Our Procedures - Fernyhough Periodontics

Our goal is to provide you with the highest quality of care in a compassionate and safe environment. In order to do this, we use the most current periodontal procedures, instruments, medications, and sterilization techniques.

We want you to be completely informed of your condition and will answer any questions that you may have regarding your treatment and care.

We know that preventing the spread of infectious diseases such as AIDS, herpes, hepatitis and even the cold virus is critical and our team takes sterilization very seriously. For this reason we use extensive sterilization procedures, going well beyond those recommended by the American Dental Association and Centers for Disease Control.

We use barrier techniques such as disposable masks and gloves and change them for every patient. Every piece of fixed operatory equipment is wiped-down with antibacterial solution prior to every clinical procedure. Sterile water delivery systems are utilized. We use autoclave sterilization for all instruments prior to dental examination and treatment. You can be assured that our staff has been specifically trained on sterilization procedures and their importance.

While no dental procedure is 100% comfortable, we go to great lengths to minimize any discomfort you might feel. Many of our patients make statements like, "This wasn't even painful? How did you do that?" We use some of the latest techniques to provide you with as comfortable an experience as possible. We also offer TV across from the dental chair.

Patient comfort is one of the most important aspects of care. Different patients have different needs for pain and anxiety control medication. Depending upon the procedure and your wishes, there are many medications we can prescribe.

In the past, injections of dental anesthesia were more likely to be painful. We have recognized this and take extra care when preparing a patient for anesthetic. We use a topical ointment on the gum tissue first, and then administer the injection very slowly and precisely to reduce the burning sensation that can be experienced. These techniques ensure that patients have minimal, if any discomfort during this portion of care.

For those patients that would feel more comfortable with conscious sedation, we offer both oral sedation and nitrous oxide analgesia. Either one of these techniques will make you feel relaxed and at ease. Although you will be awake, you will not be aware of your surroundings. Drs. Fernyhough, Crow and Swoboda offer this treatment choice.

Conscious sedation can allow you to remain calm during dental procedures, with very minimal recollection of your visit. We are happy to let you know that Dr. Crow has had extensive training and is licensed to provide either one of these options.

General Sedation, otherwise known as “deep sleep” is available if requested.

We strive to stay on the leading edge of periodontal techniques and equipment. In order to do this, we take a great deal of continuing education. We also utilize advanced equipment in our office. This includes:

	Perioscopy which is a video microscope to be able to precisely see areas where infection is under the gumline. Click here to learn more about this unique tool
	Advanced Dental Microscopes which allow us to perform microsurgery. Microscopic procedures are usually more comfortable, less invasive, and heal quicker. Generally, the results are also better and more aesthetically pleasing.

Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection that affects the gums and the bone around your teeth. This infection must be removed and the area given a chance to heal. There are two general categories of accepted treatments for this condition depending upon the severity of your disease.

Non-Surgical Therapy

The upper level of infection in the pockets around your teeth can be removed using specialized instruments. This procedure is called, “Scaling and Root Planing”, “Phase One Treatment” or “Initial Therapy”. It is done under local anesthesia and is quite different from the routine dental cleaning or “deep cleaning” that is traditionally done in the general dentist's office.

Surgical Therapy

Depending on the results of non-surgical therapy, surgical options may be recommended to improve your ability to remove bacteria during normal home care.

When getting a new crown, the general dentist must prepare your tooth in order to place the crown. Sometimes there is not enough tooth structure above the gumline to accept a new crown. “Crown lengthening” provides more tooth structure for your crown. This ensures a more stable crown with less gum irritation afterwards

Procedure: The periodontist administers a local anesthetic and gently recontours excess gum and bone tissue to expose more of your natural tooth.

Many times, your smile is the first thing people notice when meeting. If your teeth appear small when smiling, it can look unattractive. This is known as a "gummy" smile. An uneven gum line can also be distracting. In many cases multiple-tooth crown lengthening can be done to give your teeth a longer and more attractive appearance.

Procedure: The periodontist administers a local anesthetic and gently recontours excess gum and bone tissue to expose more of your natural teeth.

Your jawbone is what supports your teeth and gums. Unfortunately, periodontal disease dissolves parts of your jawbone. This causes bone loss and eventual loss of teeth. The first step is to remove the periodontal disease which halts the bone loss. Then we repair the damage that has occurred. In many cases, various bone grafting techniques can be used to grow back some of the jawbone that was lost.

Procedure: The periodontist administers a local anesthetic and gently opens the area, removes the periodontal disease, repairs the bone damage and then finally fills in the damaged area with bone grafting material.

Longer teeth or exposed tooth roots can look unsightly. They can also increase your sensitivity to heat, cold or sweets. In some cases, gum tissue can be placed in these areas.

Procedure: The periodontist administers a local anesthetic and gently prepares the area and places a gum tissue graft.

Some localized, topical antibiotics can enhance your periodontal treatment. In certain isolated circumstances, placement of antibiotic medicine can also reduce infection. This antibiotic therapy is usually done in conjunction with scaling and deep cleanings. This procedure is more often used for patients that have had previous periodontal repair therapy.

Procedure: Topical antibiotics, in various forms, are precisely placed in isolated areas to improve healing after the localized area is scaled and deep cleaned. Afterwards the results are closely monitored during follow-up maintenance visits.

Sometimes after an extraction there will be a sunken spot or concave appearance in your gumline. This looks unsightly and can jeopardize the appearance of a bridge that goes over the area. Grafting material can be inserted under the gum to fill out this depression.

Ridge augmentation can also be used to build up an area of bone so that a dental implant can be placed.

Procedure: The periodontist administers a local anesthetic and gently opens the area. He then fills the sunken area with grafting material.

Every procedure is done with your comfort and safety in mind. We work closely with your general dentist to ensure you get the best possible results in accordance with their wishes. Please feel free to ask questions before, during, or after any of these procedures of either doctor or any of our team members.