Author: Zack Boyd

What To Check When Hiring A Fertility Doctor

Posted on By Zack BoydPosted in Medical Conditions

One of the main concerns for most couple nowadays is the condition called infertility. Its really a big disappointment to know that you cant have a child. Just to get through this, lots of people tend to do several things, which includes visiting their Obstetricians, Gynaecologists, and quack doctors as well. Before visiting a reproductive endocrinologist in Los Angeles, there are some important things that every woman should consider.

To start with, you should visit your general gynaecologist or reproductive endocrinologist. They are the right experts to give you the basic infertility treatment as well as checking your condition. However, make sure not to easily trust someone. It will be best to look for a skilled doctor who has good working experience and exceptional credentials.

Some women dont pay much attention to the professional they are seeing, they tend to assume that whom they are talking to is a fertility specialist. You can ask your doctor or do some research if he/she is really a fertility expert or not. To be sure, you can ask them if they have taken 3 years of studying Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility fellowship. Also, try to ask when would be the time he or she would need to refer you to a fertility doctor. Usually, it is right after 6 to 12 months of continuous treatment for a patient to be referred. However, certain factors like age or the cause of being unable to conceive is usually the reason why other women are needed to be referred.

There are some important things that you need to consider if you need to have an In Vitro Fertilization. First thing to consider is the clinic or the doctor that will handle you through all this case. Check their record on the number of live births, total pregnancies and on-going ones. Doing this can add more confidence and courage in your dream to get pregnant.

However, you should also consider the cost of the treatment. Since the cost may change from time to time based on your doctor, there are some couples who give up on seeking an infertility solution. Its really necessary that you understand all the cost of the treatment and everything that you have to pay for. Much better if you inquire if it is all inclusive or not . Also dont forget to ask if the costs of the lab tests are included into the total amount you are going to pay. Taking IVF is really a long and expensive procedure that needs to be taken seriously.

To help you complete this whole process, it will be best to trust a reliable fertility doctor together with a well-known fertility clinic that will make the whole procedure safe and successful.

Microfracture Knee Surgery

Posted on By Zack BoydPosted in Medical Conditions

In you ever feel discomfort, pain or swelling in your knee at some point in your life, you just might be a candidate for microfracture knee surgery. Microfracture is a surgical operation used to repair damaged or loose cartilage on the knee joint. The procedure was developed to treat what is known as chondral defects (focal area of damage to articular cartilage). This surgical procedure is commonly used to treat patients with full thickness damage to the articular cartilage which runs all the way, completely through the cartilage and right down to the bone.

This video shows microfracture being conducted under arthroscope to a 35 year old males right knee.

Potential candidates for Microfracture Knee Surgery
You are likely to undergo microfracture surgery if arthroscopy reveals cartilage damage in the knee joint or under the kneecap. This surgery will prevent or slow down the process of cartilage damage. As a result your chances of developing knee arthritis is greatly minimized. Some patients develop knee pain or swelling as a result of cartilage injuries. This pain or swelling can be stopped or reduced significantly by performing microfracture knee surgery on the patient.Other potential candidates for this type of operation include people who are active but cannot participate in physical activities or sports and have shown cartilage damage symptoms. This surgical operation may also be performed on the patient if they do not have significant arthritis in the knee joint.

Benefits of Microfracture Knee Surgery

This type of knee operation can help prolong the life of the knee joint before total or partial knee replacement and progressive knee arthritis.

Microfracture Surgery Procedure

Your orthopaedic surgeon will administer anesthesia to the patient. Three types of anesthesia are required for this operation; you are given medicine to make you relax and painkillers shots to numb the knee, spinal anesthesia and the general anesthesia to make you asleep and pain free.After that the anesthesia process the surgeon makes a quarter inch surgical incision on your knee. Long and thin tube with a camera attached at the end is placed through the incision or cut.

This process is known as arthroscope.

The camera is then attached to a video monitor located in the operating room. This allows the surgeon to look inside the knee area while working on the joint. the surgeon will make another surgical cut on the knee. This opening is be used for passing tools. There is a small pointed tool known as an awl which the surgeon uses to make very small holes in the bone. this is near the damaged cartilage an the small holes are known as microfractures. A blood clot that release cartilage building cells is created by blood and bone marrow seeping out of the fractures.

The body treats the microfractures as new injuries hence formation of new cartilage to replace the older one. It is important to note that this surgery is less effective if used to treat overweight patients, older patients or cartilage lesion larger than 2.5 cm. The growth of cartilage after surgery is dependent on the patients bone marrow stem cell population.

Recovery Process

Study conducted by the developers of this surgical operation found that patients of forty five years and below have a success rate of seventy five to eighty percent. During the recovery process the restrictions placed on the patients is their major challenge. In order for the cartilage to grow optimally the patients need to be patient and very cooperative. They are usually need to be on crutches for four to six weeks. Others may require braces depending on the surface being regenerated. Before the patient can return to full activity, it is advised that the doctor or specialist re-examine the knee and possible obtain an MRI to ascertain the amount of cartilage regrowth and determine if the it has recovered sufficiently.

Australian surgeons lead the way in this knee procedure. You can find best knee surgeon in Chatswood NSW by visiting the review site at www.bestkneesurgeon.com.au

Technology Has Helped Us Make Missing Teeth A Thing Of The Past

Posted on By Zack BoydPosted in Dental

Many of us take our present technology, and living conditions, for granted, don’t we? Think about the technology available in 19th century, for example. If you had an accident which caused one of your teeth to rip loose from your gum line, how do you think the dentists of that time period would have tried to fix it?

The reality is they weren’t able to do much about it. In cases where a tooth needed to be replaced, the person went about their business without a tooth. That was about as extensive as cosmetic dentistry was at that point in time. The problem with that approach is that unless there is a replacement positioned back into place, the teeth, on that gum line, will start shift over time. This shift can have an adverse effect on your overall oral health over the course of time.

In addition the jawbone begins to lose bone density as well. Unfortunately, bone density can be lost quite easily, and is built with an extreme amount of work. The truth is many people will not go through the process necessary to build up their jawbone again; so rather than deal with that – what makes more sense is just to make sure that never happens in the first place.

When it comes to replacing teeth, in the world we live in today, there seems to be no better solution than dental implants. Of course, there are other treatments dentists use for cosmetic dentistry, but implants provide what no other alternative can – an actual tooth that replaces the one lost. When an implant is placed properly, and crowned properly, than there is nothing quite as good – period, end of story.

Think about this as well. Implants do not form cavities like a real tooth does; and that is because a tooth is an actual, living part of your oral bio-system. There are nerves in your teeth, that are attached to the body. This is where the tooth receives nutrients from. An implant is prosthetic. It’s as strong as a tooth, but does not require anything to keep it strong, and healthy.

If you are thinking about having implant treatment performed, and are living in the Washington DC area, you want to go online, and type, “dental implants in washington dc,” to get more information about the Tooth Implant Pros; a network referral group, that brings together patients in need, with dentist’s looking to add more new cases to their roster.

How Integrative Oncology Is Changing Care For Cancer Patients

Posted on By Zack BoydPosted in Cancer

What is integrative oncology and the benefits for cancer patients?

The conventional way of treating cancer uses surgery the majority of the time to remove the tumor and then chemotherapy and radiation to kill off diseased cells. Conventional cancer treatments can sometimes be so damaging
that patients simply can’t take it anymore as the nausea and vomitting are too much and they know instinctually that it isn’t right.

Today, with all the advances being made, you no longer have to fall for the fear tactic and go that route. You can choose integrative oncology which allows patients to be healed naturally with therapies that work with their body and cause no further damage.

It helps patients with positive thinking. Research has shown that positive thought goes a ways in helping patients get better quicker. Additionally, it seems to lower the odds of a relapse

Integrative oncology is the cohesive method of bring together what works best from western medicine and what works best from eastern medicine. Western medicine offers a better form of chemotherapy known as insulin potentiation therapy which delivers only 3% the toxic dose
of a standard chemo treatment. It targets the cancer cells only. Eastern medicine brings in the botanical herbal and the ayurvedic medicine that supports the body naturally while challenging the cancer.

These treatments were combined in a overall protocol because they work and they help heal the patient at the root level while doing no further damage to the body. Patient survival rates are better with faster recovery times and better long term survival.

Integrative oncology has many distinct advantages here are just a few to highlight;

It helps patients face cancer from a different perspective than has been taught in the US. The American Medical Association teaches a fear based system of care, you must do these treatments or you will die. These more traditional treatments ease a persons anxiety and it shows
that the caner wasn’t created overnight and therefore there is time to do the right thing and be treated the right way without destroying the body.

Support is offered not only during treatment at the healing centers but also afterward when a patient may want psychological support and futher instructions.

Integrative methodology is not just about the patient, is encompasses the family as well. Often, when some one is diagnosed with cancer their whole family will be effected in one way or another. They could be anxious about whether their loved one is in pain, whether they will
live or die or what they can do to help. Family members feeling helpless is not uncommon.

These things can lead to depression for someone undergoing standard treatments because of all the nasty chemicals in their body and family members are effected as well seeing their loved one like that. These more traditional treatments help eleviate the depression and improve family
support as well.

Integrative methods helps to ensure that household members are psychologically healthy enough to assist their loved one through this crisis. Integrative oncology essentials as well as counselling are provided so this new way of living can be
transferred to home life once leaving the center.

Below are a few typical integrative treatments that qualified and knowledgable physicians are using today :

Hydrogen peroxide therapy

Hydrogen peroxides are produced naturally in the body from vitamin c. It helps challenge and neutralize the cancer cells. Regular intravenous treatments may also help to strengthen the immune system.

Green Juicing Protocol

Green juice feasting actually helps to stop the production of further cancer in it’s tracks. It allows the organs of the body to shut down, rest and rejuvenate. This in turns frees up the immune system to attack the cancer cells.

Colon Hydrotherapy

Colon cleansing is imperitive while battling cancer to flush out of toxins accumulating in the colon. You can have toxins trapped in your colon from years past, this flushes them out.

These therapies when combined with many more make for a powerful opponent against cancerand put the odds in the patients favor.

Some Thoughts On Healthcare In The Home

Posted on By Zack BoydPosted in Health Care & Critical Care

Its so important that adult children explore the smartest elder care options available when their mother or father has difficulties cooking, bathing and dressing themselves. Of course, taking them into their home is a viable option, but still the parent will be alone most of the day as the homeowner will be out working and earning their living.

And also, most older people wish to keep their independence for as long as they possibly can, so they will choose to remain in their homes. Proper healthcare in the home providing seniors with the care that they require is a great option to consider and certainly beats the option of being consigned to a nursing home facility.

Senior Care Choice #1: Senior’s Stays At Home, Companions Come

For those individuals that do not require a licensed caregiver, but do need care at home, an ideal option to consider is a home companion who comes to the home of the senior. That companion will be able to provide proper transportation to meet doctor’s appointments, to get to the grocery and pharmacy, and provide good meals.

Very often they will also get some housekeeping done as well. These sorts of companions are provided by a wide variety of different businesses. Very often, this makes it seem quite overwhelming to pinpoint the best provider.

For Seniors, Home Care Options And At-Home Companions

To make certain the provider you are considering is completely above board, you will need to perform some detective work. For openers, you want to see references offered by the company. Then you want to get online and see if there are any negative complaints submitted against them.

You want to seek out and focus on those companies recognized for superior senior service and who have gained rewards in this area. And you definitely want to put together a list that includes specific questions about just how the home companion will be handling the senior care, and just what it is they will do.

Senior Care Choice #2: Home Health Care Workers Properly Licensed

Homecare is still another option when more than just companionship is required by an elderly parent. In this instance, your parent will be cared for in-home by a licensed professional. It will depend on the specific needs of the senior just what sort of professional will be providing the services.

A nursing assistant duly certified will assist with hygiene, dressing and bathing needs. A practical nurse properly licensed will provide a level of home care even more sophisticated and including various medical skills, caring for wounds, and minor medication dispensation.

Still another great option will be a registered nurse if the senior involved needs any specialized skills, like a ventilator for instance. Registered nurses know how to adjust the ventilator, dispense intravenous medication, and attend to other similar requirements the senior may have.

Senior Care-At-Home And Home Care Workers Online Resources:

Because so many doctors have various companies, they like to recommend, finding reputable home healthcare companies does not have to be too difficult. A great way to get started is to check with the primary physician for the senior involved. You will still want to search the Internet and make sure there are no outrageous complaints recorded against the candidate you are considering.

Teeth Straightening Technology That No One Can See?

Posted on By Zack BoydPosted in Dental

Let’s face facts, huh? If you have misaligned teeth, then you know how much of a brain cramp that is, and how often you either consciously, or unconsciously, think about it. Have you put your hand up to your mouth whenever you smiled, and have done it so much, you don’t even realize you’re doing it on a regular basis now? Well, that’s what we call, “crazy!”

Seriously, why would you be going through all that when there are a number of viable options available in the marketplace today? Even metal braces is a serious alternative to hiding your smile from people, once they do their job that is . . . don’t you think?

Teeth straightening is now being performed in a number of different ways, and one of the ways more people are leaning towards today are clear aligners. Also known as “invisible braces,” clear aligners are highly-durable plastic trays that are molded to fit your mouth, and cause your teeth to shift ever-so-slightly towards the position the dentist wants.

The truth is clear aligners “appear” invisible, but they’re really not. If someone was to look at your mouth closely, they would see your aligner on. But even writing that, it sounds weird that somebody would take that amount of time, and effort, to verify that you have an orthodontic piece of equipment in your mouth. This is why many dentist call this “invisible teeth straightening,” becasue for the most part – that’s exactly what it is.

But here’s the major benefit that these “braces” have over traditional metal ones . . . ready for it? They can be removed. Yup, that’s true. You can remove your aligners when you brush your teeth in the morning, when you eat, and when you even play sports. This is the one area where traditional braces just cannot compete.

And sure, aligners are a bit more pricey than their older counterparts, but for good reason. They are hard to detect, so they appear almost invisible. They are removable, which is beneficial in a number of different settings. And they seem to get results in a shorter amount of time than normal braces; but then again, that’s only if you qualify to have aligners placed. Not everyone can take advantage, and this is why it’s important that you set a time with your dentist. They need to verify if Invisalign is the right fit for you.

To take advantage today, search “Staten Island Invisalign Dentist,” and find a local dentist that can get you started on your path to a beautiful smile.

What To Do Once Your Loved One Is Diagnosed With Cancer

Posted on By Zack BoydPosted in Alternative Medicines & Therapies

Cancer is a harmful illness which is a result of the irregular development of cells. It can also be referred to as the body performing a corrective measure to . There are many kinds of cancer including; cancer of the brain, prostate cancer, breast cancer, and lung cancer just to name a few.

Cancer is formed at a point in your body and will either spread to other areas or stay in that one location. Cancer that travels to the other parts of the body is called metastatic cancer cells while the one that does not travel is described as benign cancer.

Understanding that you have cancer can be stunning in the beginning. Having knowledge of all the testimonials associated with cancer can make it feel like your world has actually been pulled from under you. It is necessary to understand that it is not the end of your world and there are many
solid options for you to restore your health.

There are individuals that have actually dealt with cancer successfully and also have actually survived longer than anticipated with terminal cases. Required actions have to be taken after there is a medical diagnosis of cancer in order to help you in coping with it.

STEPS TO TAKE AFTER A CANCER MEDICAL DIAGNOSIS

Learn all the information you can possibly absorb about cancer.

There are many types of cancer. Be sure to get required details about the cancer you have. The name of the cancer, size, and also location of cancer in your body, symptoms and signs, these are are relevant and important to note. Your therapy options and the associated success level with each
along with their negative effects of the treatments. You also should know whether the type you have is slow growing or very aggressive in spreading.

Seek Knowledgeable Healthcare Professionals

It is a must to find an excellent oncologist in order to help in treating your condition. You can do this by asking your family doctor, a family member or friend, recommendations or go on the web and do some research yourself. A second consultation from an additional physician is an excellent
idea as it confirms your diagnosis and also gives you more details. Pick the treatment choice that fits for you after conversation with your team of medical professionals. You can choose standard therapy or research alternative cancer treatments centers .

Organize Yourself

Having cancer results in a substantial adjustment in your daily life. Have a note pad to record; test results, information gathered, medical professionals appointments as well as funds which aids you to keeping an eye on every little thing and this is very important when it comes to decision making.

Take Time To Care For Yourself

It is important not to neglect yourself in the middle of a cancer situation. Taking time for you is paramount. You could go to therapists in order to help you in taking care of emotional pressure that you’re feeling. Manage your regular duties by delegating them to individuals around you. Let somebody
in your circle of trust care for your economic scenarios as this can be nerve racking.

There are numerous cancer therapy choices available. Common treatments consist of: chemo which utilizes hazardous chemicals injected in your blood stream, radiation makes use of high beams of energy to kill cancer cells, surgical procedure which entails surgical operations to get rid of cancer cells.

Alternative cancer treatments though not authorized by insurance companies for cancer treatments, have been very effective in healing cancer cells. These are natural methods which people can use to heal from cancer by handling managing the following; stress and anxiety, fatigue, nausea or vomiting, stress
as well as numerous others. Alternate cancer approaches consist of: exercise involving oxygen, massage therapy, metabolic treatment, hypnosis, relaxation methods, green juicing, etc, and there are many more.

Individuals with cancer have a lot to deal with and also this might wear their body down making conventional treatments not the ideal course of treatment. Alternative cancer treatments work in harmony with nature and the natural biological laws so there is nothing artificial going into your body. This goes
a long way to easing peoples stress and eliminating the debilitating look and feel of conventional treatments.

Embracing a whole foods organic diet goes a long way to ensure that cancer never becomes part of your life. Do all that is necessary to stay clear of experiencing cancer.

Common Laser Dentistry Applications

Posted on By Zack BoydPosted in Dental

Oxon Hill MD dentists are now using laser dentistry to perform a number of dental procedures. This allows them to treat specific areas, without injuring the surrounding gum tissues or the general tooth structure.

The use of laser in laser dentistry applications allows dentists to do their work more capably and efficiently. High-precision laser technology minimizes pain and promotes faster and more efficient healing.

What are the different laser dentistry applications that dentists now do?

Laser Dentistry Procedures for the Teeth (Hard Tissue)

1. Detection of Cavities – Dental lasers can detect cavities. They are used to sense the presence of by-products associated with tooth decay.

2. Dental Fillings – Dentists no longer have to inject local anesthesia or use the conventional turbine dental drill to fill cavities. They simply use hard-tissue dental lasers. Lasers kill cavity bacteria, thus, paving the way for high quality durable tooth restoration.

Replacing crowns, inlays and amalgam fillings, however, are some dental procedures through which dental lasers are considered inappropriate.

3. Addressing Tooth Sensitivity – Dentists use dental lasers to seal the tubules found at the roots of teeth. The process addresses tooth sensitivity issues as high sensitivity to cold and heat are associated with these tubules.

Laser Dentistry Procedures for Gums (Soft Tissue)

1. Removing Epulis or Soft Tissue Folds – Dentures that do not fit well usually cause soft tissue folds. Dentists can now remove these folds through dental lasers — without having to do surgical sutures, that are painful, and require more time to heal.

2. Setting the Frenulum Free – The frenulum is a small and thin band of tissue connecting the base of the tongue to the mouth’s floor. A frenulum that is tight or restricted makes free motion difficult. Babies with this problem find it difficult to breastfeed. It also makes it difficult for children to pronounce words correctly.

Dentists may do a lingual frenectomy to set the tongue free from the base of the mouth, allowing it freedom of movement. The procedure calls for the application of anesthesia to numb the tongue, making incisions to free the tongue and sewing up the cut so that the tissue can heal. A faster and more efficient option is to use laser frenectomy.

3. Reshaping Gum Tissue – Some dental patients have what is commonly referred to as a “gummy smile”. Dentists are now using laser technology to restructure gum tissues to expose the healthy tooth structure. This results in a more attractive smile.

4. Lengthening of Crown – Dentists often use laser dentistry to provide a strong foundation where restorations can be placed. They can either opt for hard tissue laser to remodel the shape of the bone structure, or soft tissue laser to alter gum tissue – or both – to lengthen and strengthen the crown.

Other laser dentistry applications include the following:

1. Optical Coherence Tomography – Dentists use this to look at gum and tooth tissues safely, and more efficiently.

2. Removal of Benign Tumors – Benign tumors found on the lips, palate, gums, or the sides of the cheeks can be safely removed by using laser technology. The process does not require painful and time-consuming surgery.

3. Addressing Cold Sores – Cold sores can be painful. Dentists now use low-intensity laser dentistry to minimize such pains, and promote faster healing.

4. Regenerating Nerves – Dental lasers are now used for regenerating blood vessels and nerves that have been damaged. The process is called photobiomodulation.

5. Dealing with Sleep Apnea – Sleep apnea can be caused by the overgrowth of throat tissue as a result of aging. A dentist may do LAUP or a laser-assisted uvula palatoplasty to remove some of the overgrowth, and minimize the breathing difficulties associated with it.

Pediatric Dentistry Establishes Proper Dental Care At An Early Age

Posted on By Zack BoydPosted in Dental

A lot of major dental problems of adults started way back during their childhood days. The moment a person’s first tooth erupts, they are already prone to dental caries or cavities that can cause tooth decay in the long run. Research shows that tooth cavities are one of the most common diseases among children. This is not surprising, considering a child’s regular diet, which consists of too much sugar and starches. Also, most parents find it difficult to train children to practice proper and regular oral hygiene at a young age. Improper diet and poor oral hygiene from childhood could definitely take a toll on a person’s dentition when they grow older.

This is where pediatric dentistry comes into play. It is the branch of dentistry that focuses on the dental health of children and adolescents. Pediatric dentists promote the importance of dental care and treatment at a young age, and serve as vital resources for parents and guardians. Knowing how to take good care of one’s teeth and gums from childhood is essential in maintaining a strong and healthy dentition. In line with this, pediatric dentistry strongly advocates that parents and guardians must be aware of oral healthcare necessities for kids, teenagers, and even infants.

Dental care for children starts the moment the first baby tooth erupts. Cleaning baby teeth should be done carefully since an infant’s gums and oral features are delicate and gentle. However, it should be done regularly so an infant can get used to taking good care of their teeth. Depending on how much of the tooth has already erupted, parents can use gauze or a soft washcloth to clean the tooth, ideally after every meal, feeding, or taking medication. If there are already more than one tooth, a child-sized toothbrush with soft bristles can be used for cleaning.

A child’s first visit to a pediatric or family dentist in Laurel MD is recommended no later than age one. Establishing a professional relationship with a pediatric dentist at a young age can definitely aid in keeping the dentitions strong and healthy for a long time. One procedure that pediatric dentists strongly recommend is the application of dental sealants once a tooth erupts. This protects the tooth from dental damages like tooth caries and cavities as soon as it erupts. Pediatric dentists also suggest using moderate amounts of fluoride treatments for children to strengthen their teeth and prevent plaque and bacteria buildup at a young age.

If the child is already capable, parents may introduce the use of mouthwash and dental floss. Orthodontic brackets or braces, if and when needed, should be appropriate for kids age 7 years old and above.

The goal of pediatric dentistry is to help kids practice proper oral hygiene at a young age. Establishing the habit of regular dental care from childhood pays-off big time and results in stronger and healthier teeth that can last a lifetime.

Common Laser Dentistry Applications

Posted on By Zack BoydPosted in Dental

Rockville dentists are now using laser dentistry to perform a number of dental procedures. This allows them to treat specific areas without injuring the surrounding gum tissues or the general tooth structure.

The use of laser in laser dentistry applications allows dentists to do their work more capably and efficiently. High-precision laser technology minimizes pain and promotes faster and more efficient healing.

What are the different laser dentistry applications that dentists now do?

Laser Dentistry Procedures for the Teeth (Hard Tissue)

Detection of Cavities

Dental lasers can detect cavities. They are used to sense the presence of by-products associated with tooth decay.

Dental Fillings

Dentists no longer have to inject local anesthesia or use the conventional turbine dental drill to fill cavities. They simply use hard-tissue dental lasers. Lasers kill cavity bacteria, thus, paving the way for high quality durable tooth restoration.

Replacing crowns, inlays and amalgam fillings, however, are some dental procedures through which dental lasers are considered inappropriate.

Addressing Tooth Sensitivity

Dentists use dental lasers to seal the tubules found at the roots of teeth. The process addresses tooth sensitivity issues as high sensitivity to cold and heat are associated with these tubules.

Laser Dentistry Procedures for Gums (Soft Tissue)

Removing Epulis or Soft Tissue Folds

Dentures that do not fit well usually cause soft tissue folds. Dentists can now remove these folds through dental lasers, without having to do surgical sutures that are painful and require more time to heal.

Setting the Frenulum Free

The frenulum is a small and thin band of tissue connecting the base of the tongue to the mouthâs floor. A frenulum that is tight or restricted makes free motion difficult. Babies with this problem find it difficult to breastfeed. It also makes it difficult for children to pronounce words correctly.

Dentists may do a lingual frenectomy to set the tongue free from the base of the mouth, allowing it freedom of movement. The procedure calls for the application of anesthesia to numb the tongue, making incisions to free the tongue and sewing up the cut so that the tissue can heal. A faster and more efficient option is to use laser frenectomy.

Reshaping Gum Tissue

Some dental patients have what is commonly referred to as a “gummy smile.” Dentists are now using laser technology to restructure gum tissues to expose the healthy tooth structure. This results in a more attractive smile.

Lengthening of Crown

Dentists often use laser dentistry to provide a strong foundation where restorations can be placed. They can either opt for hard tissue laser to remodel the shape of the bone structure or soft tissue laser to alter gum tissue, or both, to lengthen and strengthen the crown.

Other laser dentistry applications include the following:

Optical Coherence Tomography

Dentists use this to look at gum and tooth tissues safely and more efficiently.

Removal of Benign Tumors

Benign tumors found on the lips, palate, gums, or the sides of the cheeks can be safely removed by using laser technology. The process does not require painful and time-consuming surgery.

Addressing Cold Sores

Cold sores can be painful. Dentists now use low-intensity laser dentistry to minimize such pains and promote faster healing.

Regenerating Nerves

Dental lasers are now used for regenerating blood vessels and nerves that have been damaged. The process is called photobiomodulation.

Dealing with Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea can be caused by the overgrowth of throat tissue as a result of aging. A dentist may do LAUP or a laser-assisted uvula palatoplasty to remove some of the overgrowth and minimize the breathing difficulties associated with it.