LASERS
Not all lasers are alike. Just because a dentist says that he or she has a laser does not mean that the laser can perform all necessary procedures. Each tissue in the mouth is different. Teeth and gums and lips and tongues all react differently to the different wavelengths of LASER light. At this office, our doctors have received certification from the Academy of Laser Dentistry for the Nd:YAG, the Er:YAG, and the Diode lasers. The training involves the knowledge of what tissues react to which laser wavelength, safety issues involved, and the proper dosage and indications and contraindicaitons for each type of LASER used in our office.
What dental procedures can lasers perform?
Fillings
Lasers can remove decay in most cases. Prepping the filling is generally accomplished without any need for a shot. However, lasers cannot remove old silver filling material because the heat of the laser would vaporize the mercury in the fillings. Lasers may be difficult to use for some large fillings, and removing some specific type of composite filling material can be slow.
Periodontal disease surgery
Lasers are wonderful for soft tissue periodontal surgery. Laser surgery can often take the place of traditional scalpel surgery. Laser periodontal surgery is used to remove diseased soft tissue and is generally bloodless and painless, with no need for anesthesia. The laser also reduces periodontal infection with this procedure by killing the periodontal bacteria causing the disease.
Dental lasers can also be used for more involved gingival flap surgery. With this type of surgery, anesthesia will most likely be necessary, but post operative healing is still reduced compared to traditional surgery.
Diagnostics-finding decay
The Diagnodent laser is used for finding hidden decay in teeth. As mentioned earlier, it works by detecting the difference in fluorescence between healthy and decayed tissue to get an idea of what the laser detects, one can think about the Smithsonian’s display of “glow in the dark” rocks. Decayed tooth also “glows” and when detected, the Diagnodent emits a beeping sound. Diagnodent cannot detect all decay because it only has a depth penetration of 2 millimeters. X-ray examination must still be used for decay hidden deep under existing fillings or deep between teeth. However, this laser is wonderful for finding early decay that cannot be detected through other means, or for determining beginning decay around the edge of an existing filling. When used within its depth parameters, the Diagnodent is 92% accurate, a higher rate than for a dental explorer.
Oral surgery
The laser is the tool of choice for many oral surgery procedures. Although not all surgeries can be accomplished without any anesthesia, the laser does speed up healing time immensely, providing minimal trauma to the area. Procedures such as eliminating tongue ties, uncovering implants, crown lengthening, or removing cysts and tumors can all be performed by a laser.
Adjunct use in crowns
A crown preparation involves removing the outer layer of the tooth, carving it down to accept the fabricated crown. Since portions of this tooth being prepped are healthy, the laser will not be an efficient cutting tool. However, the laser can be used to form the channel required to take an impression for the crown. This procedure replaces the procedure of temporarily packing the gum tissue with a cord. Patients who have had this procedure performed have commented that it is much more comfortable than the traditional crown prep procedure, with a lot less discomfort after the procedure.
