You are here:

Dentistry/approaches to gum disease

Advertisement

Expert: - 11/23/2008


Question
My daughter (28 years old)went to a new dentist.  He did not measure her gum recession, but from visual exam said she needs to have skin grafts.  He also identified three cavities, and postponed the cleaning she had gone for until the next visit.  I think she needs a second opinion, it seems drastic to go straight to skin grafts based on a visual exam.  Am I off base here? She had braces for years.

Answer
Dear Pat:  I certainly would have measured between her gums and teeth to see if she had any areas of detachment of gums from teeth.  That is the first indicator of gum problems.  Of course, bleeding, swelling and redness are others.  But what you describe certainly can bee seen visually.  Before I recommend grafting to replace receded gums, I need to know that her gums that remain are relatively healthy.  I also want to know why she has such advanced gum recession that she needs grafting at age 28.  Sometimes it's as simple as too vigorous brushing with a toothbrush that is too hard.  Has she been asked these questions?  Has she been told what to expect and what to do after the grafts are placed?  After gathering all this information, if I am satisfied that she needs grafting, I would refer her to a specialist who is very experienced with this procedure.  If you think she needs a second opinion, she should probably get one.  Let me know how this turns out.  dd

Dentistry

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Howard Finnk, D.D.S., P.A., CEO

Expertise

I am a Family, Implant and Cosmetic dentist. I will answer questions on any aspect of dentistry and matters relating to the smile, gums, jaws and lower face. Member American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, Broward County Dental Association, and Atlantic Coast District Dental Association. I have served as District Council Member of Alpha Omega, as well as serving for one term as its President. I am also a member of The Vedder Honors Society, Broward Dental Research Clinic, and Mount Sinai Hospital Guild. I have served as a Volunteer for Project Dental Health and The Tri-County Dental Health Council.

Experience

Having attained over 30 years of clinical experience in private practice in Michigan, in 2001 I was re-certified by taking and passing the Florida State Dental Board Examination. After moving to Florida, I spent nearly 10 years re-honing my skills while working as an Associate Dentist for several large dental groups. In September, 2004, I was appointed Adjunct Clinical Professor at Nova University's College of Dental Medicine. I am certified in placement of Mini Dental Implants, and I am Director of The Florida Implant Center (floridaimplantcenter.com). On March 1, 2010, at the age of 62, I began all over again by buying a dental practice near my home in the Fort Lauderdale area. As sole owner and Chief Dental Officer of the new Nob Hill Dental Center (nobhilldentalcenter.com), I can now carefully provide dental care to patients who care, all within a caring, joyful environment. Over my career lifetime, I have provided thousands of diagnoses, fillings, crowns, bridges, root canals, periodontal treatments, TMJ therapies, partials, dentures and extractions, and dozens of implants for my patients. The only aspect of dentistry with which I have very little experience is orthodontics.

Organizations
American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, Broward County Dental Association, Atlantic Coast District Dental Society, Vedder Honors Society, Broward Dental Research Clinic, Alpha Omega Alumni Association, and American Association of Dental Implantologists. Formerly, American Academy of General Dentistry, Michigan Dental Association, Macomb Dental Society, Detroit District Dental Society, Tri-County Dental Health Council (a charitable dental care organization)

Publications
"How To Save Money At The Dentist" Going to press soon.

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Psychology from Wayne State University Doctor of Dental Surgery from University of Detroit College of Dentistry Adjunct Clinical Professor, Special Needs Department, Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Awards and Honors
Membership in The Vedder Honors Society

Past/Present Clients
HIPAA rules do not allow me to post this information.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.