One of the latest laser treatments available to treat gum disease today is offered by Dr.Shlafer. PerioLase is a special laser technique which is essential when treating our patients with periodontal disease. If you are like 100 million other Americans, you could be one of the 50% who have periodontal disease, the major cause of tooth loss in adults!
Periodontal disease starts off as plaque, which eventually hardens, forming tartar or calculus. Calculus deposits harbour bacteria which infect the gums. In the early stages, this is commonly referred to as gingivitis, and is characterized by red swollen gums that bleed when you brush your teeth. Many people experience bad breath and an unpleasant taste in their mouths as well. When gingivitis is left untreated it progresses to periodontal disease, which is much more serious. Pocckets are now formed, separating your teeth from your gums and supporting bone structure. Without treatment, the infection becomes severe and the pockets deepen, resulting in tooth loss.
The way to repair this damage is to get rid of the infection and tighten up the pockets. Until recently, that meant traditional scapel and suture gum surgery however, there is now an exciting laser alternative called Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP®) LANAP® available. This is the only laser assisted procedure certified by the FDA for treatment of periodontal disease. This breakthrough procedure can actually regenerate new gum and bone tissue.
PerioLase is a reliable alternative to traditional surgery, and ideal for patients who have recurring gum issues or health complications that may prevent them from having the traditional surgery. (for example: patients who take coumadin–a blood thinner–who often cannot stop this medication to have traditional surgery done. It is not necessary to stop coumadin for LANAP®) Patients who opt for laser surgery will experience less swelling, very little bleeding, and a comfortable recovery with little time missed from work.
If you feel you could be helped by LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY, Dr.Shalfer offers a complimentary visit to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure.
PerioLase is the latest laser treatment for gum disease. What is laser gum treatment? Laser Periodontal Therapy™ utilizing PerioLase is an advanced technique that Dr.Shlafer uses to treat periodontal disease, saving many teeth that had been previously considered hopeless.
A laser light is used to gently remove harmful bacteria and diseased tissue from the gum pocket. This allows the body to heal naturally so that the gum pockets improve and the teeth become more stable. The Laser Periodontal Therapy™ is a wonderful treatment to bring patients back to a healthier state.
There are dramatic patient benefits:
- Significantly less traumatic, yet highly effective alternative to traditional “cut and sew” gum surgery.
- With no cutting of the gum tissue with a scalpel and no stitches, it means an easy recovery with minimal bleeding and very little time off work.
- This treatment option preserves your gum tissue, rather than cutting it away like traditional surgery.
- It reduces root exposure and sensitivity.
- It reduces infection.
- The cost is the same as traditional surgery and covered by most insurance plans.
Who Is A Candidate For This Therapy?
Anyone that has moderate to severe gum disease is a candidate. These are patients with gum pockets of 5mm or greater and bone loss.
Who Can Perform This Procedure?
Only specially trained dentists can provide PerioLase. This requires licensure from the FDA and certification from the Institute for Advanced Laser Technology. Dr.Shlafer is one of the first dentists in America to have this distinction.
The Procedure:
After measuring the bone loss, a tiny laser fiber (about the thickness of three hairs) is inserted between the teeth and gums. The infection is gently cleared away leaving healthy newly sterilized tissues.
Because there is no cutting or stitches, people don’t experience the pain and bleeding associated with traditional gum surgery. This impact for treating gum disease is similar to that of Lasik laser surgery for eyes.
This is gum therapy that you don’t have to fear……………call for a complimentary evaluation to see if you are a candidate for the revolutionary PerioLase Laser Perio Therapy™
Holistic dentists (also known as “bio-compatible”, “biological” or “natural” dentists) consider the whole person (body, mind and spirit) and his or her lifestyle when recommending treatment. Dr. Shlafer understands the importance of a healthy immune system and utilizes treatment methods that will enhance overall health and wellness.
Mercury or Amalgam Fillings:
The use of mercury in conventional dentistry is a serious controversy and is probably the main reason to choose a holistic dentist——–holistic dentists don’t use mercury amalgam. Mercury amalgam (silver) fillings contain about 50% mercury, a substance more toxic than lead or cadmium. Traditional dental authorities allege the mercury is locked into the filling because the atomic structure of mercury is “bound” to the silver and therefore the mercury is biologically inactive. However, recent studies show that mercury vapor actually escapes and is absorbed by the rest of the body. This increases when eating or drinking hot foods and liquids, during chewing or when placement of an amalgam filling is next to a tooth that has been restored with gold or other metals.
“Silver” (mercury) amalgam fillings are a potential health risk for everyone, but are of particular concern for those who are chemically sensitive. If you have a number of of amalgam fillings and your immune system isn’t functioning optimally, you may feel symptoms like lethargy, blurred vision, dizziness, muscle aches, numbness, etc. Consider having your amalgams removed–not only are they potentially harmful, they are unsightly as well. Natural looking composites are healthier and more aesthetically pleasing.
Removing “Silver” Fillings and Mercury:
If you are considering having your old amalgam fillings removed, you will be comforted to know that Dr. Shlafer follows specific protocols to protect you from mercury exposure during the removal process. He will also recommend alternative materials and can refer you to a doctor skilled in mercury testing and detoxification.
Though silver fillings have been used routinely for the past 150 years, dentists have always been advised to handle mercury amalgam with extreme care. Strict protocols protect the dental staff. Left over “scrap” amalgam is considered hazardous waste by the EPA. Consider this: if the substance shouldn’t come into contact with Dr. Shlafer’s fingers, should it come into contact with the more tender, often compromised tissues of the mouth?
Holistic dentists provide dental care by focusing on the care of the whole person and using nontoxic materials in their practice. Holistic dentists are professionals that believe in the overall well-being of their patients. Dr. Shlafer understands the use of toxic materials in dental care may be potentially harmful to his patients. He provides care as a whole for the patient and will recommend the removal of any toxic metals by using safe and accepted methods.
The American Dental Association states, “The dental community has always been open to emerging diagnostic and treatment approaches that over the years have improved the oral health of the public, the health of the dental team and the practice of dentistry. The ADA (American Dental Association), has been consistent with its objective to encourage the improvement of the health of the public and to promote the art and the science of dentistry, support those diagnostic and treatment approaches that allow both patient and dentist to make an informed choice among safe and effective options.”
Holistic dentists promote health and wellness, not just treatment of disease.
Why should I choose a holistic dentist? The whole-body health approach provides numerous reasons for their use, but specifically:
- Old mercury fillings can crack and leak around the edges, causing your natural tooth to become weakened by the old silver filling.
- Dr. Shlafer will repair your tooth using nontoxic materials that bond to your tooth, providing not only a natural look, but also adding strength.
The practice of holistic dentistry is an integral part of complementary medicine. As Dr.Shlafer has seen, the mouth is an excellent barometer for systemic health. The condition of your teeth, gums and tongue are a window into the bio-mechanical state of your body.
Nothing says good health like a great smile! Back it up with the confidence that your healthy smile reveals a healthy mouth that speaks for your whole body!
One of the latest laser treatments available to treat gum disease is offered by Dr. Shlafer. This laser uses a small amount of energy that is directed with great precision at the diseased portions of the gum. The laser removes the diseased tissue, thus eliminating infection. This whole process is done without any incision. Dr. Shlafer has been specially trained to use PerioLase, which is the only laser designed for the LANAP® protocol (Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure) a sophisticated gum treatment that replaces the painful, traditional gum surgery. PerioLase is an FDA approved laser that is a safe and non-invasive way for Dr.Shlafer to treat gum disease.
The soft tissue therapy PerioLase offers is a non-surgical technique proven to significantly improve pockets. With no other procedure offering such a high success rate, Dr.Shlafer has witnessed the long term success in his patient’s oral health.
Periodontal disease affect the gums and soft tissues that support your teeth. The most common forms of periodontal disease are gingivitis and periodontitis. Patients suffering from gum disease experience their gums pulling away from the bone and teeth due to bacteria. Severe periodontitis eventually leads to tooth loss. Typically those who are diagnosed with gum disease have repeat symptoms for the rest of their lives. Dr.Shlafer can now safely and effectively treat you and create an environment where gums can grow back to the teeth. PerioLase is the first laser to use digital technology for more reliability.
Have you been fighting a losing battle with periodontal disease? Are you concerned you may lose your teeth? Maybe the pain associated with traditional gum surgery is holding you back. If any of these concerns apply to you, Dr.Shlafer can help. Now is the time to schedule that complimentary visit to determine what your next step in saving your teeth could be.
According to the American Cancer Society, more than 28,000 cases of oral cancer are diagnosed annually, with more than 7,000 of these cases resulting in death. Oral cancer may occur on the mouth, lips, tongue, salivary glands, and throat.
Since oral cancer often begins with an asymptomatic stage during which symptoms may not be obvious, it is often painless initially and therefore difficult to detect. The following signs do not necessarily signify cancer, are not all inclusive and may signify other dental conditions, they may be associated with early signs of cancer. Since oral cancer treatment is usually successful when performed in the early stages, any abnormal change in the mouth, gums, tongue, or surrounding area should be evaluated by Dr. Shlafer immediately.
Possible Signs of Oral Cancer:
- Continuous pain in the mouth
- Sores and bumps inside the mouth, including ragged, ulcerous lesions
- Difficulty moving mouth and jaw
- Bump in the neck
- Pronounced pain in one ear
- Undiagnosed bleeding from tongue, gums or cheeks
- Numbness in a specific area of the mouth
For a definitive diagnosis, you can start with an evaluation by Dr. Shlafer. He will examine your mouth and evaluate your medical history to formulate an initial diagnostic impression. You may be offered a Vizilite cancer screening test and possibly asked to return to the office in 2 weeks to determine if a biopsy is needed. Dr. Shlafer will guide you through this process.
If your dentures are in a drawer because they just “don’t feel right,” or they are loose or make sore spots in your mouth, it’s time to see your Detroit Area Family Dentist, Dr. Roman Shlafer. Loose dentures can be a really big problem, as people age, their dentures don’t change, but their mouths do.
If you have dentures, they should fit, and you should be able to wear them. What you may not be aware of is that over time, the continued compression of the tissues under full dentures results in loss of bone and gum tissue volume. The bone that formerly supported your teeth is not designed to withstand these forces, and in response, it resorbs over time, resulting in loose dentures.
Loose dentures are a common problem, especially if you have worn them for a long time. Whether or not you need new dentures depends not only on the condition of your existing dentures but also how much the supporting tissues have changed. You would also want to know how well your upper and lower dentures line up. Occlusion refers to the way teeth bite together, poor occlusion is a common reason for dentures to shift while chewing. This kind of biting problem can dislodge a denture when chewing. Another reason for loose dentures has to do with how well the dentures fit your gums. When teeth are lost, the gums do not stay the same shape forever, they change shape over time. A first set of dentures may become quite loose in only a few months. The denture is unstable, because there are spaces under the denture.
State of the art dentists, like Dr.Shlafer, now use dental implants to fit permanent snaps into patient’s jaws. Dentures that snap onto implants give patients the most comfortable, most secure fitting dentures that have ever been available. People who wear this kind of denture find that they are able to eat, speak, sneeze, and laugh with confidence.
Some questions to consider: 
- Are you satisfied with the appearance of your dentures?
- How worn are they?
- Is your bite still functional?
- Can you eat and chew properly?
- How often to you need adhesive to secure your dentures?
Even if you wear dentures, it is still important to continue with regular dental visits to make sure your teeth are fitting properly, as well as being examined for signs of oral cancer. Dr.Shlafer will evaluate you and help you determine what treatment is in your best interest. His goal, is to improve function, biting, chewing, talking, and smiling. This will improve your self-confidence and well-being with a relined, replaced, or implant supported dentures.
People with sleep apnea may complain of memory problems, morning headaches, mood swings or feelings of depression. Gastroesophageal reflux disease may be more prevalent in people with sleep apnea too. Children with untreated sleep apnea may be hyperactive and may have been diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
Sleep apnea is considered a serious medical condition. Complications may include:
Cardiovascular problems. Sudden drops in blood oxygen levels that occur during sleep apnea increase blood pressure and strain the cardiovascular system. If you have obstructive sleep apnea, your risk of high blood pressure can be up to 2-3 times greater than if you don’t. The more severe your sleep apnea, the greater risk of high blood pressure. Obstructive sleep apnea increases the risk of stroke, regardless of whether or not you have high blood pressure. It is also associated with increased risk of atrial fibrillation, congestive heart failure and other vascular diseases.
In contrast, central sleep apnea usually is the result, rather than the cause of heart disease.
Daytime fatigue. The repeated awakenings associated with sleep apnea make normal, restorative sleep impossible. People with sleep apnea often experience severe daytime drowsiness, fatigue and irritability. You may have difficulty concentrating and find yourself falling asleep at work , while watching TV or even when driving.
Complications with medications and surgery. Obstructive sleep apnea is also a concern with certain medications and general anesthesia. People with sleep apnea may experience complications following major surgery, because they are prone to breathing problems. Before you have surgery be sure to inform your doctor that you have sleep apnea.
Sleep deprived partners. Loud snoring can keep those around you from getting a good nights rest. It’s not uncommon for a partner to go to another room to sleep.
Questions to ask your doctor:
- What is causing my symptoms?
- What kind of tests do I need?
- Is my condition temporary or chronic?
- What is the best course of action? Are there any alternative approaches?
- I have other health conditions, how can I manage them together?
- Should I see a specialist? Can a sleep apnea device from Dr.Shlafer help?
If you suspect you have sleep apnea, call your doctor and schedule an appointment to be evaluated. In the meantime, here’s what you can do :
Try to sleep on your side. Most forms of sleep apnea are milder when you sleep on your side.
Avoid alcohol close to bedtime. Alcohol worsens obstructive and complex sleep apnea.
If you are sleep deprived and drowsy, avoid driving.
It’s seems true doesn’t it? People who snore always fall asleep first! Truly a problem for family members, this is how we become sleep deprived! What can you do?
Treatment and drugs: For milder cases of sleep apnea, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, such as losing weight or quitting smoking. If these measures do not improve your symptoms or your apnea is moderate to severe, a number of other treatments are available. Certain devices can help open up a blocked airway. In other cases surgery may be necessary.
Treatments for obstructive sleep apnea may include:
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). If you have moderate to severe sleep apnea, you may benefit from a machine that delivers air pressure through a mask placed over your nose while you sleep. With CPAP the air pressure is somewhat greater than that of the surrounding air, and just enough to keep your upper airway passages open, preventing apnea and snoring.
Although CPAP is a preferred method of treating sleep apnea, some people find it cumbersome or uncomfortable. With practice, most people learn to adjust the tension of the straps to obtain a comfortable fit. Some people benefit from also using a humidifier along with their CPAP system.
Do not just stop using the CPAP machine if you experience problems. Check with your doctor to see what modifications can be made to make you more comfortable. Also if your weight changes,the pressure settings may need to be adjusted.
Adjustable airway pressure devices. If CPAP continues to be a problem for you, you may be able to use a different type of airway pressure device that automatically adjusts the pressure while you’re sleeping.
Oral appliances. Another option is wearing an oral appliance designed to keep your throat open. CPAP may be a more effective treatment, but an oral appliance that Dr.Shlafer can fabricate may be easier for you to use. Some are designed to open your throat by bringing your jaw forward, which can sometimes relieve snoring and mild obstructive sleep apnea.
Dr.Shlafer can advise you on which devices may be appropriate for your symptoms. Once you have a sleep apnea device made, you will still need to follow up with Dr.Shlafer as least every 6 months to ensure that the fit is still good and re-access your symptoms.
Surgery
The goal of surgery for sleep apnea is to remove the excess tissue from your nose or throat that may be vibrating causing you to snore, or that may be blocking your upper air passages and causing sleep apnea. A Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty; a Maxillomandibular Advancement; or Tracheostomy may be considered. Other types of surgery may help reduce snoring and contribute to the treatment of sleep apnea by clearing or enlarging air passages. These may be: nasal surgery to remove polyps or correct a deviated septum; or removal of enlarged tonsils or adenoids.
Treatment for central and complex sleep apnea may include:
Treatment for associated medical problems. Possible causes of central sleep apnea include heart or neuromuscular disorders. Treatment of treating these conditions may help.
Supplemental oxygen. Using supplemental oxygen while you sleep may help if you have central sleep apnea.
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) This is the same method used for obstructive sleep apnea, involving wearing a pressurized mask over your nose while you sleep.
Bilevel positive airway pressure (BPAP) Unlike CPAP, which supplies steady, constant pressure to your upper airway as you breathe, BPAP builds to a higher pressure when you inhale and decreases to a lower pressure when you exhale. The goal of this treatment is to assist the weak breathing pattern of central sleep apnea. Some BPAP devices can be set to automatically deliver a breath if the device detects you haven’t taken one in so many seconds.
Adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV) This more recently approved airflow device learns your normal breathing pattern and stores information in a built in computer. After you fall asleep, the machine uses pressure to normalize your breathing pattern and prevent pauses in your breathing. ASV appears to be more successful than CPAP at treating central sleep apnea in some people.
Lifestyle and home remedies
- Lose excess weight.
- Avoid alcohol and certain medications such as tranqulizers and sleeping pills.
- Sleep on your side or abdomen rather than on your back.
- Keep nasal passages open at night.
Along with these treatments, you may hear about different treatments for sleep apnea, such as acupuncture or other alternatives. Be sure to talk to your doctor about any options you are considering.
Sleep apnea may occur if you’re young or old, male or female. Even children can have sleep apnea.Sleep apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder. There are certain factors that put you at an increased risk. Could you be at risk?
Obstructive sleep apnea:
- Excess weight. Fat deposits around your upper airway and may obstruct your breathing. (this does not mean that everyone who has sleep apnea is overweight, thin people can develop this disorder as well.)
- Neck circumference. A neck circumference greater than 17 inches is associated with an increased risk of obstructive sleep apnea. That is because a thick neck may narrow the airway.
- High blood pressure. Sleep apnea is more common in people with hypertension.
- A narrowed airway. You may have inherited a naturally narrow throat, or your tonsils or adenoids may be enlarged and block your airway.
- Being male. Male men are twice as likely to have sleep apnea. Women increase their risk by being overweight, and after menopause.
- Being older. Sleep apnea occurs 2-3 times more often in adults older than 65.
- Family history. If you have family members with sleep apnea, you may be at increased risk.
- Use of alcohol, sedatives, or tranquilizers. These substances relax the muscles in your throat.
- Smoking. Smokers are 3 times more likely to have obstructive sleep apnea than people who have never smoked. Smoking may increase the amount of inflammation and fluid retention in the upper airway.
- Prolonged sitting. Studies suggest that long periods of daytime sitting can cause fluids to shift from your legs when you recline at night, narrowing airways passages.
Central sleep apnea
- Being male.
- Being older.
- Heart disorders. People with atrial fibrillation or congestive heart failure are more at risk of central sleep apnea.
- Stroke or brain tumor. These conditions can impair the brain’s ability to regulate breathing.
Complex sleep apnea. The same risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea. In addition, complex sleep apnea may be more common in people who have heart disorders.
If you have any questions or concerns, or are wondering if you may be at risk, be sure to speak with your doctor.
