Dr. Stephen M. Sgrazzutti D.D.S.

Family Dentistry

Therapy

Non-Surgical Gum Therapy

 

It is possible that in spite of your best efforts you may require more aggressive gum therapy. Like many other ailments gum disease can be quite painless due to its slow progression.

After a thorough periodontal screening and examination we may choose more aggressive therapies aimed at eliminating or reducing the amounts of bacterial poisons and plaque accumulating below the gum line, (generally cleaning and polishing of teeth is above the gum-line). This involves curettage and root-planing and/or treatment with site specific administration of medications to the affected gums. Curettage is the debridement of the soft tissue lining around the tooth. In disease this tissue is chronically irritated by bacteria deep below the visible gum-line and needs to be removed so that proper healing can occur. Root-Planing is the removal and smoothing of micro-amounts of root surface so that a clean and un-infected surface is presented to the healing lining of soft tissue.

These two procedures are generally done simultaneously, may require local anesthesia and are skillfully done by our well trained hygienists under Stephen M. Sgrazzutti D.D.S.’s prescription.

Gum disease does not happen overnight and treatment generally is spread out over time as the effectiveness of a procedure needs to be assessed before the next takes place. Generally, your condition is re-assessed in time and joint decisions are made about your next step. The services of a specialist (Periodontist) may be required should surgical intervention be required. Often surgery allows for complete healing of the gum and bone, reduced mobility of teeth and a greatly improved prognosis.

Stephen M. Sgrazzutti D.D.S.’s hygiene team will work with you to assure that you have access to the care that best suits your needs. They will also help you hone your home-care skills so that you can maintain the optimum level of health that you want.

Root Canal Therapy

 

Each of our teeth contains a long, thin strand of dental pulp—which provides the tooth with nutrients and nerves—that extends down to the tooth’s root. If the pulp becomes infected or injured, the tooth’s nerves die and, often, without endodontic treatment, the tooth dies as well. Root canals are designed to save such damaged teeth.

TMJ (TMD) Therapy

 

Do you hear a popping or grating sound when you open your mouth?  Are you suffering from pain when trying to open your mouth or move it from side to side? If so, you may have Temporomandibular Joint pain or Temporomandibular Dysfunction. Other common symptoms may include:

  • Neck and/or shoulder pain
  • Ear symptoms, including hearing loss, ringing, or pain
  • Clenching/grinding your teeth during sleep
  • A chronic feeling of tiredness
  • Ongoing headaches at your temples or above your eyes

The symptoms described above may be symptoms of TMJ, but they may also be due to another condition. That’s why it’s so important to get a proper diagnosis, so you can treat the problem accordingly. Stephen M. Sgrazzutti D.D.S. will be happy to perform a comprehensive examination and recommend a treatment plan based on your specific symptoms and concerns. Should we determine the need to get other treatment partners involved—like chiropractors, cranio/mandibular specialists, physiotherapists or massage therapists—we can recommend potential treatment partners and can work together to relieve your symptoms.

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