Advanced dentistry

Saying at the forefront of emerging technologies is a hallmark of Dr. William Aerni’s 37-year career. He considers himself a lifelong student and teacher, continually discovering and investing in equipment and procedures that improve the experience and outcomes for his patients.

At Aerni Dental, you’ll find more breakthrough technology under one roof than at any other dental office in Cleveland.

Take, for instance, the CO₂ laser.

“This laser makes incisions for tooth extractions, implant placement, bone and gum grafts, crown lengthening and many other procedures to lessen post-op pain and speed healing with fewer complications. This opens up a world of exciting treatment possibilities,” says Dr. Aerni. “For gum grafting procedures, it allows me to make incisions with little to no bleeding, speeding up the procedure in minutes versus a traditional gum graft that may take an hour or more. This technique improves healing time with substantially less post-op pain.”

Another procedure he uses the laser for is to treat patients suffering from Sleep Apnea.

“It can biostimulate the collagen layer of the soft palate to open the airway,” he explains. “My patients are usually able to get rid of their sleep appliances and finally enjoy a good night’s sleep. Sleep Apnea is connected to a host of health concerns, including a shortened lifespan, so it means a lot to me to be able to alleviate and improve a patient’s Sleep Apnea with a noninvasive, 15-minute CO₂ laser procedure.”

Jump-Starting Better Healing

About 20 years ago, when platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) were first introduced, Dr. Aerni was one of the first doctors in Cleveland to implement them in his practice to jump-start better healing.

Using a centrifuge and the patient’s own blood creates PRP and PRF, which are concentrated white blood cells and growth factors. When used at a surgical site, they help speed healing and decrease post-op inflammation, resulting in less post-op pain.

“This is amazing. I would never do another surgery without using PRP and PRF,” says Dr. Aerni.

Oral DNA Testing

Dr. Aerni explains that about 80% of the population has gum disease, and the earlier and more precise the diagnosis and treatment, the better the outcomes for long-term health and wellness. Early diagnosis is everything.

“Oral DNA testing is a newer technology we’ve introduced that allows us to detect periodontal disease,” he says. “We send a sample of the patient’s saliva to the lab, and we receive results showing not just the exact bacteria present but also the quantity. This is key in helping us diagnose the proper therapy needed and in tracking long-term results.

“We often treat with LANAP, or laser-assisted new attachment procedure. This eliminates inflammation and bacteria in the infected pockets while biostimulating the cells needed to regenerate your natural bone, ligaments and gums that support your teeth. Regeneration can continue for up to a year and a half after a LANAP procedure. Post-op DNA saliva testing can be used to track a patient’s long-term periodontal health. LANAP is a minimally invasive regenerative procedure.”

Aerni Dental is located at 11177 Pearl Road, in Strongsville. The Aerni Dental team offers the full spectrum of dental care from general preventive dentistry to dental implants, same-day crowns, root canals, orthodontics and cosmetic enhancement. Call 440-390-3690 or visit AerniDental.com to see before-and-after photos and view testimonials.