Periodontal Evaluation and Referral
Crown lengthening procedures are sometimes necessary to expose more of the tooth structure, allowing for restorations that properly reflect your dental features. We may refer you to a periodontist to evaluate the health of your gums and the bone supporting your teeth. If you are already under the care of a periodontist, please continue following their recommendations regarding your periodontal health. This evaluation helps us assess the health of the supporting structures (bone and gums) around your teeth.
Occlusal Treatment
An occlusal bite splint may be recommended before, during, or after your treatment. This splint helps us diagnose any irregularities in your jaw muscle function and ensures that your jaw is in the proper position relative to your teeth.
Endodontic Evaluation
In certain reconstructive procedures, particularly when large restorations exist or significant tooth reduction is necessary, the nerves within the teeth may become irritated. In such cases, root canal treatment may be required. When this is done, a post and core—either pre-fabricated or custom-made—will be placed to reinforce the tooth structure.
Surgical Evaluation
When a tooth is fractured or severely traumatized, the ideal approach is to remove it and, if the surrounding bone is intact, replace it with an implant immediately. Depending on the stability of the implant, a provisional (temporary) tooth may be fabricated. If the bone is not intact, bone grafting will be necessary before implant placement. This can sometimes be done at the same time as the extraction, but not always. These options will be reviewed with you during your consultation.
Implants can be placed in the areas where teeth are missing, and a provisional prosthesis may be created depending on implant stability. Additional evaluations may be necessary, such as for pre-prosthetic surgery (excessive gum tissue on ridges), orthognathic evaluation (jaw discrepancies), extraction of questionable teeth, or bone grafting procedures.
If you have further questions about extractions, implant placement, or the surgical process, please contact us.
When Dental Implants are Recommended
I recommend the placement of dental implants in the areas where teeth are missing. After the necessary healing and integration period—where the bone grows onto the implant—we will fabricate a crown. Implants may be placed using either a two-phase surgical process or a one-stage procedure, depending on the bone and tissue conditions at the time of surgery. If we can place the implant and healing cap in one stage, this reduces the need for a second surgery, shortens the timeline, and often improves esthetic outcomes.
Typically, implant integration takes about three to four months in the lower jaw, and six to eight months in the upper jaw. The restorative phase then takes approximately six to twelve weeks, depending on complexity. If the tooth was lost some time ago, bone loss may have occurred, requiring additional bone augmentation.
When Bone Augmentation is Recommended
To achieve the best results, you may need one of several bone augmentation options, which will be discussed during your consultation.
Autogenous Bone
Autogenous bone, considered the “gold standard,” involves harvesting bone from another area of your body, typically the iliac crest (hip). In minor cases, bone may be taken from the chin or tuberosity areas. While effective, this procedure carries risks such as discomfort, swelling, and the possibility of bone resorption over time.
Allograft
We use demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft, supplied through Health Canada-approved providers. This eliminates the need for a second surgical site, as the donor bone is processed, sterilized, and ready for use. In some cases, a membrane may also be used during the bone grafting process to assist with soft tissue healing.
Xenografts
This involves using natural bovine-derived material, which works similarly to freeze-dried bone in small augmentation areas.
Synthetic Bone
At this time, our practice does not utilize synthetic bone alternatives.
Blood-Derived Products
Growth factors from your own blood may be used to stimulate bone growth. Please understand that bone regeneration depends on your body’s response, and multiple treatments may be needed to meet your expectations. Results cannot be guaranteed.
Orthodontic Evaluation
Simple Cases
Orthodontic tooth movement may be recommended to better align your teeth, improving their function and appearance before restorative treatments.
Complex Cases
For more involved cases, we may refer you for an evaluation to address malocclusion (jaw misalignment).
Restorative Dentistry
Veneer Preparations
Veneers are a conservative option for correcting esthetic issues, replacing discolored or damaged tooth tissue with minimal reduction of the natural tooth. During the preparation appointment, impressions and records will be taken, and temporary veneers placed. These temporaries are not meant to resemble the final restorations in color or fit.
At your next visit, your final veneers will be tried in and bonded only if they meet both your expectations and ours. If necessary, adjustments or remakes may be needed, during which you will continue to wear the temporary veneers.
Please note that you may experience tooth sensitivity after veneer preparation, which usually subsides. In rare cases, the sensitivity may be permanent, requiring root canal treatment. Veneers are bonded strongly to tooth structure and can last for many years; however, like diamonds, they can fracture or debond if subjected to trauma. Depending on the situation, they can often be repaired or replaced. While no guarantees can be made for cosmetic procedures, with proper care, veneers have been shown to last over 25 years in many patients.
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To contact our prosthodontist about new or existing implants, fill out the form below. You can also reach us by phone at (519) 258-6722 or by email at info@wsdg.ca