Laser Dentistry Ft Lauderdale Florida
What is a laser and how does it work?
A laser is an instrument that produces a very narrow, intense beam of light energy. When laser light comes in contact with tissue, it causes a reaction. The light produced by the laser can remove, vaporize, or shape tissue.
Are lasers used in dentistry?
Yes, lasers have been used in dentistry since 1990. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has determined that lasers can be used as a safe and effective treatment for a wide range of dental procedures. Lasers are often used in conjunction with other dental instruments.
How are lasers used in dentistry?
Dental lasers can be used to:
- correct speech problems caused by a tongue-tie, which prevents normal tongue movement.
- uncover partially erupted wisdom teeth.
- remove decay from a cavity and prepare the tooth for a new filling.
- remove muscle pulls, as seen in orthodontic patients.
- manage gum tissue during impressions for crowns.
- remove swollen tissues caused by medications.
- perform biopsy procedures.
- remove inflamed gum tissues and reduce the amount of bacteria within a periodontal pocket.
- remove or reshape excess gum and bone tissues during crown lengthening procedures.
- treat abscessed gums and infections in root canals.
- reduce the discomfort of canker and cold sores.
- activate whitening chemicals that are used to lighten teeth.
What are the benefits of using dental lasers?
There are several advantages. Dentists may not need to use a drill or administer anesthesia, allowing the patient to enjoy a more relaxed dental experience. Laser procedures can be more precise. Also, lasers can reduce symptoms and healing times associated with traditional therapies; reduce the amount of bacteria in both diseased gum tissue and in tooth cavities; and control bleeding during surgery.
Are dental lasers safe?
If the dental laser is used according to accepted practices by a trained practitioner, then it is at least as safe as other dental instruments. However, just as you wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from prolonged exposure to the sun, when your dentist performs a laser procedure, you will be asked to wear special eyeglasses to protect your eyes from the laser.
How can I be sure my dentist is properly trained to use a laser?
Ask your dentist questions about the extent of his or her laser education and training. Make sure that your dentist has participated in educational courses and received training by the manufacturer. Many dental schools, dental associations, and the Academy of Laser Dentistry (ALD) offer dental laser education. The ALD is the profession’s independent source for current dental laser education and credentialing.
How will I know if treatment with a dental laser is an option for me?
Ask your dentist. Although the laser is a very useful dental instrument, it is not appropriate for every dental procedure.
For further information about this topic, or any other dental topic, contact Dr Slootsky at info@drslootsky.com, or call 954-972-1000
Published with permission by the Academy of General Dentistry. © Copyright 2010 by the Academy of General Dentistry. All rights reserved
Periodontal Maintenance
If you are one of the millions of people who suffer from periodontal disease then it is likely that you will be undergoing some form of periodontal maintenance. Periodontal maintenance is an ongoing process of cleanings and treatments used to keep the disease in check. Unless these treatments are performed regularly then the disease can spread causing more serious risks and complications to occur.
Regular Periodontal Maintenance
People who suffer from periodontal disease will be required to visit the dentist more frequently than the recommended bi-annual visits. If the disease has been caught in the early stages then it may be easily treated by your dentist. However, if the infection has been left unchecked and allowed to progress into a serious condition, you may be referred to a periodontist who will asses the condition and recommend the best treatment. There are millions of people who are unaware that they have some form of periodontal disease, but the following symptoms may be a precursor to the disease.
Symptoms of Periodontal Disease
- Bleeding gums during flossing or brushing
- Gums that have receded or fallen away from the teeth
- Continual bad breath even after brushing and flossing
- Swollen, tender or red gums
- A change in the way teeth bite together
- Pus seen between the gums
These symptoms will vary from individual to individual but if any of these symptoms do occur then an appointment with the dentist should be scheduled as soon as possible. If left untreated then periodontitis can occur, bringing with it additional risks to overall health.
Types of Periodontal Maintenance
Periodontal disease is both preventable and treatable; the best treatment for your particular condition will be advised by either your dentist or periodontist. The frequency of the visits needed to address the condition will also be advised to you on your examination.
Periodontal Maintenance, Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is a common way to treat periodontal disease without the need for surgery. The bacteria and infection will be removed from the tooth below the gum line by scaling the tooth to remove tartar and also the plaque that has built up in this area. The next step will be to smooth down the area that has been scaled so that the plaque and tartar cannot once again become easily trapped in that particular area; this is known as planing the area.
The process of scaling and rooting is often know as deep cleaning, and by leaving the root of the tooth healthy and clean, the gums will be able to reattach themselves to the tooth. The loose pockets around the teeth are reduced and it is harder for plaque and tartar to attack the teeth.
Bone and Tissue Regeneration
Bone and tissue regeneration is a periodontal procedure that can be used if the disease has caused very serious damage. The bacteria and plaque will be removed from the teeth, and membranes, proteins and bone grafts will be placed on the area to stimulate tissue growth and allow the bones to regenerate.
Periodontal Maintenance and Medication
There are medications available to aid the maintenance of periodontal diseases. Medications can now be placed directly on the infected area to help eliminate the infection. There are also oral medicines that are specifically designed to combat periodontal disease. These oral medications help to enhance the body’s immune system in order to combat the bacteria that cause periodontal disease. Your periodontist or dentist will be able to advice if these medications are suitable for your condition.
Periodontal Maintenance and at Home Dental Care
Periodontal maintenance must be combined with a daily routine of at home dental care in order to prevent infection from reoccurring. Daily brushing and flossing, along with good dental nutrition are the best ways to keep your gums and teeth free from infection. If you skip brushing for only one day then plaque can build up and a dental cleaning will be required to remove it.
Periodontal maintenance is a continual process that needs to be taken as seriously as any other form of medical treatment. Your teeth are an important part of your body and need regular care and attention in order to keep them healthy and infection free.
For further information about this topic, or any other dental topic, contact Dr Slootsky at info@drslootsky.com, or call 954-972-1000
Gum…Disease?
Removing plaque through daily brushing and flossing and professional cleaning is the best way to minimize your risk.
Everyone knows to brush their teeth twice a day, but many people forget about their gums! The word disease sounds scary— and it can be if you don’t take care of your gums. Here is some information about what gum disease is, what causes it, and how you can prevent it.
What is periodontal (gum) disease?
Periodontal means “around the tooth.” Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth. Periodontal disease can affect one tooth or many teeth. It begins when the bacteria in plaque (the sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth) causes the gums to become inflamed. Gingivitis is the mildest form of the disease. In this stage, the gums redden, swell, and bleed easily. There is usually little or no discomfort.
What causes gum disease?
As mentioned, plaque is recognized as the primary cause of gum disease. If plaque isn’t removed each day by brushing and flossing, it hardens into a rough, porous substance called calculus (also known as tartar). Toxins produced and released by bacteria in plaque irritate the gums. These toxins cause the breakdown of the fibers that hold the gums tightly to the teeth, creating periodontal pockets that fill with even more toxins and bacteria. As the disease progresses, pockets become deeper, and the bacteria move down until the bone that holds the tooth in place is destroyed. Eventually, severe infection may develop with pain and swelling. The tooth may loosen and later require removal. There are other factors, too. Smokers and tobacco users are at a higher risk of developing gum disease. Changing hormone levels in pubescent teenagers and women who are pregnant also can increase the risk of gum disease. Stress, clenching or grinding your teeth, an unhealthy diet, and diabetes can increase your chances of developing gum disease as well. And, in some cases, it’s in your genes—nearly 30 percent of the human population is genetically predisposed to gum disease.
How is it treated?
In the early stages of gum disease, most treatment involves a special cleaning called scaling and root planing, which removes plaque and tartar around the tooth and smoothes the root surfaces. Antibiotics or antimicrobials may be used to supplement the effects of scaling and root planing. In most cases of early gum disease, scaling and root planing and proper daily cleaning will definitely help. More advanced cases may require surgical treatment, which involves cutting the gums—sometimes with the assistance of a laser—to remove the hardened plaque build-up and then recontouring the damaged bone. The procedure also is designed to smooth root surfaces and reposition the gum tissue so it will be easier to keep clean. This procedure may be performed by your general dentist or by a specialist, like a periodontist.
How can I maintain treatment at home?
Sticking to a maintenance program is crucial for patients who want to sustain the results of periodontal therapy. You should visit the dentist every three to four months (or more frequently, depending on the patient) for spot scaling and root planing and an overall exam. Between visits, brush at least twice a day and floss daily.
How can I prevent gum disease?
Removing plaque through daily brushing and flossing and professional cleaning is the best way to minimize your risk. You also should try to reduce the activities mentioned above (smoking, eating an unhealthy diet, grinding your teeth, and so forth). Talk to your dentist and he or she can design a personalized program for home oral care to meet your needs.
For further information about this topic, or any other dental topic, contact Dr Slootsky at info@drslootsky.com, or call 954-972-1000
Published with permission by the Academy of General Dentistry. © Copyright 2010 by the Academy of General Dentistry. All rights reserved
