No matter what our age, the scariest part about visiting the dentist is the drilling. The smell of our teeth burning or being ground to dust and the dentist poking into our gums with some horrid looking stainless steel tools that looks like they have been procured from some medieval torture armoury.

It will there be a relief to people to know that more and more dentist’s are switching over to laser technology powered tools and retiring the old drill machines.

So what is Laser Dentistry and how does it work?

Just as you would select a knife based on the cutting that needs to be done, so too there are different (three actually), types of lasers that are selected based on the type of work the dentist needs to do. The essential difference is in the strength of each laser with the strongest one used to cut harder stuff such as hard tissue.

In the hands of a highly skilled Periodontist, the laser is like a using microscopic flame to sculpt a wax statue. There’s no drilling noise, there’s no grating sensation inside your mouth nor the fear that the Periodontist might unintentionally cut something else.

If you are technically inclined, there are three types of laser used by the Periodontist these are; the Garnet Laser – used for cutting and coagulating dental soft tissues, with good hemostasis, and for nonsurgical sulcular debridement in periodontal disease control. The second type of laser is the Erbium Laser and is used for treatment of dental hard tissues. The third is the Diode Laser and it is used in procedures for aesthetic gingival re-contouring, exposure of soft tissue impacted teeth, soft tissue crown lengthening, removal of inflamed and hypertrophic tissue, photostimulation of the apthous, frenectomies, and herpetic lesions.

Now let us see how a laser works in the dental environment.

The pinpoint of strong light that is produced by the laser serves to elevate the temperature of the tiny area where the laser is pointed at and it produces photochemical effect the extent of which, depends on the water content of the tissue at that location.

When the laser is switched on, at approx 60°C the protein in the tissue begin to denature but this happens without vaporisation of the underlying tissue. If the temperature is further raised to 100°C, the water content in the tissue is vaporised (this is called ablation). What temperature is selected depends on the procedure to be done.

As mentioned earlier, the whole process is totally silent and so the patient is much more relaxed. The Laser Dentists in the meanwhile keep talking and before you know it, the procedure is complete.

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Dental care is very important, especially if you have braces.

Summer is right around the corner, and typically this is a popular time for kids to get braces. Practicing good oral hygiene with braces may be challenging at first; however, once you get the routine down, it’s smooth sailing.

If you are having difficulty brushing and flossing with your braces, make sure you call your orthodontic office and set up an appointment. A certified orthodontic assistant will go over all the proper steps with you so you can master your routine at home.

Unattended plaque can lead to cavities in the teeth, along with gum inflammation. When you put brackets, wires and orthodontic appliances into the picture, the plaque has numerous hiding areas to live on.

Once the plaque interacts with sugar, it forms an acid that can attack the teeth for about 20 minutes, resulting in cavities. Cavities are difficult to fix for orthodontic patients. A patient will need to go into their orthodontic office, get wires removed and possibly a bracket or two removed, go to their family dentist, get their cavity filled and finally return to the orthodontist to have everything put back on.

This can be very time consuming. There is a possibility it can prolong the treatment.

These are the steps to a good oral hygiene routine:

Brushing

It is very important to brush your teeth at least twice daily- once in the morning and before bed. For orthodontic patients, it can be helpful to keep a toothbrush and toothpaste on hand in case you need to brush after lunch.

Make sure you are using soft bristled brushes or an electric toothbrush, and brush for a minimum of two minutes. Work from one side of the mouth to the other, and brush all areas of the mouth with fluoride toothpaste.

Floss

Flossing for orthodontic patients can be a challenge. However, floss threaders and super floss can help make the process go smoothly. Flossing should be done daily after meals and before brushing the teeth. If you don’t floss regularly, you may experience light bleeding. This bleeding is normal and will go away once your gums get used to it.

The proper way to floss is to thread the floss under the wire, push it gently between the teeth to the gum and curve the floss around each tooth in a c shape to loosen the debris. Popping the floss in between each tooth may cause gum irritation and could leave plaque behind.

Mouthwash

Using an antimicrobial mouthwash at least twice a day can reduce the bacteria count. A mouthwash with fluoride can help reduce the chance of getting cavities. Typically, you should swish the mouthwash vigorously for 30 seconds then spit. If you used a mouthwash with fluoride, you need to wait 30 minutes before eating or drinking.

The most important part of tooth care may happen at home; however, you should still follow up with your family dentist every six months to help prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

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It’s no secret that United States is concerned about beauty. That’s why cosmetic surgery is so popular, weight loss is a big business, and cosmetic dentistry procedures have increased 300% over the last 5 years.

When a person smiles, they can make a huge difference in the first impression in meeting another individual. They can increase a person’s self-esteem, self-confidence, and play a large role in a professional situation such as closing a deal, obtaining a job, and even a factor in the salary offered.

A Harris Interactive survey was accomplished recently looking at individuals perceptions of teeth whitening and smiles. That study showed that 89% of adults agreed that a white or bright smile makes a good first impression. The survey was sponsored by a company called Philips, which makes the Zoom Whitening product as well as Sonicare toothbrushes.

55% of adults believe that an individual smile is the best physical indicator of a person’s friendliness. Interestingly, 78% of adults in the survey agreed that an individual smile reveals a lot about his or her character. Over half of the people in the survey at 53% said if they could fix one thing about their smile it would be the whiteness of their teeth. This was more than any other cosmetic issue including teeth straightness.

Most adults at 57% do not believe that the teeth whitening products bought in a store are as effective as teeth whitening performed by a professional dentist.

Teeth whitening with a professional will help take into consideration other issues that the patient may be experiencing such as diabetes or cardiac issues or teeth sensitivity, and take into consideration all those issues and make the appropriate decision as to what is right for the patient.

The materials that are utilized for teeth whitening are based on either carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide tends to be a faster and stronger bleaching agent that is typically used in a professional setting whereas carbamide peroxide is what is commonly found in the at home or over-the-counter whitening products.

The peroxide breaks down and absorbs his way into a person’s teeth because of the porosity. It attaches itself to the stain particles and removes them by breaking the stains apart. This makes the teeth appear brighter and whiter. When done in an office setting, dentistry will to use a higher concentration of peroxide because they protect the soft tissues of the mouth along with also using ultraviolet lamps that can enhance the results and make the procedure faster.

The risks of teeth whitening are generally low, but it is a good idea to speak with a dental professional prior to teeth whitening to ensure safe results and optimal outcomes.

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There are plenty of options for finding ways to brighten the look of your teeth that start with simple bleaching techniques. However, there may be instances where bleaching is not enough, especially for those who might have damaged or teeth too discolored to make bleaching effective. For those who are facing this situation, having veneers placed on your teeth may be the answer.

Porcelain veneers are more economical than tooth replacement and can be performed in a dental procedure that will cover the surface of your teeth that show when you smile. A porcelain veneer is essentially a cover made from strong materials that bond to your teeth. What is necessary for veneers to be effective is that there can be no large spaces between your teeth. In cases where you may be missing a tooth, then an implant might be necessary first before attaching veneers.

Veneer teeth prices do vary depending on the amount of work that needs to be done beforehand, but they are fairly cost efficient and provide a natural, healthy look to your teeth at prices that are fairly affordable. Another advantage is that the condition of your teeth needs to be healthy, but the presence of a crown or filling makes no difference. Also, the veneers can cover smaller spaces between your teeth which can create an entirely new impression of your smile to others.

The procedure for grafting porcelain veneers is basically a multi-step process, the first is the cleaning of your teeth, followed by making precise measurements to correctly get the right length and shape of the veneers. Next is the shaving down of the front of the teeth that will be covered by the veneers, this generally means that 1/8th of an inch of enamel is removed, then the veneers are permanently glued to that area.

Finally, the veneers are carefully shaped by the dentist to trim away any excess areas that are unnecessary and to present a more natural look. The results can be quite stunning at first, especially as the veneers are significantly brighter than what damaged or discolored teeth may be, giving a healthy more youthful look. Considering the veneer teeth prices, this has become a common procedure for many people.

The downsides are that the veneers do have to be taken care of like regular teeth with brushing, flossing and the standard techniques that a person would use in taking care of their normal teeth. Also, the process does take away enamel from the teeth that are covered, making them somewhat more vulnerable to cavities if those areas get exposed due to a separation of the veneers from the normal teeth, but such events tend to be rare and easily noticed. Which means that a trip to the dentist’s office may be able to glue the veneers to the teeth before any damage is done.

Overall, there are several advantages to getting porcelain veneers for your teeth, check with your dentist to see if your teeth are suitable for such a treatment.

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You brush your teeth twice a day, floss, and rinse with mouthwash because that’s what you were told to do. But this routine is better for far more than just minty fresh breath. Did you know that oral hygiene ties in with other aspects of your health? For instance, a person with poor oral health is at a higher risk for heart disease. Yikes! It’s a good thing you’ve been dutifully brushing. But you can do even more by taking advantage of what a dental insurance policy can offer.

A good dental plan provides coverage for a variety of dental treatments (coverage varies between policy options), such as:

• Routine teeth cleanings
• Emergency dental care and procedures
• Fillings and crowns
• Orthodontics
• Accidental dental injuries
• Reconstructive or plastic surgery following an injury or oral cancer

Dental insurance is very different than medical insurance for two main reasons:

1. The low cost makes dental plans affordable for individuals, families, and companies that offer dental as part of a benefit package.
2. A dental plan encourages and often pays for routine checkups.

What does this mean for you? Unlike some types of insurance products, people with a dental plan start to benefit immediately. It’s a good rule of thumb to visit your dentist for a teeth cleaning every six months. When these visits are covered and the pressure is off your wallet, it’s easier to stick to a regular dental care schedule. Maintaining good oral health can be expensive on your own, but with a reasonable monthly premium you can prevent those bills from sneaking up on you.

There are several dental policies available, including, but not limited to:

• PPO Plans: With this plan, customers are presented with a group of dentists who provide dental care to patients within the group at a discounted rate.
• Direct Reimbursement: Also known as Self-Insurance, this is a choice option for businesses because it’s likely to save them money in the case of employees not taking advantage of their benefits. With this plan, employees are invited to visit their preferred dentist for services. The patient pays the dentist and is then reimbursed by their employer.
• Indemnity Programs: With this plan, you are free to choose your own dentist. A patients pays the dentist and then his or her insurance company pays a set portion of the total fees.

If you’re shopping for a dental policy, our agents can assist you with any questions or concerns you may have. Visit us at our website today for a free quote on Tampa dental insurance.

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