When thinking of lasers, many of us picture a science fiction movie character wielding a laser weapon capable of melting or destroying property (or people, or even aliens) at great distances. While certain laser technology can indeed cause this type of damage, we must remember that they are specifically engineered for that purpose. Most lasers are engineered and designed to perform special functions without changing or damaging the surrounding tissues or materials. Think instead of the lasers used around us everyday, such as those found in the barcode scanners at the grocery store or those that make CD music possible.

Lasers deliver energy in the form of light. Depending on the intended result, this energy travels at different wavelengths and is absorbed by a "target". In dentistry, these targets can be enamel, decay, or gum tissue. Each one absorbs a different wavelength of light while reflecting other wavelengths. No measurable effect is seen beyond the intended target site. Lasers are very specific in regard to the wavelength produced. This means that to get the best results, you need to have a different laser for each type of procedure (one laser for soft tissue procedures and another one to treat hard tissues, such as tooth and bone). There is little or no sound associated with laser treatment, a pleasant treat for the dental patient who has experienced the whine of the dental drill.

Laser Periodontal Therapy

Laser Periodontal Therapy was researched and developed by two Californian dentists, Drs. Robert Gregg & Delwin McCarthy. It obtained approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a safe and effective method to treat gum disease on October 1, 2004.

Treatment Procedure

•  Perio probe indicates excessive pocket depth.

•  Laser light removes bacteria and diseased tissue.

•  Ultrasonic scaler and special hand instruments are used to remove root surface tarter.

•  Laser finishes cleaning pocket and aids in sealing the pocket closed so new germs cannot enter.

•  Healing of gums to clean root surface occurs.

•  Bite trauma is adjusted.

•  Healing occurs.

To see an animated representation of this procedure, go to www.millenniumdental.com

Laser Periodontal Therapy is a laser-based approach to gum disease using an Nd:YAG, free running, pulsed laser requiring specific knowledge and skills drawn from the whole of dentistry.

To you, the patients this means: less pain , less bleeding , less swelling , less tissue removed , less down time , and less recovery time which is decidedly less costly to you and your employer .

The reasons we use Laser Periodontal Therapy are to: remove only the diseased tissue without removing any of the healthy tissue, maintain the height of the tissue around the teeth, minimize pain and discomfort to the patient, get a closure of the periodontal pocket wound and allow healing to take place. Controlling periodontal disease makes it possible to save and restore otherwise hopelessly involved teeth.

Dental Lasers & Teeth

It has been shown that dental lasers are safe for both children and adults. In addition, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several types of dental lasers for use on adults and children. Many of the lasers for dentistry are similar or identical in design to other medical lasers that have been used successfully for years in the specialties of Ophthalmology, Neurosurgery, Ear/Nose/Throat (ENT), and Dermatology.

Advantages of Laser Dentistry include:

Less Pain

Minimal Bleeding

Reduced risk of Infection

Minimal or no anesthesia

No noise (no drilling)

Faster Healing

A more sterilized environment (laser kills bacteria)

Treatment for canker sores

Though the laser is a great alternative to the traditional drill, it is not appropriate for all procedures. It is frequently used in conjunction with conventional instruments. Lasers can not remove metal fillings, including amalgams and metal crowns. There is still just one way to do that and that's by drilling, but we are working on it as we speak.