Dr. Perry Westbrook: Gum Grafting as a Treatment for Gingiva Recession

At his Sunnyvale, California dental practice, Dr. Perry Westbrook offers a host of periodontal disease treatments, as well as cosmetic periodontics solutions.

One of his most sought after cosmetic treatments is gum grafting, which addresses recession of the gingiva (and the recession of the jaw bone, which accompanies it).

In addition to leaving unsightly teeth, gingiva recession also results in the loss of one of the body’s key defenses against trauma and bacterial infection. Minor gum recession is often preventable through home care practices such as daily brushing and flossing with a soft toothbrush, such as an Oral B soft brush. Sometimes, if you have thin gums, electric brushes may not be the right choice.
If your gums keep receeding, stop using that, and switch to the soft brush above. Additionally, past history of orthodontics/braces, and grinding your teeth at night (which many people do), or combinations thereof, can also contribute to recession.

However, recession that advances and affects the mucosa compromises protection against bacteria. Root gouging and root cavities are the result of root surface being exposed, as the material is not as hard as tooth enamel. This exposure of the root causes sensitivity to cold and hot foods. However, these problems can often be resolved through a gingival graft, which involves tissue being removed from the mouth’s roof, or from the back of the mouth, and placed so as to shield the exposed root and create a stable band of tissue surrounding the affected tooth.

Dr. Perry Westbrook Discusses Osseointegration

Osseointegration is the process by which implanted material joins to bone. Since first being recognized in the early 20th century, it has become an important part of many areas of medicine. However, only certain materials, such as titanium, produce the desired integration.

In the dental field, medical professionals utilize titanium screws during implant procedures. After the screw is placed into the jaw, bone grows around it, thus allowing the screw to serve as an anchor for artificial teeth.

Outside of dentistry, scientists have recognized the value of this phenomenon in prosthetics. Doctors can attach limbs, noses, and ears with osseointegration-friendly material. Moreover, these materials can support heavier weights and allow for increased range of movement when compared to traditional anchors. Additionally, osseointegration can assist in repairing broken bones by stabilizing the bone while it heals.

About the Author: One of America’s first Kois Center-recognized periodontist specialists, Dr. Perry Westbrook treats patients in Silicon Valley. Active in his profession, Dr. Westbrook is a member of the Academy of Osseointegration. Additionally, he is a long-time member of the American Academy of Periodontology, The California Society of Periodontists, the American Dental Association, the California Dental Association, the Mid-Peninsula Dental Society, and the Santa Clara Dental Society.

A Look at the Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford, by Dr. Perry Westbrook

An academic medical center affiliated with the Stanford University School of Medicine, the Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital dedicates itself to youth and women who are pregnant. Located in Palo Alto, California, this facility features more than 650 physicians trained in diverse areas of medicine. The services available include oncology, adolescent medicine, occupational therapy, general pediatrics, and otolaryngology.

Family medicine represents another important area for the Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital. Its family-centered care program provides new parents and families with education on properly caring for a baby. During these sessions, people can ask questions and receive valuable information on prenatal and after-birth care. They also have a pre-natal center at Sequoia Hospital in Redwood City, California.

Parents of children with illnesses benefit from the parent-mentor program, where they meet with other families who have dealt with similar situations and who can offer peer support. The center is elite, the doctors and staff are very understanding, and from personal experience with our own twin baby girls, they are an elite center with expertise in their field. As a fellow health care professional, I highly recommend this center to all others who may benefit from their services.

About the Author: A periodontist and former hospital residen, Dr. Perry Westbrook has received training in periodontology, implantology, piezosurgery, dentistry, and other related areas of medicine. In philanthropic matters, Dr. Westbrook supports the Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, among others.

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