More about advances in dental care: New Gum Disease Treatments For Better Health. When supporting tissue and bone around your teeth doesn’t fit snuggly, “pockets” form in the gums. Bacteria then invades these pockets, increasing bone destruction and tooth loss. A variety of treatments may be recommended, they range from a root planing and scaling to laser(LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY) treatment to reduce the pockets. In recent years, the focus of gum disease treatment has expanded beyond reducing pockets and removing bacteria to include regenerative procedures. This is exciting news for our patients suffering from gum disease!

Better Dental Implants.  Implants to replace lost teeth are now more common than in years past. A titanium implant or screw-like device is inserted to serve as a replacement root, fusing with the jawbone and protruding above the gum-line. An abutment covers the protruding part and a special implant crown is placed over that. The typical life of an implant is about 15 years or longer, and according to the American Academy of Oral and Maxiofacial Surgeons about 95% of implants place today are successful.

Lasers for Tooth Cavity Detection. Traditionally, an instrument called an “explorer” was used to find cavities. If  it stuck to a tooth, Dr.Shlafer would take a closer look to see if he found decay. Now Dr.Shlafer can use DIAGNOdent, a high tech option for detecting cavities. This laser can detect pockets of bacteria inside a tooth, producing a digital readout of the level of bacteria. Dr.Shlafer can then choose to watch the tooth, comparing the levels at your next visit or advise that the cavity be removed and the tooth filled.

Dr.Shlafer and the team all take pride in our ability to offer our patients the most advanced dentistry in a safe and warm environment. We’re here to help you achieve a healthy smile!

 Advances in Dental Care

Has time gotten away from you? Has it been a while since you’ve been in to see Dr.Shlafer? If so, be prepared to discover a lot of new options to keep your teeth healthy and beautiful. Here are a few of the newer dental care procedures and techniques:

• Improving dental health: How high-tech x-rays can help. For the last several years digitized x-rays have replaced traditional radiographs in our office. Digital x-rays are faster and more efficient. First an electronic sensor is place in the patient’s mouth to capture the image, that image is then relayed to our computer for viewing. Dr.Shlafer can store the digital images and compare them with previous images to see if there are any changes.
• CEREC–CAD/CAM technology stands for “computer assisted design/computer assisted manufactured” Together, with Dr.Shlafer’s expertise, this translates into an opportunity to have a porcelain crown or inlay fabricated and completed in one visit. This eliminates the impression we all enjoy, wearing a temporary for 2 weeks, and returning for a second visit.
• Better Bonding and filling materials–If you have chipped a tooth, you can have it fixed to look extremely natural thanks to improvements in bonding material and techniques. Today’s bonding material is a resin, which is shinier and longer lasting than substances used in the past. There is also a wider range of shades available that can be better blended to match your tooth’s natural color. This resin material can also be used in place of amalgam fillings on back teeth to give the tooth a more natural appearance. More on new technology tomorrow.

Many of the most common symptoms are red, swollen, tender gums; bleeding while brushing or flossing; persistent bad breath or loose teeth will alert a patient that something is wrong. Dr.Shlafer offers the opportunity for patients to schedule a complimentary evaluation, where he can determine if you are a candidate for LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY. Patient’s may be interested in how the laser works, Dr.Shlafer can show you the tiny laser fiber and give you a  short demonstration of  how it is used.

Why is LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY better for the treatment of gum disease?

• No cutting or sutures
• Significantly less discomfort with greatly reduced recovery time.
• It takes less time than traditional surgery.
• Better, longer lasting results. In fact, 98% of LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY treated patients remain stable after 5 years, while only 5% reportedly remain stable after surgery.
• Dr.Shlafer will likely recommend a soft diet for a day or two, but in most cases patients feel good enough to eat anything they want after the procedure.
• With less than a 24 hour recovery period, so you won’t lose time from work. Following traditional surgery, recovery can take 2-4 weeks, during which patients experience pain and swelling.
• LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY is safe for patients with health concerns such as diabetes, HIV,or those taking medications such as Plavix and aspirin.

The good news is LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY is a patient friendly, minimally invasive procedure that is a fantastic alternative to traditional gum surgery. Call for your complimentary consultation today!

People usually don’t show signs of gum disease until they are in their 30’s or 40’s. Men are more likely to have gum disease than women. What are the symptoms of periodontal disease?

• Red, swollen, tender gums
• Bleeding while brushing and/or flossing
• Painful chewing
• Loose teeth
• Persistent bad breath
• Receding gums

Any of these symptoms may be the sign of a serious problem,if you have any of these symptoms it’s time to schedule an appointment. Dr.Shlafer is an expert in the diagnosis and treatment of gum disease. A periodontal evaluation would include taking necessary x-rays to determine the extent of any bone loss, reviewing your medical history to identify underlying conditions or risk factors (such as smoking) that may contribute to gum disease. He would examine your gums for signs of inflammation, and use a tiny ruler called a “probe” to check and measure any pockets. In a healthy mouth the depth of these pockets is usually  between 1 and 3 millimeters.

What are the different types of periodontal disease?

• Gingivitis–the mildest form of periodontal disease, gums are likely to be red, swollen and tender causing them to bleed easily during cleaning and flossing.
• Mild periodontitis—untreated gingivitis leads to mild periodontitis. This stage of gum disease shows evidence of the bone around the tooth starting to erode. Prompt dental attention is necessary to prevent further erosion and damage.
• Moderate to advanced periodontitis–This  most advanced stage of gum disease shows significant bone and tissue loss surrounding the teeth. This condition is treated with LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY.

Tomorrow–What is LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY? Why is this the  superior treatment for gum disease?

If you or someone you know have been told that you need the traditional scalpel and suture gum surgery, there is a laser alternative you need to know more about. It’s called LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY. This procedure allows Dr.Shlafer to treat your periodontal condition with very little discomfort and most patient’s return to work right afterwards. If you are like 100 million other Americans you could be one of the 50% who have periodontal disease, this breakthrough is something to seriously consider.

What is periodontitis? Periodontitis means inflammation around the tooth. When you have periodontal disease your gums pull away from the teeth and form spaces (called pockets) that become infected. The body’s immune system fights the bacteria as the plaque spreads below the gum line. Bacterial toxins and the body’s natural response to infection start to break down the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place. If not treated, the bones, gums and tissue that support the teeth are destroyed.

Some risk factors:

• Smoking–Smoking is one of the most significant risk factors associated with the development of gum disease.
• Diabetes—People with diabetes are at higher risk for developing infections, including gum disease.
• Medications—There are hundreds of prescription and over the counter medications that can reduce the flow of saliva, which has a protective effect on the mouth. Without enough saliva, the mouth becomes vulnerable to infections such as gum disease.
• Illness–Diseases like cancer of AIDS and their treatments can also negatively affect the health of your gums.
• Genetic susceptibility—Some people are more prone to severe gum disease than others. Tomorrow we’ll discuss symptoms, prevention, and treatment.

When seeking a cosmetic dentist, consider the artistic skill of the dentist. Materials are universal, however the design and specifications of a procedure play a major role in the esthetic appeal of the final product. This skill requires a sense of artistry combined with a vision that will enhance your features and create your perfect smile.

Q. Are there any special considerations for veneers?

A.  Some factors you will want to consider:

• Your goals
• The color of your teeth. Most veneers are ultra thin and therefore translucent, so discolored teeth may show through. Teeth whitening may be recommended to reduce discoloration. Veneers are fabricated to have a natural tooth like appearance and match surrounding teeth.
• Your lifestyle and habits, such as teeth grinding and clenching may make a veneer more susceptible to chips, cracks and breaking. If you are interested in veneers, come in for a complimentary evaluation and see how you can achieve the smile of your dreams!

Q. What should I ask during a cosmetic evaluation appointment?

A.  One of the first questions you should ask is what type of training Dr.Shlafer has for the particular procedures you are interested in. Not all dentists know and perform all cosmetic dentistry procedures.

• You should ask to see before and after pictures. Ask questions about their cases and the techniques Dr.Shlafer used to improve their smiles.
• You should ask if the dentist is a accredited member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.  As an accredited member, Dr.Shlafer has undergone extensive continuing education and rigorous testing to ensure that his cosmetic procedure skills are exemplary.

If you are unhappy with the appearance of your smile, the first step is to have an cosmetic evaluation with Dr.Shlafer. He will develop a cosmetic treatment plan that is just right for you.

Q. What causes the discoloration of a tooth?

A.Tooth discoloration is a normal part of aging. As people age, enamel wears down, and teeth take on a duller appearance. Teeth can also become discolored from smoking, heavy coffee or tea consumption,additional causes may include side effects from medications, an individuals genetic makeup and excessive fluoride consumption. Teeth whitening and veneers offer a cosmetic solution for people with discolored teeth.

Q. Are there any side effects associated with teeth whitening?

A.Dr.Shlafer takes protective measures to prevent discomfort during teeth whitening procedures. During your complimentary bleaching evaluation any concerns regarding side effects or sensitivity would be addressed. Patients will have a choice in determining which bleaching system they would prefer. Typically a protective gel or tray is used to prevent bleaching agents from damaging gum tissue. The bleaching agents Dr.Shlafer uses are  approved for use by the American Dental Association and the F.D.A., ensuring safety and effectiveness. It is not uncommon after a whitening procedure to experience minimal tooth sensitivity for a short period of time.

Q. Does whitening work for everyone?

A. No. In cases involving severe discoloration, teeth whitening may not result in a bright white smile. These individuals should consider other options, such as bonding or porcelain veneers. Again, these concerns would be discussed during the cosmetic evaluation, so you will be fully aware of your choices and expected outcome. Tomorrow, veneers, sedation, and smile makeovers.

Cosmetic dentistry offers many options for people that are unhappy with their smiles. If you are one of those people, read on.

• CEREC®: Cerec is a revolutionary way to restore damaged teeth in a single visit. With CEREC® there is no need for Dr. Shlafer to take impressions, no temporary crown, no lab involvement, no return visit for the patient. This restorations is natural looking because it is made of a tooth colored ceramic material. It is metal free–no silver or metal to discolor your smile! This technique allows Dr.Shlafer to be extremely precise and save as much of your tooth as possible
• Dental Implants: Dental implants are artificial tooth root replacements that are used as part of prosthetic (crowns, bridges, dentures) dentistry in order to compensate for tooth loss. Often the result  is not only an enhanced smile, but a more youthful appearance, since missing teeth cause the face to collapse, making you look older.
• Dental Veneers: Veneers or porcelain laminates are adhesivsively bonded to the surface of a tooth to correct and repair chips and cracks. Veneers will improve discoloration by changing the shade, or gaps by reshaping and resizing the look of your tooth.
• Smile Makeover: Smile makeovers involve a comprehensive assessment of your smile  with Dr.Shlafer to determine what you would like done to improve its overall appearance. Typically one or more cosmetic dentistry procedures will be required, involving several teeth in both the upper and lower arches in order to achieve the look you want.

TOMORROW: Cosmetic dentistry questions.

Cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of a person’s teeth, mouth, and smile. As an added bonus, by enhancing your smile you can create a more youthful appearance. Cosmetic dentistry may also provide restorative benefits. For example, dental fillings are a common procedure used to treat decayed teeth, years ago your only option may have been an amalgam filling (which left visible dark spots on the teeth). You can now select fillings made of resin material that closely matches the color of your teeth, thus maintaining the natural appearance of your teeth and smile.

Technological advancements in natural looking, tooth colored dental materials make today’s cosmetic dental treatments more durable and predictable than in years past. Dr.Shlafer has always used a more conservative cosmetic dentistry technique, this allows him to preserve as much of your natural tooth structure as possible. All of the cosmetic treatments that Dr.Shlafer provides can be done in our office, usually without the need for referrals to a specialist. Let’s take a look at some of the cosmetic dental treatment that are available:

• Teeth whitening: Whitening is perhaps the most commonly requested cosmetic procedure. Teeth are often stained from smoking, food, coffee, tea, red wine or poor oral hygiene. There are generally two options for bleaching: a 2 hour appointment with several applications of bleaching material or a tray bleaching system which can take 2-3 weeks to complete. A complimentary bleaching consultation will evaluate you as a candidate and help you decide which system is best for you. Bleaching your teeth can enhance the appearance of your smile.
• Bonding: Chipped, broken, discolored or decayed teeth may be repaired or have their appearance altered using a bonding procedure. A dental composite material with the look of enamel is applied to your tooth, it is then sculpted into shape, contoured and hardened with a high intensity light. The end result is a restoration that blends invisibly with the surrounding tooth structure.

Tomorrow:  CEREC®, Veneers, Implants

Despite improvements in dental care, millions of Americans suffer tooth loss–mostly due to tooth decay, gum disease, or injury. For many years, the only treatment options available for people with missing teeth were bridges and dentures. Today dental implants are available.

What is a dental implant?  A dental implant is a replacement tooth root. Implants can provide a strong foundation for permanent or removable replacement teeth that are made to match your natural teeth. What are the advantages of dental implants? There are many advantages: improved appearance, speech, and comfort. Easier eating, improved self-esteem, durability and improved oral health.

Implant success rates can be as high as 98%. With proper care implants can last a lifetime. In most cases, anyone healthy enough to undergo a routine dental extraction or oral surgery can be considered for an implant. Patients should have healthy gums and enough bone to hold the implant. They must also be committed to good oral hygiene and regular dental visits. Dental implants require the same care as real teeth, including brushing, flossing and regular check ups. If you are wondering if the procedure is painful, most people who have received and implant will tell you there is very little discomfort involved in the procedure. Local anesthesia is used, and after the dental implant has been placed, mild soreness can be treated with over the counter Tylenol or Motrin. If you are considering dental implants, contact your Detroit area dentist Dr. Roman Shlafer to see if they are right for you.

Click here to find out more about dental implants or watch our video about the dental implants.