Tuesday, December 8, 2015

20 mistakes that ruin your teeth

Here is an excellent blog post about things to avoid that can damage your teeth.

Here's the list.........

Multitasking while you brush
Over-cleaning your toothbrush
Using social media as your dentist
Avoiding x-rays
Storing your wet toothbrush in a travel case
Hanging on to that tongue or lip piercing
Drinking apple cider vinegar
Ditching your retainer
Brushing right after your morning OJ
Ignoring your daily (or nightly) grind
Smoking
Reaching for a toothpick
Skipping dentist appointments
Going overboard with whitening products
Not drinking enough water
Skimping on calcium and vitamin D
Getting addicted to juicing
Reaching for the wrong mouth rinse
Using a brush that's too hard
Drinking soft drink - even the diet stuff

If you are unsure how best to care for your teeth and gums or its been 6 months or more since your last dental check or hygiene visit then call us to make your appointment for a full mouth health assessment. We will inform you and show you exactly what is going on in your mouth and how best to manage or treat any conditions you may have and prevent you having major problems down the track.

Saturday, December 5, 2015

Diabetes and Oral Health

A recent study has confirmed what prior research has shown and wet gloved dentists have known for a long time. Diabetes increases the risk of tooth loss. Diabetics are more prone to periodontal disease and dental decay. The American Diabetes Association has long recommended that physicians refer diabetics to the dentist along with the podiatrist and ophthalmologist. Unfortunately, most medical doctors only refer the eye and foot doctors. This is unfortunate because not only does diabetes affect oral health.....poor oral health effects diabetes as well. There is a proven correlation between untreated periodontal conditions and elevated blood sugar.
Check out this excellent article that spells out the need for dental care for diabetics.

Click the banner for information on the health care team for diabetics

Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Insurance Update: Now Accepting CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield



We are pleased to announce that we are now in network for CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield dental insurance. Our office participates in both the traditional (PAR) network and Federal Employee Program (FEP).
 If you have any questions give us a call at 410-789-4999.
www.laserdentistbaltimore.com

Saturday, November 14, 2015

Holiday Smile Specials

Kor Whitening 2

Kor Advanced Whitening


This holiday season we are offering 20% off any KoR Whitening or Clear Correct Orthodontic case that is started before the end of the year. Consultations for both procedures are complimentary.
KoR is the most effective whitening system we have ever used. It uses specialized trays and the best whitening gel on the market to achieve stunning results.Click for more information on KoR. 
Clear Correct uses a series of clear, computer generated retainers to gently move the teeth. The retainers are virtually invisible and easy to wear.Click here for more information on Clear Correct 

Call us at 410-789-4999 for your  complimentary consultation today!

Thursday, July 9, 2015

Medicare for Sleep Apnea

We are please to announce that the Baltimore Center for Laser Dentistry has been approved as a Durable Medical Equipment provider for Medicare. This status is specifically for fabrication of oral appliances to treat sleep apnea.  For patients that fit the criteria Medicare usually covers the full amount of the cost.  To qualify for a device all you need is

  • A physician's prescription
  • Copy of the sleep study
  • Affidavit of CPAP intolerance 
Oral Appliances are a safe and effective alternative treatment for sleep apnea. Many patients quit CPAP within a few months. Sleep apnea is a serious disease and oral appliances can help make sure you are getting the treatment you need for a healthier life.
Give our office a call at 410-789-4999 for more information or visit our website at Baltimore Laser Dentistry. 

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month

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Let's put an end to oral cancer!

April is Oral Cancer Awareness month, and the Oral Cancer Foundation (OCF) has asked dentists to join them in their national screening campaign to increase awareness.

Like many Americans, you may be unaware of how serious this disease is; it has been estimated that approximately 43,250 people in the United States will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year.

The victims of oral cancer aren't just smokers and tobacco users. Though these habits remain major risk factors, a significant percentage of oral cancer patients are young, healthy, nonsmoking individuals that are connected to the Human Papilloma  Virus. The best chance we have for saving lives is through early detection and public awareness.

An oral cancer screening is a standard part of your recall examination. We look for any changes that might indicate an early oral cancer. Oral cancer can be tricky as it often starts out looking like many benign conditions.

If you develop an sore area or ulcer in the mouth that lasts more than a few weeks it should be evaluated. Delay can be dangerous. We will be glad to take a look at any problem you have.

For more information on oral cancer, including a self exam, visit our webpage www.laserdentistbaltimore.com/oral-cancer-information/

Monday, March 16, 2015

Laser Dentistry - Frequently Asked Questions.



I have been fixing teeth with lasers for over a decade, yet many people are not aware of what lasers can mean to their dental care experience. I get questions all the time  (including from many dentists!) about just what do dentists do with a laser. So here is a list of the most frequent questions and answers. If you have a specific question about lasers or anything dental at all feel free to contact me with the form on the right side of this blog, or visit our website at www.laserdentistbaltimore.com.

Does the laser replace the drill? Can you do fillings with it?
Absolutely! The laser is used to remove decay and shape the tooth for the fillings.

 Do you ever use a drill for fillings?
 The high speed drill is used to shape and polish the fillings. Sometimes  lower speed drill is used to gently remove the decay from the tooth after the initial laser preparation. This is done with special ceramic burs that only remove decayed tooth structure. The initial laser exposure actually makes the tooth less sensitive so this step is tolerated well by patients most of the time. This is not the high speed drill that most people associate with fillings being done; the laser replaces this step.The high speed drill is needed is if old silver fillings need to be removed.

Are lasers safe to use in the mouth?
Very safe. In fact the laser is less likely to cause collateral damage than a sharp metal bur spinning at 300,000 RPM or a razor sharp scalpel blade. People understandably think the laser must be hot to vaporize tissue and could damage teeth or tissue. This is not true. It actually removes enamel through a "cold ablation" process that does not cause any thermal damage at all. These lasers have been around for decades, are well researched, and have F.D.A. clearance for all procedures that we use them for.

 Can you really do fillings without numbing?
 Yes. The majority of fillings are done without a needle. Even when the tooth is numbed the laser feels much more comfortable than the high speed drill since it lacks the annoying sound and vibration.

 What does it feel like to have the laser prepare my tooth?
 Many patients feel little or nothing at all. Some patients report they feel the cold of the water spray on the tooth, but do not find it uncomfortable. Some teeth become mildly sensitive to the laser once most of the cavity is gone, but patients find this tolerable and preferable to getting a needle.Even when numb the laser lacks the noise and vibration of the traditional drill.

 When do you still need to numb someone?
 Some teeth are more sensitive than others and the patient determines if they want to get numb at any point in the procedure. The high speed handpiece is required when old silver fillings need to be removed and most of the time we will numb someone when this is needed. Larger fillings often need novocain as well. Other times it is the doctor's judgment that the patient might be more comfortable with anesthesia and he will recommend it.

 What about kids?
 Kids do great. Children experienced very little discomfort when working on primary teeth. This makes for a much less traumatic filling experience for most children.

Can you do crowns with the laser?
 Yes it can but usually  crown preparation is done with the high speed handpiece. However, the laser is used during this procedure if any filling material is placed, to help get a better impression, and to comfortably perform any gum surgery needed during the procedure.

Can the laser be used for gum surgery?
 Yes. Both lasers we have are used for a variety of gum procedures. We use no scalpels and rarely need to place a suture. The lasers are very kind to the tissue so post operative discomfort is greatly reduced. Patients who have experienced traditional gum surgery are pleasantly surprised about the lack of postoperative pain.

 Do laser procedures cost more? Will insurance pay for them?
 The gains in efficiency the of the laser allow us to charge fees that are the same as traditional techniques, and in some cases less such as some gum surgeries. The procedures are the same as done with drills, scalpels, and the like. It is how they are done that differs, therefore all procedures are submitted to insurance using traditional coding. If a particular procedure is covered under your plan it makes no difference whether a laser or a drill is used.

Monday, February 9, 2015

KöR Whitening Deep Bleaching™ - Teeth Whitening That Works


Kor Whitening
The  KöR System whitens even the deepest stains
Teeth Whitening is a conservative and safe way to improve your smile. There are many systems available for  professional in-office, take home, and over the counter solutions. We have tried different ones at The Baltimore Center for Laser Dentistry and have never been totally satisfied with the results until we discovered the KöR Whitening Deep Bleaching™ a few years ago. The results have been remarkable.

This system solves the two major problems hindering true, deep whitening of teeth: ill fitting trays and bleach stability.....

  • The  KöR company makes excellent fitting bleaching trays from a highly accurate impression of the patients teeth. Most trays are so leaky that the peroxide gels leak out in a few minutes. These custom trays allow for the long term exposure needed to truly deep whiten enamel.
  • The whitening gels are shipped cold and kept refrigerated at all times. Peroxides degrade rapidly at room temperature. The  KöR gels use a proprietary formula to maximize bleaching power and keeping them cool preserves this powerful whitening ability. 

Tuesday, February 3, 2015

What is Laser Dentistry?


What is Laser Dentistry? Simply put, lasers can replace both the drill and scalpel for most dental procedures. Dental procedures are more comfortable both during and after they are done.

Benefits for the patient include……



  • Less need for needles – Most fillings can be done without getting numb. Experienced laser dentists only give a shot for about 10-20 percent of the fillings they do. The majority of small to medium sized fillings are done needle free.
  • Less use of the drill – The noise and feel of the high speed dental drill is one of the more unpleasant parts of the dental experience. Even numbed patients report a more comfortable experience without the noise and vibration of the high speed drill.
  • Faster Healing Times - Laser procedures are less traumatic to mouth tissues so things heal faster than traditional techniques.
  • Less Post-Op Pain – Patients consistently report a more comfortable post-operative experience when dental lasers are used for oral surgical and periodontal procedures