303-678-5253 • 1055 17th Ave. Ste. 101, Longmont, CO info@longmontperiodontics.com

DR. VAN DER WERF OFFERS THE FOLLOWING TREATMENTS:

Dr. Van der Werf utilizes both surgical and non-surgical treatment of periodontal disease, performs cosmetic procedures, and places dental implants to replace missing teeth. The following will provide you with a wealth of information on all of these procedures.

NON-SURGICAL TREATMENTS

Scaling and Root Planing is a careful cleaning of the root surfaces to remove plaque and tartar from deep periodontal pockets and to smooth the tooth root (removing bacterial toxins). Scaling and root planning is sometimes followed by adjunctive therapy such as local delivery antimicrobials, systemic antibiotics, and host modulation.

POCKET DEPTH REDUCTION PROCEDURES

Pocket Depth Reduction: Your bone and gum tissues should fit snugly around your teeth. Periodontal disease can create pockets where bacteria live. Pocket reduction can be used when you have pockets that are too deep to clean with standard oral care.

During this procedure, your periodontist folds back the gum tissue and removes the disease-causing bacteria before securing the tissue into place. In some cases, irregular surfaces of the damaged bone are smoothed to limit areas where disease-causing bacteria can hide. This allows the gum tissue to better reattach to healthy bone.

REGENERATIVE PROCEDURES

Regenerative Procedures (procedures that regenerate lost bone and tissue) can reverse some of the damage caused by periodontal disease.

During this procedure, your periodontist folds back the gum tissue and removes the disease-causing bacteria. Membranes (filters), bone grafts or tissue-stimulating proteins can be used to encourage your body’s natural ability to regenerate bone and tissue.

Eliminating existing bacteria and regenerating bone and tissue helps to reduce pocket depth and repair damage caused by the progression of periodontal disease. With a combination of daily oral hygiene and professional maintenance care, you’ll increase the chances of keeping your natural teeth — and decrease the chances of other health problems associated with periodontal disease.

CROWN LENGTHENING PROCEDURE

Dental Crown Lengthening Procedure reshapes the excess gum and bone tissue to expose more of the natural tooth. This can be done to one tooth, to even your gum line, or to several teeth to expose a natural, broad smile.

Your dentist or periodontist may also recommend dental crown lengthening to make a restorative or cosmetic dental procedure possible. Perhaps your tooth is decayed, broken below the gum line, or has insufficient tooth structure for a restoration, such as a crown or bridge. Crown lengthening adjusts the gum and bone level to expose more of the tooth so it can be restored.

SOFT TISSUE (GUM) GRAFT SURGERY

Gum Grafts can be used to cover the exposed roots or to develop gum tissues. A gum graft can reduce further recession and bone loss.

Gum grafts can be used to cover roots or develop gum tissue where absent due to excessive gingival recession. During gum graft surgery, your periodontist takes gum tissue from your palate or another donor source to cover the exposed root. This can be done for one tooth or several teeth to even your gum line and reduce sensitivity.

A gum graft can reduce further recession and bone loss. In some cases, it can cover exposed roots to protect them from decay. This may reduce tooth sensitivity and improve the esthetics of your smile. Whether you have a gum graft to improve function or esthetics, patients often receive the benefits of both: a beautiful new smile and improved periodontal health — your keys to smiling, eating and speaking with comfort and confidence.

Also see Dental Implants and Cosmetic Procedures

Office Hours

MONDAY: 8am-12pm, 1pm-5pm
TUESDAY: 8am-12pm, 1pm-5pm
WEDNESDAY: Closed
THURSDAY: 8am-12pm, 1pm-5pm
FRIDAY: 8am-12pm

Contact Us

Location

  • Address
    1055 17th Ave. Ste. 101
    Longmont, CO 80501