In the hands of a skilled specially trained Elk Grove dentist, lasers are very safe. In fact the most important safety factor used during laser treatment is proper protective eye wear. Dental lasers are very low powered, which is essential for treating the delicate tissues of the mouth. In addition, the controlled heat and light of the laser eliminates many bacteria and viruses in the mouth and inside periodontal pockets. A laser is a high tech devise that generates a tiny beam of very concentrated light. This beam of light brings energy into your mouth through a tiny fiber, to help remove areas of infection and remove gum disease around the teeth with great precision and accuracy.

Depending on the severity of disease, the depths of the pockets and the degree of bone loss around the teeth, various surgical treatment options have been available for many years. While these conventional surgical options have been effective for many people, as with any surgical procedure, there are drawbacks. And, despite our best efforts, conventional surgical treatments have never been able to totally eliminate the bacteria that cause the infection and a recurrence of disease has been a problem.

There are many benefits to laser periodontal treatment especially in comparison to traditional surgery. The treatments take less time than the conventional periodontal treatment with fewer appointments. Overall patients experience less bleeding, decreased sensitivity, and have a lower risk of infection. There is also none of the post-surgical complications and drawbacks associated with conventional scalpel surgery with excellent, long

lasting results. Recovery time is almost nonexistent with no disruption to your normal schedule. Laser periodontal treatment is also safe for patients with health concerns such as diabetes, or people on medications such as blood thinners.

Research suggests that the use of lasers as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) may improve the effectiveness of this procedure. In addition, when the lasers are used properly during periodontal therapy there can be less bleeding, swelling and discomfort to the patient during surgery. However, each laser has different wavelengths and power levels that can be used safely during different periodontal procedures. The laser beam sterilizes the affected area and seals off blood vessels, which minimizes the chance of infection or bleeding. Patients are also much more comfortable during and after treatment with laser therapy. The need for local anesthetic is reduced but it is usually used to make sure that you feel absolutely nothing during the treatment.

The dental implant procedure is usually carried out in two stages although some clinics are now offering a single stage procedure called immediate loading. In this single-day procedure, the implant and crown are placed simultaneously. More commonly, the crown is fitted several months after implant placement, allowing the implant time to fuse with the jawbone. In cases involving bone grafting, the graft must first heal for several months before the implant can be installed. Then the implant must integrate into the bone for several months before the crown can be adhered to the implant.

A bone graft may be a necessary first step to placing a dental implant since there must first be enough bone material in the jaw to accept the titanium posts. A bone graft is a procedure in which your dentist adds to the amount of jawbone available to accept an implant. Material for the graft can be obtained from other areas of the jawbone, other areas of the body, or from synthesized bone material.

There are three different dental implants used: root form implant, plate form implant, and subperiosteal implant. Root form implants are grooved like screws, but otherwise are similar in size and shape to a natural tooth root. This is the most regularly used implant and is used where there is plenty of width and depth to your jawbone.

Plate form implants are used on patients with narrow jaws that may not properly support the wider root form implants. The Plate Form implant is unique for this purpose as it has a flat and long shape for a better fit into a narrow jawbone. If there’s not enough bone width or height for the Root Form or Plate Form implants, the subperiosteal implant is recommended. Your doctor will determine the appropriate shape of the implant either by taking an impression of the jawbone, which requires a preliminary surgical procedure, or by taking a CAT scan of the jaw and creating an impression from the 3D model. A crown is fitted onto the top of the titanium post that looks and feels like a natural tooth. Crowns are made in dental laboratories by trained technicians, and are custom designed to fit the natural shape and color of your teeth.

You are able to better regain your appearance than with full dentures that are at times overly white or artificial seeming.

One of the most important things for our health and appearance is taking care of our teeth and preserving our smile. That is why Dentists in Elk Grove CA are vital to those plans. Friendly staff set the right tone when calling to set an appointment, and when showing up to see the dentist. You can relax knowing that everyone will attempt to make you as comfortable as possible. Dentists in Elk Grove CA are aware that many people are anxious about what their exam will show.

Common Procedures Done By Dentists In Elk Grove CA

• Dental health is the primary reason for seeing the dentist. Getting teeth cleaned, polished, and flossed helps keep the gums healthy. Your Dentists in Elk Grove CA hygienist can see if we are taking care of our teeth between checkups. General comments include needing to floss more. Sometimes a review of proper flossing and brushing is done.
• Dental bonding requires the skill of Dentists in Elk Grove CA. When a tooth is injured and needs a touchup, it can be etched slightly and have a bonding liquid put on. Plastic resin is applied once the liquid is set. The Dentists in Elk Grove CA use the other teeth as models to sculpt the shape of the resin. Once the resin sets, the repaired tooth is smoothed, trimmed, and polished. This procedure can usually be done in one visit. The plastic resin isn’t as strong as natural enamel, but will last up to five years. It’s a relatively painless way for your smile to stay beautiful.
• Crowns are also known as caps. It looks like a tooth, shape and all. Dentists in Elk Grove CA will cement it over the base of the previous tooth, which may have been damaged or is unable to take further filling. Crowns make the base tooth look better. They also add strength and support to the rest of the teeth, thanks to Dentists in Elk Grove CA.

Like any medical practice, there are emergencies. Same day appointments are given to those who need them. Dentists in Elk Grove CA do not like to make any patient wait, but at times, it is necessary. If your appointment time is extended, or you need to see someone besides your regular dentist, feel good that they would do the same for you, when needed.

Kid-Friendly Dentists In Elk Grove CA

Dentists in Elk Grove CA know the key to good dental hygiene is working with children when they are young. The fear that some adults feel won’t exist when kids find out going to the dentist can be fun. Things like stickers, colorful toothbrushes, waxed dental floss, and tasty toothpaste appeal to the young, and the not-so-young, to be truthful. Staff is ready to answer the 101 questions that kids seem to have. Usually, this is when kids find out braces may be in their future. Dental X-rays show the adult teeth under the gums, allowing the Dentists in Elk Grove CA to make notes for the orthodontist.

Pay the Dentists in Elk Grove CA in a variety of ways, including insurance, cash, and credit cards. If you have to make weekly or monthly payments to get treatment, talk with Dentists in Elk Grove CA. Arrangements can usually be made with Dentists In Elk Grove CA.

Whether living in or visiting Elk Grove, Dentist Elk Grove is the answer for all your dental needs. From tots to seniors, it is important to maintain good dental health with regular checkups and care. In case you have a dental emergency, walk-in appointments are accepted. Dentist Elk Grove accepts different payment types, including credit card, cash, and insurance. Sometimes we need to have something fixed right away. Talk to Dentist Elk Grove friendly, professional staff regarding your situation.

Reasons to Visit the Dentist Elk Grove

• Dental implants are the answer to dentures. Metal anchors substitute for the roots of your teeth, which have deteriorated. Dentist Elk Grove puts them in the jawbone, and attaches small posts on top of each one. The posts are stable and will hold created teeth, which will look natural and beautiful in your mouth. While you are waiting for the anchors to become part of the jaw, Dentist Elk Grove will give you temporary false teeth so you can eat. It takes about a year to complete the process. Once it’s over and you see your beautiful smile in the mirror, you will agree it was worth the wait.
• Root canals are common dental procedures, even at Dentist Elk Grove. A root canal is done to restore good health to sick teeth, and avoid the necessity of bridges or dental implants. When the pulp in your tooth gets infected, the bad pulp needs removed. Dentist Elk Grove will then clean the root canal and seal it. Some of the things that can cause the infection are cracks in the teeth or unchecked decay.
• Porcelain veneers are thin ceramic shapes that are bonded to the teeth in the front and on the top surfaces. Dentist Elk Grove is ready to help the clients who will benefit from the strong, durable covering. Your smile will be widened because of how beautiful it is, thanks to Dentist Elk Grove.

The routine visit is usually for teeth cleaning. The dental hygienist at Dentist Elk Grove is your best friend when it comes to the health of your teeth. If you aren’t flossing correctly, or missing certain spots on your teeth when brushing, a review of those two essential dental hygiene practices will be given.

Other Ways Dentist Elk Grove Can Keep You Smiling

Dentist Elk Grove is qualified to help your smile. Cosmetic fillings can be designed to match your teeth and/or bridges. No more wimpy smiles because your mouth is full of metal. Teeth whitening can be done to clear stains from your teeth and make them look brighter. If it is time for dentures, and your jawbone won’t accept implants, Dentist Elk Grove will do all the steps necessary to make certain your new dentures will fit snugly and comfortably.

Start the children on the right path of good dental care at Dentist Elk Grove. By learning the proper way to brush their teeth and floss, they will form good habits for the rest of their life. One of the best moments for kids is when they are praised by the staff for the steps they are taking towards healthy teeth and gums at Dentist Elk Grove.

Dr. Tom Tinney, D.D.S. – Dentist Elk Grove

The purpose of your gums is to give shape and form to the contours of your mouth and provide as a frame for your teeth, and laser dentistry is a great way to keep gums healthy. Sometimes teeth may appear too long or too short, which is a clear sign of gum disease or recession. Many people opt for cosmetic laser gum surgery to keep their smile looking perfect. For excessive gingival display, gum tissue is remodeled or removed to make it more proportioned with teeth. Lasers are the tool of choice for reshaping gums. If a laser isn’t enough, crown lengthening is done on the teeth as well. After the surgery, the patient is advised to gargle anti-bacterial rinse for two weeks to avoid infection.

Laser Dentistry Treatment At Dentist Elk Grove

However, gum disease treatment becomes much more complicated once gingivitis has truly taken hold and periodontal disease has set in. Traditionally, the treatment of gingivitis through surgery removes a lot of gum and can endanger and weaken teeth. That is, until the development of a new technique called Laser Assisted New Attachment Program, where the diseased gum tissue is removed without having to cut or stitch the gums. Today, this is the only laser therapy approved by the FDA for surgery to treat periodontal disease (laser dentistry).

Although only a portion of dentists are versed in laser dentistry treatment for gingivitis, it is becoming increasingly popular and may one day completely take over conventional surgery in the treatment of gingivitis. Laser gum surgery for the treatment of gingivitis has only been truly perfected more recently to where it’s been deemed acceptable for patient use.
There are significant advantages to laser gum surgery opposed to the conventional method. If you are a candidate for laser gum surgery, the surgery itself is usually less painful for the patient even though it is more complicated for the surgeon, with less healing time, less inflammation, and less pain overall. At present, surgery results are not fully realized for a year, which can make it difficult to give completely accurate diagnosis of the laser method. The difference is that the laser gum surgery promotes regeneration to reduce the periodontal pocket depths while traditional gum surgery amputates the gums to attain a healthy periodontal pocket depth.

While both laser gum surgery and traditional gum treatments will produce healthier gums, there are some major differences. Since Traditional surgery removes gum tissue to produce shallower periodontal pockets, this exposes the roots of the teeth to the oral environment. As a result, the teeth look longer as more of the teeth are exposed. This often produces teeth that are sensitive to cold and hot temperatures. Also, by exposing the roots it increases the risk of getting cavities on these root surfaces.

Laser Dentistry Is Noninvasive

Despite laser gum surgery’s relatively noninvasive nature in the treatment of gingivitis, experts stress that prevention of periodontal disease is still far preferable to having surgery to treat gingivitis once it’s taken hold. One of the most important things people have to do for good gum health is to floss. Experts conclude that while brushing can remove about one third of plaque and debris from the teeth, only flossing can remove the other hidden two thirds. Even though laser gum surgery is promising in the treatment of gingivitis, gum disease treatment is less preferable than taking care of the problem before it ever takes hold for good.

Dr. Tom Tinney, DDS (916) 236-4551 – Dentist Elk Grove

Laser Dentistry

Yeast infection in the mouth and oral thrush are pretty common within a specific group of people and this group includes babies, people with diabetes, denture users, people that are undergoing chemotherapy or taking a course of antibiotics. People that have a weak immune system or eat a poor diet will also be more at risk of suffering from yeast infections including infection in the mouth. There are a number of infections that cause a yeast infection in your mouth. Babies are prone to these infections mainly because their immune systems have not fully developed. When the baby does not have any good bacteria in their mouth the yeast has the perfect grounds to develop and grow, and this will cause a rapid growth of infection.

Yeast infection in the mouth can cause various symptoms. The most common symptom is a whitish patch, and these tend to bleed very easily when they are touched. It is very important not to touch the patches as this can make the wounds worse and can lead to more infection. A lot of the areas that are affected by yeast infections tend to experience a level of mass discomfort and burning sensations within the area. As soon as you think you have a yeast infection in your mouth it is important to visit the doctor immediately, as you will need to get some tests carried out on it. The tests that you need to get will determine whether or not you have the infection. Clinical pictures will allow the doctor to determine whether or not a baby is suffering from the condition. It is very important that adults get these tests carried out because the symptoms can also be applied to other conditions such as cancer.

There is a range of different treatments available for yeast infection in the mouth. It is very important that the causes are considered so that the infection does not reoccur. If you normally wear dentures make sure that they fit properly. If you suffer from yeast infection due to diabetes it is very important that you seek medical advice on how best to treat it. If you suffer from thrush infections due to bad diet or bad feeding habits then seek advice on how to change these routines.

It is much more beneficial to do what you can to avoid a yeast infection in the mouth beforehand. Most importantly — have good oral hygiene and brush your teeth at least two times a day in order to keep your mouth clean. Try and avoid mouth sprays and mouthwashes that can destroy the balance of bacteria in your mouth and thus leading you to getting thrush. Quitting smoking will also lower your chances of thrush. The odds of getting a mouth yeast infection because you are smoking is higher, because the smoke destroys the balance of bacteria in your mouth.

Discoloration of teeth is one of the main problems faced by people today. Discoloration can take place due to a lot of factors like excessive cigarettes, coffee or alcohol. Teeth whitening are many times referred as teeth bleaching. With the use of some chemical bleaching agents, your teeth are washed clean. This approach is used to effectively whiten your teeth from discoloration. This therapy may be performed in a dental clinic or in the comfort of the patient’s house. It is substantial to understand that everyone’s teeth are not right for bleaching. It is thus noteworthy for patients seek consultation from their dentist earlier opting for this therapy.

Installation of porcelain veneer is one of the most standard cosmetic dentistry procedures. Porcelain veneers are joined to the teeth that are chipped, broken, or discolored. If proper quality porcelain is used for manufacturing veneers, it makes them last for numerous years all together. Some patients are afraid of installing veneers because it needs the elimination of outer layer of the tooth enamel. There is nothing to be afraid of because with the right sedation there is no pain. The proper kind of technology makes this cosmetic dentistry procedure a painless but effective therapy.

Dental implants are metal devices made with a specific purpose that are created to replace the missing teeth. These implants are mostly made from titanium and are surgically implanted on the jawbone, in the spot where the tooth is absent. Unlike other cosmetic dentistry procedures, like the dental bridges, these implants are a stable solution. They are designed to act like a tooth root and they effectively hold on to crowns, bridges, or dentures.

Crowns are custom made fitted caps that are designed to command the whole tooth, post preparation. The crowns are typically made from porcelain or acrylic. These crowns are fused to a metal that ensures their bite pressure sustainability. These dental caps are used as an alternative to treat decayed, chipped, inadequately shaped, or broken teeth.

Teeth shaping is also called enamel shaping. Shaping is a method in which the dentist is able to redesign the shapes of your teeth by removing or filling much of the enamel. This therapy is commonly trouble-free, and shows instant results.

Many people think of cosmetic dentistry is a sophisticated process but the truth is that the process requires minimal effort. Treatments used in cosmetic dentistry are easy, safe, and causes no side effects, as long as it is handled by a professional dentist. However, the results have the ability to change the whole perspective of a person.

If you have bleeding, puffy, or agitated gums, you may be one of the adults who have gum disease. Periodontal disease can lead to receding gums, loss of teeth, chronic bad breath, and has recently been linked with heart disease. Treating gum disease can reverse the process and help both teeth and gums to become healthy again. Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, afflicts about 85% of adults. This condition is not to be taken lightly; when untreated; gum disease can lead to recession of the gums, loss of teeth, and heart disease.

A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis and treating gum disease, and even laser dentistry. Periodontists receive extensive training in these areas, including three additional years of education beyond dental school. Periodontists are familiar with the latest techniques for treating gum disease. In addition, they can perform cosmetic periodontal procedures to help you achieve the smile you desire.

Dentist Elk Grove Can Help With Gum Disease

Most periodontists would agree that after scaling and root planing, many patients do not require any further active treatment in treating gum disease. However, the majority of patients will require ongoing maintenance therapy to sustain health. Non-surgical therapy does have its limitations, however, and when it does not achieve periodontal health, surgery may be indicated to restore periodontal anatomy damaged by periodontal diseases and to facilitate oral hygiene practices.

Limited research suggests that the use of lasers as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) may improve the effectiveness of this procedure. In addition, when the lasers are used properly during periodontal therapy there can be less bleeding, swelling and discomfort to the patient during surgery.

Don’t Hide From Gum Disease

If you’re diagnosed with gum disease, your periodontist may recommend periodontal surgery. Periodontal surgery is necessary when your periodontist determines that the tissue around your teeth is unhealthy and cannot be repaired with non-surgical treatment. Following are the four types of surgical treatments most commonly prescribed:

• A pocket reduction procedure has been recommended because you have pockets that are too deep to clean with daily at-home oral hygiene and a professional care routine. During this procedure, your periodontist folds back the gum tissue and removes the disease-causing bacteria before securing the tissue into place. In some cases, irregular surfaces of the damaged bone are smoothed to limit areas where disease-causing bacteria can hide. This allows the gum tissue to better reattach to healthy bone.

• Your periodontist may recommend a regenerative procedure when the bone supporting your teeth has been destroyed. These procedures can reverse some of the damage by regenerating lost bone and tissue. During this procedure, your periodontist folds back the gum tissue and removes the disease-causing bacteria. Membranes (filters), bone grafts or tissue-stimulating proteins can be used to encourage your body’s natural ability to regenerate bone and tissue.

• During a crown lengthening procedure, excess gum and bone tissue is reshaped to expose more of the natural tooth. This can be done to one tooth, to even your gum line, or to several teeth to expose a natural, broad smile. Your dentist or periodontist may also recommend crown lengthening to make a restorative or cosmetic dental procedure possible. If your tooth is decayed, broken below the gum line, or has insufficient tooth structure for a restoration, such as a crown or bridge. Crown lengthening adjusts the gum and bone level to expose more of the tooth so it can be restored.

• Soft tissue grafts can be used to cover roots or develop gum tissue where absent due to excessive gingival recession. During this procedure, your periodontist takes gum tissue from your palate or another donor source to cover the exposed root. This can be done for one tooth or several teeth to even your gum line and reduce sensitivity.

Habitual brushing and flossing can prevent gum disease. However, once gum disease develops, brushing and flossing alone are not enough. Treating periodontal disease requires a thorough cleaning of the teeth and gums (to avoid gum disease), followed by continual treatment of the area with a FDA approved, Elk Grove Dentist prescribed solution.

Dr. Tom Tinney, DDS (916) 236-4551 – Dentist Elk Grove

gum disease

Hand-foot-mouth disease is usually seen in babies and children. Symptoms include blistering in the mouth, sore throat, fever, and lack of appetite. This common mouth disease also presents as a rash on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. The virus is spread from person to person and frequent hand washing is a good strategy to keep the risk of spreading it down. Since hand-foot-mouth disease is a virus, there is no specific treatment ordered to treat this example of common mouth diseases. Specific symptoms can be treated, though. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be used to reduce fever and treat the pain caused by the mouth sores.

Another example of disease of the mouth is thrush. This is an oral yeast infection that affects children and adults. Yeast is normally present in a person’s mouth and if the levels are at a normal level, this is not a cause for concern. However, when the individual’s resistance to infection is low, the level of yeast can get out of balance, and cause an infection. Thrush looks like white lesions on the tongue and in the mouth. The tissue underneath the lesions will appear red in color and my bleed. Your doctor or dentist can diagnose a case of thrush and recommend treatment options. When babies have thrush, most of the time no specific treatment is needed and the infection will clear up on its own. In adults, a special mouthwash or lozenges with anti-fungal properties may be ordered.

Periodontal disease is often a result of poor oral care and hygiene, though not always. In some cases, weakened immune systems or genetic disorders can result in chronic periodontal disease. A far more common cause of periodontal disease is the long-term neglect of the teeth and gums. Harmful bacteria build up in the mouth, on the surface of teeth, and between the teeth and gums to forms plaque. If plaque remains on the surface of the teeth and between the teeth and gums, it becomes a much harder substance called tartar. Gingivitis is yet another example of common mouth diseases. This condition causes the gums to swell. Bleeding after brushing may be a sign of gingivitis, but there are other factors that my increase your risk of developing the disorder. Tobacco use, poor nutrition, substance abuse, and the hormonal changes present during pregnancy have been linked to gingivitis. If gingivitis is left untreated, it can lead to periodontitis, which is a more serious mouth disease. It’s a good idea to look after your oral health by practicing good oral hygiene. Seek medical attention if you notice something that doesn’t appear normal, and be on the lookout for symptoms of these common mouth diseases.

In healthy mouths, the buildup of plaque occurs naturally, but is easily controlled by regular brushing and flossing and routine professional teeth cleanings. However, if the bacteria begin to increase either due to neglect or to a medical condition, the tartar eventually destroys the gums and supporting structures. Periodontal disease occurs more frequently in people with diabetes, osteoporosis, herpes, and diseases that weaken the immune system. Other risk factors for developing periodontal disease are preventable and include smoking and vitamin C deficiency. Short of poor oral hygiene, smoking is the leading preventable cause of periodontal disease.