Although you can’t tell just by looking at them, every one of your teeth is a living organ.
Beneath the hard outer enamel is a softer layer of dentin, and within that is the pulp. It contains nerves that signal temperature changes and pain, blood vessels that deliver nutrients and oxygen, connective tissue that supports everything else, and specialized cells that can create new dentin when needed.
The pulp is what makes each tooth alive.
But even though it’s well protected, the pulp isn’t invulnerable. Every time a tooth is worked on, it undergoes some degree of trauma. If it’s worked on repeatedly, the pulp can actually die, leaving you with two options: get a root canal (something we don’t recommend, for reasons we’ll explore in a future issue) or get an extraction.
This is one reason why we take a conservative, minimally invasive approach to dental care and why we emphasize prevention so much. While dental restorations and ceramic implants are amazing, no replacement can ever be as good as a natural tooth.
Sometimes, though, invasive procedures are required. Maybe a tooth is too decayed or damaged to hang on. Maybe it lacks enough periodontal support thanks to the bone loss and other tissue damage that gum disease fuels. Maybe there’s infection in old extraction sites that have never healed completely. Maybe implants are needed to replace missing teeth.
When oral surgery is needed, there are extra steps that Dr. Jana takes as a biological dentist to ensure positive results with good, quick healing and minimal discomfort for you.
One of these is the use of platelet rich fibrin (PRF), which we make by spinning a small sample of your own blood in a special centrifuge. This separates the blood into layers. Heavier red cells sink to the bottom while lighter ones stay on the top. Consisting of platelets, growth factors, white blood cells, and fibrin, this is the PRF.
Placed or injected at the surgical site, PRF supports the formation of new blood vessels. The increased blood supply delivers more oxygen and nutrients to the site, speeding up healing and reducing inflammation, contributing to a smoother recovery. PRF also accelerates tissue regeneration and enhances bone regeneration and the integration of implants with natural jawbone. It reduces the risk of complications such as dry socket and implant failure.
Just as key is the use of ozone, a safe, powerful, and natural antimicrobial. When applied directly to the surgical site, ozone helps kill harmful bacteria, reducing the risk of infection. It stimulates the immune system and, like PRF, increases blood flow, bringing more oxygen and nutrients to help tissues heal faster. At the same time, ozone’s anti-inflammatory properties help reduce swelling and pain, making recovery more comfortable.
Then there’s our state-of-the-art Fotona laser, which emits concentrated beams of light that can cut, vaporize, or reshape tissue. This allows for unparalleled precision, enabling Dr. Jana to target specific areas with pinpoint accuracy, without affecting healthy surrounding tissues. Lasers also have excellent disinfecting properties and can even stimulate the body’s natural healing processes.
Whether you’re in need of a simple extraction or ready to improve your smile with zirconia implants, you can rest assured that your healing and comfort will be enhanced by this powerful trio of tools – cutting edge technology that supports your body’s natural healing abilities.
That’s biological dentistry at its best.
