Designing Smiles
Angela Hilton-Foley, DMD                             813-891-1212





Navigator Laser  
The soft tissue diode laser is used for cosmetic procedures, like veneers or crown and bridge.  Lasers eliminate pain, facilitate quick healing, kill bacteria and viruses, and reduces healing time when used in the mouth. The soft tissue diode laser is becoming increasingly popular in dentistry.  






Laser Gum Lifts and TIssue Sculpting
Have you ever noticed someone who has had a few crowns in the front of their mouth, and their gums are longer in some areas than others, and it just doesn't seem quite right?  With the laser, the dentist can change the contour of the gum architecture, to create an even gum line which looks  more natural looking. The procedure is called gum recontouring or a "gum lift".  It is also useful in crown lengthening procedures.
 

Freedom from Painful Canker and Cold Sores
The soft tissue diode  laser is great for treatment of canker sores.   The laser can kill the germs that cause canker and cold sores, which creates immediate healing.  Because of the precision of the laser, it does not damage healthy tissue.  It often requires no anesthesia, and is safe to use. 



Periodontal Disease 
The laser is also used in periodontal disease to help kill the destructive bacteria that cause gum disease, during root planing and scaling procedures.  By sterilizing the pocket around the tooth, you prevent the inflammation and disease process that occurs when your body reacts to the bacteria's by products that are in and under your gums.  Although gum disease is something that you are never fully cured of, by the use of the soft tissue laser, the damage and destruction is reduced.


Denture Sore Spot and Tissue Growth Removal  
In addition to all the procedures previously described, the laser can remove excess tissues from ill fitting dentures, or remove an abnormal  lesion or growth in the mouth.  Excess tissue can easily be removed with the laser.   Oral cancer screenings should be performed prior to removal, and biopsies of the tissue which will be removed, may be performed as determined by your dentist. 




Frenectomy Prior to Orthodontic Treatment
In children and some adults, the laser can be used to remove the attachment or frenum that attaches under the lip.  A Frenectomy is a procedure that releases the attachment (frenum), or can release a tongue tied person, who has a tightly attaching "string" under their tongue that prevents the proper movement of the tongue or lips.  Because of the soft tissue laser it is a much easier, and more comfortable procedure today, than it was in the past, when traditional surgery was utilized. The healing time is shorter  and the procedure is no longer painful.  Because of the germ killing aspect of the laser, there is less likelihood that an infection could develop.  The laser kills germs as it evaporates the tissue.  The soft tissue laser is one of the latest  advancements in dentistry.  To schedule a consultation with Dr. Hilton-Foley, please call Designing Smiles at  813-891-1212.

Designing Smiles
Angela Hilton-Foley, DMD
13017 W. Linebaugh Ave
Tampa, Florida 33626
(813) 891-1212