In 2003 I was experimenting with different ways to help patients with gum disease, since this is one of the most important aspects of oral health that affects our whole body. At that time I was using a mineral paste under the gum line to nourish tissue and  reduce inflammation.   I found that pockets as deep as 6mm could actually be reversed  when the gum tissue is no longer inflamed.  One of my patients scheduled for gum surgery was able to cancel an expensive, painful surgery using this treatment along  with persistent, dedicated home hygiene.

Because of this, I was approached by a PhD candidate from the California Institute of  Human Science, a graduate school in Encinitas.  It was founded by a renowned Japanese scientist who developed a device to test the electric output of the body’s acupressure points.  We used it in a study to track a control group of patients being treated with the mineral paste.

The results of the study confirmed that there is indeed a systemic relationship between inflammation in the mouth and the body as a whole.  Patients found their pocketing improved in most instances, especially when they followed treatment recommendations and a consistent program of home hygiene.  The patient with 3-6mm pocketing was successful in reversing and healing her gum disease.

Fast forward to 2009, and I am now able to use laser treatment to get the even more positive results in periodontal treatment, and without patients having to walk around with a paste in their gums!  Lasers use light energy for bio-stimulation of the gum tissues, and the positive results of this treatment have been documented extensively. Here are some  of the proven benefits:

Benefits

1. Reverse gum inflammation and disease safely, painlessly, finally
2. Eliminate red, bleeding gums, bone loss and looseness of teeth
3. Reduce ‘environmental footprint’ by reduction and elimination of bleeding
4. Pinker, tighter gums that don’t bleed and are less sensitive.

Another advantage to laser treatment is that it supports any type of cosmetic restoration, including crowns, bridges and implants, in healing faster.  Patients have been known to say things like: “I can’t believe it. This has been the most positive experience I’ve ever had at the dentist.  I feel wonderful.  It doesn’t feel like I’ve been to the dentist at all….” Using laser treatment, pain-free cosmetic changes to your smile, such as gum contouring and tooth lengthening, are also possible.

The latest advances in technology, such as lasers, support both the environment in the mouth and the environment as a whole.  Laser treatment is an environmentally sound practice that can be thought of as ‘green dentistry.’  Ultimately green dentistry and the holistic approach overlap because what is good for our bodies, such as safe amalgam removal and bio-compatible materials, is also better for the planet.

A holistic approach to gum care that includes lasers, consistent home hygiene and nutritional products also improves our quality of life.  The Surgeon General’s report issued in 2000 emphasized the relationship between oral health and overall health, and periodontal or gum disease has been linked to the following health issues:

1. Higher incidence of strokes and heart disease
2. Diabetes
3. Rheumatoid Arthritis
4. Pneumonia
5. Pre-Term and Low Weight Births
6. Oral Cancer
7. Loss of Teeth in Smokers

As of January, 2009, the National Institute of Health reported that 80% of the US population has some stage of gum disease.  So regular checkups and cleanings are a must to ensure that you and your family either prevent or treat this condition.  By using laser treatment you will have more comfort and less necessity of painful procedures, besides getting better results from regular cleanings. The cost can be extremely reasonable as well:  compare $125 per quadrant for laser gum therapy vs. $1,200.00 for gum surgery.

While it is impossible to prove the preventive health benefits of dental treatment, removing infection from the gums results in less inflammation and bleeding.  In my professional opinion after 25 years as a dentist, less inflammation and bacteria in your bloodstream is a certainly a positive goal.

Visit our web site at www.myholisticdentist.com for more information about Dr. O’Rielly and his Encinitas practice.  To schedule an appointment call 760-632-1304 and we’ll be  happy to answer any questions about holistic, cosmetic and ‘green’ dentistry.