Services and Technology
Quality Work from People Who Care
Northwest Periodontics and Implant Specialists in Woodstock, and Jasper, GA are led by periodontists Dr. ElMaraghi and Dr. Halpern, who specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum disease and dental implants. We use the most advanced technologies, such as the Cone Beam CT scan which can visualize the jaw bone in 3D for implant placement and infection assessment. We offer LASER periodontal surgery to significantly decrease post-surgical pain and discomfort while maintaining superior results.
Services and Technology
Quality Work from People Who Care
Northwest Periodontics and Implant Specialists in Woodstock, and Jasper, GA are led by periodontists Dr. ElMaraghi and Dr. Halpern, who specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum disease and dental implants. We use the most advanced technologies, such as the Cone Beam CT scan which can visualize the jaw bone in 3D for implant placement and infection assessment. We offer LASER periodontal surgery to significantly decrease post-surgical pain and discomfort while maintaining superior results.
Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease of the gums is caused by the presence of certain types of bacteria and how a person’s body responds to these different types of bacteria. The mildest form of periodontal disease is gingivitis.
When bacteria and plaque penetrate the gum tissues and release toxins, the body responds by releasing its own cytokines and a breakdown of the bone and gum tissue that cause periodontal pockets, or “deep pockets”. This bone loss around teeth can increase the chances of tooth loss.
Once a tooth has been lost, the supporting jaw bone has a tendency to disappear over time. Studies have shown that more than 46% of the population has gum disease. Severe gum disease can eventually lead to tooth loss, and loss of function, smile, confidence, and proper nutrition.
If your dentists have discussed the presence of deep pockets with you and you have not responded well to scaling and root planing (deep cleaning), then further action might be necessary to save your teeth. If you have deep pockets you can be a candidate for one of the following treatments.
Our surgeons can provide simple techniques that are now available to regrow lost bone, provide support for dental implants, or improve the esthetics beneath a fixed bridge. For a consultation call 770-928-6655 to make an appointment today!
Surgical Periodontal Therapy
Surgical Periodontal Therapy is the reconstruction of gum and bone to decrease the risk of periodontal disease. One of the surgeries we offer is LANAP, a LASER gum disease treatment that essentially re-grows the tissue and bone lost to gum disease. Patients experience less pain, sensitivity and gum loss with little downtime after the procedure.
LASER Periodontal Therapy™ (LANAP)
The LASER Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP) treats periodontal disease using the Millennium Dental Technologies, Inc., PerioLase® LASER. Patients love this system because there is no need for scalpel or sutures!
The LASER is placed between the gum and tooth where your own growth factors are used to form the membrane and allow for generation of the gum tissue and reduce the periodontal pocket. The Laser uses different wavelength to dissect the tissue and allow access to root surfaces so they can be scaled and cleaned thoroughly. Tartar is removed from the root surface with the use of the Piezoelectric scaler. Initial treatment will focus on removing as much of the diseased tissue as possible with the LASER. Scaling with ultrasonic and hand instruments will be used to remove plaque and tartar. Once the area has been cleaned thoroughly, your gums will better be able to heal.
Your treatment timeline will be discussed before any procedure is performed. Generally, treatment is completed in two office visits (not including post-op and maintenance office visits). Although this is a non-invasive procedure, the patient may feel some post-procedure discomfort during the healing process, this usually can be dealt with by using over-the-counter medication.
LANAP treatment is usually no more expensive than traditional surgery. Some factors that impact the cost of treatment include the severity of the periodontal disease, and how many teeth need to be treated.
Laser Assisted Peri-Implantitis Procedure™ (LAPIP)
While dental implants have revolutionized teeth replacement, improper placement or maintenance can cause problems like excessive pain or bleeding. An infection can occur and lead to peri-implantitis, which causes bone loss or implant failure. Laser-Assisted Peri-Implantitis Procedure™ (LAPIP) is a non-invasive procedure very similar to the LANAP procedure because it is also a laser guided periodontal treatment. It removes the bacteria causing peri-implantitis without disrupting the implant.
The LAPIP procedure produces long-term benefits with short-term recovery time. It provides more than relief from painful implant inflammation, reinforces implant stability, and results in better tissue regeneration. Our doctors are one of few periodontists certified in the LANAP and LAPIP protocol in Woodstock, Jasper, and the surrounding Metro Atlanta areas. Standard LAPIP treatment involves opening the gums and obtaining a graft from the bone and surrounding tissue, as well as removing and replacing the implant.
Osseous Periodontal Therapy
Osseous surgery is a procedure indicated for the treatment of periodontal disease.
Periodontal disease destroys the supporting tissue and bone, leaving periodontal pockets. These periodontal pockets develop and hold bacterial plaque, which results in the loss of teeth, tissue, and bone.
The osseous procedure eliminates gum pockets by removing the infected gum tissue and bone. Our surgeons will make incisions around the teeth, and pull the gums back to remove all plaque and tartar. Moving the gum closer to the bone reduces pockets. A protective dressing is placed around the tooth to protect and secure the new gum-to-tooth union. The osseous surgery can be performed in one section, or wherever there is an infection in the mouth. The result is a healthier mouth that promotes the long-term prevention of periodontal disease.
Guided Tissue Bone and Gum Regeneration
Guided tissue bone and gum regeneration are necessary in cases where periodontal disease has caused a defect around the tooth, and the area can be treated with a graft. The procedure is additive and does not require the removal of bone. We offer many options that use membrane barriers, tissue-stimulating proteins, bioactive growth factors (Emdogain), and particulate bone allograft for bone grafting.
Grafts
When a patient lacks a sufficient amount of gum or soft tissue, or bone tissue, the body loses a natural defense against bacterial penetration and trauma. Grafting is used to maintain bone and facial structure. Our team will address the cause of your gum recession while providing a treatment plan.
Gum Recession
Gum recession, otherwise known as gingival recession, is when the gum retreats from its position, causing more exposure to the roots of the teeth. Aggressively brushing and flossing, genetics, abnormal tooth positioning, or overall poor oral health can contribute to gum recession, leaving insufficient tissue to support the tooth structure. Gum recession can also lead to root sensitivity to hot and cold beverages and foods, an increased risk of root decay, and an unflattering appearance of the gums and teeth.
Dr. ElMaraghi and Dr. Halpern offer many ways to treat gum recession to help restore your smile in a healthy way.
Soft-Tissue Graft
A soft-tissue graft is performed to prevent gum recession and improve the appearance of your smile. The procedure requires a cover over the roots or the development of gum tissue that isn’t present. An exposed root can be a result of inflammation from plaque and bacteria along the gumline from aggressive brushing your teeth. Your surgeon will work with you to determine the root of the problem. After determining the reason, we will repair the defect with any of these three types of soft-tissue grafting:
Free Gingival Graft: A gingival graft, or gum graft, is a surgical procedure used to increase the amount of “good”, keratinized tissue around a tooth. The procedure requires taking gum tissue from the roof of the mouth and gently moving it to the exposed root surface of the teeth to provide stability for the teeth. The results provide healthy tissue around the tooth. This particular gum graft is used with patients who may have thinner gums and need additional tissue to expand the gums.
Autogenous Connective Tissue Graft: This procedure is needed when there is gum recession (root exposure). It is the most common method to treat root exposure and can be performed using the patient’s own tissue from their palate (roof of the mouth). The tissue is removed and stitched to the gum tissue surrounding the exposed root. Once the graft is removed from the roof of the mouth, it is stitched back down.
Dermis Graft: A Dermis Allograft is a skin tissue graft that covers up exposed root surfaces of the teeth. The tissue used for this procedure comes from a donor bank.
Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique
Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique is a revolutionary scalpel-free, suture-free procedure for treating gum recession, and takes the place of a traditional tissue grafting procedure. The procedure can take up to two hours but provides a quicker recovery time compared to the traditional method.
During your appointment, your dental surgeon uses a small needle to make a small hole in the gum tissue. The tissue is then loosened and gently pulled over the receded root surfaces of the tooth. Patients experience minimal postoperative symptoms including pain, swelling, and bleeding. Typical recovery time takes a few days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is gum recession?
Why should gum recession be taken seriously?
What is Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique?
What are the benefits of Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique?
Less Discomfort for the patient after treatment.
Faster recovery for the patient than traditional grafting.
No need for uncomfortable sutures.
No need for scalpels or invasive surgical tools.
No need to take donor tissue from the patients palate.
Excellent, natural-looking, long-lasting results.
How does Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique differ from traditional gum grafting?
How is Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique performed?
Crown Lengthening (Functional or Esthetic)
Functional crown lengthening is a fairly simple procedure to aid in saving a compromised tooth structure. In cases where a tooth is significantly decayed, functional crown lengthening is used to expose more of the tooth structure to create a better foundation for a restorative crown to be placed.
A Smile Lift or Esthetic Crown Lengthening is a fairly simple procedure. It involves the removal of excess gum tissue and the reshape the underlying structures for a healthier and more attractive smile.
Dental Implants
A dental implant is a titanium post that is placed where a tooth root is normally found. If you are missing one or more teeth, dental implants might be a great option for you. Dental Implants are the perfect solution to preserve the look of your smile and prevent unintentional tooth movement, loss of bone, and function. With dental implants, patients can regain their ability to eat whatever they want and smile with confidence. Dental implants are the most natural-looking tooth replacement procedures because they feel, look, and function just like normal teeth. When the implant heals to the bone, dental crowns or caps (artificial teeth) are placed on the anchored posts, creating a beautiful smile.
Not all dental implants are equal, top implant companies in the world conduct the most rigorous research, and accept the lowest margin of error. Dr. ElMaraghi and Dr. Halpern use these premium implants to ensure success rates and outcomes for their patients. The implant treatments we offer include single-tooth, multiple-tooth, full arch, and mini dental implants.
Single-Tooth Implant Replacement
Your smile and the health of the oral cavity depend on many factors, including a full set of healthy teeth. A single-tooth implant is a single dental implant. While a single missing tooth may not seem as urgent as an entire arch of missing teeth, this condition can severely disrupt the balance and health of your smile. The implant is surgically placed into an opening made by either Dr. ElMaraghi or Dr. Halpern. Once the implant is attached to the bone, it acts as a root for the crown that will replace the missing tooth. At Northwest Periodontics Dr. ElMaraghi and Dr. Halpern have solutions for single missing teeth, including mini implant-supported dental crowns.
To learn more about how we can replace a single missing tooth with a custom dental crown or bridge contact us.
Multiple Tooth Replacement
The multiple tooth replacement procedure is common when you have more than one missing tooth. Losing several teeth can cause a lack of confidence and aesthetic appeal. In addition, the loss of your teeth can lead to a number of oral health problems, including periodontal (gum) disease, misalignment, loss of function, and further tooth damage. It is essential to your oral health to replace your missing teeth as soon as possible to prevent bone and soft-tissue deterioration as well as facial collapse. If you’ve lost teeth and want to rebuild a smile that will last for years to come contact us. The multiple-tooth dental implants used by Dr.ElMaraghi and Dr. Halpern at the Northwest Periodontics office utilize cutting-edge technology and natural-looking restorations to fill the gaps left by missing teeth.
Pro-Arch (Teeth In A Day)
After losing all of your teeth, life can change significantly. However, Dr. ElMaraghi and Dr. Halpern at Northwest Periodontics can offer sophisticated solutions to replace all of your teeth in the most natural and reliable way.
This life-changing implant solution is a fixed prosthesis that doesn’t have to come in or out, functions like natural teeth, and can replace a whole arch at a time. It allows patients who have lost all of their teeth (or already have lost them) to receive teeth supported on implants the same day. Other benefits of dental implant support are natural-looking esthetics, improved chewing of food including a variety of healthy fruits and vegetables, elimination of partials or dentures, enhanced speech and confidence!
The procedure involves the insertion of an implant, then a full dental bridge supported on the dental implants. The fixed bridges look and function like real teeth. Patients can receive both top and bottom sets of new teeth in the same day. Throughout the process, we coordinate your appointments for a smooth and satisfactory journey to your smile. Our surgeons work very closely with your restorative dentist to achieve the final desired result and ensure the success of the case.
Please call 770-928-6655 today for your consultation and Cone Beam CT Scan (3D).
Full Mouth Restorations
This is a process that involves restoring all of the teeth in both upper and lower jaws. Your dental surgeon will formulate a plan to optimize the health of your entire mouth. This includes your teeth, gums, and bite. In some cases, it is necessary to either restore or replace every tooth in the mouth, which uses a combination of services including dental crowns, implants, bridges, veneers, fillings, and teeth whitening.
Other procedures performed regularly at Northwest Periodontics and Implant Specialists include:
Extractions
Some teeth have a hopeless prognosis and a high risk of infection. In those cases, we would recommend extraction and discuss with you and your general dentist the various types of restorative dentistry to replace the missing tooth once the extraction procedure is performed.
Bone Graft
A bone graft procedure is using a special bone graft material and grafting it onto your jaw bone. This procedure is necessary for a number of reasons; when an implant site needs repair, inadequate bone structure due to previous extractions, gum disease, or injuries. It’s also necessary to grow bone around a dental implant. Your dental surgeon will take bone from another part of your jaw or body, namely your hip, and transplant it to your jawbone. It may take several months after creating new and strong bone for the implant to be stable.
Biopsy of Oral Pathology
Any changes in the color, shape, and size of the oral cavity can only be 100% definitively diagnosed by a biopsy.
Another method we use to kill off gum disease-causing bacteria is ARESTIN®, a type of antibiotic that is placed in the periodontal pockets (deep pockets) of your gums where bad bacteria can collect. It can also be applied under your gum line after SRP is performed for optimal healing and reduction of the deep gum pockets.
Sinus Lifts (Vertical and Lateral)
Sinus lifts are required occasionally when replacing upper molars, premolars, and teeth with dental implants. This procedure is also necessary when a tooth is extracted and the bone in the area begins to shrink or resorb over time. This movement can impinge on the sinus cavity, and cause insufficient height to support an implant. As a result of bone loss, the sinuses can expand to occupy space. With insufficient bone to securely place a dental implant, a sinus lift will move the sinus away from the roots of the teeth or create additional bone in the area.
This might sound extensive however, it is not at all. The word surgery in reference to dental procedures is minor especially compared to surgery in other parts of the body. Most patients have very little post-operative pain or problems. If pain or problems do occur, they can and will be managed in whichever way the patient feels most comfortable.
Technology
Sedation
Nitrous oxide anxiolytics (laughing gas) and IV Moderate are the sedation dentistry options given to patients to decrease their pain and anxiety. We do our best to provide the most comfortable experience for our patients, however, we also understand that sometimes extra measures need to be taken for our patients to feel comfortable during a procedure. Sedation dentistry allows us to continue to provide our first-class care without compromising your peace of mind. Many people neglect their oral health for years out of fear of the dentist. Now we can help you restore your teeth and smile to optimum health with fewer appointments and less stress. Dr. ElMaraghi and Dr. Halpern will discuss with you appropriate sedation options based on what is most suitable for your needs.
Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy
Patients suffering from chronic periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease can benefit from scaling and root planing (SRP), and deep cleaning of the teeth, gums, and root surfaces. Your hygienist will remove any tartar and plaque from these areas to help prevent the loss of any teeth.
Hygiene Maintenance Programs by RDH
Our hygienists have extensive training and experience in treating patients after periodontal therapy. Maintaining a high standard of oral hygiene contributes to healthy gums, and helps to keep periodontal (gum) disease in check. It is not only crucial to avoid bone loss around teeth but equally as important for maintaining the health of your whole body. Avoiding gum disease is important for the prevention of heart disease, strokes, diabetes, arthritis, pregnancy complications, and some types of cancer.
At your maintenance appointment your hygienist will perform the following procedures:
- Thoroughly evaluate your oral health by measuring the depth of the gum pockets around your teeth.
- Check the amount of plaque or tartar on your teeth.
- Thoroughly remove any plaque, hard tartar build-up, or stain that may have accumulated above and more importantly below the gum line.
- Polish the teeth to make your mouth and teeth feel smooth and look shiny, and fluoride treatment if necessary.
- Dental radiographs (“x-rays”) will be taken when recommended by your periodontist. They are generally indicated once a year to check the areas of your mouth and teeth that are not visible by the human eye. Occasionally, they are required to monitor the progress of certain treatments or for at-risk patients.
- A tailored home care program to help you maintain a high level of oral health, hopefully, to avoid the need for extensive dental treatments. Our hygienists will give you expert advice and demonstrations on how to best take care of your mouth and dental or implant restorations. We encourage you to ask any questions you may have.
To learn more about our team at Northwest Periodontics and Implant Specialists, contact our office today. Would you like to schedule an appointment? Our patient resources page will provide you with all the valuable information you need prior to your visit here.
T: 770-928-6655 | F: 770-928-6656 | nwperio@securedds.com
Monday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Our office is trilingual speaking English, Spanish and Arabic!