Laser Gum Therapy

Dr. Daniel R. Pestana, is proud to utilize the latest technology in Dental Laser Therapy as

a means to promote gum and tissue healing.

Laser gum therapy involves the application of non-invasive, high intensity, non-surgical laser light to promote pain relief, tissue healing and repair. The light photons re-activate and accelerate cellular functions and act as a medicament.

Lasers are extremely versatile, and procedures performed with lasers typically have less bleeding, swelling and post-operative pain. Laser gum therapy is combined with traditional treatments for even better results.

In our practice we are utilizing the most advance laser for the following applications:

·        Pocket depth reduction

·        Post-scaling pain

·        Inflammation

·        Cold Sores & Oral Ulcers

·        Gingivectomy

Is Laser Therapy Safe?

Yes. Laser therapy is a drug-free, non-invasive therapy with superior healing ability. However, since laser produce a high intensity light, one should never shine the light directly into the eye. Laser safe eyewear is worn at time of treatment.

Does Laser Therapy Cause Heat Damage or Cancer in the Tissue?

No. The average powers and the type of light source (non-ionizing) do not permit heat-damage or carcinogenic (cancer-causing) effects. Due to increased blood circulation, there is sometimes a minimal sensation of warmth locally.

What is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic Dentistry can help you change your appearance, smile, your confidence and self-esteem. Cosmetic Dentistry has and continues to evolve to where Cosmetic Dentist can address functional and esthetic patient concerns.

The goal of Cosmetic Dentistry is to transform an average smile into a terrific smile. We all feel we know a beautiful smile when we see one, there is no perfect smile, because each person has a different perception of what is a beautiful smile.

What makes a beautiful smile?

• Teeth that are straight not crooked.
• The teeth that are evenly spaced with no gaps.
• The teeth that are white not stained.
• The top teeth show when you smile, but not the gums.
• The gumline is smooth, not uneven
• The edges of the top teeth follow the curve of the lower lip.

If you weren't born with a beautiful smile, you can still have one, with cosmetic Dentistry. 

What are some Cosmetic Procedures in Dentistry?

• Teeth Whitening is done in-office in about an hour or at home with custom trays.

             

• Tooth color fillings have replace the old silver fillings (mercury). These composite/porcelain materials more naturally mimic the look, feel, and function of natural teeth and actually bond directly to the remaining enamel and dentin. These modern filling materials are also more natural in appearance; it’s almost impossible to tell that your tooth has a filling.

           

• All Porcelain Crowns these dental crown materials offer the most natural look in your mouth, since they can be made to look just like real teeth. For those people who are allergic to metal, or who prefer not to have any metal crowns, all porcelain or all ceramic crowns can be a good option.

                          

                          Before                                                       After

• Veneers a thin shell of porcelain that is bonded to the tooth to improve it's color, close spaces between teeth, lengthen small or misshape teeth.

                                                                      Before                                             After

• Dental Implants along with a crown built on the implant–replaces a missing tooth or teeth and helps to maintain the bone support of the adjacent teeth, extending their life span. Dental implants are considered a permanent service and can be expected, in most cases, to last many, many years. They are the optimum choice for replacing missing teeth. 

                             

                             Before                                              After

• Orthodontics our cosmetic dentist now has many options available, from conventional braces to “invisible braces” (clear orthodontic aligners) and reduced treatment times.

              

• Dentures rest on teeth and gums for stability, which can encourage bone loss, tooth decay, and periodontal disease. However, dentures can be relined every few years to compensate for bone loss and any compromised facial integrity. Overdentures are a combination of traditional dentures and the newer science of dental implants to prevent bone loss that could result from dentures alone. Hybrid dentures are fixed dentures a proven replacement for removable prostheses worn by edentulous patients, offering excellent predictability, esthetics, and function.

                  

                          Before                                     After Hybrid Denture

• Periodontal plastic surgery is often used to correct irregularities in the gums. This is done by adding or removing gum tissue in certain areas. The objective of periodontal plastic surgery is to give a proper framework to the dental work, much as an attractive frame and matting enhance a beautiful painting.

         

  

Stages of Periodontal Disease

What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is an infection of the teeth, gums, and the bone that surrounds the teeth, and it's the leading cause of adult tooth loss. Stopping this condition begins with a thorough diagnosis. 

What causes periodontal disease?

The main cause of periodontal disease is the accumulation of plaque, the sticky film of food and the bacteria that forms constantly on your teeth. If plaque isn't removed each day, the bacteria in plaque invade the spaces between the teeth and gums and begin producing toxins. These toxins, combined with your body's reaction to them, destroy the bone around your teeth. And once the bone has been lost, it never grows back on it's own. When too much bone is lost, there's so little support for the teeth, they get loose and have to be removed. 

How to Brush with an Electric Toothbrush

Manual tooth brushes are effective but electric toothbrushes have become more and more popular as they do a good job of removing plaque and stains. They are easier to manage than a manual toothbrush, plus they are fun to use.

How to Brush with an Electric Toothbrush

Make sure the brush head has soft bristles, and apply a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.

 

Put the toothbrush in your mouth, and close your lips slightly to prevent spattering. Hold your jaw in a relaxed, open position so you can easily reach all tooth surfaces.

Angle the brush against a tooth at about 90-degree angel, then turn the toothbrush on, holding it gently against the tooth and gum for a few seconds. Don't press hard, let the toothbrush do the work. Then move to the next tooth. 

Brush all of your teeth in any regular pattern you like. However, since inside teeth often get less attention, you might try starting with the inside upper teeth, and then the inside lower teeth. Move to the chewing surface and outside of the lower teeth. Lastly, brush the chewing surface and outside of the upper teeth.

Your brushing routine should last about two minutes. If your electric toothbrush has a timer, use it to help ensure that your brushing is thorough and complete.Make sure you brush twice a day, and don't forget to floss.

Whether you choose to electric toothbrush or a manual toothbrush, what's more important is daily brushing and flossing.

 

Oral Cancer "The Importance of Early Detection"

Oral cancer is the largest group of those cancers which fall into the head and neck cancer category. Common names for it include such things as mouth cancer, tongue cancer, tonsil cancer, and throat cancer.

Approximately 42,000 people in the US will be newly diagnosed with oral cancer in 2013. This includes those cancers that occur in the mouth itself, in the very back of the mouth known as the oropharynx, and on the exterior lip of the mouth. There are two distinct pathways by which most people come to oral cancer. One is through the use of tobacco and alcohol, a long term historic problem and cause, and the other is through exposure to the HPV-16 virus (human papilloma virus version 16), a newly identified etiology, and the same one which is responsible for the vast majority of cervical cancers in women. A small percentage of people (under 7 %) do get oral cancers from no currently identified cause. It is currently believed that these are likely related to some genetic predisposition

According to the American Dental Association, there is recent good news about progress against cancer. It is now easier than ever to detect oral cancer early, when the opportunity for a cure is great. Currently only half of all patients diagnosed with oral cancer survive more than five years.


Know the early signs and see your dentist regularly.
You Should Know:

• Oral cancer often starts as a tiny, unnoticed white or red spot or sore anywhere in the mouth.
• It can affect any area of the oral cavity including the lips, gum tissue, cheek lining, tongue and the hard or soft palate.

Other Signs Include:

• A sore that bleeds easily or does not heal
• A color change of the oral tissues
• A lump, thickening, rough spot, crust or small eroded area
• Pain, tenderness, or numbness in the mouth or on the lips
• Difficulty chewing, swallowing or moving the jaw or tongue

A change in the way the teeth fit together

Regular Dental Check-ups Important
Regular dental check-ups, including an examination of the entire mouth, are essential in the early detection of cancerous and pre-cancerous conditions. You may have a very small, but dangerous, oral spot or sore and not be aware of it.

Our practice has the skills and tools to ensure that early signs of cancer and pre-cancerous conditions are identified. We can help you fight and win the battle against oral cancer.

Request an appointment or call our office to schedule a personal consultation during your next visit.
Sincerely,
Daniel R. Pestana, D.D.S.
(925) 945-8006

What is Gingivitis?

Gingivitis, is a swelling and inflammation of the gums, is the first stage of periodontal disease. Gingivitis is cause by the accumulation of plaque, the sticky film of food and bacteria that forms constantly on your teeth. If plaque isn't removed each day, the bacteria in plaque invade the space between the teeth and gums and begin producing toxins. These toxins irritate and inflame the gums, causing them to swell and bleed. Gingivitis is easily reversed, but if it's not caught in time, it can lead to periodontal disease, a more serious infection of the teeth, gums, and jawbone that can lead to tooth loss.

The Warning Signs of Gingivitis

Redness of the gums

Swollen Gums

Bleeding Gums

Foul Breath Odor

Gum Pain or Soreness



Treatment for gingivitis always includes a professional teeth cleaning to remove the plaque build-up from the teeth, some additional steps maybe required. Home care techniques, such as brushing and flossing and using an antibacterial rinse to help kill the bacteria are very important to have healthy gums. More frequent office visit to evaluate and monitor the health of your gums maybe need it if you have been diagnose with gingivitis.

It's very important to treat gingivitis early, before it progresses to periodontal disease and results in bone and tooth loss.