Laser Gum Surgery...who needs it?

At Glacier Dental we are leaders in technology because we are the only general dentist in the area to have a cone beam (3D x-ray), the first in Wisconsin to get an E4D machine (makes crowns in 1 day!) , and one of the first offices in Wisconsin to have a periolase (used for gum surgery).

To start out, what is laser gum surgery?

LANAP, better known as laser gum surgery, is used to help reduce periodontitis, which is an infection of the gums. According to Millennium Dental Technology's website, "The laser fiber, which is only about as wide as three human hairs, is inserted between the gum tissue and your tooth, where it painlessly removes the [harmful] elements that cause gum disease". 

Often times, patient's who have very "loose" teeth need to have LANAP surgery. After the treatment, the patient's gums will actually start to reattach to the bone around them, in return reducing gum pocket size. Patients who are recommended to have LANAP usually have gum pocket sizes of 8mm+, and they should be somewhere between 1-3mm. After LANAP, the patient can usually expect to have smaller pocket sizes as long as post-ops are followed. Smaller pocket sizes means less chances for getting bacteria and disease in the gums.

Why is using the periolase better for the treatment of gum disease?

• There is no cutting and no stitches involved.
• There is much less discomfort with laser gum surgery than with standard surgery- during and after the procedure.
• It gives better, long-lasting results. 
• The procedure takes less time than traditional surgery and there is less recovery time so you don’t have to miss extra time from work. 
• Laser gum surgery is safe for individuals with health concerns such as diabetes and those taking medications such as Plavix or aspirin. 
• Saves teeth from extractions.

Above is an animation of what the periolase looks like when used on some gum tissue. Picture A shows the laser between the tooth and the gum, picture G shows the gums reattached to the bone and tooth.

If you or someone you know needs laser gum surgery, please call our office for a consultation! 920-235-3251.

Are metal fillings bad for you?

At Glacier Dental we are here for you and want you to have a beautiful, healthy smile. We offer whitening, ClearCorrect (invisible braces), and removal of amalgam fillings and metal crowns.

Many people request that we remove their amalgam fillings and metal crowns, but why does that matter to you? Here's a few reasons:

• Amalgam fillings contain mercury, which isn't something you want in your body. We use an isolite system to remove amalgam, keeping you safe during the removal.
• Amalgam fillings aren't sealed up like a tooth colored filling, causing them to leak on the edges. From our experience every amalgam we have removed has had some type of decay show up around it.
• Amalgam fillings and metal crowns don't allow the doctors to see through them on x-rays, making decay hard to see.
• Amalgam fillings expand and contract which allows them to break over time and crack or fracture the tooth remaining there...meaning you will need more treatment.
• Amalgams and metal crowns just aren't pretty! They do not mimic your tooth's natural color.

If you are someone you know is ready to get their silver fillings and crowns removed, or if you see someone cover their mouth when they laugh/smile because of the silver or gold, give us a call! We would be happy to help!

920.235.3251

Grind your teeth? Here are some options to help you!

Bruxism, TMJ and TMD are all terms for clenching and grinding your teeth. Typically this happens when one is sleeping, and it can cause serious harm to teeth. Grinding and clenching can also cause severe headaches, but what options are out there to help prevent these issues? Glacier Dental has a few different options that range in price and procedure.

Aqualizer

The least expensive option is also a temporary option and it is call an aqualizer. This is a small plastic piece that is not custom made, but fits most adult mouths. It covers the back molars, this way the teeth do not touch when the mouth is closed. Since the teeth are not touching, grinding is less likely. It is not recommended for patients that are heavy clenchers and as stated previously, it really is only a temporary fix for patients who are either waiting to receive other dental work first or saving for a night guard.

NTI-tss

The second night guard option Glacier Dental recommends to several patients is call an NTI-tss night guard, or NTI for short. This is a custom device in which patients wear to bed to help prevent grinding and it clicks in place on the lower jaw. It can also reduce clenching and in return reduce major headaches. It also protects your teeth from wear and if you have had any cosmetic work done on your front teeth, it protects that work from breaking or chipping as well. The NTI process does not involve any numbing, shots or surgery and it can be made in-office in just one visit! It is a great option that will last much longer than an aqualizer.





Often times we hear patients do not like to wear devices to bed, so the final option Glacier Dental likes to offer is Botox. Botox is made up of a purified protein and is used to help relax jaw muscles. It is a non-invasive procedure and takes minutes to do in office. It does not require being numb and the best part is, you do not have to wear a nightguard to bed! According to the American Academy of Facial Esthetics (AAFE), after the Botox is placed in the large muscle that moves the jaw, "the muscle is weakened enough to stop involuntary grinding of the teeth and clenching of the jaw". In return, the muscle is relaxed and clenching and grinding is reduced along with migraines. The AAFE also notes, "voluntary movements, such as chewing and facial expressions, are not affected at all by botox."

Call today to schedule your grinding/clenching consultation and one of our Doctors will help find the best treatment for you! 920.235.3251

Glacier Dental Pride

We know you're planning a family vacation this summer!

Where to? Florida? Mexico? 

Or somewhere more local...Wisconsin Dells? Blue Harbor?

Wherever you go, make sure you show your Glacier Dental PRIDE!

Take a picture with some Glacier Dental swag and post it to our Facebook page!

At the end of the summer, Glacier Dental will take a vote on the most creative picture!

The lucky family will get to take home $100!!

Good luck and we can't wait to see the world!