Lasers for gum disease treatment
LASERS IN DENTISTRY…
MODESTO DENTIST USES LASER FOR GUM DISEASE
What is periodontal or gum disease?
It’s an infection of the gums. It starts out as plaque, an opaque film on the teeth that hardens to form calculus or tartar. As tartar accumulates, it harbors bacteria which attacks the soft tissue around the gums. This early stage gum disease is called gingivitis. Symptoms include red swollen gums, bleeding, bad breath and sometimes unpleasant taste in the mouth. Untreated, gingivitis becomes periodontitis. At this severe stage, bacteria destroys both the gums and the supporting bone structure. Pockets form where teeth are separated from the gums and surrounding bones. Left untreated, periodontitis eventually results in tooth loss.
HOW DO LASERS WORK IN DENTISTRY?
All lasers work by delivering energy in the form of light. When used for surgical and dental procedures, the laser acts as a cutting instrument or a vaporizer of tissue that it comes in contact with. When used for “curing” a filling, the laser helps to strengthen the bond between the filling and the tooth. When used in teeth whitening procedures, the laser acts as a heat source and enhances the effect of tooth beaching agents.
Compared to the traditional dental drill, lasers:
- May cause less pain in some instances, therefore, reducing the need for anesthesia
- May reduce anxiety in patients uncomfortable with the use of the dental drill
- Minimize bleeding and swelling during soft tissue treatments
- May preserve more healthy tooth during cavity removal
WHAT IS LANAP?
LANAP is Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure. This is an FDA approved periodontal procedure provided by a dentist trained & licensed by the Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry. It uses the PerioLase MVP Laser from Millennium Dental Technologies that offers selective settings specifically suited for periodontal & soft tissue treatments. It is not destructive like the harsh CO2/carbon dioxide lasers. Additionally, the procedure includes bite adjustments to even out the load being placed on the teeth and supporting structures.
WHAT IS DIFFERENT ABOUT LANAP?
Using a special kind of laser called the PerioLase MVP, the laser fiber, which is only about as wide as a couple of human hairs, is inserted between the gum tissue and your tooth, where it comfortably removes the noxious elements that cause gum disease.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF LANAP OVER TRADITIONAL PERIODONTAL SURGERY?
- No healthy tissue is removed, further enhancing the chance for the gum tissue to reattach to the tooth surface without further exposure of the root (recession). (So no looking long in the tooth!)
- Less pain & less bleeding
- Faster healing with little or no “down time” (Really!)
- Laser therapy stimulates bone regeneration
- Less expensive than traditional periodontal surgery
Because of greater comfort & faster healing time, the patient is ready to treat their restorative and/or cosmetic dental needs sooner.
Call today for your personal consultation (209) 524-4763
Benefits of an electric toothbrush…
Many of our patients already use an electric toothbrush, but just in case you aren’t we want to make sure you are aware of the benefits of using one! If you have any questions we would love to talk with you about this product. We do carry them in our office at competitive prices. 209-524-4763
Dentist-Like Cleaning
One benefit of using the electric toothbrush is that it provides a dentist-like cleaning. After using the electronic toothbrush, many people experience a feeling similar to the one they have when they leave the dentist
office after a cleaning. The movement of the bristles is able to produce a deep cleaning that a person can’t get from a manual toothbrush. For people who like the feeling of a post-dental cleaning visit, an electric toothbrush
is probably the best option.
Great at Removing Stains
Electric toothbrushes are great stain removers. This is especially important for people who smoke or drink coffee on a regular basis. Electric toothbrushes help eliminate stains caused by tobacco and caffeine. After stains are removed, the underlying whiteness of your smile shines.
Fresher Breath
Bacteria is one of the main culprits of bad breath. Bacteria often hide in places where ordinary toothbrushes cannot reach – between the teeth and under the gumline. Unlike ordinary toothbrushes, electric toothbrushes are able to reach and remove these bacteria
, making your breath cleaner and fresher.
Protection of Teeth and Gums
Brushing removes the plaque bacteria which constantly grows on our teeth. Most people who use a manual toothbrush apply far too much pressure when brushing. An electronic
toothbrush removes bacteria with minimal pressure.
If you use an electronic toothbrush, you can avoid the following problems associated with brushing too hard”
** Brushing too hard ruins gum tissue, causing the gums to recede. Gum tissue never grows back.
** Brushing too hard strips tooth enamel from the tooth making the tooth sensitive
to heat, cold, and other stimuli.
Easy for Arthritis patients
An electric toothbrush can make dental care much easier for people with arthritis and repetitive strain injuries of the arm, hand, and shoulder. For best results, find the right electric toothbrush for you, considering the thickness of the handle for a good grip, size of the brush head, and other features.
Article from http://www.mamashealth.com/dental/etoothbrush.asp
Dental office anxiety…
Dental office anxiety is very real and can be very overwhelming for those that feel it! Many of our patients have told us that they have a lot of fear and or anxiety about going to the dentist. We invite them to come in and see us. Meet Dr. Openshaw, meet all of the team. We invite them to come in and see the office in a neutral light, not for treatment but just as a place with people and get some general questions answered. The benefit of coming in to meet everyone first is that it takes some of the unknown out of the equation.Then we ask that you schedule an appointment for x-rays and an exam with Dr. Openshaw to see what is going on in your mouth. Dr. Openshaw will check for overall oral health as well as any decay issues that are present. Dr. Openshaw will answer all of your dental questions and see what you really want to do in regards to your smile.
Are you happy with your smile? What would your perfect smile look like for you? We want to address any issues that can cause problems but we also want to help you achieve your best smile!
In our office we offer Sedation dentistry. This is especially helpful for those with fear or anxiety. We help you stay comfortable while you have your dental treatment done. You are not put to sleep, you are awake and you just feel as if you your mind is in another place. You can answer questions and are conscious. We have had many patients who have said this was the best decision they ever made to have their dental treatment completed. If you have any questions about oral conscious sedation or anything else dental related please call our office. We would be happy to answer any questions that you have.
Here is an image showing what happens when you are afraid of the dentist. You then don’t go and avoid care, which causes more dental problems and decay issues. Maybe you start losing teeth or getting gum disease. Then you feel guilty for not going and it only adds to your anxiety. Come today! Stop the cycle! Let us help you take control of any issues you have! You will feel empowered! You will be comfortable! You will be happy!
The importance of flossing…
Here at Dr. Philip Openshaw’s dental office in Modesto, CA we stress prevention. If you can clean well then you can prevent the buildup, and thus prevent decay, then in most cases, you can avoid cavities, root canals and crowns. You can keep your teeth as long as you live. Flossing… some people never do it, some people do it immediately after eating each meal! To each his own, but truly at a minimum everyone should floss once a day. Why do we floss? What happens when you don’t floss? What’s the best time to floss? How do you floss correctly? These are all GREAT questions. Let’s see if we can shed some light on each one and help make a difference for you today!
Why do we floss?
We floss to clean the gums and tooth surface areas between teeth.
What happens when you don’t floss?
When you don’t floss, bacteria can build up and cause decay between the teeth which brushing alone cannot reach. This can quickly lead to cavities and thus more problems.
What’s the best time to floss?
Anytime of day is fine, but most people prefer right before bed to have that deeper clean for that uninterrupted time of sleep to stay clean while they sleep.
How do you floss correctly?
Here is a video showing you
http://www.colgate.com/app/CP/US/EN/OC/Information/Video-Library/How-to-Floss.cvsp
If you have any questions please feel free to call the office at (209) 524-4763.
Here is some additional information on dental floss from the American Dental Association website. http://www.ada.org/1318.aspx
What does floss do?
Floss removes food trapped between the teeth and removes the film of bacteria that forms there before it has a chance to harden into plaque. Toothbrush bristles alone cannot clean effectively between these tight spaces.
Plaque that is not removed can harden into tartar, a hard mineral deposit that forms on teeth and can only be removed through professional cleaning by a dental professional. When this happens, brushing and cleaning between teeth become more difficult, and gum tissue can become swollen or may bleed. This condition is called gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease.
Flossing helps remove debris and interproximal dental plaque, the plaque that collects between two teeth. Dental floss (or dental tape) helps clean these hard-to-reach tooth surfaces and reduces the likelihood of gum disease and tooth decay.
Cleaning between teeth is essential to your daily oral hygiene routine. Need instruction on how to floss?
What’s in floss?
Floss was once made from silk fibers twisted to form a long strand. Today, floss is usually made from nylon filaments or plastic monofilaments. It may be treated with flavoring agents, such as mint, to make flossing more pleasant.
What’s the difference between waxed and unwaxed floss?
There is no difference in the effectiveness of waxed or unwaxed floss. It’s not what type of floss you use, but how and when you use it. If you have a preferred type of floss, you may be more likely to use it.
What’s the difference between floss and other interdental cleaners?
Floss is a flexible strand. Interdental cleaners are special wooden or plastic picks, sticks or brushes that are used to clean between teeth.
How does floss and other interdental cleaners get the ADA Seal?
A company earns the ADA Seal for its product by producing scientific evidence that the product is safe and effective in reducing plaque and gingivitis. The ADA Council on Scientific Affairs carefully evaluates the evidence according to objective guidelines.
How does the ADA evaluate floss?
The ADA looks for evidence that:
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Using the floss with toothbrushing is more effective than brushing alone at reducing plaque and gingivitis.
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The product components are safe for use in the mouth.
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Unsupervised use of the product by the average patient will not harm hard or soft oral tissues or restorations.
Why look for floss brands that display the ADA Seal?
The Seal is your assurance that the product has been evaluated by an independent body of scientific experts, the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs, for safety and effectiveness. Look for the ADA Seal statement in a box on the product label. It tells you why the ADA has given the Seal to this product. You can also be assured that all claims on packaging and container labeling have been reviewed and approved by the ADA. Products with the prestigious ADA Seal must say what they do and do what they say.
When’s the best time to floss?
The ADA recommends brushing twice a day and cleaning between teeth with floss (or another interdental cleaner) once a day. Some patients prefer to floss in the evening before bedtime so that the mouth is clean while sleeping.
Should I brush or floss first?
Either way is acceptable as long as you do a thorough job. However, if you use dental floss before you brush, the fluoride from the toothpaste has a better chance of reaching between teeth. Some people brush their teeth and unfortunately skip flossing because they think their mouth feels clean or they may be short on time or tired and flossing is postponed. That’s not a good idea.
Can I rinse and reuse floss?
The ADA does not recommend using a floss strand more than once. Used floss might fray, lose its effectiveness or may deposit bacteria in the mouth. Discard after use.
Laser for gum disease
At Dr. Openshaw’s office we offer a laser assisted therapy for gum disease. If you have been told you have perio-disease, gingivitis or gum disease then we may be able to help you. Call us today!
What is LANAP?
Laser-assisted New Attachment Procedure is a standard gum surgery designed to treat periodontitis.
If you have gum disease, and would like to reverse it, LANAP may be the right procedure for you!
First, local anesthesia is administered.
Second, a short-duration laser pulse is used on the pockets around the patient’s afflicted teeth, which are probed down, about a quarter of an inch. This destroys bacteria and pathologic proteins near the root.
Third, connective tissue is preserved, while infected tissue is destroyed.
Typically, two or three passes with the laser clear the infected pocket.
With LANAP, no surgical glue, bone graft material, stitches, collagen plugs or sutures are needed.
Last but not least, Dr. Openshaw recommends diet guidelines and special oral hygiene instructions to all LANAP patients, after the procedure is completed.
Call us today for a no charge consultation to see if this is right for you. If you have been told you have gingivitis or periodontitis please call our office to schedule.
Philip Openshaw DDS
400 East Orangeburg Avenue St 4
Modesto CA 95350
(209) 524-4763
Making good dental choices …
Most people have dental questions, and like with anything else, the answers you get oftentimes vary depending on who you ask. Asking a dental professional is the only way to get good dental answers. We are here to help! If you ever have any dental questions, about teeth, treatment or even insurance, call us! If we do not know the answer we will find it for you.
Do you have a tooth that is bothering you?
Does your smile reflect the real you?
Do you notice a funny taste or smell in your mouth?
Do you have crooked or misaligned teeth?
Here at Dr. Openshaw’s office we do all things dental. We can fill that cavity, we can clean your teeth, we can give you a new tooth, we can straighten teeth, we can whiten teeth. We want you to have the best smile you can possibly have so that you want to smile more!
If you have questions about Invisalign, Dental Implants or Laser dental treatment for gum disease, please call our office. We would love to set up a consult appointment with you.
Recent research is proving that dental and oral health is linked more heavily to overall health than was ever thought of before. It is so important to take care of you! Just ask someone who loves you. Do they want to see you in pain? or Do they want to see you healthy? I can assume that the answer will be that they want you healthy! and we do too! So call us today to come meet our caring team!!
(209) 524-4763
Taking control of your oral health
As a child you were told to brush and floss and probably even rinse with mouthwash. As an adult nothing should change in that routine except that you are busier than ever. We know brushing, flossing and rinsing helps our smile to stay bright and our breath to smell fresh! But did you know that its so much more than that? Read on to see why its so important to make your oral health a priority!
It affects your overall health! Oral health also affects your confidence and some would even go as far to say it affects your future. Overall health has been tied to oral health in many ways. To name a few heart health, diabetes and when your teeth and gums harbor bacteria it makes it easier for bacteria to reach your bloodstream and become a problem elsewhere in the body. Bacteria is naturally occuring in the mouth hence the reason its so important to get combat it several times a day. If we neglect to do this then the bacteria builds up to a substance called plaque. As plaque accumulates it causes inflamation in the gums, which then leads to more and more problems if its not taken care of.
Make sure that you schedule an appointment with your dental hygeinist twice a year at least (and more if needed). Depending on the severity of the condition of your teeth and gums there may be more treatment needed. Listen to your dentist. If you are uncomfortable with what they say then get a second opinion but dont wait too long as things that are wrong in the mouth do not go away on their own, they only worsen.
We are here to address any dental concerns that you may have. We love to educate our patients on all things dental. Everyone can benefit from a trip to the dentist. From the one year old to the elderly. There is almost always something that can be done in our office. If you ever have any questions please do not hesitate to call us! (209) 524-4763.
Send them our way…
We appreciate our patients. So much that we have started giving away a monthly gift. How do you enter? You come into the office. That’s it! Super easy for you and super fun for us! We love to see our patients! Our patients are oftentimes our friends and family, or friends and family of our friends and family, now thats a mouthfull! We treat our patients how we would want to be treated… nice, gentle and with compassion.
If you know a family looking for a new family dentist, maybe they are new to the area or just haven’t been seen in years, send them our way.
If you know someone who is missing a tooth, send them our way.
If you know someone with children who have not yet seen a dentist send them our way.
If you know someone who complains of tooth pain, or jaw pain, or crooked teeth… send them our way.
If someone tells you that they want to whiten their teeth, send them our way!
If a friend mentions that she wishes her smile was more beautiful, send her our way!
If your co-worker says he doenst understand his dental insurance, send him our way!
We can help all of these individuals. We take what each and every patient needs into full account when talking with them. Every patient wants and needs something specific and we try and help them get exactly that. No two sets of teeth are the same. Everyone has a unique “dental fingerprint” and so we treat each person as such.
What is plaque?
So what is plaque anyways? Plaque is a sticky coating of bacteria that grows constantly on teeth and gums. If allowed to build up, it can lead to swollen gums (gingivitis) and weakened tooth surfaces (tooth decay). In addition to the Good Habits for a Healthy Mouth listed below it is highly recommended that you see a dental professional twice a year for preventative visits. This includes two cleanings done by a Registered Dental Hygienist, as well as annual x-rays and an exam by a dentist. We see new patients almost every day and would love to see you too! Send in those you know and love. They will love it here! Call with any questions you may have at (209) 524-4763… we look forward to seeing you soon!
No Charge No Obligation Invisalign Consults available for this afternoon
Dr. Paul Cater our Elite Invisalign provider will be in the office today and we have a 2:30pm and also a 3:00pm appointment available for a no charge no obligation consultation appointment. Come see if Invisalign is the way to go for you.
Are you looking for a dentist who offers Invisalign in Modesto, CA? Look no further than Dr. Openshaw!
Invisalign® braces are clear plastic aligner trays that provide orthodontic patients with straight teeth and an even, healthy smile. These trays are custom-fabricated to apply precise pressure and gradually move teeth into better alignment. This non-invasive approach to correcting tooth and bite alignment problems is an alternative to metal and tooth-colored braces. It is especially beneficial for patients who feel self-conscious about wearing traditional braces. If you choose to get Invisalign in Modesto, you can correct the following:
• Crooked teeth
• Unevenly spaced teeth
• Overcrowded teeth
• Mild to moderate bite problems
Why Choose Invisalign®?
This tooth alignment system offers three main benefits compared to traditional braces. First, the trays are clear plastic. Unlike other “invisible” braces that still feature metal wires, there is no metal at all in the Invisalign® trays. This makes them even less noticeable than both tooth-colored ceramic braces and lingual braces (the kind attached to the tongue-side surface of the teeth). Once you get used to talking normally with the trays in your mouth, other people may not even be able to tell you are wearing braces.
Second, there are no brackets or ties. This means there are no protruding components that can irritate the tongue, gums and other sensitive oral tissues. You do not need to coat Invisalign® braces with dental wax to stay comfortable.
Third, these trays are removable. You can (and should) remove the trays for each meal and during tooth brushing and flossing. You can eat a normal, healthy diet without restricting foods that might get stuck in or damage metal braces. Since the trays do not interfere with normal hygiene by making flossing more challenging, you may be less likely to experience tooth decay and gingivitis as a side effect of orthodontic treatment.
Who is a Candidate for Invisalign®?
The Invisalign® system has been used in the US since 1998. At first, only adult patients were treated using these trays. Today, teen patients whose molars have fully emerged are also candidates for this procedure. There is no upper age limit on treatment for patients without major dental health issues. You must be willing and able to wear the trays as instructed for best results. Invisalign® is most commonly used to correct mild to moderate tooth crookedness and spacing issues. Patients with severe bite problems are usually treated with traditional braces instead because they can be augmented with additional orthodontic appliances like bands or headgear. If you have fixed dental restorations such as bridges or dental implants, you may not be a good candidate for Invisalign® treatment.
Invisalign® Procedure Overview
If you are considering having Invisalign in Modesto, CA, the treatment process starts with a visual dental exam and a consultation. Photos, x-rays and computer imaging are used to create a precise treatment plan that will deliver the results you want. This digital technology lets you see what your final smile will look like before you even start using Invisalign®. Molds of your upper and lower teeth are sent to the Invisalign® laboratory so your aligner trays can be custom made. All of the trays used during your treatment are created at the same time.
Once your trays arrive, installation is as simple as placing them over your teeth. You must wear these trays at least 22 hours per day. Every two-to-three weeks, you will move on to the next set of trays in your treatment series. This way, you keep constant, gentle pressure on your teeth to move them into the correct position. You will need a quick checkup visit every six weeks or so to ensure treatment is progressing as planned. Invisalign® trays don’t require any special care. You can simply brush them gently and rinse them with warm water whenever you take them out.
Because Invisalign® braces are typically used for less severe bite misalignment, treatment may last six-to-18 months. However, some patients need more time to achieve their desired results. After you are finished with your aligner trays, you will be fitted with a retainer. You must wear this retainer as directed to keep your teeth from drifting back to their old position.
More Information about Invisalign®
While Invisalign braces are very comfortable compared to metal braces, they may cause initial soreness by placing pressure on your teeth. You may experience a recurrence of soreness each time you switch to a new set of trays. Over the counter pain relievers may help with this symptom.
These clear plastic aligner trays generally cost about as much as traditional braces. Some dental insurance plans cover a portion of treatment costs. Other affordable payment options are available for patients without insurance.
For more information about Invisalign in Modesto, CA, please feel free to call our office or email us. (209) 524-4763 or Office@dropenshaw.com
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