Jerry C. Hu, DDS Family Dentistry, LLC
Anchorage: 907 202-9685
Soldotna: 907 262-6466
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Laser Dentistry

8/24/2021

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A laser tool used in laser dentistry.
Technology and practices within the field of dentistry are ever-evolving. New methods improve dental health for many individuals. Laser dentistry is a part of dentistry that is aiding dentists in achieving the dental goals of their patients.

The first use of lasers in dentistry was in 1960 by Miaman. Since the introduction of lasers in dental work, the applications for soft and hard tissue procedures have exponentially grown. Many studies and various research has been conducted regarding laser dentistry. These studies have found lasers to be efficient in dental treatment application and increase patient comfort during different dental procedures.
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Lasers for Oral Health
Laser dentistry is currently helping individuals with periodontal disease, peri-implantitis, sleep apnea, snoring, or oral infections. We offer laser treatments for soft and hard tissues at our Smiles of Alaska offices in Soldotna and Anchorage.

Laser use in dental work allows dentists to create models for surgery preparation and practice with ease and exactness. Applying lasers with the dental field allows for more precise dental work such as incisions, shaping, and tissue or cavity removal.

Laser treatments we perform include:

  • Gum sculpting
  • Removing lesions/ulcers
  • Treating periodontitis
  • Dental implanting
  • Socket bone grafting
  • Issues relating to oral nerves

Some individuals are candidates for laser treatment to find relief from their sleep apnea or snoring. A trained dentist will use the laser to stimulate tissue at the back of a patient’s throat, increasing collagen production. The increase in collagen in the patient’s throat will cause their skin to contract and keep their airway open.

Additionally, lasers remove cavities, which reduces the bacteria in a person’s mouth. This reduction in bacteria increases the oral health of an individual. Moreover, fewer bacteria decrease the chance of periodontitis (gum disease).

Lasers are minimally invasive and provide patients with treatment options and prevention for serious dental diseases such as tooth decay or gum disease while being cost-effective and keeping individuals comfortable on and off of a dental chair.


Contact Smiles of Alaska
For more information regarding laser dentistry at Smiles of Alaska or other various treatment options, contact the Smiles of Alaska team. We are available through email at office@smilesofalaska.com or by phone at 907-349-6466. We are a family dentistry practice located in Soldotna and Anchorage, Alaska, specializing in restorative dentistry and sleep medicine.

We look forward to assisting our patients in living life to the fullest!

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3D Teeth

8/24/2021

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An image of 3D teeth.
For individuals with missing or broken teeth, 3D teeth replacements is a growing trend with dentistry! 

This treatment option is a relatively recent trend within the field of dentistry. New methods for treatments are constantly surfacing in dental work.

Currently, dentistry uses 3D printing for better molds, certain teeth replacements, or even crowns, usually without additional appointments. 

The advancements in 3D printing have enabled dentists to craft dental replacements that match a person’s dental features’ color, size, shape, and position.

Benefits of 3D Teeth Replacement
With many uses for 3D printing, such as orthodontics, endodontics, prosthodontics, periodontics, and oral and maxillofacial surgeries, individuals with dental issues will benefit from this technology.

Benefits of 3D teeth or other dental features include:

  • Reduces wait time for replacements
  • Decreases patient costs
  • Improves dental and facial matching
  • Improves dental health

3D printing technology allows individuals to receive replacement dental features with less wait time than other traditional methods, and in most cases, within the same appointment. The use of improved 3D materials is reducing costs for dental replacements.

Moreover, the materials allow for more exact matching of color and shape of teeth, crowns, or other dental work. 3D printing in dentistry also improves oral health. For example, increasing a person’s jaw strength is one-way 3D printing in dentistry that improves a patient’s oral health.

Additionally, dental surgeons use 3D models to assist in surgery prep, specifically practicing the techniques needed to complete the surgery.

Future of 3D Dental Printing
There is much more to explore regarding how printing 3D teeth and other dental features can improve dental strength and oral health. For example, there is new research being done to see how to create bacteria-resistant 3D teeth. This plastic material also kills bacteria such as Streptococcus (the bacteria known to cause tooth decay). 

Imagine never experiencing pain from dental decay caused by bacteria ever again! The freedom a person can have from new technologies and improvements for dental treatments is astounding! 

3D printing allows for greater customization of dental features, and the production process is more efficient than traditional dental mold processes. The increase in efficiency will decrease dental replacement costs for dental implants, braces, and dental appliances such as oral appliance devices for sleep apnea or excessive snoring.

The future is bright for achieving the perfect smile by using 3D technology in dental work!

Contact Smiles of Alaska
For more information regarding treatment for damaged teeth or other dental issues, contact the Smiles of Alaska team. We are available through email at office@smilesofalaska.com or by phone at 907-349-6466. We are a family dentistry practice located in Soldotna and Anchorage, Alaska, specializing in dental sleep medicine and restorative dentistry.

We look forward to assisting our patients in living life to the fullest!

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What is Dental Sleep Medicine?

8/24/2021

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Picture
A good night’s sleep is essential for a person’s overall health. Without restful sleep, a person can experience devastating effects on their mind and body. Headaches, fatigue, lack of focus, and mental health issues are all effects of sleep deprivation. Over the years, doctors have found links between a person’s airway, tongue, and mandibular position. Out of the relationship between sleep and health and jaw structure, the field of dental sleep medicine has grown. This field is becoming increasingly popular as a treatment for obstructive sleep apnea.

While CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines are typically the first type of treatment individuals with sleep apnea receive, many individuals find the CPAP mask does not fit properly, which interferes with their sleep compliance. Oral appliance therapy is another treatment option for those with mild sleep apnea symptoms or individuals who cannot use a CPAP mask.

Dental Sleep Medicine
Dental sleep medicine is the field where dentists use their knowledge of the positioning of the tongue and mandibular jaw joint to assist individuals in alleviating their obstructive sleep apnea symptoms. 

Symptoms of sleep apnea include:
  • Fatigue
  • Headaches
  • Migraines
  • Snoring
  • Dry throat

To treat these and other symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), dentists will use oral appliance devices. Oral appliance devices are custom-fit devices that a person places in their mouth during sleep. These oral devices work to reposition or prevent the tongue and jaw from shifting during sleep. 

Oral appliance therapy is a non-invasive treatment option that provides freedom to individuals from their OSA. Oral devices allow a person to travel as the oral device is small and easy to clean. An oral appliance device is also lightweight and quiet, unlike a CPAP machine. In addition, an oral appliance device does not inhibit movement during sleep.

To achieve a restful night of sleep, speak with a local dental sleep medicine expert to determine if an oral appliance therapy is a better treatment plan for your OSA symptoms.

Dental Sleep Medicine at Smiles of Alaska
For more information regarding diagnosing sleep apnea and the various treatment options, contact the Smiles of Alaska team. We are available through email at office@smilesofalaska.com or by phone at 907-349-6466. We are a family dentistry practice located in Soldotna and Anchorage, Alaska, specializing in sleep medicine.

We look forward to assisting our patients in living life to the fullest!

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Do I Need a Sleep Test?

8/24/2021

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A man is snoring.
About 80% of individuals with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) live their lives without a diagnosis. This means that these individuals are experiencing excessive snoring, pausing of breath while sleeping, and other sleep apnea symptoms without treatment. One of the first steps an individual can take to receive a diagnosis for sleep apnea is to undergo a sleep test. 

A sleep test, or polysomnography, is done either at home or at a sleep clinic. Easier access to sleep testing at a sleep clinic allows more individuals to receive a diagnosis for their disorder breathing or other sleeping issues. However, before scheduling a sleep study at a clinic, a person should ask themselves eight questions.

Moreover, a proper diagnosis allows an individual to receive a personalized treatment plan. Without treatment of OSA, a person’s symptoms will worsen and can lead to other health conditions.

Ask Yourself These Questions
There are some preliminary questions a person can ask themselves to determine if speaking with a doctor regarding a sleep test is necessary.

  1. Is my snoring excessively loud?
  2. Am I extremely tired or sleepy throughout the day?
  3. Is my blood pressure higher than normal?
  4. Is my BMI over 35?
  5. Has someone seen my breathing pause during sleep?
  6. Am I over 50 years old?
  7. Am I male?
  8. Is my neck larger than 40 centimeters (15.75 inches) in circumference?

A “yes” response to at least three of the eight questions is an indication that the individuals might have sleep apnea and should consult with their doctor about sleep testing. 

Additionally, answering “yes” to three of the above questions makes an individual a candidate for at-home testing. At-home testing for OSA is less involved than testing at a sleep clinic. Moreover, the individual will place the electrodes on themselves and will sleep in their bed. For those with mild sleep apnea symptoms, at-home testing is a great option.

However, those with more severe OSA symptoms will need to undergo testing at a sleep clinic. At a sleep clinic, technicians will place the electrodes and monitor the person’s vitals. 

Contact Smiles of Alaska
For more information regarding diagnosing sleep apnea and the various treatment options, contact the Smiles of Alaska team. We are available through email at office@smilesofalaska.com or by phone at 907-349-6466. We are a family dentistry practice located in Soldotna and Anchorage, Alaska, specializing in sleep medicine.

We look forward to assisting our patients in living life to the fullest!

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Anchorage Hours
Friday - Saturday 9:00am-5:00pm
Sunday by appointment

Soldotna Hours

Tuesday - Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm

Anchorage location:
12570 Old Seward Highway Suite 201
Anchorage, AK 99515 

Contact/mailing Information:
Dr. Jerry C. Hu, DDS
125 N. Binkley St.
Soldotna, Alaska 99669



Anchorage phone: 907-202-9685
Soldotna phone: (907) 262-6466
Toll Free: 1-888-975-3888
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fax- (907) 260-3459
office@smilesofalaska.com

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