COSMETIC LASER CENTER OF MANHATTAN ~ NEW YORK CITY
120 Central Park South
59th Street between 6th & 7th Avenue
Manhattan, New York 10019
212.262.0950
E-mail address
lazersmile@aol.com

Perio - Esthetic - Laser Dentistry

There are many benefits to perio-esthetic laser dentistry by which traditional treatments and methods are enhanced or substituted:

• Gums are not surgically removed or sutured
• Faster healing
• Minimal risk of infection
• Minimal sensitivity
• Less time in the dental chair
• Minimal bleeding
• Minimal post-operative pain
• Minimal post-operative recovery time

Dental lasers are low-energy-powered units, which are built for general use on the delicate tissue of the mouth. The controlled heat and light of the laser destroys most bacteria and viruses found in the mouth and in general enhances oral health. These lasers are FDA approved and are being used more and more in general dentistry; however there are only a few experienced specialists in the field of laser dentistry.

What is perio-esthetic-laser dentistry? Perio-esthetic-laser dentistry is a technology, by which laser light is used as an adjunct to traditional means of dealing with the soft tissue of the mouth, or gingiva, in a way that the esthetic quality of the gums are not compromised. Laser is a device that generates a beam of concentrated focused light that can be used to perform a variety of tasks with great precision and accuracy. The laser beam sterilizes the affected area and seals off blood vessels, which minimizes the chance of infection and/or bleeding. Laser dental patients are and remain much more comfortable both during and after treatment, than patients treated with conventional perio surgery with its associated cutting and suturing of the gums. In perio-laser treatment there is no cutting away or loss of the soft tissue; the gingiva or the gums remain intact, thereby keeping the integrity and beauty of the soft tissue. Therefore, post surgical pain and tooth sensitivity are eliminated, as well as the associated side effects of conventional osseous periodontal surgery. What this means for the patient is less time spent in the dental chair and less time in post surgical recuperation.
We are concerned with the most up-to-date research and techniques possible; and in providing our patients with the finest treatment options. In our office, we currently have many lasers to accomplish and perform different tasks in the esthetics of teeth and gums. Helping you keep your smile for a lifetime is our primary desire and goal. Perio-Esthetic-Laser Dentistry is a step in reaching that goal. If you have further questions or concerns about laser treatment, give us a call and let us help you. Dr. Cortés is a certified laser expert, with a mastership in laser technology and over seven years experience with lasers and laser surgery. In addition, Dr. Cortés is a recognized international instructor and educator in esthetic laser techniques.

Extract from Interview Daily News

Gum Disease can lead to heart woes, doc says...

Healthy gums insure a bright smile. But people's lives may also depend on them. Research shows that risk of heart disease increases dramatically with gum disease.
Dr. Martha Cortés, a Manhattan dentist who tracks research in this area, says studies reveal a possible link between healthy gums and the heart.
According to one study, people with advanced periodontitis, or gum disease, were four times more likely as those with healthy gums to suffer from heart ailments, she said. Another showed that having any level of periodontitis raised the risk by 50%.
One of the factors that can explain this link between the health of the gums and the heart is bacteremia, a condition when bacteria enter the bloodstream, Cortés said. This can lead to a bacterial endocarditis-inflammation of heart membranes.
The bacteria can get into the bloodstream through ordinary activities such as brushing or picking the teeth when gums are infected and bleeding. It can also happen during dental procedures or oral surgery, even though the bacteria rarely last more than 15 minutes in the bloodstream, Cortés said.
"Frankly, antibiotics are not enough to kill the caustic bacteria in gum disease," she said. "You have to fight invasive bacteria with invasive therapy."
One way to minimize the risk is to use lasers to treat gum disease. The laser is first used to eliminate diseased tissue. Conventional tools such as ultrasonic tips are then used to remove the tartar and bacterial debris. Finally, the laser is used again to clean up any remaining bacteria and cauterize the wounds from the procedure so that the stitches are not needed. This lessens the risk of bacteria entering the bloodstream.
The effects of gum disease extend beyond the heart. "The effects may increase a woman's risk of having a low-birth-weight baby because of the bacterial toxins in the bloodstream, which interfere with fetal development," Cortés said.
A study at the university of North Carolina and Meharry Medical Center College found that women with gum disease had eight times greater risk of having low-birth-weight-babies, Cortés said…

If you are interested in periodontal treatment without the fear and pain of the scalpel, stitches, or post surgical pain and teeth sensitivity, give us a call. We will set up an appointment to see if laser-dentistry can help you. Call: (212) 262-0950, we are here to help you maintain as much of your natural gum tissue as possible.