Markham Laser Dentistry

Some of the major advantages of laser dentistry include: Faster recovery time Less noise Decreased pain sensitivity Reduced risk of infection Less bleeding A more pleasant anxiety-free experience

Laser Dentistry Can Enhance Traditional Methods

In many cases, laser dentistry is used in conjunction with traditional dental procedures. Lasers frequently augment conventional techniques, making them safer and more effective. Non-Surgical Laser Periodontal therapy In other cases, laser dentistry provides treatments that simply were not available in the past. Laser periodontal therapy for example is a new approach to treating gum disease. Laser light kills the bacteria for up to three months, seals the vessels and nerve endings, and produces little if any pain. Gummy Smiles & Cold Sores Laser gum recontouring is another treatment that allows dentists to tone down a gummy smile. Lasers can also be used to treat cold sores with no anaesthesia, providing immediate relief. Laser dentistry is one of the newest developments in the dental field. We offer many different types of lasers and laser procedures. Some lasers are used to assess and diagnose dental problems, while others are used to treat complex dental issues. Chances are that you or a family member may be considering laser dental treatment. Dental lasers help us diagnose and treat soft-tissue procedures such as non-invasive gum treatments. Cornell Dental Centre finds that the laser offers a level of precision that simply isn’t available with other conventional dental instruments. Laser procedures eliminate bleeding, making it easier and faster to work while reducing stress for both the patient and the dentist. The laser also sterilizes as it works, helping to control infection.

TMD Therapy

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) describes a group of diseases that involves the Masticatory System (see Diagram1). TMDs are physical disorders arising from an imbalance in the delicate working relationship of the jaw and skull with the muscles that attach to and move the jaw as well as the nervous system associated with these systems. This imbalance results in muscle fatigue, spasm, joint dysfunction and even changes in the teeth. This causes a variety of symptoms, unique for each person.

Causes of TMD include: Acute trauma to the jaws such as a car accident, a fall, a punch, etc. Bruxism – grinding and clenching of your teeth Malocclusions or “bad bites” Bad Habits such as poor posture Emotional Stress

Note in diagram that on the “good bite” the red dot is in the middle of the cross and the teeth in a full bite. When you squeeze firmly from this relaxed position, there should be no “shifting” of either the jaw or individual teeth. On the “poor bite” the jaw had to shift forward to achieve a full bite- the red dot is forward of the cross

What are the symptoms of TMD? A variety of symptoms may be linked to TMJ disorders. Pain, particularly in the chewing muscles and/or jaw joint, is the most common symptom. Other likely symptoms include: Radiating pain in the face, jaw, or neck, Jaw muscle stiffness, Limited movement or locking of the jaw, Painful clicking, popping or grating in the jaw joint when opening or closing the mouth, A change in the way the upper and lower teeth fit together. How does Cornell Dental Centre treat TMJ disorders? Stabilization Splints After a proper assessment and diagnosis, Cornell Dental Centre may recommend an oral appliance, also called a stabilization splint or bite guard, which is a plastic guard that fits over the upper or lower teeth. Stabilization splints are the most widely used treatments for TMJ disorders. They offer a conservative, non-surgical and reversible approach to TMD therapy. They provide immediate pain relief and do not cause permanent changes in your bite. If a splint causes or increases pain, please let us know.

Symptoms of TMJ dysfunction are so diverse that someone suffering from them may go undiagnosed for years. If you feel you are suffering from TMJ or suspect you might have symptoms, please contact Cornell Dental Centre know, and we’ll be more than happy to schedule an examination

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea robs people of vitality, health, and sometimes life itself. If you suffer from sleep apnea, you are very likely to fall asleep anywhere and everywhere, even while driving. Heavy snoring disrupts your sleep and that of your family. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is surprisingly common, debilitating potentially fatal, treatable and frequently unrecognized. You don’t have to waste your prime years; treatment for sleep apnea can restore health and vigour so you can have the energy to do the things you enjoy in your life. Snoring Is Not Necessarily Sleep Apnea It is important to distinguish between snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. Many people snore but they don’t have sleep apnea. It’s estimated that approximately 30% to 50% of the population snores at one time or another. Still, loud habitual snoring is usually a precursor to OSA. Even a social inconvenience like snoring can require treatment, and there are several options available to chronic snorers at Cornell Dental Centre. Identifying and Treating OSA Unlike simple snoring, obstructive sleep apnea is a potentially life-threatening condition that requires medical attention. The risks of undiagnosed OSA include heart attack, stroke, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, heart disease and decreased libido. In addition, OSA causes daytime drowsiness that can result in accidents, lost productivity and interpersonal relationship problems. The symptoms may be mild, moderate or severe. During sleep, the upper airway can be obstructed by excess tissue, large tonsils and/or a large tongue. Also contributing to the problem may be the airway muscles, which relax and collapse during sleep, nasal passages, and the position of the jaw. The cessation of breathing, or “apnea,” brought about by these factors initiates impulses from the brain to awaken the person just enough to restart the breathing process. This cycle repeats itself many times during the night. Sleep apnea is generally defined as the presence of more than 30 apneas during a seven hour sleep. In severe cases, periods of not breathing may last for as long as 60 to 90 seconds and may recur up to 500 times a night If you have the above symptoms, please contact Cornell Dental Centre, and we’ll determine if you have sleep Apnea, or just need to stop the Netflix binges!

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Those who have OSA are often unaware of their condition and think they sleep well. The symptoms that usually cause these individuals to seek help are daytime drowsiness or complaints of snoring and breathing cessations observed by a bed partner. Other symptoms may include: Snoring with pauses in breathing (apnea) Excessive daytime drowsiness Gasping or choking during sleep Restless sleep Problem with mental function Poor judgment/can’t focus Memory loss Quick to anger High blood pressure Nighttime chest pain Depression Problem with excess weight Large neck (>17″ around in men, >16″ around in women) Airway crowding Morning headaches Reduced libido Frequent trips to the bathroom at night

Single Tooth Anaesthesia Not everyone likes injections or needles. That’s why you’ll be ecstatic to know that Cornell Dental Centre uses the Single Tooth Anesthesia system ( STA) which combines together CompuFlo and the Wand to dramatically reduce the pain of an injection in sensitive areas of the mouth, including the palata and front of the mouth. This system allows a more predictable comfortable method, that drastically reduces the pain. The STA system is a controlled anaesthesia system that allows Dr Weerasinghe to precisely control the location and amount of anaesthesia administered . For people who have a bad experience with needles or are generally fearful of them; the STA is a fantastic alternative. It allows controlled Anaesthesia administration and is a very effective and safe method for sedation! Talk to Dr. Weerasinghe, if you think you might benefit from using this option