Invisalign Now Available

We have been providing clear aligners for many years at The Baltimore Center for Laser Dentistry. We are pleased to announce that we are now an Invisalign Provider. The recent advances in clear aligner technology that Invisalign has developed make them the best choice for invisible braces treatment. 

Our practice has always been focused on minimally invasive dental techniques. Clear aligners like Invisalign are the least invasive way possible to achieve a beautiful smile. Patients often undergo aggressive and expensive veneer procedures without considering the orthodontic options. Straightening teeth combined with whitening such as KoR can achieve an esthetic and long lasting result without grinding away precious enamel for veneers. And it is less expensive and the maintenance is simply wearing retainers and occasional whitening boost. Veneers need replacement after a number of years or can lead to needing crowns as they fail. An improved bite is functionally better, looks great, and can last a lifetime with proper care. 

Visit our website for more information.

Treating Cavities Without a Filling

Cavities caught early can now be treated chemically instead of an invasive filling. Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) has been used in Europe for many years and is now available in the United States. When applied to tooth decay SDF sterilizes the cavity and immediately hardens it against further decay. The cavity will turn darker so it is not indicated for esthetic areas.

Here is a case of a five year old boy who presented at his check up with a small cavity on the biting surface of one of his primary molars. The Diagnodent laser decay detector indicated an active cavity with a reading of 34 (anything above 30 usually needs a filling). The cavity was treated for one minute with SDF and he was seen a month later. You can see the cavity darkened some but is now reading much lower and a filling is not needed.

This next case is an early decay spotted between adult teeth on a check up x-ray. The SDF is being applied with Super Floss and then a fluoride varnish is applied to accentuate the effect. This approach has been shown to eliminate the need for a filling about eighty per cent of the time. 

The Baltimore Center for Laser Dentistry is committed to using the least invasive treatments when managing your oral problems. Silver Diamine Fluoride is a non invasive treatment that can help preserve your teeth for a lifetime. For more information on our minimally invasive approach to treating decay visit our website.

Our logo in a cool 3D animation.

My Two Root Canals

It all started during the Christmas holidays last year. I began getting a headache and radiating pain on the right side that felt like it was a TMJ episode or maybe my sinuses acting up. A few days later I noticed swelling in the gum around my upper right first molar. I immediately knew that that tooth had died and abscessed. A few months earlier it had been cold sensitive but an x-ray revealed no decay. I went to one of my trusted colleagues who specializes in root canals and he did a great job.

A few months later I was out to dinner with some of my dental laser training colleagues and noticed a lower left molar was extremely sensitive to cold and started to hurt when I bit on it. That tooth had been occasionally sensitive to biting hard foods for years. I knew it had a small crack in it but it only had a small filling and no active decay, so I lived with it. I knew right away I needed root canal number two for the year. I almost never get cavities, brush and floss like a pro, and get regular check ups. So..... why did I need two root canals within a few months? The answer is the destructive sleep habit known as Nocturnal Bruxism.

 I have been very lucky to have a low decay rate. Except for some small fillings when I was a teenager I have hardly a cavity in decades. I do, however, clench and grind my teeth while sleeping. I did not realize this until I was in dental school and learned about nocturnal bruxism, which is the non-functional grinding of teeth while asleep. In recent years I have tried to wear my night guard regularly but would forget sometimes.

Bruxism can damage the teeth in many ways. It causes an insidious loss of tooth enamel that over time can destroy far more tooth structure than decay in most patients. It also can contribute to gum recession as the excess forces cause the supporting bone and gingiva to slowly drop down the root surface of the tooth. People who primarily clench such as myself can develop vertical cracks in the teeth. Over time these cracks can make their way into the dental pulp (the "nerve") and become a passage for bacterial infection.
In my case I had two teeth develop infections completely due to these cracks caused by clenching and grinding in my sleep. Much of the damage had been done before I regularly wore a night guard and reared its ugly head years later. I was lucky, however. These cracks can be so bad the the tooth needs to be extracted.

If your dentist diagnoses that you grind your teeth it is very important that you start wearing a night guard. The long term effects of bruxism include not only cracked teeth, but also severe loss of enamel, aesthetic problems, TMJ disorder, gum recession, and can make periodontal disease worse.

For more information follow these informative links to our practice website...
www.laserdentistbaltimore.com/teeth-grinding-bruxism
www.laserdentistbaltimore.com/tmj-disorder
www.laserdentistbaltimore.com/laser-assisted-root-canals-with-pips

CPAP Alternative-Oral Appliance Therapy

CPAP is the gold standard for treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea. If one can tolerate the CPAP mask it is extremely effective. However, studies have shown that up to 40% of patients will quit using CPAP within the first six months. The reasons are many and include...

• Discomfort of the nose and upper lip
• Claustrophobia
• Unconsciously removing the CPAP while sleeping
• Nasal Dryness
• CPAP machine noise interrupts sleep
• Leaky mask
• Discomfort caused by straps and headgear

For those patients that can not tolerate CPAP, Oral Appliance Therapy is a safe and effective alternative. Oral appliances are recognized by the Academy of Sleep Medicine. They work by pulling the lower jaw forward which helps keep the throat from collapsing allowing air to reach the lungs. In addition, Oral Appliance Therapy is usually covered by your medical insurance. 

We have been providing Oral Appliance Therapy at the Baltimore Center for Laser Dentistry for over a decade. We also work with a billing company to ensure maximum medical insurance coverage available under your plan. 

If you would like to consult with us regarding Oral Appliance therapy for Sleep Apnea give us a call today at 410-789-4999. Also visit our website www.laserdentistbaltimore.com. 

What is TMJ Disorder?

TMJ Disorder is a common affliction that often goes undiagnosed. The discomfort can range from the mildly annoying to debilitating. Early diagnosis and treatment is the key as it is with many medical problems. Simply put,TMJ Disorder is the presence of pain and/or loss of function in the joints and muscles of the jaw. Below is a list of common symptoms that may indicate a TMJ Disorder problem...

• Jaw pain and/or stiffness

• Headaches, usually at the temples and side of head

• Vague tooth soreness or toothaches which often move around the mouth

• Sensitive teeth

• Painful or tender jaw joint

• Difficulty opening jaw

• Pain and fatigue when eating hard or chewy foods

• Clicks, pops, or grinding sound in jaw joint

• Ear pain

• Cervical neck tension and pain

• Tooth wear

• Awareness of grinding/clenching teeth while sleeping or awake (Bruxism)

• A pattern of breaking or cracking teeth with no other cause, i.e. tooth decay or trauma

• History of medically diagnosed migraine headaches (common incidence of concurrent TMD)

Having any of these symptoms may indicate the presence of a TMJ problem that should be evaluated by your dentist. The good news is that most TMJ Disorder problems can be managed effectively with a combination of bite splints and physical therapy. At the Baltimore Center for Laser Dentistry we often prescribe the NTI device which is a cost effective solution that yields results in the great majority of cases. For more in depth information visit our TMJ Disorder webpage at http://www.laserdentistbaltimore.com/tmj-therapy/.

Dr. Pohlhaus is Interviewed About the Dentist's Role in Treating Snoring and Sleep Apnea.

Dr Pohlhaus was recently on WBAL TV discussing the dentist's role in treating snoring and sleep apnea. He also talks about the NightLase procedure. NightLase is a non surgical laser treatment of the soft palate that reduces snoring in 80 percent of the patients treated. For more information on NightLase and other snoring treatments visit The Baltimore Center for Laser Dentisrty's website at www.baltimorelaserdentist.com. 

Revolutionary Cavity Treatment Now Available

We are very excited to introduce a new treatment for tooth decay called  Advantage Arrest™. 
This procedure was recently highlighted on WBAL TV and here is a link to the story.... http://www.wbaltv.com/health/new-way-to-treat-cavities-is-quick-painless/36616006 
Imagine treating decay effectively without needing a filling at all.
This treatment has been available in Europe for many years and just recently got FDA approval for use in the United States. This remarkable treatment can stop decay in teeth and allows the cavity to heal where many times no filling will be needed at all. When an early decay is detected in a tooth the topical solution is applied for just a minute. It rapidly kills the bacteria that caused the cavity and applies a strong dose of fluoride to start the healing process. The treatment may need to be repeated every six months for up to two years. It is ideal for treating the early decay we find with the Diagnodent laser decay detector and our digital, high resolution x-rays. This procedure can be used at all ages and can be ideal for baby teeth in young children. We at the Baltimore Center for Laser Dentistry have always been committed to using the least invasive procedures when treating dental problems and Advantage Arrest is basically non-invasive. The only disadvantages  are that the decay turns dark so it is contraindicated in esthetic areas and larger cavities still need fillings in adult teeth. 
Early diagnosis and treatment is the key...allowing you to keep healthy teeth that last a lifetime. Call us at 410-789-4999 today!

Excellent Tips on Dental Care from Consumer Reports

Click here for an excellent list of steps to take to keep dental care more affordable. 

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.

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

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

Holiday Smile Specials

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!

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. 

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month

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/

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.

KöR Whitening Deep Bleaching™ - Teeth Whitening That Works

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. 

Click if you would like to learn more about KöR Whitening Deep Bleaching™

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 

Click here for more information on Laser Dentistry 

http://www.laserdentistbaltimore.com/laser-dentistry/

Green Tea is Good for your Teeth....

I ran across this article..follow the link...very interesting!
Click Here....

Dental Treatment Options for Snoring

Snoring is a common problem that can be a quite a quality of life problem for bed partners. Dentistry can help manage snoring effectively and affordably. This post is a discussion of snoring specifically, not sleep apnea. Dentists can help treat apnea as well but the procedures are more involved and costly. If you think you might have apnea a dentist with sleep dentistry experience or your physician can help.

The solutions here are specifically for "non-apneic" snoring. This occurs when the individual snores but still breathes well throughout the night.

• Oral Devices - These pull the lower jaw and tongue forward which enlarges the airway allowing for less tissue vibration. Oral appliances for snoring are easy to wear and are effective in the majority of cases. For more information on oral devices go here...http://www.laserdentistbaltimore.com/oral-devices-for-sleep-apnea/
• NightLase Laser Treatment - NightLase is a non invasive laser conditioning treatment of the soft palate and associated structures. No anesthesia is needed, postoperative discomfort is minimal, and there are no restrictions afterwards. The Fotona LightWalker laser gently heats the soft tissues stimulating the formation of new collagen, which firms and tightens the palate. Available in Europe for a few years now it has been shown to effectively reduce the severity and frequency of snoring in about 80 percent of the patients. It Is not surgery and the tissue is left completely intact. For more information on NightLase go here... http://www.laserdentistbaltimore.com/new11/