Procedures

Dr. Werkmeister and his team provide custom treatment plans for each patient. Not all procedures are right for all patients. To treat gum disease, Dr. Werkmeister and his staff help you through a series of three basic steps.  Eliminate the infection, fix the remaining problems, and then maintain periodontal health.

  1. Remove the infection:Deep Scaling and Root Planing
    Scaling involves the non-surgical removal of plaque and calcium deposits on the tooth surfaces. Root planing is the smoothing of the root surfaces to promote reattachment of the gum tissue to the tooth.

    These procedures are comfortably completed using local anesthetic (Novacaine). You can immediately return to normal activity following your appointment.

    Systemic and Localized Antibiotic Therapy
    Antibiotics may be used alone or in combination with Scaling/Root Planing in a conservative effort to resolve periodontal infection.

  2. Fix the remaining problems:
  3. Gingival Grafting
    This surgical procedure restores healthy gum tissue to protect your teeth from disease and reduce gum recession. Gum recession and loss can cause serious dental problems and tooth loss. Gum tissue can be replaced and the gumline restored for a healthy and cosmetic result. (view photos)

    We have 15 years experience with a procedure that does not involve harvesting gum tissue from the roof of the mouth. This procedure is far less painful and more esthetic than older techniques!

    Flap Surgery
    This procedure allows the doctor to gain access to the undelying support of the tooth for removal of plaque, tartar and diseased tissue.

    Periodontal Regeneration
    This procedure is designed to strengthen the tooth support by growing back lost periodontal structures that support the teeth, such as, the bone, periodontal ligament, and connective tissue.

  4. Maintain periodontal health:
    Once your periodontal health has been restored, dental and periodontal maintenance appointments will become an important part of your ongoing care and will help to ensure a healthy mouth into the future.