Diagnostic

• Dental Examination
  It is possible to have gum disease and have no warning signs. That is one reason why regular dental checkups and periodontal examinations are very important. Treatment methods depend upon the type of disease and how far the condition has progressed. Good dental care at home is essential to help keep periodontal disease from becoming more serious or recurring.
• X-rays
  Initially, the dentist will thoroughly examine the affected area in order to assess the general condition of the teeth and gums. If periodontal disease is present or the adjacent teeth are in poor condition, these factors will be fully addressed before the bone grafting procedure can begin. The dentist will also recommend panoramic x-rays in order to assess the precise depth and width of the existing bone. On occasion, a CAT scan may be recommended to determine the bone condition. Depending on these results, the dentist may also anesthetize the area and explore into the gum in order to determine what kind and how much bone is required.

Preventive

• Teeth Cleaning
  Many times, the early stages of periodontal disease are best treated with non-surgical periodontal therapy. This includes periodontal scaling and root planning, or deep cleaning, in the presence of local anesthesia. Scaling and root planing can be performed with or without an antibiotic that may be delivered either locally or systemically. Scaling and root-planing is usually performed using a combination of ultrasonic and hand instrumentation, such dental curettes or scalers. Using these instruments, bacterial plaque and dental calculus (tartar) are removed from the surfaces of the teeth, including the root surfaces above and below the gum line. The teeth are reevaluated in four to six weeks. Many shallower periodontal pockets can be eliminated using scaling and root planing. The goal then is to maintain a healthy periodontal status by combining good oral hygiene practices, such as brushing and flossing, with regular professional dental cleanings (periodontal maintenance) at three-month intervals, often alternating between our office and the office of your primary general dentist. In this manner, we can prevent further periodontal breakdown and address early relapse when it occurs.

Restorative

• Fillings
• Crowns
  Most people have heard the term dental crown before. But fewer know what crown lengthening is or why you’d need it. Yet dental crown lengthening is often a required step in preparing your tooth for a dental crown.
• Bridges

Periodontics

• Deep Cleaning
  Improved gum health – Periodontal disease is a progressive condition that can destroy soft tissue very rapidly. When used in combination with deep cleaning procedures, soft tissue grafting can halt tissue and bone loss, and protect exposed roots from further complications.

Prosthodontics

• Dentures
  A frenum causes problems when it tugs or pulls as the gum tissue which can result in tooth separation and/or recession. A frenectomy is a quick and painless procedure of removing this frenum to protect the teeth. Orthodontic patients often have this procedure performed to assist in the closing of spaces. Older patients with dentures may have a frenectomy performed as well. This becomes necessary when the frenum interferes with the seating of the denture and causes it to loosen and become uncomfortable. This surgery is often done to help dentures fit better.

Implants

• Dental Implants
  Periodontal Associates has been serving the Harrisburg and Hershey areas for more than 30 years, providing state of the art periodontal and dental implant services to thousands of patients. Our doctors are members of the American Academy of Periodontology and have had extensive specialized training in the areas of periodontal disease and dental implants. Our expert team is committed to providing each patient with individualized attention, insuring their surgical and administrative needs are met as efficiently and smoothly as possible.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

• Oral Surgery
  Dental crown lengthening is a type of oral surgery. It is performed by a Periodontist, a dentist who specializes in treating diseases of the gums and bone tissue that support the teeth. Crown lengthening surgery can be performed on one or several teeth or your entire gum line, depending on your specific needs. Crown lengthening surgery is a simple procedure usually done at your periodontist’s office using local anesthesia. If necessary, sedation dentistry can be used to ease dental fear during the procedure.
• Flap Surgery
  Flap surgery is helpful for people who have tartar buildup that is in deep pockets. The procedure involves lifting the gums off of the teeth to remove tartar buildup.
• Tooth Extractions
  A tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth that has been affected by decay, disease or infection. Periodontists specialize in the treatment of periodontal disease and tooth replacement. By having a periodontist perform the procedure, you experience the benefit of having your dental health restored and your missing tooth replaced.
• Bone Grafting
  When teeth are lost, the bone that used to surround the teeth typically begins to shrink as it heals. Also, if periodontal disease is present in the mouth, the bone that supports our teeth may be lost due to persistent infection and inflammation. With modern bone grafting techniques, bone that was lost can be built-up again. Bone grafting is a minor medical procedure that can be done within the dental office setting. There are various sources of material and techniques that can be chosen in order to stimulate new bone growth in areas that need it. Bone can even be regenerated around the teeth to restore their support and function. Ask any one of our team members about your options.

General

• General Dentistry
  Dr. Kline graduated, locally, from Central Dauphin High School in 1976. He is a 1980 college graduate of University of Pennsylvania & attended University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. From 1984-1989 he practiced general dentistry in the Harrisburg & Philadelphia areas. Dr. Kline finished his periodontal specialty training at The Manhattan Veterans Administration Hospital in 1991 and has served as a faculty member at University of Pennsylvania, NYU School of Dentistry, and Temple Dental School. He has served as a past President of the Harrisburg Area Dental Society and of the Middlesex County Dental Society in New Jersey. He is a member of the American Academy of Periodontology, American Dental Association, Pennsylvania Dental Association, and Harrisburg Area Dental Society.