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. It also means less risk of spreading blood-born diseases.

Will it hurt?
The aspect of the laser many patients appreciated most is its comfort. While no treatment is truly painless, the laser greatly reduces the need for anesthetics such as novocaine. 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, the need for postoperative pain medication is also reduced or eliminated.

It is 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 pluses. 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, intensified light. However, just as you wear sunglasses while tanning on the beach, you’ll wear special filtered glasses during treatment to protect your eyes from exposure to the laser light.

What does the laser look like?
The laser unit contains an energy source and a sophisticated electronic control system. The laser light is delivered by a pen-like handpiece (see illustration) 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 they can't even hear it..

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.