New Port Richey Dentist

Archive for November, 2007

Laser Teeth Whitening

This is a fast-paced world. More and more we’re seeking convenience, ease and speed. You are a modern man/woman on the go. You need the world to “bottom line it” so you can maximize your time, network with clients, socialize with friends and bond with your family. A beautiful smile is at the top of your action items, but again, you don’t have the time, or inclination, to spend 10-12 weeks brightening your smile with take-home trays. You want a “bottom line” whitening procedure.

Enter the ah-ma-zing laser — it can whiten your smile in just one appointment at your dentist’s office. Laser whitening is the wave of the future (as are lasers, in general). In just one appointment your teeth can lighten anywhere from 5-10 shades.

Wondrous as this is, laser whitening has been a routine practice since it was approved for use in 1996 by the Federal Drug Administration. Many brands exist, but the fundamentals remain the same.

The How and The Why

Lasers were developed for teeth whitening in response to consumer complaints that traditional bleaching was too painful and resulted in inflammation. Lasers, on the other hand, can be focused on a very specific area to avoid these effects.

The process of whitening is a lengthy one, involving several hours in a dental chair. A full third of this time, however, is taken to ensure the surrounding teeth and soft tissues of the mouth are protected with beeswax against the active ingredients in the whitening.

The type of laser used will be selected by the dentist. When you discuss each option with your dentist, he or she will explain the details of each process. The argon laser is most typically used for laser whitening. The laser activates the chemicals placed on the teeth. The light emitted from the laser speeds up the chemical reaction and color change is attained.

Your dentist will then use a fluoride treatment on your teeth once the process in complete. This both strengthens your teeth and leaves a lustrous shimmer in its wake. Laser whitening is in the top tier in terms of whitening cost, but this is more than made up for by the convenience and speed at which it can be accomplished.

As with any whitening process, the effects will last based on how you take care of your teeth after optimal color has been reached. Dentists recommend the total avoidance of the top five culprits of tooth-tarnish: coffee, tea, blueberries, tobacco and dark soda. These should be abstained from completely for the first week.

With most laser whitening, your dentist will give you a custom-fit tray to use for color maintenance.

Ask your dentist about laser whitening. For the busy professional, laser whitening is a great way to lighten teeth. The outcome is beautiful and the investment in time is minimal.

Teeth Whitening

A sparkly smile has been coveted since time began. In one way or another, the quest for a bedazzling smile has been gaining popularity by leaps and bounds. In fact, over the last five years, the number of tooth whitening procedures has increased by a staggering 300%. The first and most crucial step, when embarking upon the holy grail of a sparkling smile, is to see your general dentist. Consequently, the dental industry has answered that need with a ton of different whitening options.

Extrinsic vs. Intrinsic

Your dentist must first diagnose the cause of your lackluster smile before setting upon the appropriate course of action. There are two different categories of tooth stain: extrinsic and intrinsic stains. Extrinsic stains are classified as outside agents located on the outer surface of the tooth. Intrinsic stains occur when pigmented materials are incorporated into dental tissue.

Extrinsic stains are more commonly known by the dental layperson. Certain foods, liquids and substances contain chromogenic agents that are known to stain teeth. These are tea, coffee, red wine, soda and tobacco products. Be aware that if it stains your t-shirt, it’ll stain your teeth!

Vital vs. Non-Vital

Once the cause is confirmed, your general dentist will be best equipped to prescribe the appropriate whitening product. There are two types of bleaching techniques: vital and non-vital. Vital bleaching means the discoloration is confined exclusively to the enamel. Vital bleaching can cause tooth hypersensitivity and gum irritation. Both reactions are purely temporary and vary from person to person.

Non-vital whitening is used for discolored teeth that have been root canalled (pulpless). This treatment is known as walking bleach as the hydrogen peroxide formulation will remain inside the tooth between appointments. This whitens the tooth from the inside out.

Whitening Schmitening: What’s the Difference?

Tray Whitening:

- Dentist prescribed and custom-fit
- Home trays
- 10% carbamide peroxide
- 3% hydrogen peroxide
- Name brands (including, but not limited to):
- Opalescence®
- BriteSmile®
- Nite-White®

In-Office Whitening:

- Dentist supervised
- Also known as “Power bleaching”
- 25-30% hydrogen peroxide
- Name brands (including, but not limited to):
- Zoom™
- BriteSmile®
- LaserSmile™
- LaserSmile ™
- Opalescence® Xtra® Boost™

Over-the-Counter:

- No prescription needed
- 6% hydrogen peroxide
- Name brands (including, but not limited to):
- Crest Whitestrips®
- Crest Night Effects
- Colgate® Simply White®

As with any product on the market, all directions must be followed. Abusing whitening can do serious damage to teeth. Misuse, or over-use, can wear down the enamel of teeth, thereby weakening them. A further danger of misusing whitening treatments is the blue glow that emits from teeth over-treated with whitening agents. Creepy!

Consult your dentist to discuss the whitening option that is most appropriate for you.

Laser Teeth Whitening
    Get Laser Whitening for a Beaming Smile

Sleep Dentistry

Do you feel uneasy about going to the dentist? If your answer is yes, you are not alone. In fact, millions of Americans feel so nervous at the dentist, they avoid going altogether. Fortunately, ways to calm those nerves to get you through your dental appointment are now widely available. One option is sleep dentistry, also known as conscious sedation.

Sleep Easy

Sleep dentistry is now popularly used to help address dental anxiety. But contrary to its name, sleep dentistry won’t actually put patients to sleep. It makes use of sedatives and pain relievers that will put them into a relaxed or sleep-like state. It is often used as an anti-anxiety agent to help keep them calm during dental visits, and is frequently used along with local anesthetics.

The goal of sedation is to minimize pain and discomfort during treatment. But unlike deep sedation, where dentists use general anesthesia, conscious sedation enables you to respond to speech or touch, so you can communicate any discomfort to your dentist.

Relaxation Options

Aside from conscious sedation and general anesthesia, there are other types of sedation many dentists use:
- Inhalation Sedation – Also known as nitrous oxide or laughing gas

- Oral Sedation – These drugs are usually taken either the night before the treatment or immediately before the dental appointment .

- Intravenous (IV) Sedation – Administered through the veins to get the sedative directly to your blood stream

Chill, Take It Easy

Sleep dentistry can help you:

- Relax and calm your nerves

- Feel a little more comfortable with the procedure you will have

- Avoid restlessness as you go through a long procedure

- Control a bad gag reflex

Sleep dentistry may just be the best thing that can ever happen to your teeth. With this type of sedation helping you overcome your fear of the dentist, you can finally give your teeth the care and attention they need and deserve. Be sure to ask your dentist about all your sedation options to help calm those dental-visit nerves.

IV Sedation Dentistry

Dental chickens come in every shape and size. Some true dental phobics cannot bring themselves to complete any dental work because of this fear. For these people, IV sedation is a tool that enables them to get back in the dental chair and make themselves a priority.

IV Sedation 101

IV — intravenous, or in the vein. This is often referred to as sleep dentistry. This is a common misnomer, as sleep dentistry brings to mind thoughts of being put to sleep. In fact, this is not the case. You will remain conscious during IV sedation. You will be able to understand and respond to any requests from your dentist.

IV sedation is perfect for the dental coward because of the side effects that accompany this type of sedative. This process produces partial or even full memory loss (amnesia of the dental experience) in the patient.

This works really well for both the dentist and the patient. As the patient, you will be aware of what is happening on a purely detached level. You can answer questions, accommodate requests and generally do what you’re told. Simultaneously, the influx of drugs in your arm (or hand) will give you a peaceful feeling. Basically, you won’t be bothered in the least by any poking or prodding. As a bonus — you’ll remember virtually nothing!

This is nice for your dentist as well. He or she will be able to monitor your pulse and oxygen levels with a handy-dandy “pulse oximeter.” The dental team will be able to monitor any ill effects the drug may have on your Central Nervous System. A blood pressure machine is also monitored to ensure your safety.

Drug Basics on the IV

The pharmaceuticals utilized for IV sedation are NOT narcotics. They do not dull your senses. The drug belongs in the benzodiazepine (benzos) family, which is nothing more than an anti-anxiety sedative. As this will not prevent pain, local anesthetic will still be necessary before your procedure. Since people who choose this kind of sedation are likely afraid of the needle, local can easily be administered once the IV drug has taken affect.

Some dentists may add in a strong pain-killer, such as Morphine and Demerol, to prevent discomfort and post-op pain.

Amnesia for Every Visit

If this sounds great to you and you’d like to forget every dental experience, it is important to realize the advantages and disadvantages of IV sedation.

Pros:
- Eliminates memory of the procedure
- Drug dosage will be exactly measured for the individual
- Sedation is deeper than oral (Valium) or inhalation (laughing gas) sedatives
- Gag reflex is diminished
- Great for those with dental or needle phobias

Cons:
- $220 — $390 per hour
- Needle site can become inflamed
- Escort required — will need to be driven to and from procedure
- Can consciously fight drug — making it harder to be successfully sedated
- Does not deal with your fear of dentists

Ask your dentist to explain all of your options. Pay close attention to your after-care instructions, as you will want to be aware of any side effects that might be the result of the IV sedative.

Wisdom Teeth

The wisdom teeth eruption — it sounds like it should be some small isle in the center of Hawaii where a dormant volcano resides. Alas, it happens to all of us, much to our chagrin.

An Interesting Theory

Scholars and daydreamers alike have hypothesized regarding the root use of the third molar, or wisdom tooth. The general school of thought dates back to the cavemen.

It’s believed that the Stone Age man’s diet caused extensive tooth damage. (Chewing raw animal flesh, stones, bones and plant tissue will do that, I suppose.) This damage gave way to more room in the jawbone, making plenty of room for new teeth to grow when Captain Caveman reached old age. Thusly, the caveman made good use of four extra teeth to chew its prey to bits.

Good for the Cave Man, Bad for Us

Our soft diet makes the four wisdom teeth we get (two on the bottom, two on the top) utterly useless. By and large, wisdom teeth do nothing more than cause pain and inconvenience. Unless there is room for them to grow in your jaw, the act of these coming in shifts the rest of your teeth. If your parents spent thousands on orthodontia, wisdom teeth will just undo years of your Ortho’s magic.

What Makes Wisdoms “Impacted?”

This means the tooth has not fully emerged into its proper position. This happens because there isn’t enough space in your jawbone to accommodate these new wanna-be residents.

They’re Coming in, Now What?

You will need to speak to your general dentist for his/her opinion, but surgery is generally your best option. Get them removed before they start to move the rest of your teeth.

What if I Don’t Want Them Extracted?

Possible complications in keeping your wisdom teeth:

- Decay — Bacteria and food particles can gather around a partially erupted wisdom, causing it or the nearby tooth to rot.

- Gum Infection — as these teeth are usually partially under the gum line, this can enable a new bacterial storage area: under the gum. This can cause infection, bad breath, pain, even limited jaw movement.

- Pressure Pain — as the teeth erupt.

- Orthodontics — can crowd teeth previously corrected with braces or Invisalign®.

- Prosthetics — Denture/bridge will need to be refit, in order to allow for the new shape of your gums (which will change as the wisdoms grow in).

- Cysts — a fluid filled sac (cyst) can develop around the gum of an impacted wisdom. These are ugly, damaging pustules of bacteria. On rare occasions, a tumor can develop inside the cyst that can fracture the jaw!

My Wisdom Teeth Haven’t Come in, Now What?

Speak to your dentist; it is possible they’ll come in later in life, increasing your chances for complications. Furthermore, the younger you are, the faster you will recover from this surgery. Only your dentist can tell you with any certainty your risks, if any. You’ll undoubtedly know when they start to come in, make an appointment with your general dentist and together you will decide the best course of action.

Tooth Extraction

When something is difficult, we usually say it’s like pulling teeth — but in reality, tooth extraction is a routine procedure that helps prevent more serious dental problems. The most commonly needed extractions are usually wisdom teeth, but dentists may also remove a tooth if it’s coming in at an angle, threatening the position of other healthy teeth or contributing to overcrowding in the mouth.

In some cases, a broken tooth may also need to be extracted, as well as teeth with significant decay that cannot be treated by a root canal. Patients with advanced gum disease may be considered for an extraction as well. In the end, removing one potentially harmful tooth can often spare you hours of future treatment.

Getting Ready

During your appointment, your dentist will typically use an X-ray to determine if an extraction is necessary. You’ll also be asked to go over your dental history, including any past problems with extractions, current medications and medical conditions. Be sure to be detailed and include any information that may be relevant.

What to Expect When You’re Extracting

To begin, you’ll receive a local anesthetic to numb the tooth, jawbone and surrounding gums. Your dentist, or in some cases an oral surgeon, will begin to rock the tooth back and forth and rotate it to widen the socket for easier extraction. Because your pain receptors have been numbed, you’ll sense some dull pressure during this process, but shouldn’t feel any pain. When the tooth is fully detached, your dentist will remove it and cover the exposed gum with a small piece of gauze.

Take Care

After your extraction, your dentist or hygienist will explain how to ensure that you heal properly. In most cases, they will advise you to bite gently on your gauze for 30 minutes to an hour. It’s important that you follow their instructions exactly to avoid any further complications. Generally, these instructions will include:

- Applying ice to the jaw area if you experience swelling
- Continuing to brush, but avoiding the area surrounding the extraction
- Gently rinsing your mouth with water
- Taking an antibiotic or pain reliever, if needed
- Avoiding smoking or using a straw for at least 24 hours

You may also be advised to stay away from certain foods and any strenuous activity for the first few days. When cared for properly, your mouth should heal quickly, but contact your dental office if you feel any prolonged pain.

It may be hard to believe that one little tooth can make such a big difference, but getting a simple tooth extraction can help ensure that your teeth stay healthy, evenly spaced and toothache-free.

Root Canals

Modern dental patients should feel lucky — unlike past generations, we live in an age where an infected tooth can be treated and restored. Root canal therapy, sometimes called endodontic therapy, has become a routine dental treatment and can remove the cause of discomfort from inside a tooth before more serious problems result.

Most people roll their eyes at the mention of a “root canal,” but these feelings come more from myth and misinformation than real cause for concern. In reality, root canal therapy is designed to eliminate tooth pain and is a relatively straightforward procedure.

The Root of the Problem

The interior of a tooth contains nerve material that originally helped it to develop and grow — in adult teeth this material does little more than help sense heat and cold. Occasionally, bacteria may reach this inner “pulp” and cause discomfort and inflammation. The diseased material must be promptly removed by your dentist to preserve the surrounding tooth and gums. A root canal can save the healthy portion of the tooth and prevent swelling or infection.

What’s Involved?

Often, an X-ray during a regular checkup will reveal signs of internal tooth degeneration. In other cases, you may make a special dental appointment after feeling some pain in an affected tooth. Either situation is cause for restorative root canal therapy.

During your appointments, your dentist removes the inner tooth material and fills the void with a rubber-like compound. This helps preserve the healthy tooth structure and inhibit future bacteria. When the affected area has been cleaned and filled, the tooth is covered with a tooth-colored crown.

Root canal therapy saves healthy teeth by removing the source of infection. The treatment is usually completed in one to three appointments.

Talk to Your Dentist

Of course the best time to catch a potential problem is before you experience any pain. Be aware of the condition of your teeth and discuss your treatment history with your dentist. Make sure to let your dental team know if you:

-Feel discomfort in a tooth or swelling in the surrounding gums

-Have had an accident or incident involving trauma to the teeth

-Notice chips or cracks in your teeth that may allow bacteria inside

-Are feeling any unusual discomfort or unfamiliar feelings in your teeth

Ask your dentist about your treatment options and whether root canal therapy is an appropriate solution for your dental needs.

Impacted Tooth

When a tooth fails to fully erupt or come out of the gums, it is called an impacted tooth. Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the most common teeth to become impacted because they are the last to develop. They begin to form at about nine years of age but don’t emerge through the gum tissue until the late teens or early twenties, at which point the jaws may have already stopped growing.

Space Invasion

By the time wisdom teeth try to claim their space in the jaw, other teeth have already settled into theirs. If there was no space reserved for them, they try to squeeze themselves in with the rest of the teeth, possibly causing overcrowding and/or twisted, tilted or displaced teeth. That’s why sometimes wisdom teeth never get to come out, so they stay either completely or partially submerged under the gums.

Add an “oversized wisdom tooth” to the equation, and it can make matters worse for the rest of the teeth community. As it tries to come out, the impacted tooth pushes other teeth which can cause an uneven bite.

A partially emerged tooth may also cause pericoronitis, an infection caused by bacteria from food, plaque and other debris trapped in the space between the impacted tooth and its surrounding gums.

Deep Revelation

Only your dentist can tell for sure using an X-ray if you have an impacted tooth, but the following symptoms may be your first clue:

• Pain or tenderness of the gums that may be accompanied by swelling and redness

• Space in the gums where the tooth did not come out

• Bad breath and unpleasant taste when biting down or near the area, usually indicating pericoronitis

• Swollen lymph nodes and difficulty opening the mouth in some cases

To Extract or Not To Extract

Sometimes an impacted tooth will just sit under the gums in peace, seemingly not causing any trouble. But usually, the only recourse is to extract the tooth, a procedure that will typically be performed by a dentist or oral surgeon.

In the meantime, to relieve any pain or irritation it may cause, experts recommend taking over-the-counter pain relievers or gargling warm salt water or mouthwashes to soothe your gums.

When wisdom teeth don’t cooperate with nature, the wisest thing to do is to simply see your dentist.

Oral Surgery

Regular dental checkups are a great way to keep teeth healthy and deal with minor complications, but more serious oral issues may require advanced treatment. Oral surgery is a broad term that covers a variety of procedures for your teeth, jaw and face.

Whether your dentist needs to extract a bothersome tooth, correct your bite or help prevent pain in your jawbone, some form of oral surgery can be the answer. Specialists, called maxillofacial surgeons, can even aid accident victims with reconstruction and treat many types of oral cancer. With proper care, even advanced dental conditions can be effectively treated or relieved.

Oral Exam

Many times, your dentist will detect problem areas during routine dental screenings and recommend preventive treatment. In other cases, you may schedule an appointment to discuss cosmetic goals or recent discomfort. Your teeth, gums and jaw need to be carefully examined to determine which treatment will meet your needs. Being open about your symptoms, as well as your preferences and concerns, will help you and your dentist determine the appropriate procedure

“Surgery” is Such a Broad Term

When you hear the word “surgery,” you may automatically imagine a complicated procedure, but “oral surgery” refers to a wide range of treatments — everything from a simple tooth extraction to dental implants. Some common types include:

- Wisdom Teeth — When third molars come in sideways, are too large, become misaligned or may cause damage to surrounding teeth, one or all four may be extracted.

- Dental Implants — Instead of traditional dentures, patients who have lost one or more teeth may have natural-looking replacements permanently attached.

- Cleft Lip/Palate — A series of treatments can help repair a split in a patient’s outer lip or roof of the mouth.

- Jaw Correction — Problems with chewing, breathing or grinding of teeth can often be fixed by repairing the jaw. Difficulty sleeping, swallowing or breathing may also be jaw-related.

Know Your Options

Talk to your dentist about any condition that may relate to you teeth and mouth. There are possible surgical remedies for sleep apnea, temporomandibular disorders (issues with joints and jaw muscles), facial injuries and cosmetic preferences as well as any pain or discomfort you may be feel.

Oral Cancer Exam

The bad news is oral cancer is more common than you might think: It kills more Americans each year than either skin or cervical cancer. The good news is the survival rate increases dramatically for oral cancer patients when the cancer is diagnosed and treated in its early stages.

There are two types of oral cancer: oral cavity cancer, which starts in the mouth; and oropharyngeal cancer, which develops in the part of the throat behind the mouth.

Men are at twice the risk of developing oral cancer, as are people older than 35. In fact, more than half of oral cancer patients are 68 and older. But that doesn’t mean you have to live in fear, because just like the Moorish proverb says, “He who fears something gives it power over him.”

Give Yourself an Oral Cancer Exam

Oral cancer doesn’t have to be an unwelcome surprise — you can take an active role in detecting it. If you think you might be at risk, give yourself an oral cancer exam at least once a month.

Look for warning signs inside the mouth such as:

- White or red spots, patches or lesions
- Lumps, rough spots or crusted areas
- A change in the way your teeth fit together

And watch out for other symptoms including:

- A change in your voice
- A lump in your neck
- Drastic weight loss

If you detect any of these symptoms and they persist for more than two weeks, see your dentist or doctor.

What to Expect from a Professional Oral Cancer Exam

Your dentist can perform an oral cancer exam as a standalone appointment, or during one of your regular dental visits. A professional oral cancer exam is painless and quick and involves the following :

- Mouth Exam — Your dentist looks at the roof and floor of your mouth, as well as the back of your throat.

- Tongue Exam — Your dentist checks the base of your tongue and its underside for swelling or abnormal color or texture.

- Lips and Cheeks Exam — Your dentist examines the insides of your lips and cheeks to check for signs such as red or white patches.

- Jaw and Neck Exam — Your dentist feels the area under your jaw and the side of your neck to check for lumps that may suggest cancer.

Any areas that look suspicious need a biopsy. You can rest assured, however, that biopsies are quick and painless and the only way to know for sure if you have oral cancer.

Oral Cancer

We love our dentists for all sorts of reasons. Our dentist helps our smile look its best, prevents any cavity from growing unchecked and contributes to our overall well-being. Few realize how truly important our dentist is to our health. The body and mouth are inseparably linked — if something is going wrong in our mouth, it can spread. A startling example of this is the prevalence of oral cancer.

In America, 30,000 people will be diagnosed with oral or pharyngeal cancer this year. This results in 8,000 deaths, roughly breaking down to one death every hour of every day.

What makes this figure so terrifying is that early detection for oral cancers can result in an 80 to 90 percent recovery rate. The late diagnosis of this prevalent disease is what keeps mortality rates so high.

Get the Facts

About 90 percent of oral cancers are squamous cell carcinomas. This cancer can be located in the oral cavity (tongue, cheeks, soft palate, etc.), the lips, the tonsils and more. When the cancer starts it mutates the genes which control cell behavior. These mutated genes grow and spread and multiply at an uncontrolled rate.

Treatment

Oral cancer treatment will require several doctors encompassing several fields of medicine. Your dentist will diagnose it, and then you’ll require a surgeon, radiation oncologist (doctor trained to give X-ray treatments), oncologist (cancer doctor), rehabilitation and restorative specialist.

Am I at Risk?

It may seem obvious, but the risk factors are very clear for acquiring oral cancer: smokers and drinkers.

Cigarette smoking, cigar smoking and smokeless (chewing) tobacco are all linked to oral cancer. What are far rarer are cases of oral cancer in non-smokers. New research suggests that oral cancer can be transmitted between partners.

What is not widely known is the definitive link between smoking and drinking in oral cancer cases. Smokers who are also heavy alcohol drinkers increase their oral cancer risk significantly. These two substances act together to become even more deadly and more debilitating.

Age also plays a central role in developing oral cancer. People over 40 are at a much higher risk. When you’re a young person, your body can handle pretty much anything you can throw at it. As we age, time and abuse catch up with us. A 20-year-old can smoke and not worry about the consequences. A 50-year-old can do the same, of course, but at that age a smoking habit might be so deeply engrained that quitting is exponentially more difficult.

Early Diagnosis

This is where your dentist comes in. A five minute oral cancer screening is standard in the vast majority of dental offices. The scary reality is that the average person has conditions inside the mouth that mimic the appearance of early stage cancers of the soft tissue. Biting the inside of your mouth or a loose fitting bridge can all leave small lesions or agitated spots on the inside of your mouth. Here is your clue to see your dentist if these kinds of sores develop:
“Any sore, discoloration, induration, prominent tissue, irritation, hoarseness, which does not resolve within a two week period on its own, with or without treatment, should be considered suspect and worthy of further examination or referral.”

Oral cancer is a significant byproduct of smoking. Your partner is at risk, not to mention those who come in close contact with your second-hand smoke. If unable to quit, as so many millions are, it’s imperative that you visit your dental professional twice a year for your oral cancer screening. Early diagnosis is crucial in fighting this cancer. Talk to your dentist today, and make sure you ask for your oral cancer evaluation.

Laser Gum Treatment

Dr. Evil wasn’t off the mark when he called a laser a “sophisticated heat beam.” In fact, laser is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation.

While that definition might mean something to someone with a scientific bent, to the layperson a laser simply means that certain things are done faster, with more precision and less pain.

And it’s certainly true when it comes to dental lasers. Because of dental lasers, procedures such as gum treatments are easier for the dentist to perform and more comfortable for the patient to endure.

The Benefits of Laser Gum Treatment

Most people don’t know it, but about half of the population suffers from moderate to severe gum disease. Unfortunately, gum disease treatment is perceived as a painful procedure with a long recovery period, which makes people shy away from taking care of the problem.

Fortunately, laser gum treatment has changed that perception. According to the Academy of Laser Dentistry, with laser gum treatment:

- There is a reduced need for anesthesia
- Bleeding is minimized
- Swelling is controlled
- There is less postoperative discomfort and faster recovery time

How Laser Gum Treatment Works

Lasers such as Waterlase®, DioDent™ II and PerioLase® are all designed to remove diseased tissue and help decontaminate infected pockets that form between teeth and gum.

A laser gum treatment generally includes four steps:

1. The laser is used to apply a small amount of light energy between the gum and tooth in the infected area.

2. The laser energy removes the diseased tissue on the inside of the pocket and helps reduce bacteria.

3. Tartar is then dislodged with the help of the laser and removed by using ultrasonic tools.

4. Finally, the laser is used to help seal the gum to the tooth in order to create a natural BAND-AID®.

Although more and more dentists are equipped to perform laser gum treatments, not all are. If you are diagnosed with gum disease, you’ll need to verify that your dentist offers laser gum treatment.

Laser Gum Surgery

We take our gums for granted. Yet they’re the unsung heroes of our mouths. The soft cushion that nestles the teeth must be properly cared for as part of your regular regime to foster a healthful mind and body. Gingivitis, which is classified as mild periodontal disease, can be remedied quite effectively with regular visits to the dentist.

Surgery (Say it Ain’t So …)

When unable to prevent gum disease, medical treatment is the only solution. In years past, gum surgery would involve several months of painful visits. The mouth bleeds readily; subsequently, gum surgery was performed exclusively in small sections of the mouth (quadrants). The patient would need time to heal, a follow-up appointment would be necessary for suture removal, and then more healing time was required before the next step was taken.

This lengthy process has recently been replaced with the invention of laser periodontal therapy (LPT). This technology takes advantage of highly precise lasers.

This process is called laser assisted new attachment procedure (LANAP). There are several brands of lasers that perform this technique, including: PerioLase®, PulseMaster™ and the Diolase Plus. All of these products are similar in function and design.

How Does it Work?

The laser directs a small amount of energy, about the thickness of three strands of hair, between the gum and tooth. The laser removes the diseased tissue, eliminating infection. It does this without any type of incision. The laser immediately cauterizes the wound, resulting in little to no bleeding. An added benefit is its ability to seal nerve endings. The entire process results in only minor discomfort making anesthesia unnecessary.

The ease of surgery translates into a faster recovery. Traditional surgery requires a 2-4 week recovery time. With an LPT procedure, many return right back to work. Recovery is less than 24 hours.

Better Than Before

These lasers were created by dentists, receiving extensive clinical trials before receiving Federal Drug Administration approval. This is set to reinvent periodontal surgery as we know it. (The laser has been approved for a myriad of treatments that formerly would have required drills, bits, possibly a ratchet of some kind and maybe even some duct tape. Ouch.)

Here are some more fabulous uses for the awe-inspiring LPT:

- Cosmetic Reshaping of Gums — the laser can actually adjust the gum line and improve your smile.

- Treatment of Gum Disease — removes diseased tissue and as an added benefit of gum reshaping, allows you better access to the gum for improved hygiene.

- Reduction of Hyperplastic Tissue — patients in braces, or taking certain medicines, are prone to the overgrowth of gum tissue.

- Access to Gum-Covered Decay — in elderly patients, the gums can grow over decayed teeth.

Laser Dentistry

Forty years ago, utilizing lasers in the dental chair sounded like something straight out of Star Trek. Dr. McCoy is not the only one using lasers anymore. State-of-the-art dental practices use lasers as a staple in their offices. At this point, technology is outpacing the dental consumer in every way. A great many people have never used a dental laser in their lives, yet more and more technological advancements are occurring in the field of laser dentistry. At this point, it is necessary to know the basics. With so many options, let’s try to make heads or tails of it.

Laser ABC’s

Laser: Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. What does all this mean? In essence, a laser produces a very exact beam of concentrated laser energy that can perform a wide variety of dental procedures. The laser sterilizes and coagulates blood vessels at the same time, thereby reducing the opportunity for infection. In dentistry, lasers can be used for surgical procedures such as a cutting instrument or tissue vaporizer, meaning it melts away tissue it comes in contact with.

Safety glasses will be used to protect your eyes from any harm. In many cases, the use of the laser instead of the drill or knife greatly reduces pain during the procedure. Depending upon what you need and your pain tolerance, anesthetic is sometimes unnecessary!

Advantages and Disadvantages

Like everything under the sun (or moon or stars or clouds), laser dentistry has its own pros and cons. One major pro is that patients may now avoid hearing the dreadful sound of the drill in some cases, as lasers can now perform the traditional drill’s responsibilities.

Besides that, lasers score points with patients and dentists in other ways, too.

- Use of lasers then reduces the need for local anesthesia. This is because lasers may cause less pain in some instances, so that anesthesia is no longer a requirement.

- With lasers, minimized bleeding and controlled swelling during soft tissue treatments are a possibility. This is good news, but because it gives people less excuse to be absent for school or work, it may be bad for some.

- The tooth’s ability to heal where deep cavities have existed is enhanced by lasers. Though you won’t heal as quickly as a mutant or a superhero, your tooth may heal a bit faster than the average healing time – at least for humans.

- Post-operative discomfort is also minimized by the use of lasers.

- Waiting time to finish a filling is reduced as lasers are used as curing for the filling.

So what are the drawbacks from the use of lasers?

- It can’t be used for many common procedures. Lasers are unable to adequately remove silver fillings, onlays and crowns or to fill cavities between teeth, around old fillings and large cavities.

- Some cases may still require drills to shape a filling even when lasers are already used. Even with the use of lasers, a drill may be needed, at least in some circumstances.

- Use of lasers may not allow a patient to bid anesthesia goodbye completely, because some cases still require anesthesia to eliminate pain during the procedure. This just means pain is not entirely absent when a laser is used.

You and your dentist will decide which laser is right for you. Here is a quick look at some of the amazing treatments that can be afforded by using a laser for your next procedure. This is NOT an exhaustive list, your own dentist can fill in the blanks.

- Cavity removal
- Crown lengthening
- Root canals
- Cold sore treatment
- Replacing stitches (sutures)
- Detection of cavity micro-fractures
- Gum surgery
- Smile reshaping
- Cutting and draining abscesses
- Light activation of bleaching material
- Composite curing

Today, we don’t have “to boldly go where no man has gone before” to simplify our dental procedures. Lasers aid in healing, reduce infection and generally make your time in the chair well-spent. Ask your dentist about lasers before you begin your next treatment plan.

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