Our Services

Rachel Sinacola, DDS, MS

Diplomate, American Board of Periodontology

 

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What We Do

A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of problems that affect the gums and other supporting tissues of the teeth. If you want to keep your teeth for life - a completely reasonable goal in this day and age - you need to make sure the tissues that surround them are also healthy. Should gum problems arise, you may need periodontal therapy to restore diseased tissues to health.

Periodontal Services

LANAP (Laser Care)

he LANAP protocol is the only laser gum disease treatment FDA cleared for True Regeneration based on scientific evidence. Simply put, the LANAP protocol can re-grow the tissues and bone lost to gum disease, and has the science and research to prove it. Compared to traditional osseous surgery, patients say the LANAP protocol is:

  • Less painful
  • Less post-op sensitivity
  • Less gum loss (gum recession)
  • Very little downtime after treatment
Treatment of Gum Disease

Treating gum disease starts with the removal of any plaque and hardened deposits (tartar or calculus) on the tooth root surfaces. This may be followed by other non-surgical treatments and/or periodontal surgery to remove diseased tissue and restore your mouth to the best possible health.

  • About Periodontal (Gum) Disease
  • Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy
  • Periodontal Surgery
Implant Dentistry

If you are missing one or more teeth, dental implants offer the comfort and security of a permanent replacement that looks and functions just like your natural teeth. Dental implants also help preserve the tooth-supporting bone in your jaw that deteriorates when even one tooth is lost.

  • About Dental Implants
  • Bone Grafting for Dental Implants
  • Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants
  • Hidden Consequences of Losing Teeth
  • Top Reasons to Choose Dental Implants
Gum Grafting and Cosmetic Gum Surgery

The gum tissue that surrounds and supports your teeth plays a big role in how appealing your smile will look. Excess gum tissue, gum recession, and an uneven gum line are all problems that can often be successfully treated surgically at the dental office. Learn more about Cosmetic Gum Surgery.

If gum recession is affecting your health or your appearance, a routine surgical procedure called gum grafting may help. It involves carefully placing a small amount of new tissue in an area where little or no gum tissue currently exists - typically recommended to prevent further gum recession or to help cover tooth root surfaces that have become exposed. Learn more about Gum Grafting.

Tooth Extractions

There are times when it is in your best interest to have a tooth extracted (removed). This could be the case for a variety of reasons, including: damage or trauma to the tooth; extensive gum disease; extensive tooth decay; or overcrowding. Learn more about Tooth Extractions.

Bone Grafting

Bone grafting, a minor in-office surgical procedure, is commonly used in dentistry to correct deficiencies in bone quantity and to build support for teeth or dental implants. Learn more about Bone Grafting.

Treating Loose Teeth & Bite Problems

Periodontal disease is the most common cause of loose teeth, though placing too much stress on the teeth can aggravate the problem. Whatever the cause, loose teeth require immediate treatment. Learn more about Loose Teeth & Bite Problems.

Biopsy and Oral Pathology

Your orthodontist may refer you to our office while you are in your braces or right after they are removed if there is lip tissue that may push your teeth apart. This tissue can be removed to avoid spaces forming between the teeth after braces are removed with a simple, one-time procedure and with minimal post-operative accommodations necessary for patients.

Laser treatment, digitally guided implant treatment, comprehensive periodontal care.

We are pleased to welcome you to our practice We want all of our patients to be fully informed decision-makers who understand the health issues they face, and that's why we've loaded this website with valuable Information about periodontics, gum problems, and treatments. We invite you to contact us whenever you have concerns about your gums and other tooth supporting structures.

LANAP EXPLAINED >
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Periodontal Therapy

It is not a given that we must lose teeth as we age. If we maintain good oral hygiene and have regular professional cleanings and oral examinations, chances are we can keep our natural teeth for life. That involves not only caring for the teeth themselves, but also the structures that surround them: the gums and tooth-supporting bone. Gum disease, which is a bacterial infection, threatens these supporting tissues. That is why dental professionals are always on the lookout for early signs that patients may not notice. When signs of trouble become apparent, periodontal therapy may be suggested. Periodontal therapy can take various forms, but the goal is always to restore diseased tissues to health. Gum (periodontal) disease can spread from the gums to the bone that supports the teeth, and may even cause tooth loss in the most severe cases. There are very effective therapies to combat this, ranging from scalings (deep cleanings) that remove plaque and calculus (tartar) from beneath the gum line, to surgical repair of lost gum and bone tissue.

Periodontal Therapy Procedures

Periodontal therapy includes both surgical and non-surgical techniques to restore health to the tissues that support the teeth (gums and bone) and prevent tooth loss. They include:

  • Scaling and Root Planing. These deep-cleaning techniques are the best starting point to control gum disease. Plaque and calculus (tartar) are removed from beneath the gum tissues, using hand scalers and/or ultrasonic instruments.
  • Gum Grafting. Sometimes it's necessary to replace areas of lost gum tissue so that tooth roots are adequately protected. This can be accomplished by taking healthy gum tissue from one area of the mouth and moving it to where it is needed, or by using laboratory-processed donor tissue.
  • Periodontal Plastic Surgery. When used to describe surgery, the word "plastic" refers to any reshaping procedure that creates a more pleasing appearance of the gum tissues.
  • Periodontal Laser Treatment. Removing diseased gum tissue with lasers can offer significant advantages over conventional surgery, such as less discomfort and gum shrinkage.
  • Crown Lengthening Surgery. This is a surgical procedure in which tooth structure that is covered by gum and bone tissue may need to be exposed either for cosmetic reasons (too make the teeth look longer and the smile less gummy) or to aid in securing a new dental crown.
  • Dental Implants. Today's preferred method of tooth replacement is a titanium dental implant, which is placed beneath the gum line and into the jawbone during a minor surgical procedure. The implant is then attached to a realistic-looking dental crown that is visible above the gum line and indistinguishable from a natural tooth.
Your Role in Periodontal Health

Dental plaque is the main cause of periodontal disease, so it's essential to remove it every day with effective brushing and flossing. This doesn't mean scrubbing, which can actually cause your gums to recede. Proper techniques can be demonstrated for you, if you have any questions.

Of course, there are some areas of the mouth that a toothbrush and floss just can't reach, which is why it's so important to have regular professional cleanings at the dental office. Your regular dental exam is also a time when early signs of gum disease can be detected - before they become apparent even to you.

Eating a nutritious diet low in sugar, and staying away from tobacco in all forms, will also increase your periodontal health - and your chances of keeping your teeth for life.

Periodontal disease has a bacterial and inflammatory component, and genetic predisposition often plays a significant role. Periodontal disease is a condition that someone may battle with throughout life so it's important to recognize that commitment to their oral health will be required for the success of their treatment and longevity of their dentition. Sometimes they're against tough odds, but we can tackle it together.

Gum Disease and Other Systemic Diseases

Systemic Health Issues Gum Disease

Several studies have shown a link between periodontal disease and other systemic diseases. While a causal relationship has not been conclusively established, research suggest that periodontal disease may contribute to the progression of other diseases.

Diabetes

People with diabetes are more likely to have periodontal disease than people without diabetes, probably because people with diabetes are more susceptible to contracting infections. In fact, periodontal disease is often considered a complication of diabetes. Those who don't have their diabetes under control are especially at risk. Research has suggested that the relationship between diabetes and periodontal disease goes both ways: periodontal disease may also make it more difficult for people who have diabetes to control their blood sugar, increasing the risk for diabetic complications.

Heart Disease

Several studies have shown that periodontal disease may increase the risk of heart disease. Scientists believe that inflammation caused by periodontal disease may be responsible for the association. Periodontal disease can also exacerbate existing heart conditions. Patients at risk for infective endocarditis may require antibiotics prior to dental procedures. Your periodontist and cardiologist will be able to determine if your heart condition requires use of antibiotics prior to dental procedures.

Respiratory Disease

Research has found that bacteria associated with periodontal disease can be aspirated into the lungs and contribute to respiratory diseases such as pneumonia.

Cancer

Researchers found that men with gum disease were 49% more likely to develop kidney cancer, 54% more likely to develop pancreatic cancer, and 30% more likely to develop blood cancers.

Alzheimer's Disease

Studies have shown a connection between bacteria associated with periodontal disease and the progression of Alzheimer's disease. Gum disease bacteria may be able to travel to the brain and contribute to the development of Alzheimer's disease.

Appointments

Please contact us by phone at (616) 531-1554 in Grandville to schedule an appointment or answer any questions that you may have.