Aesthetic Dentistry
Gingival Erosion
Gingival erosion is often followed by root resorption. The resorption of the root
surface at this location can sometimes lead to sensitivity, root decay and eventually
root canal therapy. All these can be avoided by a new procedure that is possible
by the introduction of laser dentistry. The Eurbium YAG Laser is
a cold laser that eliminates tooth structure by Ablating the decay and dentin Angstroms
at a time. This allows me to carefully remove only the amount of tooth structure
necessary to eliminate the problem and restore the tooth to its original condition
without damaging the contents of the pulp.
These photos show the large area of decay that has formed as a result of the erosion
of the gums. With proper treatment you can see that the tooth structure is repaired
and replaced aesthetically without any sensitivity or trauma associated with conventional
dentistry. I have been using the Eurbium YAG Laser in my practice
for 10 years now without a single complication. This is one of the amazing technological
advancements that has been developed in the last decade.
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Class II Cavity
This is a typical class II cavity. The nice thing about these restorations is that
they replace the failing tooth structure and aesthetically restore the tooth to
normal function and healthy contours.
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Class V Composite
This is a class V composite. These are used to treat erosions from gum recession.
They improve aesthetics as well as eliminate the problem of tooth sensitivity. The
use of laser technology allows for the preparation of the tooth and filling without
the need for dental injection or anesthetic. The procedure is painless.
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Old Silver Filling
This is an old silver filling that also has associated dental decay. The decay and
the old restoration was replaced with porcelain fillings for a strong aesthetic
repair of the damaged tooth.
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Fractured Tooth Repair
This patient was at a party enjoying the libations when the bottle that he was drinking
from hit the edge of the tooth just right or wrong depending on the way that you
are looking at the incident. The enamel sheered the mesial incisal edge. In just
a matter of minutes, without any injections or the annoyance of that numb feeling,
I was able to repair the corner permanently with the new hybrid bis-GMA resins.
These resins have the unique property of attaining the color of the patients tooth
as a function of the physical properties of the material. Material science is constantly
coming up with new and better ways of matching the existing color. It is truly amazing.
Someday, these very sophisticated materials will be so strong that they will replace
the need for crowns. That day is coming soon :)