Recently, our practice has added a CO2 soft tissue laser to our practice. This is very exciting news because of what it means to patient care.
The CO2 laser is:
• Non-Invasive Surgery
• Minimal Pain
• Better Treatment
• Optimal Results
• Less Anesthesia
• Complete Sterilization
The above photos demonstrate the use of the CO2 laser in removing a irritation fibroma, the image on the right hand side is 4 days after removal of the Fibroma.
What are the Advantages of Lasers?
This technology assures a more patient friendly treatment with considerably less post-operative pain, discomfort, and swelling. In many cases, sutures are not required. All laser procedures assure a totally sterile environment of the surgical site, which in turn decreases potential for post-operative infections.
Are Lasers Safe?
The latest generation of dental lasers is absolutely safe for all patients. This technology enables us to use it also on patients with pre-existing conditions such as Pregnancy, Pace-Makers, High Blood Pressure, Diabetes, Parkinson’s, Hemophilia, and many more.
On your next visit Ask about the Laser Use in conjunction with:
• Smile Design
• Implants
• Periodontal Pocket Therapy
• Veneers and Crowns
Updating your health history at every appoinment lets us know of any changes going on with your general health. When we know that you are now taking blood thinners we understand to expect the possibility of slightly more bleeding during your cleaning appointment. If you have recently had an artificial heart valve or joint placed, we know that you will need to premedicate with antibiotics before any dental treatment can be done. If you happen to be taking any of the oral osteoporosis medications we know that it is imperative that your periodontal is carefully monitored as these medications have been known to disrupt the healing potential of the bone that holds the teeth in place. There are all sorts of medical conditions that help us understand your dental health and to treat you in the most appropriate way.
Periodontal (gum) disease can occur at any age, with over half of all people over the age of 18 having some form of the disease. Periodontal charting (probing) is an essential tool to help diagnose gum disease problems and to follow the success of gum therapies. A periodontal probe, with ruled millimeter markings, is used to measure the depth of the space between the teeth and gums. Ideally, normal measurements range between 1 and 3 millimeters deep, depths greater than this may signify the presence of periodontal pockets and associated gum disease. 
Image Courtesy Perio.org
My gums bleed when I brush and floss. Isn’t that normal?
No. The gums that surround and support the teeth are very durable and when healthy can withstand normal brushing and flossing. Bleeding gums are one of the signs of gum disease. Think of gum tissue as the skin on your hand. If your hands bled every time you washed them, you would know something was wrong. There are a number of other warning signs of gum disease.
What is Periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is a serious chronic bacterial infection that attacks and destroys the gums and bone that hold your teeth in place. The word periodontal literally means “around the tooth.” Periodontal disease can affect one tooth or many teeth.
Infection occurs when dental plaque, a sticky sometimes colorless film, accumulates on the surfaces of teeth. The bacteria in the plaque produce chemicals that can affect the gums, causing them to swell and bleed.
In the early stage of periodontal disease, called gingivitis, the gums can become red, swollen and bleed easily. At this stage, the disease is still reversible and can usually be eliminated by routine dental cleanings and daily brushing and flossing.
If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis. Over time, plaque can spread below the gum line. The toxins produced by the bacteria in the plaque irritate the gums and stimulate a chronic inflammatory response in which the body essentially breaks down and destroys the bone and gum that surround the teeth. When this supporting tissue and bone is destroyed, pockets form around the teeth. As the disease advances, these pockets become deeper, providing ever-growing spaces in which plaque accumulates and bacteria can spread, making the disease a major cause of tooth and bone loss. Periodontitis is a chronic, but treatable disease. With proper treatment, patients have a better chance of saving their teeth and prohibiting further disease progression.
In addition to complications from potential tooth loss and surgery, recent studies suggest that oral diseases may have significant effects on general health. These studies show that there is a possible relationship between periodontal infection and cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and increased incidence of pre-term, low-birth weight babies.
What are pockets?
Your bone and gum tissue should fit snugly around your teeth like a turtleneck around your neck. When you have periodontal disease, this supporting tissue and bone is destroyed, forming “pockets” around the teeth. Over time, these pockets become deeper, providing a larger space in which bacteria can live. As bacteria develop around the teeth, they can accumulate and advance under the gum tissue. These deep pockets collect even more bacteria, resulting in further bone and tissue loss. Eventually, if too much bone is lost, the teeth will need to be extracted.
What are the warning signs of Gum Disease?
Many of the patients that have early to moderate periodontal disease have not reported any of of the signs listed above. Periodontal disease in the early stages is virtually undetectable. Routine visits and hygiene appointments can keep this devastating disease in check.
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