Dr. Jingyuan Fan

Scaling and root planing is the foundational non-surgical treatment for periodontal disease. Dr. Fan uses this deep-cleaning procedure to remove bacterial deposits from below the gumline and smooth root surfaces so that gum tissue can reattach and heal. At Midwest Dental Specialists, this is the standard first line of treatment before any surgical option is considered, consistent with the practice's commitment to conservative care. Many patients achieve meaningful disease control through scaling and root planing alone.

Crown lengthening removes a precise amount of gum tissue, and sometimes underlying bone, to expose more of a tooth's structure. Dr. Fan performs this procedure to give a restorative dentist enough tooth surface to place a crown reliably, or to correct a gummy smile appearance for cosmetic purposes. The surgery is targeted, reshaping only the tissue needed to achieve a stable functional or aesthetic result without disturbing adjacent healthy tissue.

Osseous surgery reshapes bone that has been damaged by periodontal disease, eliminating the deep pockets where bacteria accumulate and persist. At Midwest Dental Specialists, this procedure is reserved for areas where non-surgical treatment has not achieved adequate disease control, consistent with the practice's philosophy of limiting surgery to where it is absolutely necessary. Dr. Fan uses osseous surgery to create a bone environment that patients can maintain with regular professional cleanings and daily home hygiene.

A gingivectomy removes gum tissue that has overgrown, become diseased, or is blocking access to the teeth. Dr. Fan performs this procedure to reduce deep gum pockets, improve tissue health, or create better conditions for restorative work. When overgrown tissue is the primary issue rather than underlying bone disease, gingivectomy addresses the problem with a targeted approach that avoids the broader scope of osseous surgery.

A frenectomy removes or repositions a frenum, the band of tissue connecting the lip or tongue to the gumline. When a frenum is attached too tightly or positioned too close to the gumline, it can pull tissue away from the teeth and cause recession, create a gap between the front teeth, or restrict tongue movement. Dr. Fan performs frenectomies as a straightforward soft-tissue procedure that helps prevent long-term gum and orthodontic complications.

Gum grafting restores tissue that has receded from the tooth, exposing root surfaces that are sensitive to temperature and vulnerable to decay. Dr. Fan uses grafting to cover exposed roots, reduce sensitivity, and stop further recession from progressing. This procedure protects the long-term health of the affected teeth and, in cases of visible recession at the front of the mouth, restores a more natural and uniform gumline appearance.

Cosmetic periodontal surgery reshapes the gum and bone architecture to improve the appearance of the smile. Dr. Fan performs procedures such as gum contouring and crown lengthening to correct uneven gumlines, reduce excess gum display, or create symmetry across the front teeth. These procedures are typically coordinated with restorative or cosmetic dental work to ensure the gum framework supports and complements the final smile outcome.

When a tooth cannot be saved due to advanced periodontal disease, fracture, or structural damage, Dr. Fan performs the extraction as part of a coordinated treatment plan. At Midwest Dental Specialists, tooth removal is approached conservatively and planned alongside the next phase of care, typically socket preservation or immediate bone grafting, to protect the extraction site for a future dental implant or other restoration.

Dr. Fan handles the surgical placement of titanium dental implants that integrate directly with the jawbone, providing a stable anchor for crowns, bridges, or overdentures. Implants preserve the bone at the replacement site and function without relying on neighboring teeth for support. Dr. Fan coordinates implant planning with the patient's restorative dentist to ensure bone volume, timing, and placement position are optimized for a predictable, lasting outcome.

Bone grafting rebuilds jawbone volume lost to periodontal disease, tooth extraction, or prolonged tooth absence. Dr. Fan uses bone grafting to create the foundation needed for implant placement and to maintain the structural integrity of remaining teeth. Grafting procedures range from small socket-level grafts placed at the time of extraction to larger augmentation procedures for patients who have experienced significant ridge resorption over time.

Ridge augmentation restores the height and width of the jawbone ridge after it has collapsed or resorbed following tooth loss. A flat or narrow ridge cannot support a dental implant or a properly contoured bridge. Dr. Fan performs ridge augmentation grafting to rebuild the ridge to dimensions that allow stable implant placement and a natural tooth emergence profile in the final restoration.

Sinus augmentation, often called a sinus lift, adds bone to the upper jaw in the region below the maxillary sinuses, where bone is frequently too thin to support implants after upper back teeth are lost. Dr. Fan performs this procedure to create adequate bone depth for implant placement in the posterior upper jaw, allowing patients previously told they lacked sufficient bone to become viable implant candidates.

Nerve repositioning is a specialized procedure in which Dr. Fan carefully moves the inferior alveolar nerve, which runs through the lower jaw, to allow dental implants to be placed where bone exists but the nerve's natural position would otherwise prevent safe installation. This procedure is used in specific lower jaw cases where bone grafting alone has not created adequate clearance, opening an implant pathway for patients with limited lower jaw anatomy.

Socket preservation is a bone grafting procedure performed at the time of tooth extraction, filling the empty socket to prevent the surrounding bone from collapsing inward. Dr. Fan recommends socket preservation when a dental implant or fixed bridge is planned for the site, as it maintains the bone volume and ridge shape needed to support the final restoration. This step at extraction can significantly simplify and shorten the implant process later.

An implant-supported overdenture replaces a full arch of missing teeth with a removable denture anchored to dental implants rather than resting on the gums. Dr. Fan places the implants that serve as the stable foundation for this restoration, providing far greater stability and chewing function than a conventional denture while preserving the underlying jawbone. For patients living with an ill-fitting or unstable denture, implant support can restore confident daily function.