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Other Treatments
Sensitive Teeth
There are numerous reasons for the external surfaces of the teeth to become sensitive to hot, cold, or touch.
Some reasons for sensitive teeth are:
- Gums recede exposing the dentin, which has tiny nerve fibers in it.
- The teeth are repeatedly exposed to acid regurgitated from the stomach, attributed to conditions such as GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease).
- The teeth are exposed to acid from continual vomiting (bulimia).
- Aggressive tooth brushing over many years has worn slots in the surface of the teeth, exposing the dentin.
- Excessive eating of acidic foods such as pineapple and tomatoes.
- Excessive drinking of acidic carbonated soft drinks or fruit juices.
- Any other excessive and constant use of acidic foods or beverages.
- The teeth have been worn on their chewing (occlusal) surfaces by bruxism (grinding of the upper and lower teeth together and wearing the enamel off).
Teeth with sensitive external surfaces can be treated several ways, including:
- Using a desensitized toothpaste or other medications.
- Placing a coating of plastic material over the sensitive areas.
- Impregnating the tiny holes (dental canals) in the tooth with various chemicals to desensitize.
- Reduction or elimination of the offending reasons stated above that have caused the sensitivity.
- Placing restorations (fillings) in the sensitive teeth.
Depending on your treatment needs, we will advise you of the best alternative for your sensitive teeth.
Desensitization Treatment - PerioLase MVP-7 Dental Laser
Dental sensitivity affects more than 40% of adults worldwide, and more than 40 million people in the United States. [1] Exposed dental tubules are believed to be the predominate cause, with sensitivity to heat and cold the most common complaint. Laser therapy can help close tubules and reduces sensitivity.
[1] Prevalence of dentine hypersensitivity in a general dental population. Irwin CR, P. Ir Dent Assoc. 1997; 43(1):7-9.
Benefits
- Relieves discomfort of sensitive teeth
- Can be performed before or after restorative treatments to increase patient comfort
Dry Mouth
Protect Your Teeth and Prevent Periodontal Damage
When there is an inadequate flow of saliva in your mouth, the mouth feels dry and irritated. Dry mouth can make it difficult to speak, swallow, taste, chew, or wear dentures. Tooth decay and bad breath, loose dentures if present, and gum disease are also encouraged when there is inadequate saliva present. There are many situations that stimulate dry mouth; taking many different medications is the most common cause of dry mouth. Additionally, menopause, and various systemic diseases are causative.
What can you do about dry mouth?
Many brands of artificial saliva are available in pharmacies. Consult with us for a recommended brand. These solutions contain most of the constituents of real salive. However, they do not last for more than several minutes. Many dry-mouth patients carry a small pocket/purse-sized container of artificial saliva to be used frequently throughout the day. Whenever possible, sipping water is useful as a preventive action. Medications are available to increase saliva flow, but unfortunately, they increase all bodily fluid secretion and have some side effects. Ask us about these medications.
Additionally, while dry mouth is controllable with the above courses of treatment, they only work during daytime hours. The most damage to teeth and gums from dry mouth occurs during sleep when saliva production is lowest. A custom-made upper and lower appliance tray, fabricated to fit comfortably and maintain protectant gel, can protect your teeth during sleep and and prevent periodontal damage. We can discuss this option with you at your next appointment.
Bite Guards
Occlusal Splints (Bite Guards) for Clenching and Grinding
The purpose of splint therapy is to allow your lower and upper jaw to come together without tooth contact, thereby reducing muscle pain and tooth wear. Many situations cause the malfunction of your lower jaw. Examples are accidents, surgery, develpomental defects, peculiar oral habits, many fillings place over numerous years, naturally occuring malocclusion (poor bite), orthodontics, psychological stress, bruxhing (abnormal, excessive tooth contact), and other conditions.
What Does an Occlusal Splint Accomplish?
This treatment has been used for many years to keep the teeth from contacting during chewing and to allow the lower jaw to return to a comfortable hinge position without interference and guidance from the teeth. When the splint has been worn a few days the jaw functions freely. Occlusal splints assist in establishing normal jaw function.
Burning Mouth Syndrome
This infrequently occurring syndrome is frustrating and painful. There are numerous potential reasons for this condition, and they are difficult to determine for specific patients. Potential causes that may relate to your condition are nutritional deficiencies, food allergies, diabetes, menopause, medications, radiation therapy for cancer, chemotherapy, and regurgitation of acid into the mouth.
We will analyze your medical condition to determine potential causes for your burning mouth syndrome. A few overall preventative suggestions are:
- Eliminate mouthwashes, especially those containing alcohol
- Reduce or eliminate smoking
- Reduce or eliminate beverages containing acid
- Be aware that some chewing gums cause burning mouth
- Change your toothpaste to one WITHOUT sodium laurel sulfate (the foaming agent)
Until the cause of your burning mouth is determined and a cure started, placing ice in your mouth allows a simple and temporarily successful relief. We will advise you concerning long-term relief of the condition.
Canker Sores
Canker Sores (Aphthous Ulcers)
One of the most painful, frequently occurring conditions that plague patients is canker sores on the cheeks, lips, tongue, gums, or palate. They can even occur outside of, but close to, the mouth. Fortunately, whether you treat them or not, canker sores usually disappear in about one week or a little longer. The cause of these objectionable sores is unknown, but fatigue, some foods, irritation with with a sharp object or toothbrush, emotional distress, or other reasons are potential causes.
What can you do about canker sores?
- Avoid irritating or abrading the soft tissue of the mouth.
- When a canker sore is present, don't irritate it, brush it, or eat hot, spicy foods.
- Pharmacies have many drying, numbing, or protective ointments that can relieve the discomfort. Ask us for a product recommendation.
- Temporary relief can be obtained by sucking on an ice cube.
- If there are multiple canker sores present, we can prescribe medication to assist in controlling the problem.
- Advanced laser dentistry treatment
Aphthous Ulcers Treatment - PerioLase MVP-7 Dental Laser
Aphthous ulcers are painful, yet generally disappear without treatment in 10-14 days. Ulcers aren’t infectious and tend to recur less with age. The cause is not known, but related factors include injury, changes in hormone levels, lack of iron, food allergies, stress, and certain medications.
Benefits of PerioLase MVP-7 dental laser treatment:
- Eliminates pain associated with the aphthous ulcer
- Increases patient convenience by avoiding having to reschedule appointment because of pain from site
- For particular large ulcers, treatment can speed the healing process
Cold Sores
Many people develop cold sores or so-called "fever blisters" on their lips or in their mouth. These lesions are caused by the herpes virus, and they can easily be passed on from one person to another, or even to other parts of the body. Various conditions, such as drying the lips, sunburn, a high fever, or stress can cause cold sores to erupt. The causative agent for these lesions stays in the body once you have had it. Fortunately, they heal in about one week.
What can you do about cold sores?
- · Topical anesthetics are available for cold sores.
- · Various sealers or protectants are available.
- · Topical or systemic anti-viral medications can be prescribed by us. They are best if delivered to you as soon as you feel the cold sore developing.
- · Ice placed on the lesion provides some relief.
- · Unfortunately, healing cannot be accelerated.
These lesions can be spread easily. Be careful! There is no known cure for cold sores.
Herpetic Lesion (Viral Therapy) Treatment - PerioLase MVP-7 Dental Laser
Herpetic lesions can occur in three different forms: recurrent small blisters on the lips, a generalized oral infection, or small ulcers on the palatal mucosa. The most common form is small blisters on the lips, which can be treated with low level laser therapy. Outbreaks may be triggered by sunlight, physical trauma, stress, and other irritants. Lesions will usually resolve in 10-14 days, but may be painful.
Benefits:
- Safe, quick, and comfortable treatment that relieves pain
- Immediate relief
- Lesions can be treated before a breakout if patients feel an “onset”
- Laser treatments can help reduce the number of cold sores and severity of future outbreaks
- For particular large ulcers, treatment can speed the healing process
- No anesthesia needed
