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Laser Gum Surgery to Treat Gingivitis

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Dr. Tom Tinney, D.D.S. – Laser Dentistry

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

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Yeast infection in the mouth is commonly known as thrush. The infection known as thrush affects people of all ages, and it is a fairly common infection in babies. The infection known as thrush is caused by yeast, which multiplies within the mouth and it leaves a trail of infection, which tends to be very painful. These types of yeast are found naturally just like any other organisms such as bacteria within the body. Everyone has a small amount of the candida fungus in our mouth, digestive tract and on our skin. Usually these are kept under control by other bacteria or microorganisms in the body. The infection appears when a certain illness or medication destroys this balance and allows the candida to go out of control and thus causing thrush. It is when the yeast grows and expands it is likely to create problems. This infection has the ability to affect a vast number of different areas within the body, including yeast infection in the mouth.

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.

Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures

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Cosmetic dentistry is a term that covers a diverse range of dental procedures. The aim is to restore teeth to their natural beauty. Cosmetic dentistry can also be restored to correct dental problems such as an overbite or missing teeth. If you have bad teeth, this type of dentistry can enhance the way your smile looks and also enhance your confidence. One of the most positive aspects of cosmetic dentistry is the difference it can have on a person’s attitude towards life. An enhanced smile means the person will smile more, seem friendlier and ultimately be a happier person. The psychological and emotional changes are said to be amazing. If you feel that you smile is letting you down, then cosmetic dentistry may be the answer to your problems.

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.

Preventative Dentistry to Avoid Gum Disease

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Preventative dentistry relies on good oral hygiene and regular dental care that is essential throughout your life, whatever your age. By practicing good oral hygiene at home and visiting the doctor regularly, you will help prevent dental problems and aid in early detection of problems such as gum disease, tooth decay, and tooth loss. In the process, you can save your teeth and gums. You should visit your dentist every 6 months for routine cleanings and check ups. A complete program of preventive dental begins with regular cleanings to control plaque and calculus, which cause tooth decay and periodontal disease.

Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that support your teeth. It is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. Because gum disease is usually painless, you may not know you have it. It is caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth. The bacteria create toxins that will damage gums. At each regular checkup the dentist will measure the depth of the shallow v-shaped crevice between your tooth and gums to identify whether you have gum disease.

Periodontal diseases are classified according to the severity of the disease. The two major stages are gingivitis and periodontitis. Periodontal diseases attack just below the gum line, where they cause the attachment of the tooth and its supporting tissues to break down. As the tissues are damaged they develop into a pocket; generally, the more severe the disease, the greater the depth of the pocket. With gingivitis, the gums become red, swollen and bleed easily. At this stage, the disease is still reversible and can usually be eliminated by daily brushing and flossing. In the more advanced stages of gum disease, called periodontitis, the gums and bone that support the teeth become seriously damaged. The teeth can become loose, fall out, or have to be removed by a dentist.

Tooth decay or cavities can develop on all surfaces of any tooth. A decaying tooth may not cause you pain, so you may have a cavity and not realize it. The dentist checks for tooth decay at your regular check-ups and will periodically use x-rays to check for decay between teeth. The dentist treats tooth decay by cleaning out the cavity and placing a restoration or filling in the tooth.

By fighting plaque you can keep your teeth for a lifetime. You can start fighting plaque and keeping your gums and teeth healthy at any age by following some simple guidelines:

  • Schedule regular check-ups. Visit the doctor regularly for professional cleanings and oral exams.
  • Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to remove food particles and plaque from the tooth surfaces.
  • Clean between your teeth daily with floss. Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gum line.
  • Eat a balanced diet with limited snacks. Nutritious foods such as raw vegetables, plain yogurt, cheese or a piece of fruit should be chosen for snacks.
  • Ask the doctor about dental sealants, a protective plastic coating that can be applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth where decay often starts.