Tissue "Diode" Laser

The word “Laser” is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Lasers are ubiquitous in the medical field-lasers are routinely used in ophthalmology, plastic surgery, ENT, gynecological surgery, etc. Just about every dental patient is aware of the benefits of laser medicine. Lasers are used every day and it's time for the dental profession to get into the act!

Periodontics

Lasers have been shown in many studies to be bactericidal instruments. Since periodontal disease is a bacterial infection, the removal of the bacterial microorganisms would restore the tissue to health. Toxins that these bacteria emit are destroyed by laser energy. Laser assisted scaling and root planning (cleaning) has been shown to reduce pockets and restore the oral cavity top health. Lasers can be used to clean and sterilize any surgical site. Procedures that used to require anesthesia, scalpels and sutures can now be performed bloodlessly, since lasers coagulate and cauterize as they cut. The possibility of infections are more remote with lasers than with cold steel. Gingival (gum) tissue that has overgrown due to certain medications can be treated easily and without trauma using a soft tissue laser.

In summary, the benefits of laser use in periodontal therapies are:

1. A clear dry field with no bleeding
2. Less possibility of infection
3. Less trauma
4. Less post-operative swelling and scaring
5. Minimal post-operative pain

Laser use is extremely precise and allows a greater great degree of finesse in surgical and soft tissue procedures. Laser procedures require LESS anesthetic. Laser therapy results in better post-operative patient experiences. Patients we have seen display a high acceptance of laser procedures.

As always, we invite your questions.

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