Gum Surgery Research Paper

5. Understanding Dentures with Dr. Lennox Lin

Dentures, or false teeth, are not just for the elderly anymore, explains Dr. Lennox Lin. These prosthetic devices are used to replace missing teeth in groups, or if all teeth have been removed from the mouth. While it is common to lose teeth as a person ages, the geriatric population is not the only sector of people who need to rely on dentures. A person who just entered adulthood could require dentures, even though it is less common. Tooth loss can be the result of many different factors. Sometimes, the tooth loss is due to decay, which is mostly related to poor oral hygiene. However, there are other causes for tooth decay and loss. In some instances, teeth are lost due to malnutrition or drug

Periodontal surgery, also known as gum surgery, only occurs when a patient is suffering from a condition such as periodontal disease. The gums of the mouth are the connective tissues that hold the teeth in place. This form of surgery and the associated ailments can also affect the bones within the mouth, in extreme cases. As plaque develops in the mouth and rests on the tooth where the gum line starts, that plaque can work its way below the gum line. Not only does this cause cavities and tooth decay, it also causes an unhealthy erosion of the gums. Left untreated, these erosions start to form pockets underneath the gum, where more plaque and food debris can accumulate. During periodontal surgery, those pockets of infection and unsightly materials are cleaned out. This form of surgery is also used to reconstruct or reshape the gum line for aesthetic reasons. There are 8 general forms of gum surgery, each having its own purpose and procedures. During a Gingivectomy, the infections under the gum are scraped clean. This procedure is completely painless, as it is performed under anesthesia. Other common periodontal operations to ask Lennox Lin about include a Gingivoplasty, Guided Tissue Regeneration, Periodontal Flap Surgery, Periodontal Bone Graft, Osseous Surgery, Gum Grafts, and Crown

Dental radiography, the process of taking X-Ray images of the teeth, is the only fool proof method of determining what is happening inside the teeth and jaw structure. When patients come into his office complaining of discomfort or pain, and there are no visible reasons for that pain, an X-Ray is the only way to pinpoint what is happening below the surface. A dentist will take many types of X-Rays, and each serves a different purpose. New patients, or patients who have not had X-Rays in a while will often have to have a full mouth series taken. This consists of eighteen different views of the mouth. When those X-Rays are looked at together, they give the dentist a complete picture of what is happening with the patient 's teeth and jaw bone structure. Through dental radiography, the dentist can tell if the person has cavities, impacted roots, infections, adult teeth that have not grown in yet, or wisdom teeth that could present a future problem. When a patient switches dentists, a full series of X-Rays will also let the new dentist know where work has already been done, as the films clearly show any fillings or crowns that were previously placed. Fortunately, dental radiography does not hurt, and the images are ready to be viewed within minutes of being