• Oral Hygiene Instruction

Oral hygiene is an important component of achieving and maintaining oral health around your natural teeth and around Dental Implants. Our office will customize an oral hygiene program for you and will be pleased to give you the oral hygiene aids you need to get you started.

• Thorough Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing)

Scaling and Root Planing is often the most important treatment to achieve and maintain Periodontal stability. The procedure removes the plaque and calculus (tartar) i.e. the primary cause of periodontal disease. For some patients with more extensive sub-gingival (under the gum line) deposits, the treatment may take longer and in some cases may require local anaesthetic. Side effects are typically minimal and may consist of some thermal sensitivity for a short time.

• Medication Therapy , Antibiotics and others

Antibiotics-Systemic (pills, capsules etc.)- The vast majority of patients with Periodontal Disease do NOT require systemic antibiotics. Systemic antibiotics are sometimes suggested for selected cases of advanced Periodontal Disease and patients who do not respond well to conventional periodontal treatments.

Antibiotics-Topical - On occasion one or more areas exhibit residual gum infection where topical localized application of an antibiotic is suggested. Currently there is a Canada Health and Welfare approved product called “Atridox” that we offer.

Periowave-Photodynamic Therapy - This quick and painless adjunctive treatment, rapidly kills harmful bacteria and their byproducts. This treatment may be indicated for patients with moderate to advanced Periodontal Disease. The treatment involves placing a liquid, then activating the liquid with a special laser light. The treatment is painless and only takes a few minutes.

“Others” - There is a relatively new product called “Periostat” that may help to prevent further loss of periodontal attachment. The mechanism of action may be compared somewhat to an antihistamine in that the Periostat may reduce the amount of damage that could be caused by the body itself ( much like the way an antihistamine reduces allergy symptoms, by inhibiting the body from releasing its’ own histamine).

• Preventive Maintenance (Supportive Periodontal Care)

Periodontal Maintenance or Supportive Periodontal Care is a critical component of a patient’s overall care. Regardless of the initial periodontal therapy, a good supportive care program is necessary to maintain periodontal health. Our office will often co-ordinate an alternating program with your referring dentist. The interval and length of each appointment will be customized to your individual needs.

• Oral Appliances (Mouth Guards)

Patients may unknowingly clench and or grind their teeth, often while sleeping. This may result in a combination of accelerated tooth wear, tooth loosening and facial pain. Facial pain can be felt in the jaw joint (TMJ) or in the muscles and tissues around the face and head area (MPDS-Myofascial Pain Dysfuntion Syndrome). Many patients find their symptoms are reduced or eliminated when an “oral appliance” i.e. a specifically designed mouth guard, is fabricated and fitted by the dental office.

Surgical

• Gum (Soft Tissue) Grafting

Many patients have 1 or more areas of significant gum recession. The cause of these recessions may be due the “thin” gums and over-zealous tooth brushing. These areas are often associated with very thin remaining gum tissue that may be more at risk for further recession. The affected areas may have exposed roots that are very sensitive and as well these areas may be a cosmetic concern. The Gum Grafting procedure is carried out in the office and often with less local anaesthetic than required for a filling. A small amount of tissue is taken from the palate and sutured to the receded area. The palate regenerates completely and sutures are not usually needed.

• Ridge Augmentation

When a tooth is lost, the underlying bone undergoes a shrinkage process similar to a muscle shrinking from lack of excercise. This defect may show when smiling, and cause an esthetic concern. Fortunately there are several Ridge Augmentation procedures that can “fill” some defects. This procedure can recreate the natural contours of your gums and create a more pleasing looking smile. These procedures are carried out in the office with local anaesthetic.

• Regeneration

“Guided Tissue Regeneration” -These procedures attempt to grow back the previously lost gum and or bone tissue around the natural teeth. Some techniques utilize membranes, which are covered over the bone defects and under the gums. Some membranes are resorbable and others require removal. As well regenerative techniques often include the use of bone grafts or specifically engineered gels. Research is ongoing in an effort to increase the predictability of these techniques and new products are being introduced. These procedures are carried out in the office with local anaesthetic.

“Guided Bone Regeneration” -These procedures attempt to grow back the previously lost bone tissue after 1 or more natural teeth have been lost. Over a period of time, the jawbone associated with missing teeth atrophies or is resorbed. This bone possibly would be unsuitable for the support of dental implants. Today, it is often possible to re-grow or regenerate bone where we need it for the support of dental implants. This, in turn, gives us the opportunity to more effectively restore esthetics and function to their natural state. Some of these procedures are carried out in the office with local anaesthetic.

“Ridge Preservation”. This is a similar technique that involves the careful management of sockets after tooth extraction with the goal of preventing bone loss and in a better outcome for implant placement. This procedure is carried out in the office with local anaesthetic.

• Cosmetic Recontouring

Creating a great looking smile is in large part dependant on the shape of the gum tissues. In some cases, excess gum tissues need to be reshaped to create a more cosmetically pleasing shape or contour. A similar cosmetic problem can be encountered if 1 or more teeth are too short. The procedure to correct these cosmetic problems, usually is minor and often stitches are not necessary. The procedure can be thought of as a manicure for the gums. There are other situations where there is a need for more gum tissue, that can be addressed with “Gum Grafting” or “Ridge Augmentation” procedures (see above). This procedure is carried out in the office with local anaesthetic.

• Crown Lengthening

Crown lengthening procedures remove some tissue to expose more of the ‘crown’ of your tooth. There are several situations where crown lengthening is necessary. The most common is when there is decay or a fracture that is too far below the gum. The crown lengthening will expose the decay or crack to allow the new crown to properly extend to cover over the area where the decay of fracture occurred. If new crowns or veneers are planned by your dentist, then this procedure sets the stage to allow for a more natural and beautiful smile (see “Cosmetic Contouring” above). This procedure is carried out in the office with local anaesthetic.

• Flap Surgery

Periodontal Disease that is more advanced often results in significant amounts of residual subgingival (under the gum) plaque and calculus (tartar) deposits. Periodontal Disease will also cause bone resorption and deeper pockets. When non surgical treatment cannot control the disease process, Flap Surgery may be indicated. The procedure is carried out in the office and often with local anaesthetic. The gums in the affected area are folded open slightly (like the flap of an envelope). This allows the visibility necessary to remove the visible residual plaque and calculus. As well the uneven bone contours may be reshaped. Finally the gums are sutured and may be tightened to help reduce the pockets.

Dental Implants

• Major Implant Systems Utilized

Dr. Arlin will contact your restorative dentist to help determine the best Implant System and design for you. As dentists use a variety of systems, Dr. Arlin has evolved to offer all of the major Implant Systems approved for use by Health and Welfare Canada. These systems include: Nobel Biocare, Straumann ITI, Zimmer Dental, Implant Innovations-3i, Bio Horizons, and Imtec Mini Implants.

• Examination and Treatment Options

Dr. Arlin will conduct a thorough examination and consultation. All appropriate treatment options, risks and benefits will be discussed. The office is committed to help our patients have a good understanding of the issues so that they can make what is a truly informed consent to treatment.

• “In Office” treatment procedures

All Dental Implant procedures are carried out by Dr. Arlin “in office” with local anaesthetic. Patients are usually surprised at how easy the treatment is. Patients have the option of Conscious Sedation and generally do not need someone to accompany them to the appointment.

• Dr. Arlin’s Experience and Results

Dr. Arlin received his Implant Training in 1985 and has placed over 7,000 implants to date. By documenting and following every implant on a specifically designed Dental Implant Management software system, Dr. Arlin has been able to accurately monitor his results. With good implant candidates, there has been a survival rate of over 95%. Dr. Arlin has been active in teaching Periodontics and Implant Dentistry to the Dental profession for many years.

• Dr. Arlin’s Fees

Dowload this PDF file to see Dr. Arlin's Fees for 2007.

• Implant Patient Testimonials

Our Process

Sterilization
We use extensive sterilization procedures. All instruments are sterilized and sealed for each individual patient with the Hu Friedy IMS Instrument Management System. This assures the safest and most up to date instrument sterilization and storage system for both staff and patients.

We use disposable masks and gloves, and barrier techniques that are changed for every patient. Our equipment is wiped-down with antibacterial solution prior to every treatment procedure. Water lines and evacuation hoses are cleaned with the proper disinfectant.

You can be assured that our staff has been trained on sterilization procedures and their importance.

Patient Comfort
We know that many patients are apprehensive about any anticipated discomfort they may experience with treatment. Our office goes to great lengths to minimize and if possible eliminate, discomfort at our office.

Medication
Some patients have different needs for pain-control medication. Depending upon the procedure and your wishes, there are many medications we can prescribe.

Dental Insurance
Our office is equipped with electronic insurance submission capability. This provides the convenience and efficiency to allow our patients to receive the insurance reimbursement they are entitled to. Our office staff is trained to help you with the processing of your insurance estimates and claims.