Tag Archives: Periodontal Surgery

CEREC

should I have gotten a cerec crown?

I had a crown placed which led to pretty severe gum inflammation. My dentist couldn’t figure out why so he sent me to a periodontist. She couldn’t figure out what the cause was either. Off I go to a prosthodontist. This doctor thinks it is because the dentist placed the crown too deep. He also said if I don’t have it treated I will develop gum disease. But, he said the surgery will likely lead to cosmetic damage to the gum area. I feel stuck. I don’t want gum disease, but I don’t want a cosmetic issue either. What do I do? Would this have happened if I’d gotten a CEREC crown instead?

Mary

Dear Mary,

CEREC Crown being placed on a tooth
Sometimes a dentist gets in over their head

It’s a shame this happened to you. I think your dentist should help cover this as his actions led to the problem. One thing that worries me is the prosthodontist acting like if you treat your gum disease, you’ll end up a cosmetic freak.

The truth is, whatever damage was done to your gums cosmetically speaking, is already done. Now your choices are repair this to help you prevent gum disease or leave it and end up with gum disease. It’s pretty much a no-brainer, but they didn’t put it to you that way..

Maybe they said it that way so you wouldn’t think they botched something after the procedure.

In the meantime, I’m going to suggest you rinse with an antibacterial rinse, like Peridex. This will help you with the gum inflammation.

CEREC Crowns Versus Traditional

You asked if this would have happened if you’d had a CEREC crown instead of a traditional crown. In reality, while CEREC crowns are milled by computer, which does make the fit as accurate as possible, the placement of the crown is still done by the dentist. If he placed a traditional crown improperly, he’d likely do the same with a CEREC.

The only other advantage to getting a CEREC crown would be having it done in one appointment instead of needing a temporary crown and two appointments. The dentist really matters more than the type of crown.

This blog is brought to you by Lafayette, LA Dentist Dr. Mike Malone.

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Dental Flap Surgery

My dentist is recommending I see a periodontist for dental flap surgery. What is Dental Flap Surgery?

Thanks, Gloria

Dear Gloria,

Flap surgery is recommended when root planing and scaling are not enough to treat moderate to severe periodontal disease in eliminating the pocket. This surgical procedure is done with a local anesthetic and the gums are loosened around the tooth and bone to thoroughly clean the roots of the tooth removing tarter and diseased tissue. Because periodontal disease causes the bone to deteriorate around the tooth, most of the time during flap surgery the bone is reshaped to help the tissue heal properly. If the bone is severely damaged synthetic bone or cadaver bone is placed around the tooth to help bone grow back. Your tissue is then sutured back into place and usually covered with a periodontal pack or gauze to protect the area. After a week your sutures will most likely be removed by the periodontist.

This procedure can take up to three hours to complete, depending on the severity of periodontal disease and the sites being treated. Antibiotics and pain medication are usually prescribed following this procedure to help with infection and ease any discomfort. Twenty four hours after surgery it’s usually recommended to swish with salt water rinses to reduce swelling. If swelling is not reduced over a few days place ice packs on the side of your face where the procedure was completed to help reduce the inflamed site. Make sure you maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly but be gentle. Eat soft foods and as the area heals you can put more solid foods back into your diet.

Post courtesy of Dr. Malone, Lafayette Louisiana Cosmetic Dentist