Advanced Equipment

Laser Assisted Surgery

Laser dentistry is one of dentistry's latest advances, and DSI is pleased to offer this technology to those patients who do not look forward to needles or the numbness  or would want a bloodless soft tissue surgery. Our involvement with laser-assisted dentistry is the latest step in our continuing quest for meaningful dental innovation.

The Laser delivers energy in the form of light. Depending on the intended result, this energy travels at different wavelengths and is absorbed by a "target."  We use lasers for soft tissue related procedures. Often times no local anesthesia is required...  with laser dentistry there is no heat or bleeding, making the procedure quite comfortable for most patients and eliminates the need for suturing and healing is much faster.

Dental lasers have been shown to be safe and effective for treating both children and adults

You may have heard of the many benefits of laser dental treatment. Because DSI specialists are interested in keeping up with the latest developments in the art and science of dentistry, we seek out the latest technologies to make dental care easier, safer, and less scary for our patients. Our involvement with laser-assisted dentistry is the latest step in our continuing quest for meaningful dental innovation.

What is a Laser?

A laser is a high-technology device that generates a beam of concentrated light. This beam of light brings energy into your mouth to help us remove areas of infection or tooth decay with great precision and accuracy. The laser beam sterilizes the affected area and seals off blood vessels, which minimizes the chance of infection or bleeding and all but eliminates scarring! Laser dental patients are much more comfortable both during and after treatment. That's because, in many instances, the need for anesthetic injections is reduced and in some instances eliminated, as well as the associated side effects. And that means less time spent in the dental chair!

Are lasers dangerous?

In the hands of a skilled, specially trained dentist, lasers are quite safe. In fact, the primary safety measure necessary during laser treatment is proper protective eyewear. Dental lasers are relatively low-powered, which is essential for treating the delicate tissues of the mouth. In addition, the controlled heat and light of the laser destroys many bacteria and viruses found in the mouth. We routinely are able to use our laser on both teeth and gums with no anesthesia with comfortable results.

What types of things can the laser do?

Our laser can remove tooth decay and old composite fillings, sterilize infected root canals, and perform soft tissue surgeries such as frenulotomy, implant exposures, esthetic contouring of the gums, bone shaping, apthous ulcer, canker sore, and cold sore treatment, crown lengthening, apicoectomy, sulcular debridement, periodontal (gum) treatment, gingivectomy,  biopsies, and some other soft tissue oral surgical procedures.

Why don't you recommend your laser for all dental procedures?

There are some limitations to laser assisted dentistry. The laser works by evaporating water. Since there is no water in amalgam or other metallic or porcelain fillings, the laser cannot be used to remove such fillings if they already exist. The cut tooth surface produced by the laser, while excellent for bonding composite fillings, cannot be used for placing amalgam restorations. The laser also cannot be used to prepare teeth for crowns.

What are the benefits of laser dentistry?

There are many benefits of laser dentistry. They include:

• Eliminates or reduce the need for dental anesthesia injections for many common procedures
• Faster healing of gums and increased healing of bone
• Reduced risk of infection
• Relieves pain and shortens duration of cold sores
• Reduced sensitivity and post-operative pain
• Less scarring and virtually no bleeding in surgical sites
• Less time in the dental chair
• Can do several procedures in a single appointment thereby saving you time and money
• Better treatment results

Will my insurance pay for Laser Dental Services?

Yes! The laser accomplishes the same treatment objectives as conventional dental treatments, it just does them with less discomfort and faster healing. In fact, some of the surgical procedures it performs may be covered by your medical insurance, leaving you with more dental insurance dollars available for your purely dental needs!

A final word...

Laser assisted dentistry is a compelling new technology that helps us treat you with a high degree of precision and accuracy. Helping you keep an attractive, healthy smile for a lifetime is our primary goal. Laser treatment helps us help you reach that goal.

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