Dental Implants

Dental implants are a safe and effective solution for missing teeth and can provide long-lasting benefits for a person's oral health and overall well-being. Dr. Howard surgically places titanium implants that integrate with the jawbone to provide a permanent foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel and act like natural teeth.

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The benefits of dental implants include improved appearance, better oral health, increased comfort, improved speech, improved biting and chewing, durability, and convenience. Dental implants can also help to preserve the jawbone and prevent facial collapse, which can occur after tooth loss.

 

All-On-4 Dental Implants

The All-on-4 dental implant system is a treatment option for people who are missing all of their teeth in the upper or lower jaw or need to have their existing denture stabilized. This treatment concept is a hybrid of denture and implants, using just four dental implants to support a full arch of replacement teeth. The four implants are placed at strategic angles, with two angled towards the front of the jaw and two towards the back, providing a secure base for the replacement teeth.

 

Compared to adhesive dentures, the All-on-4 system:

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• Protects the bone structure of your face and jaw.

• More secure, allowing you to eat the foods you love and speak naturally.

• Looks just like your natural teeth.

• Custom-made for a perfect fit

 

Bone Grafting

Bone grafting is a surgical procedure in which new bone material is added to the jawbone to support dental implants or to help repair a damaged jawbone. This procedure is necessary when there is not enough healthy jawbone present to support dental implants or when the jawbone has been damaged due to injury, gum disease, or other factors.

 

Bone Regeneration

If the patient has severe bone loss surrounding existing teeth, Dr. Howard may recommend a regenerative procedure called Periodontal Regeneration Grafting. These procedures can reverse some of the damage by regenerating lost bone and tissue.

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During this procedure, Dr. Howard accesses the deeper disease and removes the disease‐causing bacteria in a procedure called osseous surgery. Barrier membranes, bone grafts or tissue‐stimulating proteins can then be used to encourage your body’s natural ability to regenerate bone and tissue. The bone grafting material is placed in the bony defects around the teeth. A membrane may be used to cover and protect the bone graft. When healed, new bone will grow and attach to the teeth.

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Sinus Lift

A sinus augmentation graft procedure makes it possible for many patients to have dental implants when years ago there was no other option besides wearing loose dentures.

 

The maxillary sinuses are located on either side of the nose, directly above the upper molars. When a person loses upper molars, the sinuses can enlarge and take up some of the space where the jawbone used to be. A sinus lift procedure can add bone to the sinus floor, increasing the height of the jawbone and making it possible to place dental implants in this area.

 

Cosmetic Crown Lengthening

If you have a “gummy” smile, or you feel like your teeth look too short, you might be a candidate for crown lengthening.

 

Using cutting-edge techniques and advanced materials, Dr. Howard will reshape your gums at the base of the teeth to expose additional tooth surface and create greater symmetry at your gum line.

 

Osseous Surgery

Gum disease often causes deep pockets to form around your teeth. These pockets are the perfect hiding spot for bacteria and are difficult to clean on your own, this results in further bone and tissue loss.

 

Dr. Howard offers osseous surgery, also known as pocket depth reduction, to restore your health.

This procedure is usually recommended after other therapy options have proved unsuccessful or as a treatment for advanced stages of gum disease.

 

Gum Recession Therapy

Gum recession is caused by many different factors including genetics, aggressive tooth brushing, gum disease and stress. This can make your teeth quite sensitive and can increase your risk of tooth decay and even tooth loss.

 

Dr. Howard offers a combination of traditional treatment and state-of-the-art techniques to give you personalized care and superior results — traditional gum grafts, tunneling and the cutting-edge Chao Pinhole technique.
 

Scaling and Root Planing (SRP)

Scaling and root planing (SRP) is one of the most common treatments for early to advanced periodontal disease. Commonly referred to as a deep cleaning, this non-surgical procedure involves reaching beyond the gum line to remove plaque buildup and promote healing.

 

By catching signs of gum disease early on and taking preventive action, Dr. Howard will help you maintain a clean and healthy mouth for life.

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Gum Grafting

When recession of the gum tissue 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 excellent option.

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Dr. Howard has trained in the latest minimally invasive techniques of gum grafting and can often perform the entire procedure through a pinhole incision.

 

Sedation Dentistry

Dental anxiety affects many patients and can hinder them from taking the next step to achieve their oral health care goals. Dr. Howard is highly trained and certified in both IV conscious sedation and oral sedation.

 

Due to her extensive training in anesthesia, Dr. Howard is one of the few Periodontists in the area who offers IV sedation without requiring the presence of an anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist. This results in her being able to sedate patients the same day as their consultation when necessary and it saves patients a substantial amount of money on IV sedation.   

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Tooth Extractions

Dr. Howard offers many same day replacement options for missing teeth ranging from dental implants to temporary bridges and is highly focused on the most esthetic, functional and health centered outcome for her patients.