Bone and tissue grafts have many uses in the dental aspect. Bone grafting procedures are used for reconstructive purposes, supporting implant osseointegration (bone fusing to implant), as well as restoring or replacing one or many teeth. With so many advances in dental technology, these procedures are done quickly, and healing is much easier than in the past.
Bone Graft
Bone grafts are most commonly used for replacing bone that has been lost due to gum disease. Also, untreated extractions and a prolonged period of denture use can cause significant wear on bone. Sometimes bone loss occurs during an extraction, where roots are difficult to remove, and often bone resorbs (dissolves) when we are not utilizing it.
Dr. Koeppel, director of Koeppel Dental Group – A Dental365 Company, uses bone grafting and resorbable membranes to rebuild, augment, and fortify the area of jawbone that is lacking bone. This provides support and creates a healthier bone mass, becoming a foundation for implants or other teeth restorations. Once bone is placed in a site, a membrane blanket is placed on top of the graft to protect it and to ensure that the tissue healing over does not disrupt the new bone.
Gum & Bone Solutions
Periodontitis, also known as “periodontal disease” or “gum disease” is a chronic inflammation and infection of the gum tissue, jawbone, and teeth. Most of us are afraid to hear what the doctor might say since we have avoided the issue for so long. We often hear our patients saying, “I avoided cleanings before because they always hurt.” Bacterial plaque is recognized as the primary cause of gum disease and inflammation, as well as one of the reasons why hygiene appointments are avoided. Koeppel Dental Group – A Dental365 Company offers many options for maintaining health, starting with the most conservative approaches.
Diseased Gums
Periodontitis, also known as periodontal disease or gum disease is a chronic inflammation and infection the gum tissue, jawbone, and teeth. Bacterial plaque is recognized as the primary cause of gum disease. It is usually starts out as something unnoticeable. Most of the adult population is affected by gum disease. Gum disease is not always due to a lack of homecare. Many people are predisposed genetically to this. We will be your coach, guiding you through your treatment plan to get your gums back into good health.
What Causes Gum Disease?
When plaque is not removed each day by brushing and flossing, calculus appears. Toxins produced and released by calculus irritate the gums and break down the fibers that hold the gums tightly against the teeth causing periodontal pockets, as well as contributing to heart disease, and diabetes. These pockets then fill with more toxins and bacteria. As the disease develops further, the pockets get deeper and teeth become looser – ultimately, resulting in tooth loss.
Signs Of Gum Disease
Getting an accurate diagnosis is paramount in treating the disease. As the signs develop, bleeding gums, loose teeth, you may decide then it is time to make an appointment. Unfortunately, when loose teeth occur it may be too late. In rare cases, loose teeth could be caused by a multitude of factors including your bite. It is important that a dentist diagnose your symptoms and causes to develop the correct therapy and treatment.
Why Choose Koeppel Dental Group?
Dr. Koeppel, director of Koeppel Dental Group – A Dental365 Company, is a leader in prevention, and maintenance of periodontal disease, always attending continuing education and getting involved with research projects pertaining to periodontitis.
Sedation Dentistry
Are bad dental experiences keeping you from the dentistry you want? Do you hate the dentist?
You are not alone. Don’t let this fear stop you from having the healthy mouth and beautiful smile you’ve always dreamed of!
Koeppel Dental Group – A Dental365 Company is happy to offer multiple types of sedation to ease your dental anxiety and make office visits easier than ever. Unsure which option is right for you? Call us today for a free consultation to discuss your fears and how we can help you overcome them.
Nitrous Oxide
This minimal sedation is the most popular option for patients at Koeppel Dental Group – A Dental365 Company. Commonly known as “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide is an inhalable gas that is mixed with oxygen and administered through a nose mask. The amount given can easily be adjusted by your doctor or hygienist for optimal comfort. You’ll feel yourself letting go of the stress of the dental visit while our team of experts perform your scheduled services. This sedation option is also attractive to many patients because there are no after effects once the mask is removed. Patients are able to drive themselves home from the appointment, unlike the other sedation options.
Oral Sedation
The middle-of-the-road option for sedation is oral sedation, or sedation by taking a pill. Depending on your medical history, height and weight, your doctor will prescribe a medication that is right for you. The prescription is taken usually one hour before your appointment so it starts working by the time the doctor is ready to see you. Similar to nitrous oxide, you will be awake throughout the procedure, but the medication will cause drowsiness. Some patients are so relaxed that they even fall asleep in the chair! For your safety, we always recommend that you have someone drive you to our office and home from the procedure.
IV Sedation
The most fearful patients usually opt for IV sedation for their dental appointments. This option is administered directly into a vein, so the medications work almost immediately once administered. Although you will have little or no memory of the procedure, you will be conscious and breathing on your own for the entire visit. That means, if we ask you to open wide, you will be able to respond by opening your mouth, but will not have any memory of this at all. Since you will not be aware of what is happening, we usually recommend doing as much dentistry as possible in each visit. In one or a few visits, you will be able to complete many years of needed dentistry. Fear and dental anxiety does not have to hold you back anymore!
Root Canal Therapy
If you ask someone what the most dreaded procedure in dentistry is, there is a good chance they will answer “root canal.” There is no need to feel like this anymore! Our team of professionals will walk you through this procedure and make sure that you are at ease throughout the visits. Advanced education and the best equipment allows very little discomfort, that is if you feel any at all!
What is a root canal?
A root canal procedure is a regularly performed endodontic procedure that is done in order to save a tooth from infection. Millions of teeth are saved each year thanks to root canal treatments and over the years they have become painless and quick procedures that can be completed in just one appointment depending on the condition of your tooth. Saving the tooth with a root canal is preferred over having to remove the tooth because it allows for normal chewing and biting and helps to maintain your smile’s natural appearance. It is also much cheaper than requiring a tooth replacement such as an implant.
What Are Dental Bridges?
Dental bridgework is one of the most well-known solutions for missing teeth. Not much can compare to the affordability and versatility of dental bridgework, you can replace one tooth or several teeth using a bridge. Dr. Koeppel, director of Koeppel Dental Group – A Dental365 Company, uses many varied materials and techniques when it comes to fabricating a bridge right for each situation. Zirconia, porcelain, and high noble gold are all materials possibly used for each dental bridge.
Advantages of Dental Bridges
If you are missing teeth, dental bridges are an important part of restorative treatment. Missing teeth can cause a multitude of issues including deteriorating bone structure and shifting teeth which may cause an unsightly smile.
Types of Dental Bridges
Before, all ceramic bridges were unheard of. With recent dental technological advances, Dr. Koeppel can place all porcelain bridges (metal free) almost anywhere! This allows for superior esthetics and optimal bite relationships.
Dr. Koeppel always studies the area of the mouth where he will be placing a bridge before deciding on the material to be used. Each patient’s bite dynamics and occlusal forces are evaluated and then, with the patient, Dr. Koeppel decides which material will function the best for the purpose.
Porcelain Bridges
Those with hard biting forces and broad smiles are usually recommended a high noble gold framework under a layered porcelain shell. This allows for supreme esthetics and superior occlusal force to withstand the magnitude of the bite. With artistic detail, Dr. Koeppel and his team of master ceramists creates breathtaking smile line PFM (porcelain fused to metal) bridges that appear to be natural teeth, matching the others flawlessly, however always when possible Koeppel Dental Group will choose not to use metal.
When it comes to esthetics, nothing beats all porcelain. Dr. Koeppel uses the Lava, zirconia and E-max brand porcelain to allow for some natural light and translucency to appear in the teeth, making it the choice for esthetically driven treatment plans. Also, patients who have the unusual ability to taste the metallic components of dental restoration products are evaluated for porcelain bridge treatment.
Step Wise Dental Treatment
In any situation, many patients find themselves unable to afford more permanent and lasting dental work needed to sustain the rest of their lives. Phased out dentistry is a simple concept that involves understanding that dentistry is a dynamic process, not a static event. Dr. Koeppel, director of Koeppel Dental Group – A Dental365 Company, is aware that some patients may not be able to financially handle the recommended treatment right away. Dr. Koeppel’s goal with using the concept of up-gradable dentistry is to give patients the ability and dignity to choose better dental options when it is affordable and convenient for them. You, the patient, define this sequential improvement in overall dental health and function based on your financial, social, and emotional concerns at the time of treatment.
Preventing Worse
In rough times, most people put their own needs to the side and focus on their families and immediate obligations. When you put something on the back burner for so long, it becomes hard to step back into the light again. It has often been said, that nothing in the world hurts like a toothache, and everyone deserves to prevent this from occurring, even with financial obligations. Let us help you phase out your treatment plan to prevent more damage to your mouth and overall health.
