LASER PROCEDURES

Laser technology has been with us for over half a century.  The optical accuracy of lasers has been widely applied in technology with uses in readers, scanners and measurements.  The energy aspect of lasers has been slower to develop, especially in medicine.

The value of lasers in dentistry has recently begun to emerge.  A form of laser generation known as a diode laser has now been extensively tested for use in periodontal disease, and the results have been promising.  The hygienists at Centercare are now using this technology and have found it to be very effective at reducing bacterial levels in gingivitis and in periodontitis.

Bacteria are the cause of both gingivitis and periodontitis.  Disease prevention always revolves around managing bacterial populations in the mouth.  Our experience has been that laser applications are one of the best tools we have to do this.  Not only can lasers reduce bacterial levels, they are very effective at removing diseased tissue and stimulating new growth.  We are seeing results that weren’t possible with traditional treatments.  Some of these applications can be effective with only a single treatment.  Others respond best to multiple treatments.

Cold sores are another interesting application of laser energy.  These sores are caused by viruses and we are finding that laser application is reducing viral levels and shortening the healing time.  Sensitive teeth are also responding well to laser exposure with a single application.

More good news:  these treatments are surprisingly easy and also inexpensive, which is how technology is supposed to work.

If you have been frustrated with bleeding in your mouth or areas that aren’t responding to other treatment, laser therapy may offer an answer.  Call Jessie at 602-252-2800 or e-mail her at Jessie@centercare.net.  Check out our website http://www.centercare.net/ ! 

Phoenix Dentist

For an excellent Phoenix dentist, look to Centercare, where your dental health is secure and beautiful smiles are created. Centercare is a unique, high-tech dental office, providing meticulous care and excellence in cosmetic, reconstructive and implant dentistry. Using the latest in advanced dental technology, we create dazzling smiles that are both healthy and beautiful for our patients. For oral health and beauty, choose us as a partner in your dental health.  Call us at 602-252-2800.  Visit our website http://www.centercare.net/. Dr. Gary Steen and his team are ready to make your smile shine!

Human Papilloma Virus(HPV) Update

Human Papilloma Virus, or HPV, has made news recently in public discussions about vaccinating preteen girls against infection.  A recent study reviewed in Science News (Dec 31) reported that half of men in North and South America carry the virus.  The U.S. Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices is now recommending that preteen boys also be vaccinated.

High-risk types of HPV are linked to 90% of cervical cancers in women.  Recent studies show that these same high-risk types cause cancer of the mouth, tongue, tonsils and throat.  Oral cancer is the 6^th most common cancer in humans, and over half of these cases appear to originate with an HPV infection in the mouth.  The virus is contagious and can spread within the mouth or to others. 

Cancer screening has always been part of oral exams for Dr. Gary Steen and the hygienists at Centercare.  Visual exams depend on an actual lesion, or papilloma, to be present. We now have another tool for detecting the presence of oral HPV in the form of a simple saliva test.  This test can detect the presence of the virus even no growth is visible.  It simply involves rinsing and spitting with a special rinse which is sent for analysis at Oral DNA Labs (www.oraldna.com).

If you are interested in this test please call 602-252-2800.  The fee is $155.  Ask for Jessie.  Her e-mail is jessie@centercare.net.