Services

Muncie, IN Periodontist And Implant Dentist

From providing dental implants to treating Gum Disease, Muncie, IN Periodontist Dr. Eric Browning is equipped to handle all your periodontal and dental implant needs. To help you understand your options, we've included descriptions of some of our leading services on this page.

Periodontal Services We Provide Include:

Initial Oral Examination

Your initial oral examination includes a visual examination, charting, periodontal probing, diagnosis and treatment recommendations. We will also take x-rays as needed.

Dental Implants

Implants are synthetic structures that are placed in the area of the tooth normally occupied by the root. Implants are anchored to the jawbone or metal framework on the bone and act as a foundation for an artificial tooth or permanent bridge. In some cases, implants can be used to attach dentures. Read More...

Periodontal Surgery

During this procedure, the gums are gently pushed back to gain access to the plaque and tartar on the roots of the teeth. All tartar is removed and the bone that has been damaged by the bacteria is assessed. Sometimes the damaged bone is recontoured to eliminate any "hiding" places the bacteria may have. In some instances, the damaged bone can be regenerated by using a bone graft material.

Laser Gum Surgery (LANAP)

In laser periodontal therapy, a laser is used to provide access to the pockets around the teeth that have gum disease. This procedure is known as LANAP (laser assisted new attachment procedure). After the first pass with the laser, the roots of the teeth are cleaned free of plaque and tartar. The laser emits short pulses of energy at specific frequencies to remove infected tissue and kill the disease causing bacteria. The laser is then used again to complete the debridement process and create a blood clot between the tooth and gum tissue. The blood clot traps stem cells that will eventually become new bone, periodontal ligament, and cementum. This restores the very same tissues that were lost due to the gum disease.

There are no incisions and no sutures are needed. There is no recovery time and there is little or no pain associated with the procedure.

Scaling and Root Planing

This is a non-surgical "deep cleaning" of the teeth. Plaque and tartar (mineralized plaque) are removed from above and below the gum line. Removing all the bacteria results in a clean root surface for the gums to reattach to the teeth. This treatment is effective for cases of mild gum disease.

Gum Grafting

In order to treat gum recession, or to strengthen a deficient area of gum tissue, gum grafting is done. Usually, a small piece of tissue from the roof of the mouth is transplanted to the site of recession. In some instances, we can use materials other than tissue from the roof of your mouth.

Pinhole Surgical Technique ™

If you have gum recession, Dr. Browning may recommend the Pinhole Surgical Technique (PST™) to restore your healthy smile. With no cutting, no stitches, and no second surgical site, PST™ is a minimally invasive alternative to traditional gum recession surgery.

PST™ was invented and patented by Dr. John Chao. This breakthrough technique involves Dr. Browning making a pinhole opening in your gum tissue, through which he uses special instruments to loosen and reposition the gum tissue. This requires no cutting and no stitches. Patients may return to their normal routine the very same day with immediate results.

The chief benefits are

• Several teeth can be treated in one appointment
• No cutting or stitches
• Less healing and recovery time
• Corrects receding gums without traditional gum grafting surgery
• Minimal bleeding and minor to no discomfort

If you are seeking treatment for receding gums, maybe the Pinhole Surgical Technique™ is right for you. Call Dr. Browning to schedule your consultation. If you have gum recession, Dr. Browning may recommend the Pinhole Surgical Technique (PST™) to restore your healthy smile. With no cutting, no stitches, and no second surgical site, PST™ is a minimally invasive alternative to traditional gum recession surgery.

Treatment of Gummy Smiles

In some people, the gums are very prominent when they smile. We can treat this problem by adjusting the level of the gum tissue to expose the amount of tooth structure needed.

Bone Grafting

Periodontal disease results in the destruction of the bone around the teeth.  This loss of bone can cause you to lose your teeth if not treated. In some instances, bone that has been lost due to periodontal disease can be regenerated by using a bone graft material. We use bone that has been ground into fine particles, so that it fits in the small areas around the teeth. For the more significant cases, there are certain growth factors that we can add to the bone graft that can result in a higher level of bone growth.

Ridge Augmentation

In areas of tooth loss, the jawbone will shrink in a horizontal direction. If a patient desires a dental implant to replace the missing tooth, we need enough bone to support the implant. In order to make the jawbone wide enough to accept the implant, a ridge augmentation is done. During this procedure, bone grafting material is added under the gum tissue and covered with a collagen membrane. This membrane looks like a Band-Aid or piece of tape and helps to stabilize the bone graft as it heals.

Sinus Lifts

Your maxillary sinuses are located above your upper posterior teeth. When these upper teeth are missing, the sinuses (air cavities) can drop down leading to less bone in the area. If a patient desires a dental implant or implants in the area, a sinus lift is done. This procedure is done one of two ways. The gums are gently pushed back and a small hole is made into the side of the maxillary sinus. Bone graft material is added through this hole and the gums are placed back in their original position. The other way the procedure can be done involves placing bone into the sinus at the same time that a dental implant is placed. The bone is placed into the sinus through the hole that is drilled to accept the implant. Special instruments can push the bone graft up into the sinus exactly where it is needed to surround the end of the implant.

Crown Lengthening

Often times teeth get decayed below the gum line or a great deal of tooth structure will fracture off, leaving insufficient tooth structure for a restoration such as a crown or bridge. Crown lengthening is a procedure where the levels of the gum tissue and bone are adjusted to expose more of the tooth so that it can be restored by your dentist.

Biopsies

We frequently see patients who have manifested various mucosal diseases in the oral cavity, caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, and various autoimmune diseases. We will biopsy these lesions and have them read by an oral and maxillofacial pathologist. Treatment is initiated and often completed here. Some of the more treatment resistant conditions are referred out to dermatologists or other medical specialists.

Botox ®

We use therapeutic Botox® injections to treat TMJ symptoms, to fix a gummy smile, or to enhance a smile.