Dental Laser Technology to Cure Gum Disease – A Guide

Gum disease is a serious health issue that is common among adults, especially those over 30 years old. When this disease is not dealt with right away, the damages it brings to the teeth may be irreversible.

Because of the weight that comes with this health concern, dental professionals have been looking for the most effective treatments for this illness. At present, the leading gum treatment uses dental laser technology.

Learn more about laser gum treatments when you keep reading.

What Does Gum Disease Do to Oral Health?

Gum disease is known by many other names such as periodontal disease, gingivitis, and dental plaque. This illness affects the gums; it starts with the gums inflamed and swollen, and this condition leads them to be pulled away from the teeth.

It also leads to tooth loss later on. This happens because the gums and the bone supporting the teeth begin to shrink, which causes the teeth to become loose and fall out.

This condition could lead to oral health complications such as bone loss, tooth loss, infection, and even heart disease and strokes. The worst thing about the disease is that it can come back even after it has been treated.

Why Is It Important to Treat Gum Disease?

Gum disease can lead to serious health complications. Leaving the disease untreated would only make it worse. If the disease is not treated right away, more teeth might be lost.

Moreover, gum disease can also cause serious infections that lead to abscesses and bone loss. A tooth that has been affected by gum disease begins to rot, and people with the disease have a higher risk of developing tooth decay.

How Does Dental Laser Technology Work as Gum Disease Treatment?

Dental laser technology is frequently used as a treatment for gum disease. In doing so, the laser treats the bacteria that cause inflammation. The laser also encourages natural healing of the gums.  Aside from that, the laser can also remove the infected tissues, especially those that are deeply embedded in the 

What Are the Benefits of Dental Laser Technology for Gum Disease?

Customizable to Patient’s Needs

Dental lasers are customizable to the needs of each patient. They can be adjusted to extend to various lengths and widths to accommodate the needs of patients’ particular mouths and the gravity of their gum disease.

Enhanced Patient Comfort

A dental laser can easily and effectively remove the infected tissues and thereby, speed up the healing process of the gums. Because the laser has the ability to remove the infected areas quickly, the patient feels less pain.

Lowered Risk of Infection

Dental lasers are less invasive in treating gum disease. The procedure does not require patients to go under anesthesia, and it does not even require stitches. Patients will not experience any bleeding afterward, and it also lessens the chances of getting an infection.

Quicker Recovery Time

The laser treats gum disease by eliminating the bacteria that causes it. It also encourages the gums to heal naturally on their own. With this, the healing process will be completed in no time.

Final Thoughts

Dental laser technology is a highly recommended treatment for gum disease. It is safe, effective, and fast. This technology treats gum disease better than the traditional treatment methods, so it is definitely worth the try.

For laser gum surgery in Lexington, MA, don’t hesitate to give a call to Lexington Smile Studio. Our team offers LANAP and LANIP laser gum treatment to reduce gum disease, promote healthy gum tissue, and preserve teeth or dental implants. Book an exam and consultation today to identify the next step for your oral health.

How Often Do I Need to Get My Teeth Cleaned by a Dentist?

When was the last time you had your teeth cleaned? If you had to think hard to remember, then that is probably not a good sign. Getting your teeth cleaned regularly is important because it promotes better oral health and has a lot of benefits. But how often exactly is “regularly”?

How Often Should I Get My Teeth Cleaned?

As a general rule, you should have your teeth cleaned at least every six months in order to keep your teeth and gums in good condition. However, if you have any teeth that are sensitive, have visible cavities, or have gum disease, you may need more frequent cleaning.

Why Get Your Teeth Cleaned So Often?

Regular teeth cleaning helps prevent cavities from forming. A lot of the foods we eat contain sugars that give bacteria in our mouths lots of food to feed on. The bacteria produce acids that eat away at tooth enamel, causing cavities that can lead to teeth that are sensitive or even lost.

Proper cleaning also helps prevent gum disease. Gingivitis is a common form of gum disease that is characterized by red and swollen gums. If left untreated, it can develop into periodontitis, which can lead to tooth loss. During a teeth cleaning, your dentist will clean the plaque and tartar buildup away from your teeth. They may also take x-rays of your teeth to look for cavities or signs of gum disease.

Does It Hurt to Get My Teeth Cleaned?

Some people may find it uncomfortable during their first teeth cleaning. However, your dentist will do what they can to make sure it doesn’t hurt. Your dentist will speak to you about their cleaning methods and the different instruments that may be used to clean your teeth.

If you have never had your teeth cleaned before, you may be worried about how bad it might be. It is important to remember that your dentist will do what they can to make sure it isn’t painful. They will also give you sedation if you need it. If you have questions about what to expect during your first cleaning, talk with your dentist about it.

How Long Does a Teeth Cleaning Take?

Most teeth cleanings take about an hour. Your dentist will clean your teeth and remove any plaque or tartar that is on them. They may also take x-rays of your teeth to look for cavities or signs of gum disease.

After the cleaning is done, you may be given a small amount of a local anesthetic to numb the area. Then the dentist will polish your teeth to remove any stains and make your teeth look their best.

However, if your teeth are in a bad state, they may end up taking longer. So how long it takes really is a case-by-case basis, depending on how well you take care of your teeth in between these cleanings and whether there are a lot of buildups to be removed.

Conclusion

Regular teeth cleanings are one of the best daily habits you can have that promote better oral health. They help prevent cavities and gum disease and keep your teeth looking great. Most people need their teeth cleaned every six months. But if you have any other teeth problems, you should schedule cleanings more often. To sum it up, you should get your teeth cleaned regularly to help prevent cavities and gum disease.

Do you need a dentist in Lexington? You can visit us at Lexington Smile Studio. We set the standards for exceptional dental care for our patients, ensuring they are well-taken care of regardless of the service they require. Book an appointment with us today.

Why Do Dentists Ask for a Dental X-Ray: Is It Necessary?

Dentists can examine your mouth to detect possible issues, but even with their specialized tools, there’s only so much they can see. Dental issues can remain hidden underneath, so they need to look deeper. For this reason, they need the help of x-rays.

What Are Dental X-Rays?

Dental x-rays are a type of radiography which produce images of the dental structures and their internal soft tissues. They reveal problems that your dentist cannot see with the naked eye. These might include:

• Cavities
• Fractures
• Abscesses

Called “radiographs” in dental parlance, these images will reveal the condition of your teeth, tissues, bones, and the development of the jaw.

Dental X-Rays Can Save Your Life

Dental x-rays help the dentist diagnose a lot of dental problems. They are also useful for looking for hidden dental problems and structures. 

Dental x-rays are simple and painless—they’re akin to taking pictures of your mouth, although x-rays use a different wavelength of light. The images allow your dentist to track the progress of a dental problem, such as a cavity, and determine if the treatment works.

This type of radiography is also a good way of showing a dentist the progress of a dental illness, such as cancer. The x-ray images can also be used to monitor the healing process of gum disease.

What to Expect

Your dentist will ask you to prepare for your dental x-ray by eating or brushing your teeth one hour before going to the dentist. As a general rule, you should not eat or drink anything that contains particles or can stain your teeth. Water and plain black coffee or tea will be alright.

Your dentist will then take a series of dental x-rays of your mouth. Most people can sit still during the procedure. Some may need some medicine for the discomfort caused by the x-rays.

Your dentist will typically take at least two dental x-rays: a top x-ray and a lateral x-ray or bitewing x-ray. The x-rays will be taken from different angles to ensure that all of the dental structures are seen and identified.

The dentist will ask you to bite down on a plate with your teeth. The plate will be placed in the center of the film and the x-ray will be taken at the same angle each time.

How Long Is the Process?

The whole process of taking dental x-rays will take a maximum of three minutes. Most patients don’t even notice the time it took the dentist to take the images.

After taking the dental x-rays, the dentist will usually view them immediately. If a dental problem is noted, it will be checked and treated. Most dental x-ray examinations take less than 15 minutes.

The dentist will then instruct you on a regular follow-up schedule for your x-rays. It will help your dentist to track the progress of any dental disease.

Conclusion

A dental x-ray is an essential procedure in diagnosing and treating dental problems. It is painless, non-invasive, and harmless. The dentist will explain the purpose of a dental x-ray and how it is done. If it is your first time, it is best to ask what to expect before the procedure.

If you need a comprehensive dental examination or x-ray from a Lexington dentist, visit us at Lexington Smile Studio. We are an award-winning dental clinic committed to providing the highest quality dental care. Book an appointment with us by calling at (781) 861-7645.

5 Reasons You May Need A Dental Crown Procedure

Of all the common restorative procedures done on patients, dental crowns are among the most common. Why? This is often because many people run into teeth-related issues that require the replacement of a crown. This can be a result of an impact accident, tooth decay, and the like.

That said, if you’re wondering whether you need to have a dental crown done, here are some uses for it:

For Chipped Tooth

One of the most common causes of a crown is a chipped tooth. A chipped tooth can be caused by a variety of things, like accidentally biting into something hard or getting into an accident that chipped the tooth.

Regardless, the crown is usually placed over a tooth that has lost a large portion of its enamel, exposing the dense core of the tooth. The good thing about these crowns is that they look just like the tooth next to them.

For Replacing Missing Tooth

Another common use for a crown is in the replacement of a missing tooth. While the tooth is missing, the crown will be placed over it to maintain the natural look of the mouth.

Like chipped teeth, the crowns for missing teeth will also look like the tooth next to it, with the same color and shape. Plus, it’ll also feel like it.

For Preventing Tooth Decay

One of the most common causes of tooth decay is the presence of plaque. Plaque is the buildup of bacteria in the mouth, which will eventually cause tooth decay. This is a common cause of the deterioration of teeth.

Because of this, a dental crown is used to prevent tooth decay. By covering the surface of the teeth, the crown prevents plaque from accumulating on it.

For Filling Gaps and Fusing Teeth

Sometimes, a gap in your teeth will catch sugar and food when you eat and create plaque. This can cause tooth decay and gum disease. This can be prevented by filling the gaps with a crown.

This is also done to prevent teeth from moving. When one is missing, the tooth next to it will often shift out of place, which can cause it to become unsightly. By placing a crown over it, the teeth will be fused together.

For Straightening Short Teeth

Another common use for a dental crown is to straighten short teeth. This is done when a patient has crooked teeth, which can be an aesthetic issue. 

To correct a crooked tooth, a crown may be attached over the teeth. This will stabilize the teeth, giving them a more natural position and preventing them from moving.

Conclusion

Life can throw anything at you, and one of the things is something that can occur to your teeth that may leave you needing a crown placed on your teeth. That being said, as you can see, there are many uses for a crown, and if you’re wondering if you need a crown, feel free to reach out to your dentist. They can check and see what’s going on with your teeth and suggest a dental crown procedure or any other procedure you’ll need to enjoy better oral health!

Lexington Smile Studio offers a variety of dental services that set the standards of exceptional care. If you are looking for dental crowns in Lexington, get in touch with us today!

The Perfect Smile What You Need to Know about Veneers

Porcelain is highly sought after. People prefer them over vinyl when renovating because they last longer and do not lose their appeal over time. Porcelain dolls are a prized collection because of their rarity.

Porcelain can be a lifesaver for those who endure years of taunting by damaged teeth. Porcelain in the form of a veneer can hide teeth imperfections such as chipped teeth. Seasoned cosmetic dentists will tell you that the best veneers are the ones that blend well with the rest of your teeth.

Veneers are a dental miracle, but they are not the answer to everything. Before searching for the best veneers in Boston, it would be prudent to know more about them. 

What Are Veneers?

Traditional veneers are made of porcelain bonded over a tooth’s surface. It covers the front of a tooth, so its color and shape are the only things people see when they look at you. Veneers are used to cover teeth stains, cover a gap between teeth, or improve the shape and size of a tooth.

Veneers are usually made of porcelain because it is strong and looks suitable for a long time. However, metal and composite veneers are also available. Many argue that porcelain makes the best veneers because they are indistinguishable from natural teeth.

How Do They Work?

If you suffer from a damaged tooth, a veneer may or may not help with your cause. However, this dental device is needed if you have stained teeth. Porcelain veneers are affixed to the front of the teeth to hide their natural color and shape.   

Let us take crooked teeth as an example. If you have one, a cosmetic dentist will offer veneer as a solution because it rectifies the problem immediately. What is great about this is that you do not have to undergo the pain of having braces. 

However, your dentist will only offer this option if your tooth problem does not pose a severe risk to your health. For the veneer to look good and appear natural, a mold of the tooth will be made. A dental lab will then analyze the mold to ensure that it can accommodate the veneer. 

What Are the Benefits?

Who does not want beautiful teeth? If you have stained or damaged teeth, a veneer can help. If you have gaps between your teeth, veneers can cover them. This dental device gives you a great smile. 

A veneer can also help you improve the size of your teeth if they are too small for your liking. Your dentist will suggest getting a veneer if you have teeth that are misshapen or uneven.

Veneers can give you a smile you have always wanted. You will also feel confident when you talk to people because you no longer have to hide your teeth.

Conclusion

Veneers are a dental miracle. You can get this device as a solution to your damaged or stained teeth. However, you should not expect it to solve every problem with your teeth. Porcelain veneers are helpful, but they should not be used to replace regular dental check-ups. 

If you want to get the best veneers in Boston, you should get them from Lexington Smile Studio. We take great pride that we have been restoring smiles since 1991, so allow us to do it for you. Book an appointment now!

Adverse Effects of Living with an Untreated Tongue-Tie

The tongue’s range of motion is controlled or limited by a thin band of tissue called a frenulum, most commonly found under or around the lips or the tongue. Those with an excessively short or tight frenulum, often known as a tongue- or lip-tie, have a frenulum that restricts the tongue’s movement.

Moving your tongue freely is hampered if you or your kid suffer from a tongue tie. This limitation can substantially impact speech, eating, respiration, sleep, and so many other aspects of life over time. This article will educate you about the probable dangers of living with an untreated tongue-tie and the steps you may take to avoid them.

Tongue-Tie Issues at Birth

A tongue-tie in an infant might cause difficulty in breastfeeding. Failure to thrive, colic, impaired maternal-infant bonding, or early termination of nursing are just a few of the issues experienced by new mothers. 

If their infant has a tongue-tie, the mother may have problems of her own, such as discomfort when nursing, nipple injury, or even psychological issues such as despair or an overwhelming sense of failure. 

The root of the problem will not be solved by discontinuing nursing. A child’s tongue-tie may worsen as they grow older if it is not addressed. It is best to seek a tongue tie dentist near you for help.

Tongue-Tie Issues in Children

It may begin as early as infancy when a child has difficulty eating solid meals. It is usual for a toddler with a tongue tie to experience worsening digestion or feeding problems as they grow older. 

Tightness in the child’s tongue or irregular jaw growth can produce a narrowing of the upper palate, increasing the risk of sleep apnea and other breathing problems. 

Speech difficulties can affect confidence and self-esteem, particularly in school or when making new friends. As a result, the body has begun to adjust to the limitations in range of motion by forming unconscious, unfavorable habits that represent a more significant obstacle to oral health and function.

Tongue-Tie Issues in Adulthood

People with a tongue-tie usually develop unhelpful habits by the time they reach adulthood. An adult with tongue-tie may experience malnutrition due to their inability to chew and swallow their meals properly. 

As a result of the restricted movement of the tongue, they may suffer from speech impairment or sleep apnea. To make matters worse, those who have grown up with a tongue tie are more likely to suffer from a temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD), which can cause chronic discomfort in the jaws and headaches when the jaws open or close.

Treatments for Tongue-Tie

Others believe that tongue-ties aren’t a huge concern and will go away as you get older. That is not the case, unfortunately. An individual with a tongue tie must have it released to have a complete range of motion in their tongue, regardless of their age or youth. 

This operation, known as a functional frenuloplasty, uses a laser to free up the tissue. A set of exercises known as myofunctional therapy might be prescribed by your tongue tie dentist 

after the tongue tie is loosened to repair any bad habits that were formed as compensation for the reduced range of motion.

Conclusion

Nobody should have to live their entire lives feeling limited by the lack of mobility in their tongue. Fortunately, there is a way to prevent those issues. Some people may feel embarrassed by the need for a tongue-tie release, but as a parent, you should never feel ashamed of asking for help to provide a better life for your children.

Are you looking for a tongue-tie doctor in Lexington? Lexington Smile Studio offers treatments for tongue-tie or lip-tie in adults. Book your appointment today!

How Does Invisalign Move Your Teeth

People who want straight teeth but don’t want to wear traditional braces often choose Invisalign, a rapidly expanding treatment. Prospective patients wonder how Invisalign straightens teeth and whether it’s really better than conventional braces. Here’s how this innovative orthodontic treatment works.

Why Do Teeth Move with Invisalign?

You should first learn about the jaw and how teeth move with Invisalign. Your teeth are held in place in your jaw through the alveolar bone and the periodontal ligament, which connects the roots of your teeth to your jaw. To move your teeth with Invisalign, the alveolar bone around the tooth’s roots needs to be altered.

The Invisalign treatment involves creating a series of 3D models of the teeth and gums to track each tooth’s movement. The pressure on each tooth is adjusted to break down bone and rebuild it where needed most gradually. 

The teeth are then gently moved into the correct position without any metal hardware. Simple cases can be completed in about eight weeks; more complex cases take up to two years, especially if your smile journey requires Invisalign refinements.

This is why the Invisalign treatment process takes time. It takes time for the jawbone to remodel itself and form strong roots. All of this happens while you wear your aligner trays, which provides passive root development.

How Does Invisalign Work?

Invisalign aligners are made of a clear, smooth plastic material that looks like a mouthguard. They fit inside your mouth, but you can’t see them. You wear your aligner trays for 21 to 24 hours a day, removing them only to eat, brush your teeth, and floss.

While you wear your aligner trays, they push your teeth in the direction they should go. They also separate your teeth into correct positions that are relaxed. This helps you develop the jawbone density that your teeth need to strengthen. Invisalign exerts on your teeth passive pressure, instead of traditional braces, which exert active pressure.

Which Dental Issues Does Invisalign Treat?

Before you decide to get Invisalign for straighter teeth, ask your orthodontist if clear aligners are the best option for you. Only they can determine whether they are right for you.

Many people choose Invisalign over traditional braces to straighten their teeth. Invisalign can correct several dental issues, including crookedness, crowding, and malocclusion. Invisalign might work just as well as traditional braces for people with minor problems.

• Crooked Teeth
• Overbite
• Underbite
• Crossbite
• Open Bite
• Spacing Issues
• Crowded Teeth

Clear aligners still have limitations despite recent advances in technologies, like Invisalign attachments. If your teeth are not a good shape for the standard clear aligners or have large gaps, you will probably need traditional braces to correct your smile. Your orthodontist can figure out what is best for you.

Conclusion

Invisalign has many benefits. It provides straight teeth without metal hardware, which makes it more discreet. This makes it easier to wear braces in public without being self-conscious. Invisalign is also practical, as it can be worn while the patient is sleeping; this provides the most effective and efficient treatment.

Invisalign is a popular option for adults who want their teeth to be straighter. It can also be used with other orthodontic appliances, including retainers, to give you the smile you want. 

Established in 1991 by Dr. Fawn Rosenberg, Lexington Smile Studio sets the standards for exceptional care where we provide a full range of dental services for your entire family. Our dental services include cosmetic dentistry, prosthodontics, implant dentistry, periodontics, and laser dentistry. If you’re interested in Invisalign treatment in Lexington, we’re here to help! Book an appointment today and get the smile of your dreams next!

The Basics of Dental Care: Why Are X-Rays Necessary

X-rays are a popular technology capable of showing us what’s beneath our skin without having to do surgical procedures. It does this by using high-energy electromagnetic radiation, which passes through all our soft tissues, being absorbed by anything denser and resulting in a still image. This still image, printed onto a special film or viewed with the help of digital sensors, is what medical professionals then use to advise their patients accurately. 

So what does this have to do with dental care? The thing is, our teeth and the whole of our mouth are perfect candidates for x-rays since dentists won’t want to immediately do surgical procedures in an individual’s mouth. 

Should they feel that the problem lies somewhere deeper than the surface, a dentist can use x-rays for non-invasive action, developing a better idea of what to do in that specific patient’s case.

The Importance of X-Rays in Dental Visits

While dentists are experts in their profession, they can always benefit from using technology to aid them in their practice. X-rays are just one of these available tools that make the dentists’ job easier. The best part is that it can detect both physical damages as well as any diseases. This versatility is what makes an x-ray a necessary piece of equipment for any dental clinic. 

With all those benefits, it goes to show that patients shouldn’t worry if their dentist suggests using x-rays during their visits. It’s a perfectly safe technology that can help prevent underlying diseases from sneaking past our oral exams. After all, not all conditions manifest themselves in a way that we will be able to see for ourselves.  

Comparing Diagnostic X-Rays and Therapeutic X-Rays

What most people don’t know about x-rays is that there’s more than one use for them. That said, if your dentist suggests the need for an x-ray, don’t readily assume that it will only be to take a peek into your bone structure. You can expect x-rays to be either for therapeutic use or for diagnosis. 

Therapeutic x-rays are what will be most commonly used for general dental care. These are relatively standard when coming in for a cleaning and oral exam. These are meant to give the dentist a more detailed view of your mouth, helping them clean all the necessary areas and find signs of issues that need more attention. 

Diagnostic x-rays, on the other hand, are usually reserved for more serious dental treatments. These are meant to get a detailed and accurate image of the tooth, from the root all the way to the crown. In cases of root canals, for example, a periapical x-ray might be used by your dentist as this gives them an image of your tooth in full detail. 

Commonly, a dentist will take panoramic x-rays to give them a good look at all of your teeth. 

An alternative to this is the bitewing x-ray which instead focuses on a more specific area.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, the goal is to make sure your teeth are in the best shape and that your mouth is as clean as it can be. This entails work on your part but don’t worry—the heavy lifting will be taken care of by your dentist. As long as you give your dentist the trust that they deserve, you should find that dental visits are a lot easier than you imagined. 

If you’re looking for a dentist in Lexington, then you’ve come to the right place. Established in 1991 by Dr. Fawn Rosenberg, Lexington Smile Studio sets the standards for exceptional care where we provide a full range of dental services for your entire family. Our dental services include cosmetic dentistry, prosthodontics, implant dentistry, periodontics, and laser dentistry. For more information on what we can do for you, visit our website today!