Lasers use light energy to deliver unparalleled precision, efficiency and patient comfort, in a minimally invasive way.
Laser in dentistry is a cutting-edge technology used in the medical field that offers a more comfortable solution to a host of dental issues involving both hard and soft tissues.
Lasers provide huge benefits to the patient, giving improved comfort, faster healing and for many treatments, better results.
At Lee Dental and Implant Practice, we are currently using two types of lasers, a Diode (soft tissue laser) and a Waterlase (all tissue soft and hard) both of which are manufactured by Biolase, the world leaders in dental lasers.
We use the Diode laser, for bacteria disinfection, gum treatments, pain management and healing, known as Photobiomodulation or PBM.
We also use the Waterlase laser, for both hard and soft tissue treatments including: gum disease treatment, gum recontouring, root canal fillings to extractions and implant surgery.
All our dentists at Lee Dental and Implant Practice are trained and can offer laser assisted dentistry. Our hygienists use lasers for gum decontamination.
Using lasers requires an additional skill set and all our dentists and hygienists have completed training in their use. Our nurses are all trained in laser safety.
For treatment, lasers can be used on soft tissue (such as gums), in place of a scalpel, and hard tissue (such as tooth enamel and bone), in place of a drill or extraction instruments.
For healing, the laser light initiates a complex biological action which effectively allows cells to repair themselves. The light also encourages healing cells to navigate to the area. When we use photobiomodulation, we find much less inflammation and faster healing which, combined with their precise, minimally invasive, and anti-bacterial action, make them the perfect tools for comfortable dentistry.
Lasers come in different types which are specially designed for different kinds of treatments.
Watch our Video on Lasers at Lee Dental and Implant Practice
The Waterlase dental laser is one of the most advanced dental treatment available today which combines the laser light with water spray. Its wavelength is absorbed by water and hydroxyapatite (the mineral that makes up teeth and bone)
Waterlase dental technology allows for much less invasive procedures whilst achieving incredible results.
The laser can, in the right circumstances, be used to prepare a tooth for a filling in place of a drill. The laser works without heat or vibration, so causes little or no discomfort, and this also protects the surrounding enamel and stops microfractures. It is so precise that it preserves more of the healthy tooth structure and destroys bacteria locally to ensure no contaminant is left in the tooth. It is great for children’s fillings as it is minimally invasive as well as being comfortable. It also does not make the noise a drill makes-just a popping sound.
The Waterlase laser can be used instead of a drill or scalpel and its gentle action can help eliminate any fear and anxieties associated with dental visits. It is the preferred treatment for tooth decay with no heat, vibration or shrill sound of the drill. For other treatments, such as tongue tie release and frenectomies, there is less trauma to the area and faster healing.
The Waterlase laser is a superb tool for any soft tissue treatments as it is so gentle, precise and minimally invasive. It also kickstarts healing.
We use it for:This incredible technology is highly effective in performing gum related treatments with less bleeding, pain, swelling and sensitivity. Gum disease, if left untreated, can cause tooth loss as the tooth’s attachment to the tissues is destroyed by the presence of bacteria.
Gum disease is the body’s aberrant inflammatory response to the presence of bacteria and this aberrant response prevents the body from healing. Because of this, lasers are the ideal tool for treatment- lasers kill bacteria and allow and indeed encourage the body to heal. Lasers can also reach deep into the pockets. This means in many cases, periodontal disease can be treated without the need for further painful surgery. If the gum disease resurfaces, we can laser treat it again if you have responded well to laser treatment in the past.
This revolutionary treatment kills the dangerous bacteria from around the teeth, promotes healing, reduces the risk of returning and therefore reduces the risk of other diseases link with gum disease as Diabetes, Heart disease and Dementia.
Advantages of Laser Gum treatment are:The Laser can be used in Implant Dentistry. It is so precise that the site can be prepared with minimal trauma to the surrounding tissue, and there is very little bleeding , reducing the number of stitches. The action of the laser greatly reduces the inflammatory response so there is much less discomfort following surgery, in fact some patients report no discomfort at all!
The laser also sterilizes the area, promotes healing of soft tissue and regeneration of new hard and soft tissue. This reduces the chance of infection, improves wound healing, and encourages new bone growth to integrate the implant into the jaw.
You are in safe hands at Lee Dental Practice with our highly experienced Implant Dentist, Dr Moulson.
Dr Moulson has been proving dental implants for over 14 years.
Laser use is a kinder way to extract teeth. We use it to gently cut away the ligaments and if necessary, segment the tooth so there is much less trauma to surrounding tissues, and most importantly if you are having an implant, more bone is preserved. It is the quality of bone that is optimal in implant surgery.
A laser can be used for enhanced deep cleaning and disinfection of the root canal system. In fact, many endodontists around the world are choosing to use the Waterlase laser with its specially designed tip to sterilize all the way down the root canal. Using a laser also helps to initiate the body’s healing process.
The Diode Laser is a soft tissue laser which targets pigment. As more aggressive Periodontal (gum) bacteria are mostly pigmented, the diode laser effectively targets and kills them. It is used to reduce the number of dangerous bacteria in the mouth and to help prevent cross-contamination of periodontal pockets.
Studies have shown that by killing the bacteria from the pocket with laser therapy, the healing may be greater than conventional treatments alone.
The Diode laser can be used to treat gum disease as it eliminates bacteria and encourages healing.
The Diode can be used for soft tissue surgery, including frenectomies.
The main use for this laser at Lee Dental and Implant Practice is for healing, reducing inflammation and pain management. The wavelength of the light energy is absorbed into tissues to stimulate the healing process in damaged cells. This light also recruits healing cells to the area to help with the process. Healing is encouraged and pain and inflammation reduced, wherever the beam is applied. It can be used to help with and eliminate TMJ pain, muscle pain and we use it after any surgical procedure. It is also recognized by NICE in UK for prevention and treatment of Oral Mucositis cause by radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
To find out if our cutting-edge laser dentistry at Lee Dental and Implant Practice could help you, please call 020 3198 2026 or book an appointment below:
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