What is a Laser and How Does it Work?
A laser is an instrument that produces a very narrow, intense beam of light energy. which may or may not be visible to the human eye. When laser light comes in contact with tissue, it causes a reaction. The beam of light produced by the laser has the ability to remove or shape soft tissues.
How are Lasers Used in Dentistry?
The laser is used for many procedures that would otherwise the require the use of a scapel or small sugical knife. Lasers can also be used to detect small cavities that would otherwise be unseen by the eye or on xrays. We use both a surgical laser and cavitiy detection laser at the Fornetti Center for Dental Implants. Please continue reading for commonly asked questions regarding this technology.
Laser Cavity Detection
Patient Benefits
You’ve heard a ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure? That saying describes where the benefit of early detection of decay lies. By detecting decayed areas in teeth before they become larger, your dentist is able to remove only a small amount of tooth structure. This preserves the overall strength of the tooth. By treating these cavities early, we can work more conservatively, keep teeth healthier and making treatments less costly to you.
How Does it Work?
The laser detection system used at Fornetti Dental Practice is called the DIAGNOdent laser. It works by measuring laser fluorescence within the tooth structure. At the specific wavelength that the DIAGNOdent laser operates, healthy tooth structure exhibits little or no fluorescence, resulting in very low scale readings on the display. However, decayed tooth structure will exhibit fluorescence, resulting in elevated scale readings on the display. And while the DIAGNOdent is a laser, no special eyewear, or precautions are required for it’s use.
How Long Does An Examination with Laser Take? Does it Hurt?
An examination with the DIAGNOdent takes less than five minutes. It is completely painless.
How Much Does an Laser Exam Cost?
Nothing. If you have teeth that are not already covered with crowns or large fillings, your laser exam will be performed as part of your normal cleaning visit at no additional cost.
Surgical Lasers
What Are the Advantages of Laser Treatment Over Other Forms of Surgery?
Less pain,less bleeding, faster healing
Is it Safe?
Yes. If the dental laser is used according to accepted practices by a trained practitioner, it is at least as safe as other dental instruments.
How are Lasers Used to Treat Gum Disease?
There are a variety of lasers that can be used to treat periodontal disease.
- Lasers can be used to remove inflamed tissues within a periodontal pocket.
- Lasers can be used to trim away diseased gum tissue, increase the length of a tooth above the gum line so that crowns can be properly placed and can even remove muscle pulls and benign tumors.
What Are the Advantages of Laser Therapy Compared to Conventional Therapy in Treating Gum Disease?
Laser treatments may be more comfortable than treatment with conventional instruments. The gum tissue may be removed without bleeding and swelling because the powerful light beam seals blood vessels and nerve endings.