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Laser Dentistry
Lasers are a focus of new research and applications for the
dental profession. Our office utilizes three Biolase Waterlase lasers
and the Smilelase diode laser for dental
treatment. Because we believe they have many advantages,
we have focused our education and attention on the ways they can
enhance our patient care. A laser produces a very narrow and
intense beam of light energy that may or may not be visible to
the naked eye. When the laser light is directed at hard or
soft tissues, it causes the tissue to evaporate. A laser
is ideal to perform many procedures because it is very precise,
gentle and safe. For surgeries, the laser reduces the
postoperative pain, swelling and bleeding. Since there is no
heat or vibration, the laser reduces or eliminates the need for
shots and anesthesia. The laser can be used for numbing
the teeth and gums, removal of cavities and recontouring gum
tissue. It can also help relieve painful canker sores and
herpetic lesions while accelerating their healing time.
Some of the other applications of a dental laser are:
tongue tie release, reshaping excess gums, removal of thick gum
tissue to help close a gap between front teeth, removal of soft
tissue tumors and exposure of an unerupted tooth. We
also use a Diagnodent, a red diode laser that is designed to
detect cavities that are difficult to see and feel because they
are hidden in the deep grooves and fissures of back teeth.
This laser looks like a little red flashlight. The
children are fascinated by this "magic wand" that helps us
detect cavities while they are very small. We love our
Waterlase and Diagnodent lasers. So do our patients when
they can have their cavities filled without numbing or shots.
While we do not use the Waterlase for nerve treatments and
crowns, many cavities can be filled with the new
technology. |
