One of the most exciting aspects of dentistry is that it’s continually evolving. Advances in technology allow us to treat conditions in less invasive and more effective ways. Lasers have been a revolutionary addition to both the dental field, improving the process of treating diseases as well as patient recovery. LANAP, which is a laser assisted method of treating gum disease, is quickly becoming a go-to solution for patients in Mesa.
Gum Disease
Gum disease affects millions of Americans; many are unaware that they even have it. It can be classified into two stages: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is the milder form of gum disease; it has less traumatic symptoms and can often be resolved relatively easily. Periodontitis is much more advanced and can cause extensive damage if not treated quickly.
Some of the most common signs of gum disease are:
LANAP Treatment
LANAP is suitable for treating all stages of gum disease. In just a few visits, we can effectively treat the gums without having to use scalpel or stitches. During the procedure, laser light is used to target the pockets around the gum line and remove bacteria and diseased tissue. The laser stimulates the bone, encouraging regeneration of tissue and reconnection to the tooth structure. Unlike conventional surgery for gum disease, healing after LANAP poses less risk of infection and patients are able to resume normal activities within a day.
The best way to address gum disease is with proper prevention. By eating a healthy diet and practicing proper oral hygiene, you can drastically reduce your risk of developing the condition. However, if you do exhibit some of the symptoms of gum disease- don’t wait. Call New Health Dental in Mesa as soon as possible to schedule an evaluation.
TMJ is a disorder that can be very challenging and frustrating for millions of patients each year. Because symptoms can vary by individual, it can often take a while before an accurate diagnosis is achieved. If you suspect that you might be suffering from TMJ, your dentist can be a great resource for diagnosis and relief. Dr. Fritz has an extensive knowledge of the oral anatomy and is committed to helping patients improve their quality of life through proper treatment of TMJ.
Before treatment can be effective, it is important to obtain an accurate diagnosis. TMJ can affect individuals quite differently, with some symptoms appearing in certain individuals and not showing up at all for others. Another problem can be that some of the most common symptoms are popping or clicking jaws, which isn’t always caused by a TMJ disorder. In fact, issues with the jaw joint can also be a result of injury, arthritis, or even the result of bruxism.
Common symptoms of TMJ include:
Many patients come to us fearing that surgery is the only option to alleviate pain from TMJ. While some severe cases of TMJ do require surgery, it is rare. As a whole health dental provider, we take into account how different treatments will affect the mouth and the health of the entire body. We always aim to explore the most conservative treatment possible to achieve relief and help stressed joints.
In some cases, TMJ can be a temporary condition that resolves after several weeks of rest and ice. For other patients with chronic symptoms, relief can be found in custom orthotic devices that work to minimalize the stress on the jaw joints. These devices can be worn during sleep to effectively reduce painful symptoms of TMJ.
If you are in the Mesa, AZ area, call New Health Dental today at 877-943-3703 to set up a consultation to learn more about how we diagnose and treat TMJ.
