- Dental ExaminationThe best way to prevent gum disease is effective daily brushing and flossing as well as regular professional examinations and cleanings. Unfortunately, even with the most diligent home dental care, people still can develop some form of periodontal disease. Once this disease starts, professional intervention is necessary to prevent its progress.
- X-rays
- Teeth Cleaning
- CrownsFinally, a replacement tooth called a crown will be created for you by your dentist and attached to the abutment. After a short time, you will experience restored confidence in your smile and your ability to chew and speak.
- BridgesA dental implant provides several advantages over other tooth replacement options. In addition to looking and functioning like a natural tooth, a dental implant replaces a single tooth without sacrificing the health of neighboring teeth. The other common treatment for the loss of a single tooth, a tooth-supported fixed bridge, requires that adjacent teeth be ground down to support the cemented bridge.
- DenturesDeformities in the upper or lower jaw can leave you with inadequate bone in which to place dental implants. The defect may have been caused by periodontal disease, wearing dentures, developmental defects, injury or trauma. Not only does this deformity cause problems in placing the implant, it can also cause an unattractive indentation in the jaw line near the missing teeth that may be difficult to clean and maintain.
- Dental ImplantsDr. Mears is a member of the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Periodontology, and the Southern Academy of Periodontology, and a Member of the American Academy of Facial Esthetics. His clinical interests include periodontal regeneration techniques, hard and soft tissue augmentation procedures, and the utilization of digital workflow for optimal dental implant placement. Dr. Mears offers IV sedation for patients that may be anxious about undergoing dental procedures.
- Oral SurgeryThese problems, associated with tobacco use of any kind, are caused by the many chemicals, such as nicotine and tar, in tobacco. These chemicals have harmful effects on the periodontal tissues. They cause an increase in the accumulation of plaque and calculus (or tartar) that can irritate your gums and lead to infection. Following periodontal treatment or any type of oral surgery, the chemicals in tobacco can also slow down the healing process and make the treatment results less predictable.
- Tooth Extractions
- Ridge AugmentationA native of Columbia, South Carolina, Dr. Park graduated from Spring Valley High School. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Duke University. Upon earning her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the Medical University of South Carolina, she completed a one-year residency in Advanced Education in General Dentistry from the State University of New York. She completed her academic career with a three-year residency in Periodontics and Dental Implantology, receiving extensive training in bone grafting, sinus lifts and ridge augmentation. She earned her Postgraduate degree in Periodontics and her Masters of Health Sciences degree from the Medical University of South Carolina.
- Bone Grafting
- Cosmetic DentistryPeriodontal procedures are available to lay the groundwork for restorative and cosmetic dentistry and/or improve the esthetics of your gum line.
- General DentistryDr. Lee Ayers is a native of Rock Hill, South Carolina and has been in practice with Columbia Periodontal Associates since 1990. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Presbyterian College in 1979, and a DMD degree from the Medical University of South Carolina in 1984. Upon graduation from dental school, he practiced General Dentistry in Lake Wylie, South Carolina from 1984-1988. He then entered and graduated from MUSC division of periodontics and implantology in 1990. He also holds a Masters in Health Science Degree and a Certificate in Periodontics from the Medical University of South Carolina from 1990.