
Welcome to Advanced Peridontics of Hamden, Connecticut where we offer care in Periodontics and Implantology utilizing the latest in treatment concepts and technology. Let us introduce ourselves.Why do I need to see a periodontist?You may be referred for a number of different reasons. Pockets around your teeth may need treatment
to prevent bone loss. You may need dental implants to replace missing teeth. If you have gum recession and exposed roots, you may need gum grafting. You may be referred for a minor surgical procedure to restore your teeth, to assist with Orthodontic treatment or to enhance your smile. As Periodontists, Drs. Weiss and Evans will work with your Dentist to develop a treatment plan to best meet your needs.What to expect at the first visit?
You should expect a consultation with one of our doctors so that they can become familiar with your medical and dental histories as well as allowing time to hear from you your desires and expectations from treatment. The consultation will be followed by a comprehensive examination to help our doctors determine a diagnosis, etiology and treatment plan developed closely with your general dentist that is customized toward your needs.
Latest technologies we have to offer:
1. Laser Assisted Periodontal Therapy
Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP) is a laser based technique for the treatment of periodontal disease using the Millennium Dental Technologies, Inc., PerioLase MVP7 Laser.
The following are commonly asked questions about this technology.How does it work?
The patient’s gum tissues are numbed with local anesthetic and then the small laser fiber, which is the thickness of three human hairs, is gently inserted into the gum pockets, between the tooth and the gum. The laser bandwidth used for this stage of the procedure has been designed to only target the infected gum tissue, vaporizing it, while leaving the healthy connective tissue that forms the majority of the gum tissue totally intact. The laser also denatures proteins in the gum pockets, and this results in a 99.9% kill rate of any bacteria that is present. During this part of the procedure there is little if any bleeding.
Any debris or tarter on the teeth is gently removed from the root surfaces of the teeth using specialized ultrasonic equipment, specialized ultrasonic scaler tips, and small hand instruments when required. During the final stage of the LANAP procedure, the laser fiber is again inserted into the pockets to encourage clotting. When blood clots it gets sticky and this acts as a temporary biologic “glue”, holding the gums to the necks of the teeth.Does it hurt?
The area being treated with the laser must be anesthetized using local dental anesthesia – similar to having a tooth filled. Post-procedure discomfort is typically minimal and of short duration. The dramatically increased comfort for our patients plus the better clinical results make this new system attractive to our patients. Patients who take care of their periodontal disease now reduce further damage to their gums, teeth and bone in the future.How long does it take?
Initial treatment is focused on the correction of loose teeth if present. There is also a need to remove, if possible, or at least reduce adverse force application on the teeth. These situations are on a case by case basis. The LANAP procedure is usually scheduled by itself and depending on the severity of the patient’s periodontal disease, treatment may be accomplished in one office visit or in multiple visits. The estimated treatment time is reviewed with patients when we discuss their treatment plan.Does this treatment cost more than traditional gum surgery?
Typically we use the same billing codes as traditional gum surgery and the laser treatment is generally no more expensive than traditional surgery. There are other factors which may affect the cost, such as the severity of the periodontal disease, and how many teeth are involved. Many insurance plans pay only for a portion of this treatment. Patients should discuss their payment options with the dental office personnel as we offer Capitol One financing for this treatment.
2. Intravenous Conscious sedation
What is it? This is a form of sedation used to reduce patient anxiety and make the procedure as comfortable as possible for you. A medication is administered intravenously in a controlled fashioned. The advantages of this sedation method versus taking oral medications is the ability to titrate the medication to the specified amount necessary. Dr. Evans and staff have extensive training in this mode of sedation to make sure you are comfortable and also maintain the utmost in safety.
3. Consult Pro Software
What is it? We recently added this software to help patients understand the concepts of Periodontology and Implantology as well have a better understanding of the treatment options we have to offer. This software has animated presentations that will be presented to you during the initial consultation.
4. Simplant Advanced Imaging
For many patients who are referred for dental implants, a two-dimensional radiograph is not satisfactory. The doctors may recommend a computerized scan that creates a three-dimensional image of the implant site that allows us to avoid potential complications such as nerve damage or improperly placed implants. Our Simplant software allows us to convert this three dimensional scan into an image where implants can be virtually placed before the surgery is scheduled. A surgical stent is then created that guides the implant placement exactly as it was planned.
5. Advanced bone grafting techniques
If you have been told implants are not possible due to the lack of jawbone, we have extensive training in the latest concepts and techniques to regenerate lost bone including block bone grafting and maxillary sinus augmentation.
