The following are the most common causes for jaw bone deterioration and loss that may require a bone grafting procedure: When an adult tooth is removed and not replaced, jaw bone deterioration may occur. Natural teeth are embedded in the jaw bone, and stimulate the jaw bone through activities such as chewing and biting. When teeth are missing, the alveolar bone, or the portion of the jaw bone that anchors the teeth in the mouth, no longer receives the necessary stimulation, and begins to break down, or resorb.

We will always be as gentle as possible. The periodontal exam can be completed with little or no discomfort.  For surgical procedures, in addition to local anesthesia ("novocaine") we are trained in administration of nitrous oxide ("laughing gas") and offer various levels of conscious sedation from simple pre-medication with an anti-anxiety medication to full intravenous conscious sedation administered by a board-certified medical anesthesiologist. You will need recent dental x-rays in order to make a proper diagnosis of dental and periodontal disease. If your dentist has taken x-rays, please request that they be forwarded to us.

After Dr. Pollack, Odrich or Sarmiento has completed the active phase of periodontal treatment, he will provide you with a personalized maintenance program of care to keep your gums healthy.Supportive periodontal therapy is an ongoing program designed to prevent recurrent disease in the gum tissues and bone supporting your teeth. Adherence to a program of conscientious oral home care and regularly scheduled maintenance therapy visits with your dentist and Drs. Pollack, Odrich or Sarmiento will give you the best chance of keeping your teeth and gums healthy and looking and functioning their best.

Over a period of time, the jawbone associated with missing teeth atrophies is reabsorbed. This often leaves a condition in which there is poor quality and quantity of bone suitable for placement of dental implants. In these situations, most patients are not candidates for placement of dental implants. With bone grafting, we now have the opportunity to not only replace bone where it is missing, but also the ability to promote new bone growth in that location!