Committed to Saving Teeth in Plano, TX

Preserve your natural smile with advanced periodontal care from Dr. Paula Schlemmer at Advanced Implant & Oral Surgery.

Your Natural Teeth are Worth Saving

While dental implants are an excellent solution for missing teeth, nothing quite matches the function and feel of your natural teeth. At Advanced Implant & Oral Surgery, our philosophy is grounded in preservation. We believe that whenever possible, saving your natural dentition should be the first priority.

Dr. Paula Schlemmer is a specialist dedicated to saving teeth in Plano, TX. By combining state-of-the-art diagnostic technology with advanced periodontal treatments, she helps patients overcome gum disease, infection, and other threats to their oral health, allowing them to keep their natural smiles for years to come.

Why Tooth Preservation Matters

The loss of a single tooth can start a chain reaction of oral health issues, including bone loss, shifting of adjacent teeth, and changes in your bite. Tooth preservation in Plano, TX, is about more than just avoiding an extraction; it is about maintaining the structural integrity of your entire mouth.

Benefits of Keeping Your Natural Teeth:

• Bone Maintenance: Natural tooth roots stimulate the jawbone, preventing the atrophy (shrinkage) that occurs after extraction.
• Natural Aesthetics: Your own teeth provide the most natural contour for your lips and face.
• Superior Function: Natural teeth have a unique sensory connection to the jaw that implants cannot fully replicate, allowing for better chewing control.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Treating and saving a tooth is often less expensive in the long run than replacing it with a bridge or implant.

Expert Treatments for Saving Teeth

Many teeth that seem “hopeless” can actually be saved with the right specialist care. Dr. Schlemmer utilizes a range of advanced procedures designed to halt disease and regenerate support for your teeth.

1. Advanced Periodontal Therapy

Gum disease (periodontitis) is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Dr. Schlemmer offers comprehensive periodontal therapy, including scaling and root planing and laser treatments, to eliminate the bacterial infection destroying the gum and bone support.

2. Guided Tissue Regeneration (GTR)

When gum disease has destroyed the bone supporting your tooth, standard cleaning isn’t enough. We use Guided Tissue Regeneration techniques to regrow the lost bone and ligament. By placing specialized membranes and bone graft materials, we encourage your body to rebuild the foundation your tooth needs to survive.

3. Root Amputation and Hemisection

In multi-rooted teeth (such as molars), only one root may be infected or damaged, while the others remain healthy. Rather than extracting the entire tooth, Dr. Schlemmer can surgically remove the compromised root. This allows the healthy portion of the tooth to be saved and restored, often functioning successfully for many years.

4. Crown Lengthening for Restoration

Sometimes a tooth breaks near the gum line, making it difficult for a dentist to place a crown. Through functional crown lengthening, Dr. Schlemmer can reshape the gum and bone tissue to expose more healthy tooth structure. This provides a solid anchor for a new crown, saving a tooth that might otherwise need extraction.

Dr. Paula Schlemmer: A Specialist in Saving Teeth

Choosing the right provider is critical when your tooth is at risk. As a board-certified periodontist, Dr. Paula Schlemmer has undergone years of specialized training focused specifically on the supporting structures of the teeth.

Dr. Paula Schlemmer’s saving teeth expertise means you get:

• Conservative Approach: We always explore every viable option to save your tooth before considering extraction.
• Regenerative Focus: We don’t just treat symptoms; we aim to regenerate lost tissue to restore health.
• Collaborative Care: Dr. Schlemmer works closely with your general dentist or endodontist to ensure a comprehensive plan for your oral health.

When Extraction is the Best Option

While our primary goal is preservation, there are times when a tooth is too damaged to be saved predictably. If extraction is necessary to protect your overall health, Dr. Schlemmer will explain why and discuss immediate replacement options, such as dental implants, to ensure you never have to go without a complete smile.

Schedule Your Evaluation Today

Do you have a loose, painful, or compromised tooth? Don’t assume it has to be pulled. Seeking a second opinion from a specialist could save your smile. Contact Advanced Implant & Oral Surgery to discuss your options for saving teeth in Plano, TX. Let Dr. Schlemmer help you keep your natural smile healthy and strong.