Wiregrass Seniors Magazine November Issue NOVEMBER ISSUE | Page 23

WiregrassSeniorsMagazine.com
Hello Readers,
Ask Dr. Gaunt
Page 23
“Your Hometown Dentist”
First, I realize that many of you reading this have had your world turned upside down from Hurricane Michael
and I want you to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
This month we’re wrapping up our discussion dedicated to new technology as it helps redefine the way we
treat our dental patients. The traditional way we have done dentistry is giving way to new materials, tech-
niques and ways to keep our patients more comfortable. Last month we looked at my best friend in the dental
office, The Wand. It is the syringe-less anesthetic delivery system that has forever changed patient’s fear factor
of getting numb.
The other go-to in our office is the dental laser. We have come to point where lasers are common in a wide
array of professions, and in the gadgets we use at home. Lasers are used in hair removal, unbelievable light
shows and in a nifty temperature detector I have in my shop! Dental lasers can be used to detect cavities,
remove cavities in teeth, aid in periodontal healing, and gently esthetically sculpt gumlines. But my favorite
use is to non-surgically create more room around a tooth that has been damaged to below the gumline. What
was traditionally a non-restorable tooth, or restorable only after fairly aggressive periodontal surgery, is now
saved with the dental laser.
So, while I’m more thankful for electricity, hot water, an intact roof overhead, and my family and friend’s lives
than I probably was a month or two ago, I am ever thankful for technology making my job more enjoyable and
more comfortable for my patients.
Be thankful for what you have, help a neighbor in need (there are many- on your street
or a nearby county) and have a Happy Thanksgiving.
To your Health and Happiness, Geoff Gaunt,DMD 334-673-7440