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LASER DENTISTRY
HOW PATIENTS BENEFIT FROM LASERS
Since lasers were first introduced to dentistry in the 1980s,
they have played an increasingly important role in dentistry.
Although
now in their second decade of use, lasers are still surrounded
by some mystique. The term laser is an acronym for Light Amplification
by Stimulated Emission of Radiation, which means a device that
produces and amplifies light. It is the wavelength of this light,
whether
invisible or not, that determines what the laser energy beam can
and should be used for, since different forms of laser energy
affect
tissues in different and specific ways.
Periodontal (gum) procedures are where patients can benefit tremendously
from the use of lasers. Procedures such as gum grafts, gum tissue
regeneration, and bone grafts are just a few of the standard periodontal
procedures that can be provided by lasers. These procedures result
in no bleeding and less postoperative pain with a laser, when compared
to the use of the traditional surgical scalpel blade. Other important
benefits of the laser incision are the sterilization of the resulting
wound and the biostimulation (healing) effects it provides.
There is a dramatic procedure of treating the gums of cardiac
patients prior to surgery with laser energy. Studies have shown
that elimination
of bacteria from around teeth results in a significant decrease
in failures of heart valve replacement surgeries.
Laser gingivectomy (the removal of undesirable gum tissue from
around a tooth) is a valuable procedure available to patients. Gingivectomy
can be accomplished at the crown-preparation appointment with very
predictable gum line response and a bloodless field for taking the
all-important impression (mould of the teeth) for crowns. The benefit
to the patient is that an additional appointment is not necessary
to perform a separate procedure.
Cosmetic recontouring of the gums of front teeth, a specialized
type of gingivectomy for veneers, can also be accomplished at the
preparation appointment. Tissue-removal to gain access to decay
under the gum line is another area where the laser is very beneficial
to patients. Lasers provide the dentist with a clear and bloodless
field, which is essential for the effective bonding of tooth-colored
fillings. This is yet another benefit to patients because it allows
the dentist to perform a high quality filling.
There is a change in the way dentists think about their practices
and the services they provide their patients. Patient demand for
functional and esthetic tooth restorations has made it necessary
for dentists to refine their artistic skills to create lifelike
smile enhancements. Further demand for quick and quality treatments
with minimal inconvenience and little postoperative discomfort means
that dentists will greatly benefit their patients with the use of
lasers.
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925.692.2010