Do You Have Insurance Benefits Left for 2007?

Hurry, there is still time left to use your unused insurance benefits for 2007. They do not rollover if there not used, your money is basically gone! Don't let them keep your money. You need to use it or you'll lose it. Call us for an appointment! (562) 496-3230

Annual Screening for Oral Cancer

Early detection has been found to be critical for decreasing the morbidity and mortality associated with oral cancer which is now as common as cervical cancer. Few women go through a year without a screening for cervical cancer. Yet few people are commonly screened for oral cancer, which has become as common as cervical cancer in women. Early detection is vital in cancer. Several advancements in treatment are now available related to the earlier stages of cancer that indicate how much cancer has grown and spread.
In his continuing efforts to provide the most advanced technology and highest standard of care available, Dr. John Rose, Long Beach dentist, has begun to include the ViziLite Plus exams as an integral part of the annual comprehensive oral screening program in his office. The ViziLite Plus exam helps identify abnormal tissue that might develop into oral cancer. Clinical studies have determined that using ViziLite Plus after the standard oral cancer exam improves the dentist's ability to recognize and evaluate suspicious areas at their earliest stages. The mortality rate of oral cancer patients is surprisingly frequent- on person dies each hour from oral cancer.
The risk of developing this disease is highest in patients over forty who smoke. Also sexually active 18 to 39 year olds have an increased risk of contracting cancer caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV16/18), a sexually transmitted disease. Are you at risk for oral cancer? A few minutes once a year, is worth it for a healthier life.

ViziLite Plus--Better screening saves lives

Get Between the Cracks

Despite the pleading from dentists, doctors and people who notice that ill-placed broccoli floret, 85 percent of men and 65 percent of women in the United State still don't floss regularly. Dentists consider it even more crucial for preventing tooth decay and periodontal disease than brushing. But it's also crucial because flossing--which gets rid of inflammation-causing bacteria-helps prevent heart disease. But you've got to know how to do it.

The right way: The floss should barely pass between each tooth and should gently touch the gums.
The wrong way: You can't get into a certain opening, so you hack away, which causes so much gum bleeding that you bathroom looks like a scene from Psycho.

Now, if you don't floss, remember to save up enough money to buy the dentures you're going to eventually need, and to pay the deductible on the cardiac bypass operation you"ll eventually face.

"Staying Young" Michael F. Roizen, Mehmet C. Oz

Periodontal Procedures Using Lasers

One of the most popular laser periodontal procedures involves using specific lasers as an adjunct to the sulcular debridement (deep cleaning) process. The laser light is delivered to the sulcus using a flexible fiber optic, designed to focus energy and selectively vaporize diseased tissue while leaving healthy tissue intact. The laser also vaporizes bacterial tissue toxins and in some cases has proven to delay the re-population of certain bacteria. Bacterial reduction (specifically Porphyromanas gingivalas, Provotella intermedia and Actinobacillus acetinomycetem comitans)appears to coincide with significant pocket reduction and a decrease of bleeding on probing, hence assisting in the treatment of periodontal disease. Wavelength is a very important consideration of this procedure penetration with adequate coagulation and minimal post-operative discomfort. Current studies at focusing on bone regeneration realized as a result of laser periodontal procedures with specific wavelengths.

The benefits of this procedure attributed to the use of the laser are many. The small size and flexibility of the fiber optic delivery system provides for easy access to the pocket. The laser-assisting procedure is considerably faster than traditional mechanical debridement. Initial studies indicate that specific lasers initiate a process of bacterial decontamination resulting in delayed pathogenic bacterial re-population. The vast majority of adult patients could realize benefit from type of procedure and based on its minimally invasive nature, patient acceptance is high.

For those with a sweet tooth

All you need is a quick trip to the grocery store to realize how much sugar is poured into the Halloween holiday each year. If you have kids, most likely you will have a sugar rush to deal with this week. To make the most of it, use this influx of sugar as a reminder to reinforce good brushing and flossing habits.

Sugar, saliva and bacteria can work together, leading to tooth decay that causes cavities. That is why brushing and flossing at least twice daily is important. This attention to cleaning should include between teeth and along the gumline.

You always hear about what you should do but sometimes it is important to review what happens if you don’t. In general, sucrose (which comes from sugar) and glycoproteins (a combination of a carbohydrate molecule and a protein molecule, can stick to teeth and begin the formation of plaque, which attracts bacteria.

Lactic acid is a byproduct of the bacteria when it metabolizes sugar in this anarerobic environment. It is the lactic acid that dissolves tooth enamel, leading to a cavity.

In addition to a diet that is rich in calcium and fluoride, brushing and flossing is crucial to preventing cavities. So, on Halloween, is it okay to indulge in some treats. Why not? Just make sure and brush and floss afterwards