- Teeth CleaningThe first line of defense against gum disease is a unique type of cleaning called “scaling and root planing.” In this procedure, an ultrasonic cleaning device is used to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth where regular cleaning devices can't reach: under the gum line, on the tooth, and around the root. Then, the rough surface of the tooth and the root are smoothed out (planed). This provides a healthy, clean surface that makes it easier for the gum tissue to reattach to the tooth.
- CrownsIf you have too much gum showing when you smile, causing your teeth to look short, we call this a gummy smile. If your gum line is uneven, causing some teeth to look shorter than others, we call this a crooked smile. Both situations are easily remedied with a procedure referred to as a gum lift or crown lengthening. During this procedure, we remove excess gum tissue and reshape the contour of your gums to lengthen the crowns of your teeth and provide a natural-looking gum line.
- Bridges
- Root Canal TreatmentConventional bridges and dentures are not fixed to the bone, and can therefore be unstable. This can make it difficult to eat or smile with confidence. Implants not only look more natural, but feel and act more like normal teeth, with a stronger biting force. And because they don't directly rely on neighboring teeth for support, implants don't compromise the health of your natural teeth. In fact, bridges are only expected to last seven to ten years, even less with root canals, whereas implants will typically last a lifetime.
- Periodontal SurgeryIf the tissue or bone surrounding your teeth is too damaged to be repaired with non-surgical treatment, several surgical procedures are available to prevent severe damage and to restore a healthy smile. We will recommend the procedure that is best suited to the condition of your teeth and gums. Following is a list of common types of periodontal surgery...
- Deep Cleaning
- DenturesImplants are versatile. If you are only missing one tooth, one implant plus one replacement tooth will do the trick. If you are missing several teeth in a row, a few strategically placed implants can support a permanent bridge (a set of replacement teeth). Similarly, if you have lost all of your teeth, a full bridge or full denture can be permanently fixed in your mouth with a strategic number of implants.
- Dental ImplantsSometimes we go through many complications and uncertainties as we search for the implant surgeon that is correct for our needs. After far too many visits with to many new surgeons each having different ideas only created additional fears until I was at my wits end. I was sure I would not venture into a new Implant Surgeon’s office for a long time. Dr. Polimeni was different from my very first meeting with him. I explained all my fears and he listened with much understanding putting me at ease. We worked together to deal with my anxieties along with his easily given patience and thorough solutions. I highly recommend Dr. Polimeni and all his staff for all their understanding, caring and completion of my dental problems tp perfection while comforting me. I no longer have any fears only a great lasting smile I am so proud of.
- Oral Surgery
- Flap SurgeryDuring pocket reduction procedures (also known as “flap surgery”), we fold back the gum tissue and remove the bacteria hiding underneath, as well as the hardened plaque and tartar that have collected. We may also remove any tissue that is too damaged to survive. We then sew the healthy tissue back into place. Now that the tooth and root are free of bacteria, plaque, and tartar, and the pockets have been reduced, the gums can reattach to the teeth.
- Tooth Extractions
- Ridge AugmentationWhen a tooth falls out or is removed, an indentation can appear in the gums and jawbone just above the spot where the tooth used to be. This occurs because the jawbone slowly atrophies or disappears in response to the empty space. In combination with replacing your missing tooth, we can provide ridge augmentation, a procedure in which we smooth out the indentation to recreate the original curvature of your gums and jaw. This procedure generally includes bone grafting to restore the missing bone, and in some cases must be performed prior to the placement of implants to ensure that sufficient bone is available to securely retain the implant.
- Bone GraftingAutogenous Bone Grafting: Occasionally, the ideal areas for dental implants do not have sufficient bone quantity to support the implants. In these cases, it is often necessary to “borrow” bone from another area of your mouth and graft it into the deficient area. Often, the area of choice is from the chin or in the back of the jaw where your wisdom teeth used to be.
- Invisalign OrthodonticsIf applicable, share your Invisalign® ClinCheck® via email and Facebook - show your family and friends how easy it is to improve their smile, too!
- Cosmetic DentistryWhen we think of cosmetic surgery, we tend to focus on the cheeks, eyes, and nose. But there are some appearance enhancements that a cosmetic surgeon can't make — those having to do with your teeth. As more people look to improve their appearance through surgery, cosmetic dentistry and periodontology are experiencing a rise in popularity. In fact, a poll conducted by the American Academy of Periodontology found that smile enhancement procedures outnumbered eyelid surgeries five to one.
- General DentistryDr. Polimeni received his doctorate in Dental Medicine from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston. After a one-year residency in Advanced General Dentistry at the University of Pennsylvania, he received his specialty training and certification to practice the specialty of periodontics from Temple University in Philadelphia. He is a graduate of the prestigious Misch Implant Institute at the University of Pittsburgh completing advanced course study in bone augmentation and dental implant surgery.