Oral Health Technology

Soft-Tissue Laser

At Alpine Dental, we like to use all appropriate technology available to us. We find the use of a soft tissue laser very helpful in treating persistent cases of gum disease that do not respond to traditional therapies such as scaling, root planning, and mouth rinses. With the laser we can treat deep gum pockets that resist healing by sanitizing the bacteria deep in the gum pocket. It is a quick procedure with quick healing and no discomfort after. It is also an effective way of treating cold sores, canker sores, and performing frenectomies.

Minor Gum Surgery

Gingival contouring, or gingivoplasty, can be used to improve the look of large gums, uneven gum lines and sometime small teeth, creating a more youthful appearance. At Alpine Dental we use the Odyssey laser which uses a concentrated light to very precisely remove excess gum tissue. Dr. Brescia can also use the soft tissue laser for minor periodontal surgery such as crown lengthening or gingivectomies.

Treatment of Cold Sores

This laser can also be used safely and painlessly to treat cold sores. If the lesion is caught in time, with laser treatment the cold sore can be prevented from breaking out. As soon as you feel that tingling sensation that warns you a cold sore is coming, call Alpine Dental right away to schedule an appointment. Studies have shown that cold sores treated with the laser heal faster and are less painful than those treated with typical medications. When used early in the outbreak they can speed the healing and may minimize future recurrences. The cold sore virus can never be cured because it stays in your body the rest of your life, but this treatment may help to reduce the number of cold sores you get and how severe they are. The treatment takes just a few minutes and is painless. Talk with Dr. Brescia if cold sores are of particular concern to you, as there are prescriptions medications she can provide as well.

Canker Sores

Apthous ulcers, commonly called canker sores, can also be treated with a laser. Canker sores are small, shallow ulcers in the mouth. Anyone who has had one will attest they can be extremely uncomfortable, often making speaking and eating painful.

With laser treatment, most patients report a reduction in pain and quicker healing when compared to the use of pharmaceutical products. Treatment is quick, completely painless with no numbing necessary, inexpensive and effective.

Laser Frenectomies

A frenectomy is the re-shaping or removal of abnormal muscle attachments either between the gums and lips or at the base of the tongue. It is often needed to prevent or correct a large space between the front teeth. Some abnormal muscle attachments can also contribute to gum recession. Dr. Brescia can quickly and easily perform frenectomies using the soft tissue laser.

Digital x-Rays

Our digital radiography system provides excellent images with less radiation than conventional x-rays. These images are instantly displayed on a computer monitor for our patients to see. Patients are always surprised to learn that even with a “full mouth series” (usually 14–18 films), x-rays provide less radiation than what a person receives in a month from natural environmental sources (commonly called background exposure). In addition, as there is no need to develop the x-rays, the need to dispose of harmful wastes like lead and other chemicals into the environment is eliminated.

Intra-Oral Camera

Dr. Brescia loves using the intra-oral camera and finds it an indespensible piece of technology that helps patients understand what is going on in their own mouth. It is a tiny camera that allows us to take photographs inside your mouth that we can display on a computer monitor, so you can see what we see. It helps you have a clear understanding of your dental condition and aids you in making choices about your dental health.

The oral-health technology that helps us deliver the best care we can.