lifts the sinus cavity and places bone tissue underneath to support an implant.
  • Frenectomy - A band of tissue that impairs speech or prevents dental reconstruction can be removed in a short, low-risk procedure.
  • Exposure - Un-erupted teeth can be exposed to facilitate orthodontic therapy.

Cosmetic Dentistry

  • Root Coverage - Covering exposed tooth roots can eliminate tooth sensitivity and promote a more attractive smile.
  • Cosmetic Crown Lengthening - The doctor can remove overgrown gum tissue to reveal a fuller, brighter smile.
  • Gum Recontouring - Gum overgrowth associated with medications and pregnancy can be resolved with recontouring procedures.
  • Periodontal Plastic Surgery - Minimally-invasive plastic surgeries are done to improve the esthetics of a smile.

Oral Medicine - Diagnosis and management of:

  • White and Red Oral and Lip Changes
  • Oral and Lip Ulcers
  • Leukoplakia
  • Lichen Planus
  • Canker Sores
  • Cold Sores
  • Erythema Multiform
  • Soft Tissue Growths
  • Neuropathic Pain
  • Burning Mouth Syndrome
  • Dry Mouth
  • Short- and Long-Term Complications of Head and Neck Cancer Treatment