Laser Dentistry
For patients who do not look forward to needles, drilling, or numbness, Laser Dentistry, may be the right choice.
Laser dentistry is one of dentistry's latest advances. The Laser delivers energy in the form of light. Depending on the intended result, this energy travels at different wavelengths and is absorbed by a "target." In dentistry, these targets can be enamel, decay, gum tissue, or whitening enhancers. Each one absorbs a different wavelength of light while reflecting others.†Laser dentistry can be used for both tooth and soft tissue related procedures. Often times no local anesthesia is required. Unlike the dental drill with laser dentistry there is no heat or vibration, making the procedure quite comfortable for most patients. For soft tissue (surgical) procedures it eliminates the need for suturing and healing is much faster.
Lasers can be used to diagnose cavities. They can find hidden decay in teeth in early stages, and in some cases the decay can be reversed through hygiene and fluoride treatment and may never need filling.
Areas of dental care that benefit from laser technology:
- Cavity diagnosis and removal
- Curing, or hardening bonding materials
- Whitening teeth
- Periodontal, or gum related care
- Pediatric procedures.
- Apthous Ulcer treatment (canker sore)
- Frenectomy (tongue-tie release) without anesthesia or sutures
- Root Canal and apiecopectomies
- Crown lengthening, gingovectomy and other gum corrections
Click here for a complete list of FDA cleared procedures
http://www.waterlase.com/fora.html
Dental lasers have been shown to be safe and effective for treating both children and adults.
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Gum Disease Laser Therapy
Periodontal or gum disease happens when bacteria gets below the gum line and the attachment between the gum and tooth is lost. Three out of four Americans have some form of periodontal disease and only 3 out of 100 will ever get treated before its too late.
Gum disease is a silent, chronic, painless and communicable bacterial infection that often goes undetected or ignored until severe gum and bone destruction is unbearable and no longer able to be ignored. Left untreated gum disease can cause tooth loss and traditional treatment can hurt.
The latest conservative gum therapy uses a laser. The laser gently disinfects and evaporates diseased tissues from around the tooth and inside the gum pocket. This treatment interrupts the bacterial destruction of the tissues and bone giving the gum pocket a chance to heal. Systematic repeated visits, generally 2-8, allow the gum pocket to be disease-free and sometimes allow tissues to reattach to the pocket back to a normal or near-normal depth. This new laser therapy is gentle, less painful, has a quick recovery. While surgery may still be indicated for severely advanced periodontal cases, laser therapy is a much more conservative, effective and comfortable option for beginning to moderate periodontal cases.
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Laser Smile
LaserSmile is the most advanced in-office accelerated tooth whitening system available today. It creates a more aesthetic appearance by reversing discoloration of tooth enamel. LaserSmileÆ combines an activation gel with the laser's unique characteristics. The primary ingredient in the LaserSmileÆ gel has been used in teeth whitening for over 100 years. This proven system will give you a more noticeable whiter smile.
The procedure is quick and easy. In just one visit to our office you can sit back, relax and in 60 minutes you will leave with the brightest smile you have ever had.
Fast, Safe and Effective! LaserSmile.
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Zoom Whitening
If you prefer teeth that are immediately whiter right now or you would rather whiten your teeth over a few nights while you sleep, Dr. Monette has your answer with Zoom! The Zoom! In-Office Whitening System uses proprietary technology to whiten your teeth an average of eight shades* in a little over an hour while you relax at your dentist’s office. It’s ideal for anyone who wants immediate results. The Zoom! Take-Home Whitening System uses a revolutionary patent-pending gel to whiten your teeth an average of six shades in three nights. * And you may go even lighter with additional applications. Start on Friday and by Monday you’ll have a whole new smile.
Strips or paint-on gels are a waste of time. Get your teeth whiter in a fraction of the time with Zoom
What is Zoom! tooth whitening?
Zoom! is a bleaching process that lightens discoloration of enamel and dentin.
What can cause tooth discoloration?
There are many causes. The most common include aging and consumption of staining substances such as coffee, tea or tobacco. During tooth formation, consumption of tetracycline, certain antibiotics or excessive fluoride may also cause tooth discoloration.
Who may benefit from tooth whitening?
Just about anyone can benefit from tooth whitening. However, treatment may not be as effective or some as it is for others. Upon an oral exam, Dr. Monette can determine if you are a candidate for this procedure, including a shade assessment.
Is tooth whitening becoming more popular?
Absolutely! A bright, beautiful smile can make a big difference. The Zoom! Whitening System makes it easier and faster than ever before.
Is tooth whitening safe?
Yes, research and clinical studies indicate that whitening teeth under the supervision of a dentist is safe. In fact, many dentists consider whitening the safest cosmetic dental procedure available. As with any tooth whitening product, Zoom! is not recommended for children under 13 years of age and pregnant or lactating women.
Do the results last a long time?
By following some simple post whitening care instructions, your teeth will always be lighter than they were before. We recommend flossing, brushing twice daily with Zoom! Whitening Toothpaste, and touch-ups with Zoom! take-home gel. These are professional formula products designed specifically to keep your teeth their brightest. They are available through our office.
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Is there any difference between over-the-counter tooth whiteners and Zoom!
Yes! Consulting Dr. Monette is always the first step to whitening your teeth safely. Over-the-counter tooth whitening strips, brush-on gels and toothpastes take weeks or months to whiten your teeth just a few shades. Zoom! is clinically proven to whiten your teeth eight shades in one hour or six shades in just one weekend
How does the Zoom! In-Office System work?
The Zoom! light-activated whitening gel's active ingredient is Hydrogen Peroxide. As Hydrogen Peroxide is broken down, oxygen enters the enamel and dentin, bleaching any colored substance while keeping the structure of the tooth unchanged. The Zoom! light aids in activating the Hydrogen Peroxide and helps it penetrate the surface of the tooth.
Is the Zoom! In-office procedure painful?
No. During the procedure, patients can actually watch television or listen to music. Many fall asleep.
Are there any side effects?
Some people experience temporary increased tooth sensitivity to cold during treatment. These symptoms disappear within 1-3 days after interruption or completion of the treatment.
How long is the procedure?
The Entire procedure takes just over one hour. The procedure begins with a preparation period followed by one hour of bleaching. A five-minute fluoride treatment completes the procedure (we recommend a cleaning prior to the actual Zoom! Whitening session).
How long does Zoom! Take-Home Whitening take?
The Zoom! take-home gel is designed to be worn between four and eight hours per application. Dr. Monette will advise you on how long you should wear each application. A recent study showed that you can achieve an average improvement of six shades* after just three nights of use. Dr. Monette will help you determine how many applications are right for you.
How is the Zoom! Take-Home System different from the Zoom! In-Office System?
The main difference between the two systems is that you use the Zoom! Take-Home System in the convenience of your own home over a few nights. The Zoom! In-Office System is performed entirely in the office.
Intraoral Camera
Many patients, especially younger patients, are very familiar with the latest technology and are more comfortable with the high tech practice. Computers and TV screens are their primary method of information processing.
Dr. Monette utilizes intraoral camera technology that helps enhance your understanding of your diagnosis. An intraoral camera is a very small camera. In some cases, an intraoral camera is just a few millimeters long. An intraoral camera allows our practice to view clear, precise images of your mouth, teeth and gums, in order for us to accurately make a diagnosis. With clear, defined, enlarged images, you see details that may be missed by standard mirror examinations. This can mean faster diagnosis with less chair-time for you!
Intra oral cameras also enable our practice to save your images in our office computer to provide a permanent record of treatments. These treatments can be printed as for you, other specialists, and your lab or insurance companies.
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Precision Dentistry
When you seek care at our office, you are assured that Dr. Monette and his staff utilizes the latest in technology to enhance the quality and fit for your dental care.
Our practice high power microscopes to enhance the precision of patient care.
Dentistry is micro-surgery. Using a similar microscope that an ophthalmologist uses enables us to create dental restorations with incredibility precise fit and finish.† You just can’t fulfill that level of care with the naked eye.
In addition to allowing precise, close up work, the microscope directs a beam of light directly on the teeth, minimizing glare to you.
Many dentists use air-driven "hand-pieces" (the dental term for "drills"). While acceptable for many procedures, these "whiney sounding" air powered hand pieces all have a degree of non-concentricity; they do not rotate perfectly smoothly.
For the most precise aspects of restorative procedures, we use electric hand-pieces. This results in extraordinarily precise interfaces between your tooth and your new restoration (crown, veneer, or filling). This will bring more comfort to you as well. With a more precise tool, there is less vibration and less noise!
Digital Imaging
Dr. Monette chooses carefully which and when radiographs are taken. There are many guidelines that we follow. Radiographs allow us to see everything we cannot see with our own eyes. Radiographs enable us to detect cavities in between your teeth, determine bone level, and health of bone. We can also examine the roots and nerves of teeth, diagnose lesions such as cysts or tumors, as well as assess damage when trauma occurs.
Dental radiographs are invaluable aids in diagnosing, treating, and maintaining dental health. Exposure time for dental radiographs is extremely minimal. Dr. Monette utilizes Digital Imaging Technologies within the office. With digital imaging, exposure time is about 50 percent less when compared to traditional radiographs. Digital imaging can also help us retrieve valuable diagnostic information. We may be able to see cavities better.
The advantages of digital imaging enables us to not only store patient images, but also enables us to quickly transfer them to appropriate specialists or insurance companies.
Digital X-Rays:
Digital X-rays offer more precision since we view the image on a computer monitor, instead of holding up a 35mm film up to the light. Digital X-rays results in 1/6th the radiation exposure to you.
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