What It Is:

Lasers have long been the standard of care in medicine for many surgical and cosmetic procedures such as LASIK, wrinkle and hair removal and many other dermatology, surgery, ophthalmology uses. WaterLase® is a next generation laser technology device now cleared for periodontal procedures by the FDA. Leading periodontists around the world are now performing thousands of pain-free procedures with no anesthesia, no drills and no numb lips using this device.

Traditional treatments using a dental drill have numerous drawbacks. The heat and vibration of the dental drill can potentially cause tiny cracks in the surrounding healthy tooth that can eventually lead to cavities underneath fillings, the need for a root canal, or even the loss of a tooth. The WaterLase is a precise targeting tool that removes only the decay portion without damaging the surrounding tooth. In addition, as cold cutting laser using no damaging heat or sonic vibrations, WaterLase cannot possibly harm adjacent teeth or gums. It gets rid of only the bad with no side effects.

What it Means:

It’s even safe for babies, children, teens, and adults. It’s especially appropriate for women during pregnancy, when it is best to avoid introducing any unnecessary medications into the body; for the elderly, who need to be aware of potential drug interactions; and for the immune system compromised, who should be careful to avoid any cross contamination.

Why Cross Contamination Matters…

If you have ever had food poisoning, you know what cross contamination is. Encountering bacteria where you don’t expect it. The potential for cross-contamination between patients in the dental operatory is a real although small but documented risk.

Vigilance with cleanliness is the key operating principle at our office, but there is a certain hard reality we must face. Up to 15% of “sterilized” burs and up to 76% of “sterilized” endodontic files can carry minor trace pathogenic micro-organisms. Complex bur surfaces found on some instruments are always difficult to clean.

WaterLase has a great potential to reduce risk even further. WaterLase is a cleaner, safer dental instrument by design. Its flawless tip surface does not harbor potential debris or bacteria like the abrasive surface of burs and files. WaterLase YSGG laser energy kills bacteria on exposure. The instrument is similar to a flashlight and works without requiring direct contact to the tooth. WaterLase also offers single-use, disposable tips.

As technology continues to improve, our commitment is to continue to provide you with the safest, most comfortable experience possible. We encourage you to stop by our office and ask us questions about this exciting new development. If you have been holding off on having a procedure or treatment done, now may be the perfect time to solve your problems using this fantastic new technology!

Naples Fluoride

The Collier County Commissioners recently voted 4 to one to continue the practice of adding small amounts of fluoride to the public water supply. Significant scientific evidence exists to support the safe use of small amounts of fluoride to public drinking water to reduce or eliminate dental decay in children’s teeth. Should a county remove fluoride from the water system, the public would be substantially more at risk of developing dental decay. Fluoridated pubic water is sometimes the only way impoverished people receive the mineral.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports 65 years of success with community water fluoridation. They conclude “this simple, safe and inexpensive public health intervention has contributed to a remarkable decline in tooth decay in theUnited States, with each generation enjoying better health than the previous generation.”

The CDC recognizes water fluoridation as one of the 10 great achievements in public health of the 20^th century.

Non-supporters are unable to reveal credible evidence showing fluoridation in such a small concentration in public drinking water is associated with harmful or injurious effects on the public. A vocal minority in Collier County opposes fluoridated water on various grounds but is unable to provide valid scientific evidence to support their opposition. Kudos to the Collier County Commissioners for their educated thinking and respect for evidence-based clinical studies and scientific research!

For More Info about this story:  http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2011/sep/13/commissioners-flouride-stay-collier-drinking-water/

Regardless of the fluoride in the drinking water, a health regiment of oral healthcare is required to protect your teeth from all the environmental dangers we are exposed to. For more information on how to create a plan that works best for you and the ones that you love we encourage you to call or visit our office for more information. Also feel free to leave comments on what you think of this issue below.