In addition, this soft tissue laser helps Dr. Pratt treat in healthy gum tissue, stop bleeding, and get an excellent impressions for better fitting crowns and fillings. Laser use is another example of technology advancements that makes doing dental treatments easier on our patients and improving results at the same time.

There are lasers that work on gums, some that work on teeth, and even lasers that work on both. Those that work on teeth are still costly, and are very slow compared to normal drilling. One advantage though, is many times they can be used without freezing, so in these cases, no needles!

The lasers that hold the most promise in our practice, are soft tissue ones that work on gums. They also reduce the need for freezing, and can be used painlessly in hygiene appointments to kill bacteria hiding in the pockets under the gumline. This can help you avoid costly and uncomfortable treatments down the road.

Laser treatment in hygiene appointments, also mean faster healing, and less pain and discomfort for our patients. They can do the same in early detection of cold sores. So if you feel a cold sore coming on, come in and we can zap it for you!

Pratt Dentistry patients can enjoy the benefits of laser treatments starting this spring.

Our patients find that with their brighter smile, they look better and feel more confident, leading to a higher quality of life. Their tendency is also to take better care of themselves and take more pride in their teeth.

Whitening won’t lighten fillings or crowns, only enamel.  Even on enamel, there is a limit to the amount of whitening that is possible, as every person has a natural shade. As you get older, the whitening effects won’t be as great.

Prevent teeth staining by avoiding:

• cigarettes
• black coffee
• tea
• red wine
• certain berries.

If you can’t live without your coffee, more frequent touchups will be necessary. Whitening toothpastes are a common choice, but have varying degrees of success, and can be abrasive to the enamel.

Whitening products cause temporary dehydration of teeth causing sensitivity, sometimes in the extreme. Teeth will rehydrate overtime, and desensitization agents are available to help decrease symptoms. Enamel is not lost or damaged by whitening agents, but supervised use is important, in order to monitor sensitivity, and track how you’re responding to the treatment.

With so many products on the market, it can be confusing, let us help you understand the different types of bleaching systems.

Store-bought

Store-bought products have improved over the years, and are less expensive, but have limitations. For instance, if you have receding gums or loose fitting fillings, you can get sore teeth and you risk possible nerve damage. These products tend to bleach between your teeth less effectively. Since they still cover the gums, they need to use weaker solutions, which take more time and can have fewer results.

At-home Bleaching

With trays made in the office for at home bleaching are custom-fit to your teeth, a uniform layer of gel is placed in difficult areas such as on turned or tipped teeth, making even whitening possible. A problem area like exposed roots can be protected with the help of your dental team before bleaching begins. The solutions given to you by your dentist will be stronger and can be more effective, and you still have the convenience of whitening at home.

In-office Whitening

In-office whitening is perfect for those wanting instant results. You whiten both top and bottom teeth in about an hour. This treatment is monitored by a dental team member and includes excellent gum protection, constant monitoring, and attention to detail that will ensure your comfort.

Mouth guards have come a long way, including the “Do It Yourself” type, do fit better these days.  However, taking a simple impression in a professional dental office can allow you to have a custom fitted mouth guard that would fit extremely well.  You can also have it made in your team’s colors and with your name on it!

This new type of mouth guard helps to improve the athlete’s performance in strength, endurance, and reaction times by proper positioning of their lower jaw.  Visit www.jawshield.com where you can learn more about various types of mouth guards, including a new type of mouth guard that many high level and professional athletes are wearing.

The good news for my dad was that this early detection allowed for successful treatment.

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Michael`s story and those like him, is the reason we have introduced the VELSCOPE into our practice. The VELSCOPE helps in the early detection of oral cancer.