Holistic Dentistry

Shining Smiles: The Radiant Revolution of Low-Level Laser Therapy in Dentistry

December 13th, 2023

(Excerpts from Article “Low Level Laser Therapy in Dentistry” published in International Journal of Laser Dentistry · December 2013, authored by Meenu Goyal, Sameer Makkar, Shinam Pasricha)

Soon after the discovery of lasers in the 1960s it was realized that laser therapy had the potential to improve wound healing and reduce pain, inflammation and swelling. Today, dentists have a variety of wavelengths to choose from the growing industry of lasers. Also, the field has broadened to include light-emitting diodes and other light sources, and the range of wavelengths used now includes many in the red and near infrared. Each wavelength has a unique interaction with the target tissues of the oral cavity. Laser dentistry, formerly embraced only by the speciality of oral and maxillofacial surgery, now, is positively affecting every field of dentistry. From pediatric and operative dentistry to periodontics, prosthetics to cosmetics and implantology, lasers have made a tremendous impact on the delivery of dental care in the 21st century and will continue to do so as the technology continues to improve and evolve. As low level lasers are more biocompatible than hard lasers, they are evolving rapidly.

Dental Infections:
Lasers kill bacteria by mechanism known as lethal laser photosensitization (LLP). Laser radiation emitted from a low power laser device activates a dye like toluidine blue O, which in turn exerts a lethal effect on particular cells, such as bacteria

Analgesia:
Low level laser therapy (LLLT) is being used by many dentists and pedodontists for analgesia of primary tooth restorations.

Dentin Hypersensitivity:
LLLT is efficacious when either the tooth crown or the root apex is irradiated.

Endodontics:
It is effective for reducing pain and inflammation after endodontic treatments, but can also be used as a diagnostic tool for pulp hyperemia.

Endodontic Surgery:
Postoperative pain relief after apicectomies can be achieved by irradiating the operation site subsequent to suturing

Postextraction and Bone Healing Therapy:
It is useful to irradiate the area before and after an extraction. Before extraction it aids in faster onset of local analgesia and reduced bleeding while after extraction, it aids in control of the swelling and inflammation.

Oral Mucositis:
It is used as a preventive application to mucositis and as a treatment mechanism for healing erupted sores

Implant:
LLLT can effectively decrease pain sensations during the implant placement, help speed the integration of the implant into the bone and improve the quality of the bone around the implant.

Periodontology:
LLLT stimulates fibroblasts for faster regeneration of soft tissue, while providing analgesia and a modulation of the inflammatory chemicals that cause pain and discomfort. LLLT when used in conjunction with surgical lasers for treatment such as gingivectomies, periodontitis and periodontal surgery, have shown great promise in achieving improved clinical outcomes.

Orthodontics:
Orthodontic treatments are lengthy and often painful for many patients. LLLT stimulates osteoblasts which results in an increased velocity of tooth movement. It also decreases the inflammation and pain caused from the pressure on the teeth during orthodontic tooth movement.

TMJ and Orofacial:
Pain From simple and acute cases like facial pain after long appointments to chronic TMJ cases, laser therapy (Fig. 13) will help reduce pain and inflammation, and significantly resolve muscle trismus.

Look for the light in the new millennium, bringing a new wave of exciting dental procedures. Dental laser technology has been developed that can be used to generate both hard and soft tissue laser energy, depending upon the patient’s needs. As more dentists practice laser dentistry, new procedures are tested and perfected. Patients appreciate the reduced risk and recovery time of laser procedures and as more and more demand that this technology be used in their dental offices, dentists around the world are complying. They are looking forward to greater comfort and precision care provided by laser technology. Lasers are certainly the future for dentistry as it makes it very easy to remove the decay. It is very helpful when reaching areas that were hard to treat with traditional treatments. There is low risk of infections in and around the treatment area. Laser dentistry has been a benchmark in dentistry and is truly the future of this field. It has boosted a trauma-free treatment yet increasing the confidence of the dentist as well as the patient. A new level of procedures, protocols and strategies have been adopted that not only surpasses the traditional treatment methods but also furthers the healing process. Lasers are the future of dentistry mainly because it far exceeds the bar that has been set by traditional drilling and other procedures. Most of all, lasers have changed the way patients and dentists think and operate.

More than 30 years of research into LLLT has yielded thousands of journal articles, hundreds of them with specific dental implications. However, there is still considerable skepticism regarding LLLT’s legitimacy within the broad scientific community. Due to lack of complete knowledge of principles of photobiology, the field of LLLT is shunned by the core scientific community.

Golden Dental Wellness Harnesses Laser Power

September 9th, 2021

Laser energy is being harnessed to improve treatments in nearly every area of wellness and medicine, and dentistry is no exception. Dr. Linda Golden, owner of Golden Dental Wellness Center, in Manhasset, says laser therapy that triggers a process called photobiomodulation (PBM) improves healing and reduces discomfort after dental procedures, disinfects teeth and surgical areas, and promotes tissue repair.

“PBM is a biological cascade initiated by laser energy,” she says. “It leads to a cellular response that can decrease pain, accelerate the healing process and promote tissue regeneration. This is a therapy we’ve been striving to introduce and perfect for many years.”

Laser therapy using PBM is accomplishing the same goals in facial esthetics, sports medicine, chiropractic, orthopedics, gynecology, physical therapy and podiatry. In dentistry, it’s being used to treat conditions like sleep apnea; temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders; myofascial pain syndrome; and headaches and neck pain.

“It’s a wonderful adjunct to post-surgical healing following many dental procedures,” Golden says.

Less Pain, Faster Healing

Golden says her practice uses PBM primarily as a complementary treatment with soft-tissue procedures, but the laser is also used to disinfect teeth before they’re filled; to prepare teeth for fillings in a less traumatic way, to avoid microfractures; to calm soft tissue after the delivery of anesthesia; and to sterilize infected areas of the mouth, like canker sores. The treatment is noninvasive and clinically proven to reduce pain and improve healing.

The PBM technology at Golden Dental Wellness Center uses low-level light energy (visible red to near-infrared) to stimulate cells’ natural healing mechanism, thereby reducing inflammation. According to Biolase, which manufactures the technology, the light is absorbed into the mitochondria and cell membranes of the target cells, leading to increased molecular kinetic energy and providing the sterilization and cutting energy to treat teeth with decay. Additionally, it boosts cellular metabolism, increases lymphatic flow and stimulates micro-circulation. As a result, Golden says, PBM can also reduce or eliminate tooth sensitivity, a problem that affects many of her patients.

“The research has reported that the application of a therapeutic dose of light to impaired or dysfunctional tissue can lead to a cellular response, which is what leads to the reduced pain and inflammation, which is a key factor post dental procedures,” she says.

For appointments or more information, 444 Community Dr., Manhasset, NY.  call 516-627-8400

Safety First With DentAirVac

September 9th, 2021

You may have never thought about catching a cold while you’re in the dentist chair, but Dr. Golden knows that the breathing space around the patient, dentist and hygienist can be full of contaminants. People inevitably exhale germs, but drilling and other procedures send particulates into the air space, and if you’re having an amalgam removal, you could be exposed to mercury vapor. Odors from disinfectants and smoke plume from laser procedures need to be filtered away from the patient and the staff as well, and the DentAirVac is just the tool for the job.

The DentAirVac is a hands-free, mobile air cleaning device that can be adjusted to just the right position to allow Dr. Golden to work while clearing contaminants from the breathing space of all parties. It is quiet and easily moved where it is most convenient for everyone. The hygienist and patient won’t have trouble hearing Dr. Golden’s instructions, assuring a pleasant visit.

DentAirVac provides HEPA filters to capture particles down to 0.3 microns. A micron is one-millionth of a meter; for comparison’s sake, one human red blood cell is around 5 microns across. It also has a granulated activated carbon filter to capture odor and vapor from breath and disposable intake liners to control moisture levels. These filters provide patients with top level hygiene, especially during the coronavirus outbreak.

The International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT) is a non-profit organization founded in 1984 to bring dentists, scientists and health professionals from around the world together to present research and discuss scientific information about non-invasive dental therapies. In addition, they educate medical and dental professionals, policymakers and the public about dental products that are nontoxic and how they react with patients’ immune systems and living tissues. Their mission is to protect public health and the environment, and IAOMT members have testified about dental procedures and equipment before the U.S. Congress, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and many other government bodies globally.

Holistic dentistry dovetails with the IAOMT because its core tenets are to always use the safest, nontoxic means to a healthy mouth, and that dental health and overall health are intertwined.  DentAirVac will be showing their newest line of oral aerosol vacuums at the Fall 2020 IAOMT Meeting in Nashville next month.

So don’t let quarantine worries keep you from coming in to see Dr. Golden. You can be sure she has your health and your smile in mind.

For more information about DentAirVac and safety during COVID-19, call 516-627-8400 or visit GoldenSmile.com.

Intravenous Vitamin C for Dental Treatments 

September 9th, 2021

Orange juice has long been used as a homeopathic cocktail to boost the immune system and fight illness, but what if we were to boost the body with 120 times the amount of vitamin C found in a glass of juice? Intravenous Vitamin C (IV-C) has been studied extensively and has been found to have a surprisingly wide range of positive effects on the immune system, especially of those individuals undergoing medical procedures.

First, what is IV-C therapy? In order to increase absorption rates far beyond what could be achieved with oral supplementation, your dentist can deliver a dose from 10g up to 60g of vitamin C directly into your veins before the procedure; during the procedure to residual decrease bodily fatigue; and also after the dental procedure to decrease recovery time. Post-procedure IV-C is done in the office and can be completed in less than an hour, making it easy to fit in around a busy schedule.

According to Linda Golden, DDS, of Golden Dental Wellness Center in Manhasset, Long Island, “IV-C before, during and after your procedure helps improve the immune system and have better end-of-treatment results. It also aids in the removal of mercury-based fillings, as well as during placement of implants, extractions and dental procedures in general. For our patients, we use an individualized treatment, dependent on the procedure being performed. This helps boost immunity, combat pain and speed healing time.” Golden is in the process of implementing this procedure in her New York office, and currently refers patients to a doctor who specializes in IV-C therapy when necessary. She has treated patients with vitamin C in both Costa Rica and Switzerland, and her next trip is in March.

IV-C has been clinically tested repeatedly and has yielded some astounding results, from being used as a tool to repair the immune system during cancer treatment to fighting pain during and following dental procedures[1][2].  For those patients with old mercury-based implants, an IV-C can help chelate (loosen the bonds) residual mercury from the bonding site as well as act as a heavy-metal detoxification agent during removal[3]. Golden Dental Wellness Center is proud to be a mercury free office and will never use mercury in fillings! According to one study, an IV-C can also provide rapid recovery for patients experiencing painful dry socket after a tooth extraction, or even prevent it if administered during extraction[4].

For patients worried about managing their pain or gum sensitivity and inflammation during a procedure, an IV-C might be the perfect solution. Studies have shown an IV-C can decrease chronic or acute inflammation almost completely; in fact, after two rounds of treatment, many patients had no inflammatory cells at all and healthier gums overall[5]. This improvement can decrease or eliminate bleeding during procedures, redness and swelling[6]! If you think you may benefit from a IV-C during your next visit, please call Golden Dental Wellness Center for a consultation.

Very few side effects have been found as a result of IV-Cs, but it is important to tell your dentist if you are diabetic, as the procedure has been found to generate false positives post-procedure as “The electrochemical strip [used in reading blood sugar] cannot distinguish between ascorbic acid and glucose at high levels.”[7]

Golden Dental Wellness Center is located at 444 Community Dr, Manhasset, Long Island, New York. For more information, call 516-627-8400 or visit GoldenSmile.com.

[1] ibid
[2] An Insight and Update on the Analgesic Properties of Vitamin C. J Pharm Bioallied Sci. 2018 Jul-Sep; 10(3): 119–125.
[3] Chelation: Harnessing and Enhancing Heavy Metal Detoxification—A Review. ScientificWorldJournal. 2013; 2013: 219840.
[4] Clinical management and control of alveolalgia ("dry socket") with vitamin C. Am J Dent. 2003 Jun;16(3):152-4.
[5] Evaluation of the Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Locally Delivered Vitamin C in the Treatment of Persistent Gingival Inflammation: Clinical and Histopathological Study. Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, Volume 2016, Article ID 2978741, 8 pages, http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2016/2978741
[6] ibid
[7] IVC Protocol Vitamin C Research: The Riordan IVC Protocol for Adjunctive Cancer Care Intravenous Ascorbate as a Chemotherapeutic and Biological Response Modifying Agent

What is Dental Biofilm?

August 6th, 2021

You may not be familiar with the term biofilm, but it is something you come into contact with everyday.  The plaque that forms on your teeth is an example of a biofilm that causes gingivitis and periodontal disease.  Clogged drains are also caused by biofilms and you may have encountered a biofilm-coated rock when walking into a river or a stream.

Biofilm occurs when bacteria are in a watery environment and begin to adhere to surfaces.  These bacteria secrete sticky substances that attract more bacteria and lead to communities of disease-causing pathogens.  Their uncontrolled accumulation is associated with cavities and gum disease (both gingivitis and periodontitis).  Our goal is to help you find ways to reduce the biofilm forming on the surfaces of your teeth and beneath your gums and improve your overall health.

In your mouth, the biofilm appears as a yellowish buildup on the surfaces of your teeth which may be removed by meticulous brushing, flossing and regular use of antimicrobial mouthrinses.  Underneath the tissues, the physical removal of the biofilm cannot be accomplished with your home care routine alone.  This undisrupted biofilm is settled in its happy home, and the presence of infection accelerates.  The tissues become inflamed and bleed, the pocket depths continue to increase and the pathogenic organisms become more and more harmful to the environment.

The presence of pathogenic bacteria increases the incidence of illnesses not only of the oral cavity, but of the total body as they enter the blood stream.  The many systemic implications include heart disease, diabetes, stroke, respiratory infections, and adverse pregnancy outcomes to name a few.  We recommend treating this infection as soon as it is identified.

One of the first steps to controlling dental inflammation is a treatment called Gingivitis Therapy.  This appointment is made 4-6 weeks after the initial diagnosis of gingivitis and is an attempt to prevent the advancement of early periodontal disease.

If we find that your gingival attachments are more compromised with advanced bleeding and deeper pockets greater than 4mm, then we will recommend a series of visits to treat the periodontal infection and allow the disease to go into remission.    The best way to prevent this disease is to have amazing home care habits and to visit us regularly so we may identify problems early and interrupt the disease process quickly.  It is imperative to your overall health to have a healthy mouth.

We also recommend using Waterpik Water Flosser is clinically proven to be very effective for reducing plaque, gingivitis, and gum disease. And it's perfect for anyone with braces or implants, and those with crowns, bridges and veneers.

Golden Dental Wellness Center is located at 444 Community Dr., Ste. 204, Manhasset. For more information, call 516-627-8400 or visit GoldenSmile.com

 

Hilotherapy

July 30th, 2021

 

Hilotherapy: Improved Healing Following Dental Surgery

Dental surgery are two words that, when used together, can inspire a lot of dread. Nobody likes pain, and recovering from surgery often brings swelling, discomfort and the use of prescription medications many would rather avoid. People are used to applying ice to help swelling, but this is often uncomfortable, messy as it melts and not as effective as you might imagine. Ironically, ice can be too cold and increase discomfort. In addition, holding it on the affected area doesn’t allow the patient the rest required for recovery.

Dr. Golden, always interested in the latest technology, has discovered a way to help her patients recover faster. The Swiss Dental Solutions Hilotherm cooling mask promotes safe, natural healing by reducing pain, swelling and bruising. This means that anesthesia and painkillers don’t have to be as widely used, sometimes even avoided. Patients can return to normal life faster, with less pain and metabolizing less medication.

 

To understand why the Hilotherm cooling mask can help so much, it’s useful to understand that when a patient undergoes surgery, the affected area endures a disruption in the supply of oxygen and other nutrients. The patient’s metabolic rate increases, which makes the skin inflamed. This creates a cycle where the area needs more oxygen than the body can provide, which leads to ischemia, or reduced blood flow that causes a further shortage of oxygen to the surrounding tissue. That in turn leads to cell death and edema, which is more swelling caused by excess fluid. Cooling the affected area reduces the need for oxygen in the damaged tissue, and this is where the Hilotherm cooling mask comes in.

Hilotherapy cools the skin at the perfect temperature to help the patient’s metabolism dispose of dead cells and accelerate the healing process. When used for 72 hours following a procedure, it reduces swelling and keeps the patient comfortable, often without pain medication. The mask contours to the patient’s face and provides cooling without dripping ice packs, allowing for rest or sleep.

The Hilotherm device circulates fluid through the mask, placed on the patient before swelling develops after dental surgery. The mask connects to the Hilotherm device with two small tubes, and the circulating water is kept at 62.5°, a soothing temperature that reduces swelling but doesn’t cause discomfort the way ice can. It benefits patients who might otherwise experience pain and swelling that make swallowing difficult and allows them to eat and drink, which in turn helps healing.

Dr. Golden uses the Hilotherm mask in the office, but also allows patients to use it at home after a procedure. She will also advise on holistic healing methods, such as nutritional supplements, which foods to eat and to avoid, the use of arnica, natural sleep aids and probiotics to ensure healthy intestinal flora that will aid in healing. You can trust that she will do everything she can to make your experience as painless as possible.

For more information about Hilotherapy, call 516-627-8400 or visit GoldenSmile.com.

SDS Ceramic Implants

July 30th, 2021

SDS Ceramic Implants at Golden Dental Wellness Center

Golden Dental Wellness Center is excited to announce that they will begin implementing the Ceramic Implant System with a surgeon trained and certified by Swiss Dental Solutions (SDS). Ceramic implants are a safe and aesthetic alternative to metal, and SDS has been developing their implants for more than 20 years.

Studies have shown that the wellbeing of the mouth is the wellbeing of the body. Health professionals have linked metal dental implants to such complications as infection, gum disease and tooth loss. For those with hypersensitivity to titanium (used in metal implants), recorded side effects include Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Psoriasis, Scleroderma, Lupus, Rheumatoid arthritis, type I diabetes, Multiple Sclerosis, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Guillain-Barre syndrome and more.

Here are some advantages of SDS Ceramic Implants:

Aesthetics. Ceramic implants are white in color, which makes for a much more natural fit for your smile. With titanium, often times the metal can be visible at the gum line, which can make the gums look grey and discolored.

Strength and stability. SDS has been developing their implants for more than 2 decades, and they are stronger than ever – built to withstand tremendous pressure. They are also non-corrosive, unlike titanium, which can corrode over time into the gums and even lymph nodes.

Biocompatibility. SDS ceramic implants are made of zirconium oxide, with is 100 percent non-metallic, FDA-approved and completely biocompatible. This means that they will not harm living tissue of the body. In the case of metal implants, not only are they known to cause inflammation, many people have an allergy to the material. For those with comprised immune systems or allergies, metal implants can cause reactions and even be rejected by the body.

Precision. The implant uses microthreads that are more compatible with the cortical bone. This “Dynamic Thread®” has 2.5 times the thread depth, which makes for a larger surface area for osseointegration. Osseointegration is the process where an implant is accepted as a permanent part of your jaw.

In the pursuit of health, it is essential to ensure that ones dentist is using safe, biocompatible materials. Linda Golden and her staff can provide single or multiple implants, as well as pre and post-treatment care. “quote by Dr. Golden about the advantages of ceramic implants”

Golden Dental Wellness Center is located at 444 Community Dr., Ste. 204, Manhasset. For more information, call 516-627-8400 or visit GoldenSmile.com

Holistic Dentist Office Expands Services

July 30th, 2021

Holistic Dentist Office Expands Services

  • • Integrative Holistic Dental Office
  • • SDS/Swiss BioHealth Practitioners
  • • General and Specialty Dentists
  • • Biocompatible Materials
  • • SMART Mercury Removal
  • • Patient-centered, Relationship Based

If you’ve been looking for something different for your dental care, Golden Dental Wellness Center is the place for you and your family. You’ll find comprehensive, multidisciplinary, state-of-the-art dental care that also focuses on the whole person, not just your teeth.

You’ll experience a “patient-first” focus at GDWC, developing a partnership with your dental team, one where you’re listened to, heard, and offered choices that help get you to your health goals. Discovering root cause of oral disease helps you become proactive to prevent future problems, rather than reactive in just treating problems as they arise.

At GDWC you’ll find dental care CAN be comfortable, and even relaxing. All dental problems and materials used in your treatment are biocompatible, fluoride free, BSA & BHA free, and mercury free.

Located on Community Drive, in Manhasset for the past 25 years, GDWC has always offered a wide range of holistic dental services including: integrative methods for gum & dental health care, restorative dentistry, ceramic implants, TMJ treatment, cosmetic dentistry, orthodontics, oral cancer screenings, safe mercury removal, metal-free fillings, sedation options, and more!

To experience the difference Golden Dental Wellness Center can make in your overall health, give them a call at 516) 627-8400 to make an appointment, or stop by 444 Community Drive, Ste #204 in Manhasset just to say hello.

Cone Beam Volumetric Tomography

October 25th, 2020

How can you treat what you can’t see? For most of our lives, we have been used to going to the dentist, getting an x-ray gun placed alongside our mouths, and watching to doctor look at flat, two dimensional scans of our mouths. These basic scans are fine to point out basic imperfections of our teeth: cavities, impacted wisdom teeth, or a fractured tooth. However, what if we want to see one step further and understand the implications of fixing some of these aliments?

A new scan called Cone Beam Volumetric Tomography (CBVT for short) allows dentists to see in a third dimension, create futuristic digital models of a patient’s entire mouth and jaw structure, and anticipate potential complications with routine procedures! What looks like a simple wisdom tooth removal on a 2d scan suddenly looks way riskier when the CBVT reveals the potential for nerve damage and paresthesia (a tingling sensation) if the tooth is removed. Taking one of these scans is actually easier and less time consuming than a traditional 2d piecemeal scan! Instead of having to move the x-ray gun over and over while the dentist takes pictures from loads of different angles, you simply step into the machine, bite a mouthguard, and wait as the machine’s arm swings in a 360-degree arc, capturing all the angles of your mouth in one go.

While photos taken with this machine are at a higher cost than the traditional 2D scan, Dr. Golden believes the additional costs are far outweighed by the added safety and additional knowledge gained from the CBVT scan! If you’d like to discuss treatment options including which type of scans will be best for your treatment, contact Golden Dental Wellness Center at (516) 627-8400.

Relaxation Dentistry for Fearful Patients

October 7th, 2020

We all know that going to the dentist can be a stressful, scary experience. While most traditional dentists at least attempt to offer a low-stress environment, the visit still often ends up being painful, nerve-wracking, and all-around unpleasant. However, here at Golden Dental Wellness Center, we have Relaxation, Sedation, and Pain-Management programs that cater to those who have a deep fear of the dentist. If you’re nervous about your next check-up or dental procedure, read on to see if we can help transform your next visit to the dentist!

For those that are simply on-edge for their entire visit, we have a special Relaxation Dentistry program for you! This program encompasses a wide range of services, from foot massages while procedures take place, aromatherapy using calming oils and rubs, or even introduction of anti-anxiety medication! For those with extreme anxiety about visiting the dentist, we also offer door-to-door programs that begin with relaxation medication the night before your appointment to ensure good sleep, and end with you back at your house after being driven home by a companion after your procedure!

If you have an extreme case of anxiety about dental procedures, have trouble staying numb from local anesthetics, or difficulty sitting still for long periods of time, we offer Sedation Dentistry! This option starts with a consult to determine the exact sedation schedule that will be followed in the routine, as well as the level of sedation required. In more mild cases, we can follow the same routines as our relaxation dentistry program, perhaps introducing a light dose of nitrous oxide during longer procedures. For severe cases, we can start with an oral prescription sedative pill an hour before your procedure, or even an IV-administered sedation for complex and long visits.

In addition, if visiting the dentist has been painful for you in the past, please notify us when you make your appointment! We have techniques and strategies to mitigate pain during your procedure to make sure you are both comfortable and your teeth are well cared for! If any of these options sound like they may apply to you, please mention that you saw them in Natural Awakenings when you call Golden Dental Wellness Center at (516) 627-8400! 

The Dental Diet

October 7th, 2020

Prebiotics and Probiotics are essential for keeping the microbiome in the mouth healthy and balanced. Add some fermented foods such kimchi, miso, or sauerkraut to your diet to help feed good gut bacteria. In addition, make sure you are getting enough fiber every day (approximately 30g). Foods like raspberries, beans, or almonds might already be in your diet, but adding in some lesser-consumed foods like split peas or chia seeds could help you hit your daily goal consistently.

We have talked before about gingivitis, severe inflammation of the gums, and we have some foods to recommend to stop the disease in its tracks. One important macronutrient that you can add to stop inflammation is Omega-3 fats, common found in salmon, tuna, or fish oil supplements. Another quick trick to reduce inflammation is green tea. Drinking a cup (or pot!) of this superfood not only decreases inflammation, but also restores Ph balance to your mouth.

Finally, a quick word on sugars. It turns out that eating a large amount of sugar infrequently is less harmful than eating a moderate amount of sugar every day. A good rule of thumb set forth by the World Health Organization is to limit your sugar intake to less than 10% of your total daily calories. You can replace traditional sugars with artificial Splenda or Equal, since they don’t promote cavities.

 

If you have any other questions about diets for total body health and dental health, schedule an appointment with Golden Dental Wellness Center at (516) 627-8400.

 

Piezosurgery for Minimally Invasive Surgery

September 10th, 2020

PiezosurgeryGP dental surgical device

Tooth Extraction without the Trauma? Yes, it's Possible!

Guest Post by Kolleen Shallcross

Emergency dental procedure. The words strike fear into just about everyone. I’d been having trouble with a tooth, and as many of us do, hoped it would magically resolve itself. I was busy with work and life and tried to ignore it, but when it began hurting more, oozing pus and swelling, I resigned myself to the appointment.

I headed to Dr. Golden’s office, hoping that she could fix whatever was wrong without too much pain. My heart was thumping, but as I relaxed into the chair and looked up at the wall mural, it slowed down a little. It’s a painting of a smiling blonde lady holding an armful of roses, surrounded by butterflies, sunflowers and daisies. In the background are green hills with a cheerful sunrise and a rainbow, and I was momentarily distracted, wondering if she might be Mother Nature, reassuring me that the world is a wonderful, healing place. Maybe she was the artist’s vision of Dr. Golden herself, always smiling and ready to make you feel at ease. My reverie was interrupted with the news that although I did come in before the bone and an adjacent implant were damaged, the tooth would have to be extracted. Ouch.

Dr. Golden reassured me that she had instrumentation that would make this trauma-free. I felt some cautious optimism as she explained about Piezosurgery. In a nutshell, piezoelectricity uses an electric charge to build pressure and ultrasonic frequency to cut through bone in a minimally invasive way. Piezosurgery is used in all sorts of bone surgeries, but has found a niche in the dental world for extractions, crown lengthening, tissue removal, scaling, and osteotomies/osteoplasty (when bone needs to be removed or replaced).

In her holistic dental practice, Dr. Golden’s number one goal is biocompatibility, ensuring that every treatment is nontoxic and safe for your whole body. She also knows that the health of your mouth connects to your overall health, as well as the reverse. She explained that Piezosurgery has been proven to result in fewer proinflammatory cytokines as well as earlier increases in BMP levels in patients than when dentists use traditional drilling. BMP is a patient’s basic metabolic panel, and while cytokines are proteins in our body that promote healing responses, proinflammatory cytokines, as the name suggests, actually boost inflammation responses and can cause progress in a disease. I was starting to have hope that this would be okay after all.

She explained that the device circles between the tooth and gum and uses saline to separate the tooth. No tugging pliers, no grisly wrenching. After she made sure I understood and was on board with the procedure, she got started.

I am now free of that infected tooth, and I can tell you I couldn’t be more pleased. The procedure was quick, and with the Piezosurgery technique, the noise and vibration of drilling were absent. The psychological effect of that is great all by itself, but when you add in that I was as comfortable as having a tooth extraction allows and the fact that pain and swelling were minimal, I can’t stop telling people to go see Dr. Golden. Your mouth will thank you!

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