Dental Laser Treatment
The laser has become an inherent part of modern medicine – one just has to think of ophthalmology, dermatology, and cosmetic surgery. Thanks to the laser, many forms of treatment that previously incorporated stressful surgery are now performed painlessly, rapidly, and gently.
How does the laser work?
The laser emits a bundled light beam that, unlike natural light, has only one wavelength. Because of the energy transferred, the laser beam can have different effects on tissue, ranging from a surgical incision to stimulating the healing process. Many different forms of treatment can be performed by varying the radiation dosage.
In our practice we employ two types of laser:
- A pulsed diode laser of the latest generation. This ORA-JET-LASER from ORALIA has a wavelength of 810 nm and is especially suited to treating soft tissue. A laser incision welds tissue with the surrounding blood-vessels. This means there is hardly any bleeding and stitches are often unnecessary. This method is also less painful. Wounds heal astonishingly fast without complication. Our dental office recognizes the advantages this modern instrument brings, especially as we specialise in periodontics and implantology.
- A PACT Soft Laser with 635 nm wavelength for the Photodynamic Laser Therapy (PDT) of periodontitis.
What treatment can be performed with the laser?
Periodontal treatment:
Photodynamic Laser Therapy ( PDT ) opens new horizons in the treatment of periodontal disease. After removal of tartar and plaque, a photosensitive dye is introduced into the periodontal pocket and irradiated with a thin laser probe. In this way, energy-rich singlet oxygen is formed, which kills the aggressive periodontitis germs and thus creates the conditions for a healing of the periodontal disease. Scientific studies have shown that photodynamic laser therapy significantly improved the prognosis of periodontal disease and spared the patients surgery in many cases.
Herpes labialis (cold sores, fever blisters), aphthous ulcers:
Many people suffer from these frequently recurring “nuisances”, which are often accompanied by severe pain, thus encroaching on our quality of life. For the first time, the laser provides these patients with an effective method of treatment for these ailments. In the early stage of herpes labialis or aphthous mutation of the oral mucosa, the affected area is irradiated with a low-energy beam (soft-laser). This method is quite painless. The stimulating effect of the laser on the oral mucosa distinctly reduces pain and quickens the healing process. If blisters are already visible, treatment with a higher energy level is helpful. In this way, the changes in the mucosa are carbonised on the surface (scarred). This brings great relief to precisely those people who suffer frequently from this affliction.
Labial frenulum/gingival tissue:
Troublesome labial frenulum or gingival growths can be painlessly removed without the use of a scalpel, with no bleeding, under a local anaesthetic. There is no need for stitching. A convenient treatment method for children.
Root treatment:
With a very fine glass fibre probe (ø 0,2 mm), it is possible to insert the laser beam into the bacteria infected root canal and rid it of germs. With this method, root treatment becomes faster and safer.
Sensitive tooth necks:
Until now, there was no cure for this widespread problem. Despite the claims made by special toothpastes and tinctures in TV commercials, the effect of these products is limited and only temporary. The laser can provide long-term relief, usually in only one application
Making crown and bridgework:
The transitional area between tooth and crown of a dental restoration is of utmost importance. A precise impression is necessary if an exact fit is to be achieved. The quality of crowns with a subgingival margin can be improved by treating the surrounding gum tissue with laser before the impression is made.
Dental implants:
Implantology is another important field of use for the diode laser. The gentle uncovering of the implant head following the healing period and the aesthetic modification of the gingiva in visible areas saves much time and the patient is spared any further, painful surgery. In addition, the laser is the method of choice for treating periimplantitis (bony infection around an implant).
Clotting disorders/Coumadin®, Warfarin®
Many surgical procedures and dental treatment involving patients with blood clotting disorders (for example, hemophilia or users of anticoagulant madications) can be performed without risk, as there is no bleeding during laser treatment.
Can a laser replace the dentist’s drill?
Dental lasers for hard tissue, which are supposed to replace the drill, have been presented regularly for years. So far, none of these could meet the high expectations. Nevertheless, we follow developments in this field with an active interest and, rest assured, will be among the first to adopt this technique as soon as it is technically mature.