Laser Fillings
Lasers are an exciting addition to dental care. Many dentists use lasers to treat gum disease or to remove or re-shape tissue, like for a biopsy. Laser soft tissue procedures are more comfortable and heal more quickly. In 2011, we became one of the first dental offices in Montana to use a laser for fillings and working on teeth. This laser replaces the drill. The laser energy vaporizes tooth material and tooth decay. The laser helps to numb the tooth and we usually don't need any local anesthetic. Although it is always available, most of the time, people choose to do their fillings without any anesthetic. We have done hundreds of fillings with the laser and have had few people ask for novocaine. One drawback, we cannot use the laser to remove old silver fillings. Do you have cavities and concerns about traditional fillings? Would you prefer to have your fillings done without any novocaine or lots of drilling? Maybe laser fillings are just what you need!
Oral-Systemic Connection
There is new research coming out every month that confirms that if your mouth is not healthy, your body is not healthy. Most people have somewhere between 600 and 700 different types of micro-organisms in their mouth. These bacteria form a film on the surface of your teeth and gums, called a biofilm. The organisms in the biofilm communicate with one another, share DNA, and work together to cause dental disease, like tooth decay or gum disease. Many of these bacteria are also associated with disease in other parts of your body. In a healthy mouth, these bacteria are kept under control by antibodies and the body's immune system. If a person has any swelling or bleeding or loose teeth, these organisms can get into your bloodstream and travel throughout your body. We know that dental bacteria in your blood are associated with increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and some kinds of cancers. Dental bacteria are often found in the material that builds up inside clogged arteries and in the brain formations associated with Alzheimer's Disease. Keep yourself healthy! See your dentist regularly!
Ozone
Ozone is a gas that is a naturally occurring form of oxygen. Most often we find ozone in the air during a lightning storm and the there is a protective ozone layer in the atmosphere. Ozone is also one of the most powerful anti-microbials. Ozone has been shown to kill all bacteria, viruses, yeasts, funguses and prions that it has been tested against. It is used in the US for water purification and in Europe for medical instrument sterilization. It is used by dentists and physicians all over the world, including places where there is no access to pharmaceuticals. We use ozone gas to treat mouth infections, gum infections, to disinfect root canals and deep fillings, and to treat cold sores. Ask us about it!
If you would like to purchase ozone oils, we recommend: OzoneOils.com,
TMD / Headaches / Jaw Pain / Migraines
Newer research has confirmed that if your teeth don't come together properly, if your teeth don't meet evenly when you chew, or if you are missing teeth, these conditions are significant contributing factors for most people with headaches, migraines, jaw and face tension, and many symptoms associated with Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJ or TMD). We are one of the few dental offices in Montana using computer based biometric tools and processes to accurately diagnose and treat these conditions. We use Disclusion Time Reduction (DTR) Therapy for treating headaches, bite problems, facial muscle tension conditions and many symptoms of TMD - often without the need for plastic night guards. If you have any of these symptoms, especially if you had braces, had teeth extracted, or if you have been unsuccessfully treated by a dentist for your symptoms ... if you suffer, you know ... we may be able to help. See our blog (below) for more information and for links to procedure videos.
Click here for more info : Disclusion Time Reduction
Click here for more info : How Do You Know If You Have TMD?
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a breathing condition that affects most American adults, men and women over age 60, but we frequently see sufferers in their 20s and 30s! Up to 1 out of 3 people over age 70. The biggest concern with OSA is that you may stop breathing in your sleep and die, or be too tired to be safe in your work or while driving, and harm yourself or other people. Diagnosis of OSA is by a sleep study - the Home Sleep Test is the standard screening tool since OSA is the most common sleep disorder, but there are many different sleep disorders that only a sleep center study can discover . Treatment for moderate to severe OSA is a CPAP - a small compressor that blows air into your lungs as you sleep. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends a dental treatment for mild to moderate OSA, and for people who cannot tolerate their CPAP. As you would expect, many people are unsuccessful at getting used to a CPAP. If you, or your spouse, snores or stops breathing, it can increase your risk of stroke, heart attack, diabetes or fatality. We also suggest home sleep screening for people with hypertension, diabetes, a pacemaker, or are overweight to see if OSA is a partial cause of their condition. Are you concerned? Maybe we can help.
Click here for more info : The Latest Concepts in Diagnosis and Dental Treatment for Sleep Apnea
