What is a Laser?
A laser is a high tech devise that generates a tiny beam of very concentrated light . This beam of light brings energy into your mouth through a tiny fiber, to help remove areas of infection and remove gum disease around the teeth with great precision and accuracy. The laser beam sterilizes the affected area and seals off blood vessels, which minimizes the chance of infection or bleeding. Patients are also much more comfortable during and after treatment with laser therapy. The need for local anesthetic is reduced but it is usually used to make sure that you feel absolutely nothing during the treatment.
Are Lasers New to Dentistry?
Shortly after the invention of lasers in the early 1960's, lasers were investigated for their use in gum treatment. Recent developments have made it possible to use lasers effectively in the dental office, for treatment of all soft tissues, including gums. Soon lasers will be used routinely for work on teeth and cavities.
Are Lasers Dangerous?
In the hands of a skilled specially trained dentist like Dr. Slobodski or Dr. Krol, lasers are very safe. In fact the primary safety factor used during laser treatment is proper protective eye wear. Dental lasers are very low powered, which is essential for treating the delicate tissues of the mouth. In addition, the controlled heat and light of the laser destroys many bacteria and viruses in the mouth and inside periodontal pockets.
There are many benefits of laser dentistry. They include:
- Faster healing.
- Reduced risk of infection.
- Decreased Sensitivity.
- Less time in the dental chair.
- Less bleeding.
- Less post-treatment discomfort
Will My Insurance Pay for Laser Treatment?
Today many dental services can be performed with the laser or traditional treatment. The procedure itself is usually covered by your dental insurance to some extent BUT the laser mode of therapy is NOT. You must decide if the extra expense for the laser will be worthwhile for you, as it will in many cases add to the cost out of pocket.
Learn more about the lasers we employ in the office.
DIAGNOdent
More and more patients place value on healthy and attractive teeth. In order to maintain them, the earliest possible care is essential. DIAGNOdent aids in the detections of caries. Even very small lesions are detected at the earliest stage, enabling you to protect and preserve the tooth substance.
KaVo Dental Corporation
Delight Laser
The Delight Laser by HOYA Conbio is a hard tissue laser that removes decay from a tooth. The Delight Laser is also used to gently remove small portions of a tooth without the noise, pain or discomfort of a drill.
HOYA Conbio
Is Laser Dental Periodontal Treatment For Me?
After thorough examination, Dr.Slobodski can determine if the use of our laser is indicated for you. Apart from the fact that laser treatment is very gentle and
quiet and heals with very little post-operative discomfort or bleeding, laser treatment may be very beneficial for the following situations:
1. Blood Thinners: If you are on Coumadin or take aspirin every day and your MD does not want you to stop them, then laser treatment is beneficial
because of the reduced chance of bleeding during treatment.
2. If you have high blood pressure and the use of Epinephrine is contraindicated, then laser treatment is for you.
3. If you are allergic or hypersensitive to Epinephrine, causing rapid heartbeat whenever you get Novocain, then the use of laser treatment is beneficial,
since Epinephrine is not necessary to be used.
Laser Pocket Treatment Procedure
Chemical curettage may be used to de-epithelialize the inner pocket wall. The laser is then used to remove all debris, vaporize bacteria, and do any
necessary gingivoplasty. Scaling and root planing is done conventionally with curettes and ultrasonic.
There is minimal bleeding and Orabase is used by the patient to cover any sore spots. A few Motrin are all that is needed for discomfort.
Technique For :
Pocket De-epithelialization and Laser treatment (PDL therapy - see central image above)
A: Probe indicates pocket depth
B: De-epithelialization of pocket wall, followed by Laser to vaporize bacteria, diseased tissue, & bacterial toxins. Laser removes inner pocket wall (curettage).
C: Ultrasonic scalier and hand instruments used for scaling and root planing
D: Laser used for bleeding control and any gingivoplasty.