The Benefits of Laser Dental Technologies

Why lasers?

As time moves forward, dental health is improving and the inclusion of fluoride in water and toothpaste means that the general public has stronger enamel on their teeth. This is a benefit for dental health but makes diagnosing anything beneath the surface of the tooth more difficult.

Laser beams and technology allow dental professionals to “see” beneath the surface of the tooth and beneath the top layer of enamel. These readings allow your dental team to prevent and treat any “hidden” dental issues you may have, and ones that may have been unable to be detected with tools that came before laser dental technologies.

What was used before lasers?

Before lasers were available to use in general dentistry, practitioners would have to rely on the use of standard dental tools to find any issues within a patient’s teeth. This made it easier to miss a diagnosis of a cavity or decay.

While evaluating a tooth with the use of a standard tool like a pick, it would be easy to miss a very small fissure in the tooth. A pick is also unable to detect tooth decay beneath the surface, something that would be highly beneficial. Seeing these issues at the very beginning will allow your dental professional to plan accordingly and help you adjust your practices to avoid future problems.

Laser Decay Diagnosis

Just under the surface of the tooth, and that hardened enamel we mentioned, could be a cavity or tooth decay. While previously this could have been missed with the standard dental tools, a laser decay diagnosis has never been easier. The light of the laser can expand and allows your dental professional to see if there is decay beneath the surface. This diagnostic method allows us to find tooth decay even more quickly than an x-ray.

How does it work?

The process of utilizing laser dental technologies is very easy, and, as a patient, it is likely would would not even notice. The scan is completed by a wand-shaped instrument, and occurs by placing the light on each individual tooth to complete a scan. The scan then is digitally transferred to a computer screen for your dentist to evaluate. The laser decay diagnosis system provides a reading and information for the dentist, showing any structural changes or concerns about the individual tooth. From there, your dentist can recommend the best course of action for any problem (or lack thereof).

When evaluating a new dentist, be sure to ask about the types of technology within their practice. A dentist like Dr. Louis K. Cheung, DDS will be ready to show you the advancements available and how it will make your visit to the dentist all the more pleasant.

Does Alcohol Hurt Your Teeth?

While there are always new studies and articles being released with titles like “You CAN drink wine!” another study has been released that gets a little more specific. The Journal of Periodontology recently published a study about the effect that alcohol can have on gums. So the answer to the question is: indirectly, yes. Alcohol consumption can hurt your teeth.

Severe periodontal disease (periodontitis) among the test subjects in this study increased at the same rate as the subjects’ alcohol consumption frequency. That is, the more alcohol each subject drank on a regular basis, the more likely they were to have periodontitis. That’s not all—even drinkers without actual periodontitis had increased gum sensitivity compared to those who did not regularly consume alcohol.

“Although the topic of alcohol use and its effect on periodontal health requires further research, this report offers valuable insight on why we should care for our gums and teeth, especially if we might enjoy the occasional drink,”
--Joan Otomo-Corgel, DDS, MPH (President of American Academy of Periodontology)

Additionally, increased alcohol consumption showed a direct correlation with the amount of plaque in a person’s mouth. Why does this happen? Alcohol dries out your mouth, which is thought to increase the production of plaque. As you drink (and the more you drink), the production of saliva slows. The alcohol is dehydrating you, causing less saliva, more dryness, and, therefore, more plaque.

Why are we telling you this? Do know that periodontal disease is quite common, and half of Americans over thirty will get it. To help you combat it, we are not here to tell you not to drink alcohol. You can enjoy a beer or glass of wine and still have a completely healthy mouth. All you need to do is be proactive about your oral health. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing and using effective mouthwash. Most important, though, is to stay up to date on your dental cleanings.

A periodontitis diagnosis is not the end of the road. A dental practice like that of Dr. Louis K. Cheung, DDS, can help treat your periodontal disease. Treatment can often help reverse the effects of the disease, but you need to catch it in a timely manner. Without regular checkups and yearly dental cleanings, this is impossible. Call today to make an appointment to keep your mouth as healthy as possible!

Does a Dental Implant Hurt?

There are a few myths surrounding dental implants, which can cause those who need them to ignore an issue and not call your dentist. Do not let a fear of pain stop you from getting the help you need.  While the process could last for several months, your pain does not. In the end, you will have a dental implant that will improve your dental health and your live will be better for it.

Once you know you will have dental implant surgery, sit down with your dentist and ask any questions you have.  In many cases you will have the actual implant placed by a local oral surgeon, and your dentist will coordinate your care, and fit your new crown after your implant has healed.  Be sure to find out ahead of time what your pre- and post-surgery plans are, as well as any options you have for during the surgery. The best way to avoid pain in this situation is to be prepared. Take your dentist’s and oral surgeon’s advice—they know what they are talking about if they are experienced and trained.

Prepare for your dental implant surgery by following the directions given to you by your dentist. These may include ways to treat your mouth before the surgery, as well as any dietary restrictions based on the type of anesthetic you have opted for (local or general). Prepare for your dental implant surgery recovery ahead of time by asking what you should have ready. This will likely include salt water and ice packs, as well as soft foods, but these may vary based on each patient.  

How can you stop your dental implant surgery from hurting during the experience itself? Firstly, be sure you have chosen an experienced and properly licensed dentist. Ask about their training and if they have performed the surgery before. You should be comfortable with your dental team and they will be able to answer any and all questions you will have about the process. If you are particularly concerned about pain or have a severe aversion to dental work, ask your dentist about what anesthetic options they have available. Depending on your level of comfort, you may prefer local or general anesthesia.  After your procedure you’ll get a prescription for pain relief to help control the discomfort you experience.

After your surgery, ensure you understand any post-surgery needs and treatment. Leave yourself plenty of time to rest and do not push against restrictions placed on your activity by your dentist. Find out what the normal symptoms are, as well as any signs you need to keep an eye out for. Be sure to have your dentist office’s phone number handy in case you notice any negative symptoms.

Every case and patient is different. If you are concerned, there is no one better to ask than a Kirkland dentist with 20 years of experience in dealing with the dental implant process about what you can expect – Dr. Louis K. Cheung.  As an experienced dental implant professional he will be able to tell you what pain (or lack thereof) could be in store. It is likely you will only experience soreness from the surgery itself, and can look forward to the painless time after surgery, with your new dental implant, and new confident smile.

Smile Transformation

Conscious about the flaws in your smile? Uneven, chipped, cracked or discolored teeth do not only look unattractive, they can also make you feel less confident about yourself. If you need an immediate smile transformation, consider investing in porcelain veneers. It is a thin layer of extremely strong porcelain that is used as substitute for your natural tooth enamel. It is typically a permanent one, so you must be certain about it.

Veneers can greatly benefit you but you need to have good periodontal and overall oral health. This is important because patients with conditions such as tooth decay, gum disease, and root canal infection normally don’t qualify for veneers. You also need to have enough amount of healthy enamel because dentists usually remove a thin layer of enamel from your teeth before they place the veneers. This means that you have to replace your porcelain or choose an alternative restoration to take its place eventually.

Veneers do not change color over time, stain-resistant and can cover any imperfections on your teeth, including gaps, chips, or stains. Visit a dentistin Kirkland, WA to find out if veneers are right for you. 

Protect Your Teeth, Break the Habit

The smile is the facial expression that mostly attracts others. With the help of great teeth, it can look more attractive. The healthier your teeth are, the happier your look. Clearly, the teeth help us look our best. Good oral hygiene and avoiding bad habits that damage your teeth can help maintain its health.

You might think ice is harmless but chewing on hard, frozen cubes can cause chip or even cracks on your teeth. Mindless chomping can irritate the soft tissue inside a tooth which regular toothaches might follow. Grinding your teeth can wear them down over time. Avoiding stress and bad sleeping habits can lessen this problem. Sodas contain phosphoric and citric acids which can damage a tooth’s enamel. Opening stuff with your teeth may be convenient and fast, but this habit can cause your teeth to crack or chip. Like chewing on ice, this habit can cause teeth to chip or crack.

Take good care of your mouth and teeth, keep them healthy and beautiful by avoiding these oral health habits. Visit a dentist in Kirkland, WA today and have your pearly whites check for early prevention of oral problems. 

A Local Kirkland Dentist Can Help Your Family Prevent Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is an even bigger problem than what most would imagine. No other dental health complication has Americans pay thousands of dollars to treat for than tooth decay. The decay is caused by plaque in the teeth, which feed off on sugars left in the mouth, and release acid as a byproduct. Tooth decay leads to the development of dental caries, and in very severe cases, can lead to toothaches, periodontal diseases, and even permanent tooth loss. An article on the Dentistry IQ website posted last March 25, 2015 suggests an answer to the looming tooth decay issue. Using the framework of the IHI’s Triple Aim Initiative, a study group assessed whether the preventative care for Early Childhood Caries has any impact over costs for treatments later in the life of the patient. The study found very good results, noting that tests for early treatment for dental caries show a 10-year disease reduction and net savings from later treatments and preventative measures.
http://www.cheungdds.com/a-local-kirkland-dentist-can-help-your-family-prevent-tooth-decay/

A Dentist in Kirkland, WA Helps Your Family Maintain Healthy Teeth

Of the many dental complications that plague people today, dental cavities remain a perennial problem. Those whose diets are rich in sugar are most especially vulnerable to tooth decay and the formation of caries. Brushing and flossing can prevent tooth decay, but unless they are done as daily habits, the formation of cavities will still be a pressing concern. Unsurprisingly, children are the most vulnerable to cavities, particularly those who love candy and are not too keen with brushing. The website, PostBulletin.com, has a feature dated March 30, 2015 that discusses the importance of teaching children the values of good dental habits. The feature is a response to a reader-submitted question that inquired how cavities can be prevented in children. According to the responding author (a dentist himself), kids should brush at least twice a day using fluoride-enhanced toothpaste, and should try flossing as soon as possible.
http://www.cheungdds.com/a-dentist-in-kirkland-wa-helps-your-family-maintain-healthy-teeth/