Diablo Hills Blog

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An economy like today drives people back to the basic concept of value. One of the services that has stood the test of time is our conservative gum treatment program. I have been providing this successful treatment for over twenty years. Most offices can provide the therapy that can improve gum health in the short term. But our Soft Tissue Management Program incorporates education, specific tool dispensing, skills training, and assessment. It is this comprehensive approach that not only heals the infected gums but is essential to keep the disease from returning. In addition, recent research reveals that an infected mouth has medical implications for your health. Active gum disease puts you more at risk for heart attack, stroke, and diabetes just to name a few. So if you have a problem with red, puffy, and bleeding gums or shifting loose teeth or bad breath call our office for a consultation. You will be surprised how easy, painless, and quick a return to a healthy mouth is!

I'm sure you are well aware that the use of lasers is on the rise. The FDA has been busy approving their use for a wide range of therapies virtually head to toe. Lasers have now been approved for hair regeneration, toe nail fungus, and everything in between. We have had our laser for a year and finding more applications all the time. One of the most exciting is its use on a developing cold sore. When caught in prodromal or 'developing stage', exhibiting the tingling symptoms, it can often be stopped completely from turning into the open or crusted over sore. For cold sore sufferers, this is an absolute miracle to not have a sore for 7-10 days! Other patients who suffer from chronic canker sores have had similar success. The laser numbs the sore area and stimulates healing virtually eliminating all discomfort associated with this condition. These are two of the very simple procedures. Our use ranges from; bacterial reduction in gingivitis to eliminating muscle pulls causing gums to recede to tissue sculpting for esthetic procedures. We are extremely pleased with the speed, comfort, and the results. The key with cold sores and canker sores is to call immediately!!!

Taking a moment at the end of the year to look back can provide insight to emerging trends. The treatment that we saw "take off" this year was Invisalign. There are several reasons for this. Invisalign marketing has made the consumer aware of this product with its multiple benefits:

invisible

ease of eating

ease of normal oral hygiene

conservative approach

Secondly, Invisalign has a ten year track record, continually improving it to deliver excellent results. Lastly, it offers patients seeking esthetic treatment another option. This option is very conservative as it does not involve restoring the teeth. These things coming together has made Invisalign the fastest growing area of our practice. It produces outstanding results for adults who are looking to enhance the appearance of their smile. Call us for a free consultation to see if you are a good candidate for this treatment.

Another very simple procedure is in the treatment of painful exposed root surfaces on teeth. Previously we would treat with Sensodyne which took 3-4 weeks to work. Another technique was to paint varnish on the tooth to seal the root. This was effective but would wash away over time. Lasers now provide instant and in most cases permanent solutions. Besides being completely safe lasers have some other amazing properties. They kill bacteria and viruses and cauterize nerve endings. Also, they have the property of bio stimulation in short enhance cell growth, especially the cells that are involved in strong healthy gums. This makes lasers an emerging technology to treat gum disease, and that will be the discussion of my next blog.

Save the Date: Grandparents Day on Monday September 14th

Please invite your grandparents to call and schedule an appointment with me for no charge exam and x-rays.

The use of dental lasers is an area of emerging technologies that is currently undergoing an explosion. As little as 2 years ago this device might be on a mobile cart, be the size of a toaster oven, and have cords all over the place associated with it. Today's laser is cordless and about the size of a cordless toothbrush. The FDA has a full list of approved procedures for the dental office, and my hygienist, Lisa Norman and I have certificates for its use.


Some of the most amazing, and equally as easy to perform, procedures are the use for two areas of extreme discomfort. Many people suffer from recurrent cold sores and/or fever blisters. People who get these often feel them coming on even before they appear on the lips. When they are treated in that stage they ARE STOPPED IMMEDIATELY!!! Those of you that get these cold sores what a benefit to stop them before they turn into an open sore! The other treatment is stopping canker cores inside the mouth. We all have had them and know they are uncomfortable. Some people have recurrent bouts that begin with day to day life. The laser will take away the pain and stimulate healing. Pain relief is instant. So if you have a developing cold sore or suffer from recurring canker sores call us to see how the laser can benefit you.

Last time I mentioned some of the emerging technologies in dentistry. One treatment that is getting very popular and generating a lot of "buzz" is invisible braces called Invisalign. I am in the middle of this treatment myself! Great for adults who didn't wear retainers after having braces and the teeth have relapsed. Also it is an excellent alternative to cosmetic dentistry. Studies show that crowded teeth are many times more likely to have gingivitis and gum disease. Benefits include:

• Invisible


• Removable for eating, oral hygiene, and certain occasions like meetings, events, etc.


• Average case is about one year


• Conservative treatment


• 10 year proven track record

Check out our website, or the Invisalign site. Give us a call and we can schedule you for a no charge consultation to see if you are a good candidate!