William L. Purifoy, DDS Periodontics & Implant Surgery

Functional crown lengthening

Before		After

Symptom/chief concern: The crown of an upper front tooth, which was traumatized many years ago in a football injury, is discolored and keeps breaking off. The patient’s general dentist cannot make it stay, and he would like it restored prior to a family wedding in less than a month.

Objective Findings: Clinical and radiographic treatment revealed an endodontically treated tooth which was horizontally fractured at the gumline. The crown was discolored and temporarily bonded back to place, but not expected to stay for long.

Action: Extraction with immediate insertion of dental implant and an esthetically acceptable temporary crown. Final prosthetics will be accomplished by patient’s general dentist after a three month healing period.

Plan: Treatment was completed and the patient attended the wedding. He has returned to his general dentist and the final restoration has been completed.

Scientific Evidence Links Periodontal Disease and Cardiovascular Disease

CHICAGO—Cardiovascular disease, the leading killer of men and women in the United States, is a major public health issue contributing to 2,400 deaths each day. Periodontal disease, a chronic inflammatory disease that destroys bone and gum tissues that support the teeth affects nearly 75 percent of Americans and is the major cause of adult tooth loss.