Cut the tip of the root in places that are difficult to reach.

Orthognathic surgery.

After

Before
 

Maxillofacial fractures

Tumors

Congenital malformation

Treatment of temporomandibular joint

Cyst treatment

Tongue tumors

Leukoplakia

Tongue cancer

What is gum disease?

Periodontitis, gum disease, or pyorrhea, is a bacterial infection. Unfortunately, it is not caused by just one type of bacteria, which would make its treatment a great deal easier, but, by a complex and difficult group of bacteria, which renders treatment by normal methods i.e. antibiotics, virtually impossible. If untreated, this infection may lead to the destruction of the underlying supporting structures of the teeth, such as the bone and gums, which, in turn, may cause eventual tooth loss. It is estimated that approximately 75% of the American population has some form of gum disease. As a matter of fact, periodontitis, or gum disease, is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults in the United States.

  Is there a connection between smoking and periodontal disease?

Many research studies and the American Academy of Periodontology clearly illustrate a link between tobacco use and periodontal disease, and decreased treatment effectiveness.

When you smoke you are more likely to develop periodontal disease, and have a more severely case than those who do not use any form of tobacco. Smokers are more likely than non-smokers to have an increase of bacteria plaque and calculus form on their teeth, have deeper pockets between teeth and gums, and lose more bone and tissue that support the teeth.

Following periodontal treatment, dental implant surgery, or any type of oral surgery, the chemicals in tobacco can also slow down the healing process and make treatment results less predictable.

How would I know if I had gum disease?

There are several symptoms that accompany gum disease, however, remember that you may have gum disease without having any or some of the following symptoms:

•  Bleeding gums while brushing your teeth

•  Red, swollen or tender gums

•  Pus between your teeth and gums

•  Receding gums

•  Persistent bad breath, odor or taste

•  Loose teeth

•  Spaces between your teeth that are not normally present

•  Any changes in your bite pattern

Is gum disease contagious?

Periodontitis is not contagious. Research has found that the patient's immune system plays a very important role in the onset of periodontal disease. Periodontitis can be linked, in man patients, to an immune deficiency in specific white blood cells. This deficiency manifests its way as gum disease. Patients that have certain diseases, diabetes, for instance, are very susceptible to infections, thus more susceptible to gum disease. Patients that are immuno-suppressed, such as cancer patients, that are undergoing chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or patients that have undergone organ transplantation, are exceptionally susceptible to pyorrhea. Patients with certain viral infections, HIV being the best example of this category, are extremely prone to developing rapidly destructive types of gum disease.

Research studies of spouses or mates of patients that have periodontitis have indicated that, unless the spouse or mate is susceptible to gum disease, periodontitis is not transmitted through intimate contact.

Does heredity play a role in gum disease?

Yes, it does. Studies have shown that certain groups of African-Americans are more susceptible to periodontitis. A very defined group of Mediterranean Jews are also very prone to the development of gum disease. The susceptibility to being infected by these bacteria have also been demonstrated in children of parents that have gum disease.

What are some risks of anesthesia?

The rate of complications will vary with the health status of the patient and the magnitude of the procedure. The common side effects of general anesthesia include nausea, muscle aches and shivering postoperatively. The most severe complication, death is very rare.