Laser Dentistry: Science Fiction or the Future of Oral Health?

Laser Dentistry: Science Fiction or the Future of Oral Health? by James A. Wagner

Laser dentistry offers patients several important benefits, yet only about 5% of dental offices currently have the equipment to perform laser procedures. As patients realize the advantages of laser treatments in oral health as well as in cosmetic dentistry, the number of offices offering laser dentistry is sure to rise significantly.

Laser Dentistry Offers Important Benefits
Laser dentistry is often less painful and invasive than traditional methods. For example, a patient could opt for laser surgery to avoid anaesthesia during some procedures. Patients with cosmetic or oral health issues, especially those with low pain tolerance or a fear of dental procedures, may favour laser dentistry over surgery or other treatments.
Other benefits of laser dentistry include:

* Most dental procedures performed by laser do not necessitate the use of sutures, where traditional surgical methods would require them to control bleeding and promote healing.
* Lasers are precise; therefore, damage to the surrounding tissue is rare and usually minimal.
* The high-energy beam helps the blood to clot, resulting in less bleeding and discomfort. It also promotes cellular healing, leading to faster recovery times.
* The laser beam sterilizes the area the dentist is working on, which helps to prevent post-operative infection.

Dentists appreciate the accuracy, speed and control of laser treatments. They can perform more delicate or precise procedures quicker and with less patient discomfort. Because it is a relatively new technology, laser dentistry is improving and becoming more affordable every day. It is expected that as costs drop and demand increases, laser technology will soon be available in most dental offices

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How Do Dental Lasers Work?
There are many different types of dental lasers, but all can be classified as one of two kinds: Hard or Soft Tissue Dental Lasers.

Hard Tissue Lasers are used to accurately cut or shave bones and teeth. They may be used to repair some types of fillings or to prepare teeth for bonding.

Soft Tissue Lasers penetrate soft tissues such as the gums. The laser actually cauterizes the affected nerves and blood vessels, promoting faster healing and reducing post-operative pain.
Other lasers are used to view the inside of teeth using Optical Coherence Tomography, or provide energy to help the cells heal. It is believed that lasers will soon replace the dentist's drill - once the technology is in place to allow the dentist to access the entire tooth without surgery or drilling, those invasive, painful procedures will become obsolete.

Laser Dentistry - Is It Right for Your Procedure?
Dental lasers are used in a number of different ways. Discuss your options with your dentist - if they do not use the technology, they may refer another dentist who does. Together, consider your pain tolerance, the dentist's experience using lasers to correct your problem, your expected recovery time and the anticipated results should you choose laser dentistry instead of traditional methods.

Laser dentistry is used to treat, diagnose or prevent the following oral health issues:
Detecting Cavities - A low-intensity laser beam can provide a reading of the by-products of tooth decay, allowing the dentist to determine when cavities are present.

Optical Coherence Tomography - This revolutionary technology permits the dentist to view the inside of the teeth or gums, a procedure which would have required invasive surgery or harmful x-rays before.

Temperature Sensitivity - The tubules responsible for tooth temperature sensitivity, located at the root, can be sealed with laser technology.

Tumour Removal - Dentists can use lasers to remove benign tumours inside the mouth. This is a relatively pain-free, sterile operation as the laser reduces bleeding, kills bacteria and negates the need for sutures.

Tooth Fillings - Laser treatment is not only easier at the time of the procedure, but could lead to better long-term results. When a laser is used to remove the decay, it kills the bacteria deep in the tooth, preventing future cavities.

Nerve Regeneration - Lasers are used by other health professionals, such as Chiropractors and Massage Therapists, to regenerate damaged nerves and blood vessels. Known as Photo-biomodulation, this technique is useful in treating oral scar tissue and soft tissue damaged by other procedures or conditions.

Soft Tissue Folds - Denture-wearers with improperly fitted teeth may develop soft tissue folds, a painful condition that is easily treated with laser therapy.
Muscle Attachment - Some infants and children suffer from a tightened or restricted frenulum, which can result in an inability to breastfeed or a speech impediment. Laser treatment is effective in treating this condition.

Laser treatment has quickly become a crucial component in any cosmetic dentistry, as well. It is used in:

Teeth Whitening - Dentists use low-intensity lasers to speed the bleaching process in cosmetic teeth whitening procedures.

Gum Reshaping/Crown Lengthening - Laser dentistry is effective in reshaping gum tissue when part of the healthy tooth structure is hidden by overdeveloped gums. This is also used to prepare teeth for restorative procedures.

Treating Cold Sores - Dentists use low-intensity lasers to reduce the pain, swelling and redness of cold sores.

Where to Find Laser Dentistry Services
As more dentists practice laser dentistry, new procedures are tested and perfected. Patients appreciate the reduced risk and recovery time of laser procedures and as more and more demand that this technology be used in their dental offices, dentists around the world are complying.

Choose a dentist trained in laser dentistry for your cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening and oral health needs. Ask friends and relatives for referrals, or have the dentist you choose provide references you can contact. Depending on your oral and overall health histories, current problems and treatment expectations, laser treatment may be a viable option for you. Discuss recovery times, the need for anaesthesia and any other questions you have with your dentist.

About the Author
James A. Wagner is a freelance writer and medical researcher.
You can find more information on teeth whitening, cosmetic dentistry and general dental care by clicking on the following link. http://www.whiteteethanswers.com/

Discolored Teeth that Damage Your Smile are Simple to Whiten

Discolored Teeth that Damage Your Smile are Simple to Whiten by Jayden Adams

There are many causes for discolored teeth. The most common include aging and consumption of staining substances such as coffee, tea, colas, tobacco, red wine, etc. And we have all seen how, during tooth formation, consumption of tetracycline, certain antibiotics or excessive fluoride may also cause tooth discoloration. But this is no longer something one has to live with.
"I think that everyone loves a bright white smile," Dr. Maddahi says, "and there are a variety of products and procedures available to help you improve the look of yours. Some people are satisfied with the sparkle they get from brushing twice daily, cleaning between their teeth once a day and with a regular cleaning at the dentist office. But, when the choice is made to go beyond this to make the smile look brighter, I suggest in-office Zoom! whitening system."

There are other options such as at-home bleaching and whitening toothpastes. "Zoom!" is a bleaching process that lightens the discoloration of enamel and dentin. (Dentin is bone or calcified tissue that surrounds the pulp cavity of a tooth, it is the calcareous material harder and denser than bone that comprises the bulk of a tooth.)

"If I am treating the patient in the office, then we are most likely to get the most natural looking, bright white smile.", Dr. Maddahi further explains. "During chairside bleaching, we will either apply a protective gel to the gums or a rubber shield to protect the oral soft tissues. The bleaching agent is then applied to the teeth, and a special light is used to enhance the action of the agent. The patient also uses additional product at home to maintain their pearly whites!"
The complete procedure takes less than two hours. The process begins with a preparation period followed by bleaching. (A cleaning is recommended prior to the tooth whitening session.) The Zoom! Light-activated whitening gel's active ingredient is Hydrogen Peroxide. As the Hydrogen Peroxide is broken down, oxygen enters the enamel and dentin, bleaching colored substances while the structure of the tooth is unchanged. The Zoom! light aids in activating the hydrogen peroxide and helps it penetrate the surface of the tooth.

By following some simple post-whitening care instructions, the teeth will always be lighter than they were before. To keep your teeth looking their best, flossing, brushing twice daily, and occasional touch-ups with Zoom! Weekender or Nite White gel are recommended. These are professional formula products designed specifically to keep your teeth their brightest. They are available only through your dentist.

Age, diet and environment are all factors that can make sparkling white teeth off-color or dull looking. But this isn't something you have to live with. Using cosmetic imaging, you can even be shown how white your teeth can become before the actual procedure is done.
Dr. Kourosh Maddahi, has been specializing in creating beautiful, natural smiles and superior dental health for 20 years and is located in Beverly Hills at 436 N. Roxbury Drive, Suite 202 and can be reached at 310-888-7797.

About the Author
For more information on this article, go to:Beverly Hills Cosmetic Dentist or Smile MakeoversArticle written by Jean Ritter Dale Submission by Jayden Adams - Mediaology.