What is LANAP?
LANAP stands for Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure and is a synonym for LPT, also known Laser Periodontal Treatment. The use of the specialized ND: YAG crystal laser has revolutionized the treatment of gum disease by making it possible to target both soft and hard tissues suffering from bacterial infection. Most of the 66% of Americans suffering gum disease never do anything about it because of misgivings about dental surgery. LANAP offers them a virtually painless and much more convenient alternative.

Is the laser painful?
It is hot, but not painful. The ND: YAG emits a stream of cool water or air to prevent the gumline from being damaged by its heat. Its precision focus and bright red beam make it very easy for the dentist to target only the diseased tissue, leaving healthy tissue alone and minimizing discomfort to the point that the procedure requires no anesthetic.

What steps are involved in LANAP?
First, a probe is used to determine excessive pocket depth and the amount of infected tissue. The dentist then removes the diseased tissue with the laser, killing bacteria in the process. Prior to closing off the pocket, the dentist also removes tartar from the tooth root with special instruments and an ultrasonic scaler. Finally, the pocket is cleaned with the laser one more time and sealed to prevent future infections from developing.

What advantages and benefits do LANAP offers over traditional surgery, and is it truly as effective?
Yes, it is just as effective as traditional surgery. In terms of its advantages and benefits, there are several. First, patients can expect a much quicker recovery time because laser dental treatment minimizes damage to healthy tissue. Also, because the laser does not cut tissue gum height is better preserved around the teeth, resulting in considerably less post-operative stress to the mouth. Minor pain that patients sometimes experience is easily treated without a prescription with over the counter pin medicine. The NG: YAG laser also causes minimal bleeding, and the patient feels little pain during or after the procedure.

How long does LANAP take?
Generally, it only requires two, 2-hour visits followed by two short follow-ups. Since there are no stitches to remove, a typical recover, in many cases, can take less than 24 hours. People with busy schedules can get back to work much more quickly with laser assisted new attachment procedure.

Is there any possibility of tooth loss afterwards?
No. Tooth loss will actually be prevented by this procedure. The treatment is so friendly to healthy hard and soft tissues that it actually encourages the formation of new cementum and collagen on the roots. This strengthens them further inside the newly-treated periodontal pocket and solidifies their position within the gumline.

Labels: alternative to dental surgery, LANAP, laser assisted new attachment procedure, LPT

What is cosmetic dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry is a ranged of highly advanced, specialized dental services that blend advanced medical knowledge with personalized aesthetics. Our ultimate goal is to restore the confidence and optimism of each patient with a brand new smile that looks as good, if not even better, than the original.

What are some basic elements of cosmetic dentistry?
Some of our services include, sophisticate, natural-looking tooth whitening, replacement of outdated and actually unhealthy mercury fillings, and veneer reshaping of individual teeth to correct overlaps, gaps, and crooked services.

How individualized are your services to each patient?
Our services are extremely personalized. They have to be, because every smile is unique. Our dentists take the time to listen carefully to the wants and needs of each patient in order to get a sense of the personality and lifestyle of the individual. The dentist will then take careful facial measurements of the patient that will allow new features that are proportional to the bone structure, age, and gender to be molded into the teeth.

To what extent do cosmetic dentistry services utilize advanced technology?
Modern technology is a very important component of our work. One of the most important pieces of technology we use is intra-oral camera. This camera examines the teeth and produces a high-resolution, full color image on a monitor. We can examine every detail of a group of teeth or gum line and we can make a more accurate diagnosis and plan for corrective treatment. We can then create an image of what the outcome will look like, show it to the patient, and ensure both comfort and satisfaction prior to beginning any work.

Do you replace old fillings?
Yes, and we strongly recommend that anyone with old or failing silver-mercury fillings come to the Cosmetic Dentistry Center to have these fillings removed and replaced with more modern, natural-looking, and stronger porcelain inlays and composite resins. Mercury is not a healthy substance for the human body, so when old fillings fail, it is advisable and remove it with substances that are much better for the body, will hold up better to the test of time, and truly look better in a smile because they blend in with the color and structure of teeth themselves.

Do you do teeth replacement?
Yes. Tooth replacement is a cornerstone element of cosmetic dentistry. It is our firm belief, and something of an understood mission statement at our center, that no human being should ever have to live with missing teach. The replacement of missing teeth and the restoration of a natural, healthy-looking smile restores not only beauty to the face, but self-confidence to the heart and increased physical comfort to the mouth with a more even and contiguous bite.

What methods do you use to replace missing teeth?
Our website itemizes many of the advanced methods we use to reconstruct a smile to its original—if not better than original—state. Some of these options include bridges, retained dentures, and implants, to name just a few.

Labels: bridges, cosmetic dentistry, Dental Implants, porcelain inlays, porcelain veneers, retained dentures, tooth whitening

Monday, December 15, 2008

Is it possible to eat normally with a full frontal bridge, for example biting into an apple? Can one be put in place with minimum shaping of the teeth or will they be permanently disfigured? If implants are an option, can it be performed with local anesthesia only. I''m not to comfortable with being put out. Thanks
An anterior bridge(front) can be very strong but of course not as strong as your natural teeth. It also depends how many of your front are missing.. When preparing the teeth for a bridge they do have to be shaped so that the dental lab has enough to room to place the metal and then stack the porcelain so that the bridge looks natural and not bulky. The more teeth that are missing the weaker the bridge will be. If you want implants, you can do the procedure under local anesthetic, however you want to make sure that the implants will be esthetically pleasing and not have alot of metal showing.
I hope this has helped you in deciding what to do, if you have any further questions,please don''t hesitate to call us at:1-888-790-0309.
Tuesday, December 09, 2008

I am 32 years old and I have been fighting Periodontitis since I was 18 year old. I have been through multipal surgeries and bone grafts. I am not a tobacco user. I also have deep cleanings done 4 times a year and I still have very deep pockets, some are as deep as 8mm. Doctors believe that my case is genetic since my dad lost his teeth in his late 30''s and very early 40''s. I have been reading up on this Laser Therapy and would like to know if I would be a good candidate for it? Also, how much does it cost? How many treatment does it normaly take?
Thanks for your inquiry. Apparantly, you are very knowledgable about periodontal disease. You would most likely be a candidate for laser periodontal therapy. Anyone with periodontal disease can be treated with the Periolase The first thing that you need to do is to find a dentist that has one. I have provided a link to their web site. I want to emphasize to you that there are many dentists that have lasers, but the Periolase MVP-7 is the only one that is FDA approved to treat periodontal disease. I also want you to remeber that even though your periodontal disease can be treated, you need to remeber that your genetic makeup will how an effect on your treatment outcome.
Dale J. Brant, DDS
888.790.0309
Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Hello,I have a receding gum line but only over one tooth. It''s very embarrassing since it''s one of my front teeth. Could this be gum disease? What can I do to prevent this. I noticed that It gets a bit sore only for about 3 days every other month. Any advice?
Hello Amanda! I think it would be a great idea if you came to our office so we could see exactly what is going on with your tooth. Have you had your teeth cleaned lately? The recession could be from periodontal(gum) disease or it could be from your occlusion. Is your lower tooth hitting your upper tooth. Do you think you fractured your tooth?
Please call us at 1-888-790-0309 for an appointment.
Elizabeth O''Sullivan-WinslowDDS
Monday, November 17, 2008

I have very small teeth and was thinkingof getting something done about because im very concious when i smile or laugh but my friend suggested that i might have too much gum and i could get it removed, could that be the problem and if so is there a precedure i can get?
Cosmetic dentistry involves not only the teeth, but the soft tissues. A part of cosmetic restoration often involves reshaping or treating the gum tissue. You should have a comprehensive exam that looks at any possible periodontal issues as well as the cosmetics of the level of the soft tissue. It can dramatically change the look of the smile.

Chuck Campbell, DDS
713-795-5905
Wednesday, November 12, 2008

hey i was wondering if you could answer the questions i have about my teeth. First of all i have had braces for about 2 years now but the gum on my bottom teeth seems to be receding. Sometimes theres blood after i brush my teeth but its rare. Is my gum receding because i brush too hard or do i need help... how can i recover the gum line or is it not possible?
First of all, I think you should wait until your braces come off because you have had alot of tooth movement , which may be causing some of your recession. Once you have your braces removed, I would suggest that you go to a periodontist (gum specialist) for an evaluation. He may have to do some form of tissue grafting to cover up the recession. which will help restore your gumline.
I hope this has helped you and if you have any further questions, please don''t hesitate to call us at:1-888-790-0309
Tuesday, November 11, 2008

How much does the surgery cost?
Thanks for your inquiry. It is extremely difficult to tell you how much gum surgery can cost. We first havre to determine what your needs are. You may have periodontal disease in addition to needing to have excess gum tissue removed. The first step wouled be to have a complete dental evaluation. That way you and your dentist will know what your needs are and then what will be needed to treat your problems. I hope this helps.
Dale J. Brant, DDS
888.790.0309
Monday, November 10, 2008

i have what its called a gummy smile along with several embarissing gaps...its invisaling right for me
You need a comprehensive examination with orthodontic treatment in mind. Invisalign is a terrific tool, but it has some limitations. The "gumminess" of your smile can lead to different types of treatment, depending upon the severity.

Chuck Campbell, DDS
713-795-5905

Labels: cosmetic dentistry, Dental Implants, Gum Disease, Veneers