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!

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?