Periodontal plastic surgery can be related to a drawing. The laser and microsurgical blades are the drawing pencils. If the dentition is the canvas, the periodontium is the easel. The patient and anyone who sees the aesthetic result is the audience. The resultant work of art can touch everyone who encounters the new smile. A patient’s beaming smile is Dr. David Yu’s inspiration and fulfillment. Dental implantology has become an art in the same manner. Surgeons not only rely on the science of osseointegration (the bone’s acceptance and fusion to the implant surface) but have combined periodontal plastic surgical techniques such as tissue grafting and site preservation to create an aesthetic result. Periodontics, in the hands of Dr. Yu, has evolved into the field of oral microplastic surgery. It is ‘micro’ because of the fractions of a millimeter that he aspires to deliver for an esthetically successful outcome.
Dr. Yu identifies with the young, highly educated community in Austin. Austin, especially, has embraced the world of advanced technology. Dr. Yu’s practice is a perfect fit in the community. His practice has adopted technological advancements including cone-beam computerized tomography, digital radiography, digital photography used in case presentations, platelet-rich plasma technology, periodontal lasers, piezosurgical handpieces to atraumatically perform sinus lifts and bone contouring, and tissue engineering. “Technology can augment precise surgical technique but can not replace it” notes Dr. Yu.
Because of his unique talent, Dr. Yu has chosen to hone his skills and studies to aesthetic surgical dentistry. His passion lies in taking on difficult aesthetic cases and creating an outstanding, predictable result. Dr. Yu gives credit to his friend and mentor, Dr. Kevin Irons who was a periodontist. He regularly consults with Dr. Irons on many of these cases which require multidisciplinary approaches with various specialists. “Surgeons must respect every point of view from each discipline,” explains Dr. Yu. “This will ensure that the patient will be offered the best therapy and plan possible. Dentists should never practice alone. The medical model teaches us this concept.” The combination of fine detailed techniques and advanced technologies has made Dr. Yu’s practice extraordinary.
A masterpiece is admired by all. A person’s smile can emotionally touch all. There is arguably greatness in both artistic endeavors. The creation of a smile is a life-long exhibition which can literally change the patient’s function and self-esteem. Indeed, periodontics is truly the blending of art and medicine; for which Dr. Yu , himself, embodies.