Geriatric Dentistry

Older people require special treatment for their aging, weakened teeth that are more susceptible to damage and disease. Since many oral conditions are also associated with systemic conditions, the risk for dental problems increases even more with age.

Geriatric dentistry focuses on the special needs of older mouths and can help prevent common conditions such as dry mouth and gum disease, as well as provide prosthetic replacements such as crowns, bridges and dentures for missing teeth. Dr. Glasser also takes into account other age-related changes such as slower reflexes, sensory function and independent living when providing dental care for older patients.

Getting older does not necessarily mean patients will lose teeth or suffer from poor oral health, so it is important to take preventative measures to protecting your teeth and keeping them as healthy as possible.  Dr. Glasser works one-on-one with each of his patients to develop a treatment and prevention plan to fit the individual needs of older patients as their mouth ages. 

Oral Surgery

Oral surgery is a dental specialty that focuses on diagnosing or treating diseases, injuries or birth defects that cannot be treated through conservative methods. Oral surgery performed by Dr. Glasser involves the treatment of conditions affecting the hard and soft tissues of the head, mouth, teeth, gums, jaws and neck.  These conditions may affect patients functionally or esthetically, but should be treated either way to help preserve oral health.

The most common types of oral surgery include removing impacted wisdom teeth, placing dental implants, treating TMJ disorder, repairing a cleft lip or palate and correcting sleep apnea or snoring problems. Dr. Glasser is specially trained to perform these procedures and does so as safely and efficiently as possible.

While many patients are concerned about the pain and discomfort associated with a routine visit to the dentist, these anxieties often become much greater when patients must undergo oral surgery.  Dr. Glasser understands these anxieties and works with patients to ensure that their procedure is as painless and stress-free as possible.

Pediatric Dentistry 

As your child grows, it is important to instill healthy dental habits at an early age so he or she can enjoy a lifetime of strong, beautiful teeth. Pediatric dentistry handles the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of your child’s teeth as they develop and grow.

Dr. Glasser’s pediatric services include preventive care, emergency treatment, restorative treatment and cosmetic procedures, if needed. Your child should visit a dentist by the time he or she turns one, in order to establish a healthy routine and relationship for all their dental needs.Check-ups should be scheduled every six months to be sure that no cavities or other problems develop.  Dr. Glasser specializes in treating the dental needs of children and easing the concerns of their parents by providing a trusting environment backed by years of experience.

During a pediatric dental appointment, Dr. Glasser will examine your child to determine how many teeth are and should be present, any loose teeth, any potential cavities, gum health, tongue and speech progression, fluoride use and more.  Dr. Glasser will also answer any questions that parents may have concerning their child’s oral health.

Sleep Apnea

People with sleep apnea stop breathing while they sleep, sometimes hundreds of times per night, and sometimes for a minute or longer. Sleep apnea affects about 18 million people of all ages in the U.S. and takes three forms: obstructive, central and mixed. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the most common form, occurs when the soft tissue at the back of the throat closes, blocking (obstructing) the person’s airway. The airway remains open in central sleep apnea, but the brain does not send signals to the muscles involved in breathing. Mixed sleep apnea combines aspects of the obstructive and central types. A common warning sign of sleep apnea is snoring (especially snoring interspersed with gasps or lack of breathing) although it is not always as a result of sleep apnea.

Because sufferers are roused from sleep briefly to resume proper breathing, disrupting and lowering the quality of a person’s rest, sleep apnea can cause a number of problems. If left untreated, it can result in high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, stroke, memory problems, weight gain, impotency, headaches, and daytime fatigue leading to job impairment and motor vehicle crashes.

There are a variety of treatments available for sleep apnea, including oral appliance therapy, mandibular repositioning and tongue-retaining devices, nasal sprays, traditional surgery, laser-assisted uvulopalatopharyngoplasty and nasal surgery. If you think you are suffering from sleep apnea, talk with your dentist. He or she will discuss which treatment is right for you. 

Digital Radiography

X-rays are one of the most common procedures used to diagnose a wide variety of conditions in nearly every area of the body. Although x-rays are usually effective in identifying abnormalities, their method for doing so is somewhat outdated. Despite an increasingly digital world, x-rays still use sheets of film that require processing much like film in a regular camera.

Digital x-rays are performed similarly to conventional x-rays, but use a special imaging detector that "reads" the body part rather than exposing it on film. This is the same technique used for regular digital cameras. Digital x-rays allow for faster results and delivery to other doctors, as the images can be viewed on a computer rather than having to send the actual film. This technique also exposes patients to less radiation, a minor risk involved in conventional x-rays. The speed and safety of digital x-rays make them the preferred type of imaging test and a top-quality service that Dr. is proud to offer.

Intraoral Cameras

An intraoral camera is an advanced diagnostic tool that provides clear, detailed images of the teeth and mouth that a simple mirror examination cannot achieve.  These devices have been used since the early 1990s and are now used in up to half of all dental offices because of their many advantages. 

This technology can be used to ensure a proper diagnosis, as well as to help patients understand their diagnosis and the benefits of their dentist’s recommended treatment options.  The images from an intraoral camera allow dentists to view the teeth at magnified levels and keep a permanent record of the teeth to compare over time, as well as before and after treatment.  Photo documentation of the teeth can also help speed up the insurance claim process by providing clear-cut evidence of dental conditions.

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