Treatment Methods

Dr. Colón’s practice provides a variety of services. These include services for the treatment of acute and chronic periodontal diseases. They also include the placement and maintenance of dental implants. We pride ourselves on the fact that we are very conservative in our treatment recommendations and limit surgery to the areas where it is absolutely necessary.

Many times, the early stages of periodontal disease are best treated with non-surgical periodontal therapy. Even in severe cases, non-surgical periodontal therapy often precedes surgical therapy. This is done to improve the overall tissue quality prior to surgery and also to help limit the areas requiring surgery. Your mouth should be in as good periodontal health as possible prior to the consideration of dental implants.

Dr. Colón believes in the treatment of periodontal disease as you would any other risk factor for systemic health and well being. Periodontal Disease is considered a modifiable risk factor for a number of systemic conditions. Prevention, early detection and treatment with maintenance are the keys.

Scaling and Root Planing

The initial stage of treatment is often a thorough cleaning that may include scaling to remove plaque and tartar deposits beneath the gum line. The tooth roots may also be planed to smooth the root surface allowing the gum tissue to heal and reattach to the tooth. In some cases, the occlusion (bite) may require adjustment.

Antibiotics or irrigation with anti-microbials (chemical agents or mouth rinses) may be recommended to help control the growth of bacteria that create toxins and cause periodontitis. In some cases, Dr. Colón may place antibiotics in the periodontal pockets after scaling and root planing. This may be done to control infection and to encourage healing. This nonsurgical approach can help many patients improve to where they do no longer require surgery when followed with excellent homecare, consistent professional maintenance and reevaluations.

When deep pockets between teeth and gums remain, it is difficult for Dr. Colón to thoroughly remove plaque and tartar. Patients can seldom, if ever, keep these pockets clean and free of plaque. In these cases, surgery may be needed to restore periodontal health.

Bite Adjustment

A bite is considered to be healthy when all or most of the teeth are present and not destroyed by normal daily usage. It is of concern when teeth show wear or looseness. Bite therapy helps restore a bite that can function decreasing further damage and destruction. There is evidence to support that occlusal trauma superimposed on periodontal disease can accelerate the deterioration of the supporting structures of the tooth. For this reason it is important to check and when necessary treat the occlusion (bite).

The recommended therapy may include:

Reshaping the biting surfaces of the teeth and eliminating areas of excessive pressures where the teeth are brought into contact. This is done by carefully dividing bite pressures evenly across all of the teeth.

Bite splint therapy using a custom fitted and adjusted acrylic bite guard to keep the teeth apart, day, night or both.

Braces to reposition mal-aligned or drifted teeth.

Replacement of old, worn out or damaged fillings.

Reconstruction of badly worn and damaged teeth

Often a team approach with your general dentist and other specialists is required for bite therapy.