According to a study at the University of Pennsylvania, successful treatment for gum disease may reduce the risk for pre-term birth. Read more here. http://www.upenn.edu/pennnews/news/successful-periodontal-therapy-may-reduce-risk-preterm-birth-according-penn-dental-study
Of course LANAP (Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure) could be considered as part of successful periodontal therapy.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Friday, June 18, 2010
Nobody Ever Told Me That!
Nobody Ever Told Me About That!
1. You will look older faster with the following dental problems: gum disease, missing, stained or broken teeth; and ill-fitting dentures or bridges.
2. Amalgam (silver) fillings can expand and, over a period of years, cause natural teeth to crack.
3. A crown is recommended for several reasons. One reason is to reestablish the biting surfaces of the teeth. Another may be to prevent an "at risk" tooth from cracking.
4. A 200-pound man with full mouth dentures has less chewing force than his 90-year old aunt who has all her teeth.
5. Over time, teeth can become discolored from age or continuous exposure to tea, coffee, red wine, dark colas, and tobacco. These stains go deep into the surface of the tooth. In order to get teeth really white, talk to your dentist about a professional whitening that will penetrate the tooth's enamel.
6. Gum disease can lead to the spread of infection through your blood stream, resulting in a loss of energy, creating fatigue.
7. Diet sodas, cough drops, and chewing tobacco can cause tooth decay.
8. People mistakenly believe that their teeth must touch at all times. Not so. In fact, unless you are chewing, talking, or swallowing, your jaw should be in a relaxed, slack position.
1. You will look older faster with the following dental problems: gum disease, missing, stained or broken teeth; and ill-fitting dentures or bridges.
2. Amalgam (silver) fillings can expand and, over a period of years, cause natural teeth to crack.
3. A crown is recommended for several reasons. One reason is to reestablish the biting surfaces of the teeth. Another may be to prevent an "at risk" tooth from cracking.
4. A 200-pound man with full mouth dentures has less chewing force than his 90-year old aunt who has all her teeth.
5. Over time, teeth can become discolored from age or continuous exposure to tea, coffee, red wine, dark colas, and tobacco. These stains go deep into the surface of the tooth. In order to get teeth really white, talk to your dentist about a professional whitening that will penetrate the tooth's enamel.
6. Gum disease can lead to the spread of infection through your blood stream, resulting in a loss of energy, creating fatigue.
7. Diet sodas, cough drops, and chewing tobacco can cause tooth decay.
8. People mistakenly believe that their teeth must touch at all times. Not so. In fact, unless you are chewing, talking, or swallowing, your jaw should be in a relaxed, slack position.
Sunday, May 09, 2010
Thinking Outside the Box Means Thinking Outside the Tooth
There is substantial research linking gum (periodontal) disease to serious conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and even pancreatic cancer. Instead of addressing these systemic disease at advanced stages, why not be pro-active and deal with less pain by creating a healthy mouth.
Our mouths are the easiest line of access for bacteria to enter our bodies. Gum disease starts off as plaque, an opaque bacterial film, which eventually hardens forming tartar or calculus. Calculus deposits harbor bacteria, which infect the gums. In early stages, this is called gingivitis, characterized by red swollen gums that bleed when you brush your teeth. Many people experience bad breath and an unpleasant taste in their mouths as well.
Unchecked gingivitis progresses to periodontitis, a much more serious form of the disease where periodontal pockets are formed, separating teeth from the gums and supporting bone structure. Without treatment, infection becomes severe and the pockets deepen, harboring bacteria (which then enters the blood stream), and eventually resulting in tooth loss. Gum disease is a chronic condition, and the effects are wide-spread. The chronic infection of gum disease exacerbates other systemic diseases previously mentioned above.
The way to repair the damage is to get rid of the infection and close up the pockets. This is where thinking "outside the box" comes in. Until recently treating gum disease meant cut and sew flap surgery (aka, scalpel surgery and sutures). Most dentists are trained to treat gum disease by cutting through healthy tissue on the surface to "scrape out" the infected, underlying gum tissue. Modern technology and the use of a specific laser and protocol have proven successful in treating gum disease, which in turn can help control diabetes and lower the risks of heart disease and stroke.
This "out of the box" successful, laser-alternative protocol I am referring to is called Laser Assisted new Attachment Procedure (LANAP). The LANAP protocol is the only laser-assisted procedure certified by the FDA for treatment of periodontitis or gum disease. This breakthrough procedure can actually regenerate new gum and bone tissue, as shown in dental university studies and among my own patients. I can honestly say the LANAP protocol is a patient-friendly, minimally invasive procedure that is a great improvement over traditional gum surgery.
Be an informed patient/consumer. Always ask what your alternatives are. With the advancement of science and modern technology, there is no reason to settle for old-fashion, "traditional" solutions.
Our mouths are the easiest line of access for bacteria to enter our bodies. Gum disease starts off as plaque, an opaque bacterial film, which eventually hardens forming tartar or calculus. Calculus deposits harbor bacteria, which infect the gums. In early stages, this is called gingivitis, characterized by red swollen gums that bleed when you brush your teeth. Many people experience bad breath and an unpleasant taste in their mouths as well.
Unchecked gingivitis progresses to periodontitis, a much more serious form of the disease where periodontal pockets are formed, separating teeth from the gums and supporting bone structure. Without treatment, infection becomes severe and the pockets deepen, harboring bacteria (which then enters the blood stream), and eventually resulting in tooth loss. Gum disease is a chronic condition, and the effects are wide-spread. The chronic infection of gum disease exacerbates other systemic diseases previously mentioned above.
The way to repair the damage is to get rid of the infection and close up the pockets. This is where thinking "outside the box" comes in. Until recently treating gum disease meant cut and sew flap surgery (aka, scalpel surgery and sutures). Most dentists are trained to treat gum disease by cutting through healthy tissue on the surface to "scrape out" the infected, underlying gum tissue. Modern technology and the use of a specific laser and protocol have proven successful in treating gum disease, which in turn can help control diabetes and lower the risks of heart disease and stroke.
This "out of the box" successful, laser-alternative protocol I am referring to is called Laser Assisted new Attachment Procedure (LANAP). The LANAP protocol is the only laser-assisted procedure certified by the FDA for treatment of periodontitis or gum disease. This breakthrough procedure can actually regenerate new gum and bone tissue, as shown in dental university studies and among my own patients. I can honestly say the LANAP protocol is a patient-friendly, minimally invasive procedure that is a great improvement over traditional gum surgery.
Be an informed patient/consumer. Always ask what your alternatives are. With the advancement of science and modern technology, there is no reason to settle for old-fashion, "traditional" solutions.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
The LANAP Protocol: Periodontal Patients' Best Friend
I have been providing the LANAP (laser assisted new attachment procedure) protocol for the last few years. Without exaggeration or hyperbole, in my 25 years in the practice of dentistry, I have never seen a more effective, patient friendly, powerful technique than the LANAP protocol for the treatment of ANY dental concern, including gum disease. Patient acceptance is unparalleled, results are clinically proven, and a positive patient experience is the rule. LANAP is an FDA approved procedure that features no cutting or amputation of gum tissue, no stitches, and virtually no risk of post operative infection. LANAP is a regenerative procedure that features superior healing compared to conventional techniques. There are at present, approximately 1000 user/clinicians in the US and Canada. The number of periodontal specialist users is growing steadily; it is my decided opinion that the "Gold Standard" for periodontitis treatment is now the LANAP protocol. I am honored to help doctors learn the technique as an Instructor for the Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry, the sole provider for all continuing education and instruction for the LANAP protocol.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Sleep Apnea Associated to Increased Risk of Stroke? How do I know if I have Sleep Apnea?
Because sleep apnea symptoms happen at night when the patient is asleep, many don't realize they are affected and can go years, even a lifetime, suffering from the condition and not knowing it.
People who suffer from sleep apnea can have one or more pauses in breathing or shallow breaths while they sleep. It can also be accompanied with loud snoring, or snorting. The erratic sleeping/breathing pattern can put serious stress on the heart, because the pauses cause the flow of oxygen to the vital organs to slow (or even stop) for a few seconds, which makes the heart pump harder.
The effects of sleep apnea start to erode your body, which can eventually lead to stroke.
According to a recent study out of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with an increased risk of stroke in middle-aged or older Americans. Additionally, according to the National Sleep Foundation, 18 million people in the U.S. suffer from sleep apnea and many of them don't know it!
What a frightening statistic!
The study followed approximately 5500 participants, aged 40 years and older without a history of stroke, for an average of nine years. During that period a total of 193 participants had a stroke - 85 men (of 2,462 enrolled) and 108 women (out of 2,960 enrolled).
Men diagnosed with moderate to severe sleep apnea were nearly three times more likely to have a stroke than men without sleep apnea or men with mild sleep apnea.
But in women, it was different. The increased risk of stroke in females was significant only in women with severe levels of sleep apnea. The increased risk of stroke from sleep apnea depended on other risk factors the women had such as weight issues, smoking, race, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
Researchers believe that because men are more prone to have sleep apnea earlier in life, the risks of stroke are much higher than in women, who usually suffer from sleep apnea when they are pregnant, overweight, or going through menopause.
The findings of the recent study provide compelling evidence that OSA is a risk factor for stroke, especially in men. Most importantly, the study found that increased stroke risk in men occurs even with relatively mild levels of sleep apnea. The next step for this project is clinical trial studies to help scientists determine if treating sleep apnea can lower a person's risk of stroke and other diseases.
So how do you know if you have sleep apnea, or just a snoring problem? If you have a partner who notices you are snoring heavily and gasping for breath as you sleep, or if you wake up in the morning and find you can't function during the day due to excessive fatigue, sleep experts recommend you talk to your Medical Doctor and/or Dentist...that's right...your Dentist!
There are several treatment options available through both M.D.'s and Dentists. It's up to the patient to make the first move and ask to be tested.
Because sleep apnea has no pain, many people think it can't hurt them. But, research continues to show that sleep apnea can and will hurt your body - especially if it goes undetected.
People who suffer from sleep apnea can have one or more pauses in breathing or shallow breaths while they sleep. It can also be accompanied with loud snoring, or snorting. The erratic sleeping/breathing pattern can put serious stress on the heart, because the pauses cause the flow of oxygen to the vital organs to slow (or even stop) for a few seconds, which makes the heart pump harder.
The effects of sleep apnea start to erode your body, which can eventually lead to stroke.
According to a recent study out of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with an increased risk of stroke in middle-aged or older Americans. Additionally, according to the National Sleep Foundation, 18 million people in the U.S. suffer from sleep apnea and many of them don't know it!
What a frightening statistic!
The study followed approximately 5500 participants, aged 40 years and older without a history of stroke, for an average of nine years. During that period a total of 193 participants had a stroke - 85 men (of 2,462 enrolled) and 108 women (out of 2,960 enrolled).
Men diagnosed with moderate to severe sleep apnea were nearly three times more likely to have a stroke than men without sleep apnea or men with mild sleep apnea.
But in women, it was different. The increased risk of stroke in females was significant only in women with severe levels of sleep apnea. The increased risk of stroke from sleep apnea depended on other risk factors the women had such as weight issues, smoking, race, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
Researchers believe that because men are more prone to have sleep apnea earlier in life, the risks of stroke are much higher than in women, who usually suffer from sleep apnea when they are pregnant, overweight, or going through menopause.
The findings of the recent study provide compelling evidence that OSA is a risk factor for stroke, especially in men. Most importantly, the study found that increased stroke risk in men occurs even with relatively mild levels of sleep apnea. The next step for this project is clinical trial studies to help scientists determine if treating sleep apnea can lower a person's risk of stroke and other diseases.
So how do you know if you have sleep apnea, or just a snoring problem? If you have a partner who notices you are snoring heavily and gasping for breath as you sleep, or if you wake up in the morning and find you can't function during the day due to excessive fatigue, sleep experts recommend you talk to your Medical Doctor and/or Dentist...that's right...your Dentist!
There are several treatment options available through both M.D.'s and Dentists. It's up to the patient to make the first move and ask to be tested.
Because sleep apnea has no pain, many people think it can't hurt them. But, research continues to show that sleep apnea can and will hurt your body - especially if it goes undetected.
Friday, April 02, 2010
4 Things to Ask Your Doctor About Sleep Apnea
Sleep Apnea is a potentially life-threatening sleep disorder that has roots in your airway passage. In case you suspect you have sleep apnea on the basis of your partner's complaints of snoring, you may want to consult a doctor. Here's what you can ask your doctor on your first visit, to show you are an involved patient who would like to get their facts:
1. What exactly is sleep apnea and what type of sleep apnea do I have?
The sleep apnea condition is characterized by a disturbed state of sleep in which you pause breathing several times (up to 30 times) every hour while sleeping and for anything between a few seconds to a minute each time. Resumption of breathing is generally automatic and follows choking or gasping for breath. Clinical diagnoses have found three basic types, namely central sleep apnea, obstructive sleep apnea, and mixed sleep apnea.
2. What will the line of treatment the doctor will follow?
The line of treatment depends on the type of sleep apnea you have and the acuteness of your condition.
3. Will the treatment also require physiotherapy or an invasive procedure like surgery?
If your case so requires (and as per the judgement of your doctor), you could be prescribed with invasive procedures such as mandibular myotopy, somnoplasty, uvulo-palato-pharyngoplasty or tracheotomy.
4. Will I be fitted with a breathing device? What sort of device is it and how will it help me?
It is not essential that you will have a device to consider. However, you could be fitted with any of the following devices depending on your case (type and seriousness of condition).
1. What exactly is sleep apnea and what type of sleep apnea do I have?
The sleep apnea condition is characterized by a disturbed state of sleep in which you pause breathing several times (up to 30 times) every hour while sleeping and for anything between a few seconds to a minute each time. Resumption of breathing is generally automatic and follows choking or gasping for breath. Clinical diagnoses have found three basic types, namely central sleep apnea, obstructive sleep apnea, and mixed sleep apnea.
2. What will the line of treatment the doctor will follow?
The line of treatment depends on the type of sleep apnea you have and the acuteness of your condition.
3. Will the treatment also require physiotherapy or an invasive procedure like surgery?
If your case so requires (and as per the judgement of your doctor), you could be prescribed with invasive procedures such as mandibular myotopy, somnoplasty, uvulo-palato-pharyngoplasty or tracheotomy.
4. Will I be fitted with a breathing device? What sort of device is it and how will it help me?
It is not essential that you will have a device to consider. However, you could be fitted with any of the following devices depending on your case (type and seriousness of condition).
- CPAP - The Continuous Positive Air Pressure is a customized device generally recommended for moderate to severe cases of obstructive sleep apnea. It is a strap on mask-like device to be worn at bedtime that provides rhythmic pressurized air with a built-in humidifier to prevent the air passage from collapsing.
- OAT - The Oral Appliance therapy is a dental device which advances the lower jaw forward, elevates the palate and lowers the tongue to open the airway. These devices are used only with obstructive sleep apnea patients.
Monday, March 22, 2010
I've been told I have gum disease and need surgery...is this important?...what are my alternatives?
Treating or controlling periodontal (gum) disease is very important because it is the #1 cause of tooth loss in adults. In the USA, one in three adults at the age of 65 have no teeth! Aside from the dental concerns and day-to-day necessity to obtain nutrition by eating, gum disease has been linked to other serious diseases including heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and pancreatic cancer. Controlling gum disease is indeed important to one's general health!
Aside from traditional "cut and sew" gum surgery to treat gum disease an effective, patient-friendly, FDA-cleared alternative exists: Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP). The LANAP protocol is a laser-based, minimally-invasive procedure that delivers superior results in controlling gum disease. This specific protocol uses a thin, laser fiber to clear out the infected tissue and stimulate healing in a procedure that has little discomfort and downtime.
I have provided the LANAP protocol to patients of my practice for 4 consecutive years now and have witnessed the superior results myself. There is no longer a reason to fear treatment of gum disease. The advanced technology of the LANAP protocol offers a patient-friendly solution to a very common, yet often ignored, health problem.
Aside from traditional "cut and sew" gum surgery to treat gum disease an effective, patient-friendly, FDA-cleared alternative exists: Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP). The LANAP protocol is a laser-based, minimally-invasive procedure that delivers superior results in controlling gum disease. This specific protocol uses a thin, laser fiber to clear out the infected tissue and stimulate healing in a procedure that has little discomfort and downtime.
I have provided the LANAP protocol to patients of my practice for 4 consecutive years now and have witnessed the superior results myself. There is no longer a reason to fear treatment of gum disease. The advanced technology of the LANAP protocol offers a patient-friendly solution to a very common, yet often ignored, health problem.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Vascular Inflammation in Obesity and Sleep Apnea
Check out this article: Untreated obstructive sleep apnea is more important determinant of cardiovascular disease than obesity. http://www.cardiosource.com/cjrpicks/CJRPick.asp?cjrID=5688
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Invisalign Preferred Provider
We have attained "Invisalign Preferred Provider" status from Invisalign. Invisalign is the leading alternative to conventional orthodontic treatment or 'braces'.
Invisalign is a popular technique with patients to straighten teeth because of lighter forces, comfort, and ease of cleaning the teeth during treatment. Pictured in the photograph is Nichole Stone regional manager for Invisalign.
Invisalign is a popular technique with patients to straighten teeth because of lighter forces, comfort, and ease of cleaning the teeth during treatment. Pictured in the photograph is Nichole Stone regional manager for Invisalign.Sunday, February 07, 2010
Relief of Sleep Apnea can be found using CPAP devices, but compliance is low - WSJ.com
Check out this article from the Wall Street Journal about the difficulties of treating sleep apnea, and the solutions dentistry offers:
Relief of Sleep Apnea can be found using CPAP devices, but compliance is low - WSJ.com
Relief of Sleep Apnea can be found using CPAP devices, but compliance is low - WSJ.com
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