Laser Enhanced Smiles

Tempe laser dentistry Our office recently purchased a water laser and have been implementing the device for various procedures.. This versatile device performs a host of both tooth and soft tissue related procedures, often times with no need for local anesthesia. The laser lacks the heat and vibration of the dental drill, so the procedure is quite comfortable for most patients. For soft tissue procedures it eliminates the need for suturing and healing is much faster due to wound sterilization and the atraumatic effect of the laser on surrounding tissues.

The water laser is really two devices in one. For working on teeth the work is actually done by a laser energized water stream through a hydrokinetic process. That is, the laser energy is transferred to the water which is then transferred to the tooth vaporizing the cavity. For soft tissue procedures the laser itself does the cutting with the water stream acting as a coolant. It is this versatility that makes the device such a great oral health instrument.

A number of procedures can be performed including:

All classes of dental fillings. It's only limitation is that it can not remove old silver amalgam.
Laser assisted periodontal therapy
Smile improvements, i.e. gum sculpting that lengthens teeth due to oversized gingiva (gummy smile improvement)
Gingivectomy, gingivoplasty, crown lengthening, and other gum corrections
Root canals and apicoectomies
Removal of oral lesions such as fibromas or pappilomas, usually with topical anesthesia only
Excisional and incisional biopsies
Frenectomy (tongue—tie release, orthodontic or periodontal indications) without anesthesia or sutures
Pediatric procedures. The lack of needles or drills is a huge plus for kids
Cold sore treatments
Apthous Ulcer (canker sore ) treatments
For a complete FDA clearance list go here

Advantages of the water laser include:

Often no drill or needle for fillings
No needle for most soft tissue procedures
Increased bond strength for fillings
Reduced post op sensitivity with fillings
Thorough disinfection of cavity preps prior to filling placement
Treat kids with no needle or drill
Much more rapid healing and reduced pain after soft tissue procedures
Drug free cold sore and apthous ulcer treatments with immediate pain relief and healing within two to three days
Excellent adjunct to crown and bridge work for improved gingival health and more accurate impression

As part of our ongoing commitment to provide our patients with the best possible care, we're pleased to offer the benefits of the dental laser. We hope the following information will enlighten you regarding this exciting new technology.

As a patient, what does the laser mean to me?

The laser is very precise and allows us to treat gum disease earlier than ever before. We can often intercept problems before they become big and require you to face more serious (and expensive) treatment.

Gum disease may be today's most serious dental problem. When the laser treats soft tissue inside the mouth, there is little or no bleeding. That means you probably won't need stitches following surgery. It also means less risk of spreading blood—born diseases.

Will it hurt?

The aspect of the laser many patients appreciate most is its comfort. While no treatment is truly painless, the laser greatly reduces the need for anesthetics such as Novocain. This enhances our ability to treat patients who are pregnant or medically compromised. The children we treat are often less fearful. And with the laser, then need for postoperative pain medication is also reduced or eliminated.

Is it safe?

Yes, very safe. Lasers like the one in our office have safely performed millions of procedures. This safety is also supported by hundreds of university studies. Our laser is so precise, it only removes a few cell layers at a time. It delivers its beam in tiny pulses. In any given second, it is actually off longer than it is on. Most procedures use less than three watts of power, less than many portable phones.

Are any precautions necessary?

Laser energy is not radioactive but simply magnified light. However, just as you wear sunglasses while tanning on the beach, you'll wear special glasses during treatment to protect your eyes from prolonged exposure to the bright light.

What does the laser look like?

The dental laser is a suitcase—sized unit which contains an energy source and a sophisticated electronic control system. The laser light is delivered by a pen—like handpiece connected to the energy source by a lightweight optical fiber.

What does it sound like?

As the pulses of laser energy leave the tip of the optical fiber, there is a slight ticking sound. It is not loud and most of our patients say it is not at all unpleasant.

Is every patient treated with the laser?

Though the laser is a wonderful instrument, it is not appropriate for all procedures. It is frequently used in conjunction with conventional instruments. Please ask us about the role the laser might play in your treatment.

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Kelly Jorn Cook DDS - Providing services in cosmetic and laser dentistry to the areas of Tempe, Chandler and Phoenix, Arizona.

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