The Perils of Plaque

What is Plaque

When food and saliva combine in the mouth they create a soft deposit called plaque, a sticky, colorless film that is constantly coating the teeth. Plaque contains millions of bacteria, and when you consume foods and drinks that have sugars and starches the bacteria uses it to create acids that attack the enamel surrounding the teeth. Because plaque is so sticky, these acids can stay on the teeth for long periods of time if you do not floss and brush frequently. Over time, allowing plaque to build up on the teeth can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.

Gingivitis and Periodontitis
 

Gingivitis is a swelling of the gums caused by a buildup of plaque. This mild form of gum disease can irritate the gums, causing bleeding, soreness and inflammation. When the gums become inflamed, they separate from the tooth, causing a space or a “pocket” between the tooth and gum. Gingivitis can usually be treated by flossing and brushing to remove the plaque that has formed on the teeth. If this plaque is not removed, it will invade the pockets, allowing bacterial toxins to irritate the area and cause chronic inflammation, called periodontitis. Periodontitis can destroy the soft tissue and gums surrounding the teeth, and if left untreated can lead to losing your teeth.

Health Risks Related to Gum Disease

Gum disease can have negative effects on your overall health, not just your oral health. New research and studies are being conducted to examine the possible links between advanced periodontitis and other health complications including heart disease, stroke, premature births, diabetes, and respiratory problems.

Preventing Plaque

It’s simple to avoid gum disease by having good oral hygiene. Make sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day, once in the morning and once before bed, and to floss at least once a day. An even better way to stop plaque from accumulating is to brush after every meal or snack consumed throughout the day. It is also important to visit your dental hygienist every six month.

Artistic Dental Beams into the 21st Century with the Latest Laser Technology

We’ve all heard how laser technology can reverse the signs of aging and erase fine lines and wrinkles, right? Now there is a laser that completely changes how dentists can treat cavities; enter Solea from Convergent Dental.

Artistic Dental is proud to announce that we are the first in Phoenix to have the new technology, and more importantly it is needle and drill-free. The tool allows us to perform routine procedures for filling cavities and shaving teeth to be fitted for crowns.

Convergent Dental states that Solea was designed to mimic the look and feel of the drill while eliminating the discomfort that is associated with dental drilling. We’re are committed to delivering anxiety free dentistry and adding the Solea laser equipment at our practice is another helps us offer the latest in care and treatment to our patients.

The rapid pulses of the laser allows us to skip anesthesia in up to 96 percent of cases. The innovative device gives dentists increased control through its variable speed foot pedal. In turn, this saves time and makes for a natural transition from the drill.

Solea is the first isotopic CO2 laser tool ever cleared by the FDA for hard and soft tissue ablation. The laser not only carefully cuts the tooth to remove decay and make way for the filling, it also provides a numbing effect. The tool is fast and offers the precision that traditional measures do not match.

We are excited to offer this service to our patients. We pride ourselves on bringing the latest in dentistry to Artistic Dental and creating a positive experience caring for our patients.

The new equipment arrived in early September. After completing our training, we began treating patients in October. We are currently using the Solea for patients in need of fillings. We have also used it in cases where a patient had a lesion on their tongue. Patients are thrilled to be able to skip the shot and to go home without the numb feeling typically experienced after leaving the dentist.
Charges for the service are the same as traditional fillings and will be covered under insurance based on an individual’s policy coverage.

Feel free to contact our office to learn more about all the technologies we use at Artistic Dental.