You must visit your dental Coorparoo at least once every six months or more often if possible to maintain healthy teeth and gums and prevent plaque and tartar from building up and weakening your teeth. Plaque and tartar are composed of a mixture of saliva, food particles and bacteria that stick to the surface of your teeth. It takes 48 hours for plaque to harden and become tartar. Tartar provides a smooth surface for more plaque to build up on your teeth. Together, plaque and tartar cause tooth decay and gum disease. If you visit your dentist regularly, plaque and tartar can be removed from your teeth, and your dentist can advise you on how to look after your teeth more carefully to reduce the risk of developing tooth decay or gum disease.
You must maintain excellent dental hygiene, and your dentist can even recommend the most suitable toothbrush, toothpaste and dental floss for you. A tailored treatment plan will help you look after your teeth more effectively. Your dentist will recommend that you visit a hygienist to remove excess plaque and tartar from your teeth so that they are clean and healthy. The hygienist will also be able to detect any signs of tooth decay or gum disease so that they can be reversed or treated if necessary.
Dental phobia
Unfortunately, many people avoid dental checkups because they suffer from dental phobia. Dental phobia can have huge consequences on your teeth, gums and overall health and well-being. You must combat your phobia to maintain healthy teeth and gums; this is easier said than done, which is why such a significant percentage of the adult population is affected by dental phobia.
Speak to your local dental clinic and find out about laser dental treatment. Laser dental treatment is an excellent alternative to traditional dental treatment for patients who suffer from dental phobia. Laser dental treatment is suitable for patients of all ages, including children, looking for a more comfortable experience in the dental chair. Although it is not available at all dental practices, you can find out more about laser dental treatment with your dental clinic.
The role of laser dental treatment
Laser (or Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation) was first used in dentistry in the 1960s by Theodore Maiman at the Hughes Research Laboratories in the USA, who found that lasers can be used for hard and soft tissue applications; this led to decades of extensive research into the use of lasers for dental treatment. In hard tissues or teeth, lasers can be used for the prevention and detection of cavities and tooth decay, cavity preparation for root canal treatment, sensitivity and teeth whitening. Soft tissue lasers can be used to replace a scalpel during various dental procedures, including gum recontouring, frenectomies, dental implant placement and more.
Advantages of laser dental treatment
There are many advantages of laser dental treatment, which is why it is a popular choice amongst dentists and patients alike, especially nervous patients and those suffering from dental phobia. Firstly, lasers are very precise and minimally invasive in comparison to conventional dental instruments; this can help eliminate some of the fear associated with traditional dental treatment. Lasers produce minimal or no pain or discomfort, which means there is no need for local anaesthesia; this is great for patients afraid of needles. There is little or no bleeding, which is a comforting thought for those who cannot stand the sight of blood, and there is no need for stitches after dental treatment either, which means very little recovery time.
Moreover, lasers promote tissue regeneration, which reduces recovery time further. Another significant advantage is that the laser can kill bacteria it comes into contact with, which means there is no risk of infection with laser dental treatment.
Speak to your dentist today to learn more about laser dental treatment and whether or not you can address your dental needs using lasers rather than traditional dental treatments. If so, this can be fantastic for combating dental phobia and restoring your dental health and well-being. If you continue to avoid dental checkups, you may end up with irreversible damage to your teeth and tooth loss, so the sooner you can combat your anxieties and phobia, the fewer complications you will face.
Disclaimer
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
