Sunbury women ask, “How safe is laser dentistry during pregnancy?”

At Smile in Style, we take the responsibility of family dentistry seriously. Our offices in Sunbury and Moonee Ponds are holistic, mercury-free, and equipped with the laser technology to deliver the healthiest possible care for every member of your family – even if they haven’t been born yet. Taking care of your Dental care during pregnancy is important for you and your baby.

Laser Dentistry During Pregnancy in Sunbury area

The importance of dental care during pregnancy

Among the many changes a woman experiences during pregnancy is a heightened awareness of self-care. You want to optimise your own health, but you worry about the potential effects of medications or treatments. Unfortunately, the importance of oral health is often overlooked. According to the Victoria Department of Health & Human Services, periodontal disease may trigger as many as 18 percent of premature births.

The good news is that most routine dental procedures are safe for pregnant women. However, certain medications may need to be avoided and precautions may need to be taken. The most important step in ensuring safe treatment is to tell your dental team that you are pregnant, even if you haven’t shared the news publicly yet.

As a holistic dental practice, we strive to provide healthy treatment, minimise invasive procedures, and aim to avoid toxins for all patients. We are also keenly aware of the specific needs of pregnant women. Laser technology allows us to reduce or eliminate the use of a dental drill when preparing a tooth for a filling. The technique is more precise and more comfortable than traditional methods and often can be done without a local anaesthetic.

Your changing oral health needs

Hormones are chemicals produced by the human body, which regulate many physiological processes. Their primary functions are largely associated with reproductive cycles and organs, so it’s not surprising that pregnancy involves dramatic changes in hormone levels. What may come as a surprise, especially if this is your first pregnancy, is that hormonal changes have a significant effect on seemingly unrelated aspects of health, and every part of the body. The mouth is no exception.

Moonee Ponds Office
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Sunbury Office
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During pregnancy, a woman has a higher risk of:

  • Periodontal infection – Both oestrogen and progesterone levels in blood and saliva are higher, contributing to an increase of bacteria in the mouth.  If you have undetected or untreated gum disease, hormonal changes can exacerbate the condition. Even a woman with healthy gums is at risk of developing gingivitis.
  • Cavities – In addition to the effects of hormones, pregnancy increases the risk of decay for several other reasons. One reason is changes in dietary habits. Healthy nutrition will require an increase in carbohydrates, and pregnant women often crave sweets. Compounding the problem, food might not always stay in your stomach. Vomiting, an extremely common side effect of pregnancy, can cause erosion of tooth enamel.
  • Benign growths – Excess tissue may develop, especially in areas such as between the teeth. The growths may be red and may bleed easily. Although these are commonly called “pregnancy tumors” they are not cancerous. In many cases, the growths naturally disappear over time. However, if bothersome, they can be removed with a simple laser procedure.

What procedures are safe?

Laser Dentistry During Pregnancy in Sunbury area Image 2

During your consultation, we will discuss the types of treatments that are suitable and  recommended for you. This can vary, depending on several factors, including the severity of oral disease, the stage of your pregnancy, type of treatment needed, and your overall health. Generally, the following are considered safe:

  • Hygiene appointments – There is no reason to avoid dental cleanings and examinations. This basic treatment should be considered an essential part of your pregnancy health care plan, and it is the best way to avoid some of the problems discussed above.
  • Fillings – Most non essential treatment is avoided during the first trimester, but treatments such as fillings are considered safe during the second or third trimester. With laser dentistry, we can often avoid the use of local anesthetic.
  • Orthodontics – If you are straightening your teeth, there is no need to interrupt treatment.
  • Periodontal treatment – Gum disease does pose a risk, but treatment does not. Depending on the stage of the disease, we may recommend deep cleaning or laser therapy.

If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, please give us a call and schedule a checkup. You can reach us at 03 8400 4104  (Moonee Ponds) or 03 8001 6021  (Sunbury) or book online at www.smileinstyle.com.au.

 

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Smile In Style Dental office near Moonee Ponds and Sunbury

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Throughout our site, you will find valuable information about our services that will help you get to know us better. It is our mission to create beautiful white healthy smiles using the latest technologies. Our experienced Dentists and staff aim for lifelong relationships with our patients, providing relevant dental education and continual care throughout life. Here, you can learn more about the various dental conditions that may develop and the ways in which we treat them.
Some of the services you can expect to find at Smile in Style include: Our goal is to work together with you to achieve your healthiest, most attractive smile, whilst ensuring your comfort and satisfaction.

Safe Amalgam Removal Protocol

  • Chlorella drink prior is given prior to treatment and a mouth rinse post-treatment. Chlorella can help bind and prevent mercury absorption.
  • Physical protective barriers - Masks, protective coverings, eyewear, in-mouth non-latex dental dams, and other steps are taken to prevent physical contact with mercury for the patient and staff.
  • Oral evacuation - Generous amounts of water are used to continuously rinse particulate matter from the mouth while suctioning it away. Combined with protective dental dams, this prevents patients from swallowing dental amalgam particles during treatment. Additionally, the rinsing helps lower the temperature of the filling, reducing the amount of mercury vapour released.
  • External air - A continuous supply of non-contaminated air or oxygen is delivered via a mask or similar apparatus, preventing inhalation of mercury vapour or particles.
  • "Chunk it out" method - Rather than using a drill to grind the filling down, it is carefully removed in the largest possible pieces, minimising friction, vaporisation.
  • High Volume Evacuation Suction is used by the dental assistant to remove amalgam particles in the mouth.
  • High Volume Air suction and Air Purifiers are used in the clinical room that is able to remove mercury vapour from the room.
  • Amalgam separator use - This device collects mercury-contaminated waste before it can enter the sewage system, allowing us to dispose of it safely.
Dr. Terry Rose Dr. Sally Fairbairn Dr. Helen Luo Dr. Meenakshi Rajcoomar Dr. Darshan Brar Dr. Jasdeep Kaur

Dr. Terry Rose

Dr. Terry Rose completed his Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Dental Surgery from the University of Otago, New Zealand. He then moved to Australia and founded Smile in Style in 1990. With over 25 years of orthodontic experience, Dr. Rose has been a Progressive Orthodontic Seminar instructor. He is an Accredited Biological Dentist certified in the SMART protocol through the IAOMT and completed the LA&HA Master’s Program in Laser Dentistry. In 2021, he was named an Advanced Instructor in dental lasers, and he continues to train dentists in laser and CEREC technology.

Laser Dentistry During Pregnancy in Sunbury area

Dr. Sally Fairbairn

Dr. Sally Fairbairn completed her Bachelor of Science before earning her Bachelor of Oral Health in Dentistry from Griffith University in 2011. She also earned a Graduate Diploma in Dentistry. Certified in Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique (SMART) by the IAOMT, she is expanding her expertise by pursuing accreditation as a Biological Dentist. Dr. Sally’s proficiency in biological dentistry and dedication to ongoing education have established her as a trusted dentist.

Dr. Helen Luo

Dr. Helen Luo graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery from the University of Otago, where she was recognised with a prize in Paediatric Dentistry. Since joining Smile In Style in 1998, she has gained extensive experience using CEREC for inlays, onlays, and crowns, as well as using the Dental Laser for both children and adults. Dr. Luo is also certified in the SMART technique by the IAOMT and offers advanced teeth whitening with the Kör system. She enjoys treating children as well as adults in the Sunbury surgery.

Dr. Meenakshi Rajcoomar

Dr. Meenakshi Rajcoomar graduated from the University of Melbourne and completed a residency in functional breathing and craniofacial pain. She holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Orthodontics from Progressive Orthodontic Seminars and is a Certified Clear Aligner Practitioner. A member of the IAOMT, Dr. Rajcoomar is SMART certified and completed an oral surgery course at the University of Melbourne. Her broad expertise and commitment to continuing education make her a well-rounded dental professional.

Dr. Darshan Brar

Dr. Darshan Brar earned her Bachelor of Dental Surgery in India in 2001 and obtained her Australian Dental Council Certificate in 2010. She is trained in Safe Amalgam Removal using the SMART Technique. She has an interest in Endodontics and same day inlays/onlays and crowns using CEREC. Dr. Brar’s commitment to continuing education ensures she stays current with the latest advancements in dental care, providing her patients with high-quality, modern treatment options.

Dr. Jasdeep Kaur

Dr. Jasdeep Kaur is an experienced general dentist who earned her Bachelor of Dentistry in India in 2012 and completed the Australian Dental Council Exam in 2017. She has experience working in regional Victoria with Community Health and the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Dr. Kaur is skilled in the SMART technique for Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal and offers a range of cosmetic treatments, including full mouth restorations, teeth whitening, crowns, and bridges. She embraces modern technology and is committed to ongoing education to continue providing her patients with the highest level of care.