Laser Dentistry for Pain-free Procedures
Today’s Dentistry uses a soft tissue dental laser to aid in certain procedures. This revolutionary technology has many practical uses, including gingivectomy, treatment of cold sores, desensitizing teeth, and aiding in implant dentistry treatments and some periodontal procedures.
The most notable benefit of the dental laser is that it allows for a more comfortable surgery. In traditional surgeries, tissue is removed using a scalpel. Instead, the dental laser uses a pinpoint, high-frequency laser beam that cuts through soft tissue without contact.
The laser beam is also sterile, which significantly reduces a patient’s risk for infection. In addition, the dental laser minimizes the amount of swelling and bleeding during the procedure to accelerate the healing process.
Laser dentistry also offers a quick, safe, affordable treatment for sensitive teeth. Many patients experience sensitivity in the teeth, which can cause severe pain and irritation. The dental laser effectively desensitizes teeth without the use of anesthetic. Patients often experience 80 – 90% relief from tooth sensitivity.
Keeping Your Teeth And Gums Healthy
Most people take care of their teeth and gums in hopes of a white, beautiful smile. But did you know that when you brush, floss, and visit Dr. Cain, you also do your heart a favor?
Gum disease is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Inflammation caused by gum disease may be responsible for heart disease. The bacteria that occurs when gums are infected is also found in the heart and is harmful to the rest of your body.
If the gum layer is disrupted, bacteria from the mouth travel into your bloodstream, moving throughout the body. The bacteria found in gum disease can play a role in strokes and heart problems.
According to a recent study in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine, treating gum disease can lead to better health among those with certain conditions.
Analyzing health and dental records from 339,000 people who had gum disease and one of the following: type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease (stroke), rheumatoid arthritis, and pregnancy, had lower medical costs and fewer hospitalizations within four years of treatment of gum disease than those that weren’t treated.
Specifically, those with cardiovascular disease who also had gum disease treated had medical costs 20-40% lower than those who did not have their gum disease treated.
Though more research is needed to declare a cause-and-effect relationship between gum health and heart disease, experts do agree that there is a link, and at the very minimum, gum health can be an indicator of heart problems. Those with poor oral health have more heart attacks than those with better hygiene and gum health.
Symptoms of gum disease include:
- Bleeding gums
- Constant bad breath
- Red, swollen, tender gums
- Loose teeth
- Change in bite
- Gum and teeth separation
Though it’s not always intuitive, the body is all connected. Treating one aspect or condition can only improve other parts of the body. It’s important to see a dentist regularly to keep your teeth and gums healthy and to spot any potential heart problems.
If you are experiencing symptoms of gum disease or it’s been more than six months since your last dental checkup, call our Knoxville, TN dentist office today to schedule a cleaning.
