Shining a light on state-of-the-art dental care – Thomas S. Jennings, DDS

Shining a Light on State-of-the-Art Dental Care

By Thomas S. Jennings, DDS, Colorado Springs LIVING WELL Magazine

The use of surgical lasers is one of the more recent advances in dentistry. Especially by taking advantage of newer Light Emitting Diode (LED) machines, it is becoming much more practical to offer the advantages of laser technology on a routine basis during dental treatment. After researching and learning about this subject over the past few months while adding this modality to my practice, I felt it timely to pass a useful summary of that information along to you.

The FDA has determined that approved lasers from various manufacturers can be considered safe and effective over a wide range of dental procedures. An estimated 6% of general dentists currently own a laser devise. Lasers used in dental treatment are similar to those seen in other medical fields. The typical surgical device produces a very narrow and intense beam of light in the infrared range which is invisible to human sight. The waves of light in the beam all vibrate at exactly the same frequency which causes a reaction in the target tissue specific to that frequency.  This “coherence” gives the laser its sophisticated ability to vaporize, cut, reshape and heat tissue with pinpoint accuracy.

During a procedure the dentist activates a device and directs its beam at the tissues in the mouth that need to be treated, often in conjunction with other instruments. The period of exposure, wavelength, and the power of the laser all determine how the beam affects the target tissue and surrounding structures. The potential for laser dentistry to improve dental procedures rests in the dentist’s ability to control these variables, allowing for treatment of a highly specific area of focus without damaging neighboring tissues.

Benefits

Here are some of the major benefits associated with laser dentistry:

  • Procedures may not require stitches.
  • Certain procedures may require less or no local anesthesia.
  • Minimized bleeding because the high-energy light beam can aid in clotting and the cauterization of exposed blood vessels.
  • Bacterial infection is minimized because the high-energy beam sterilizes the operative site.
  • Damage to surrounding tissue is minimized.
  • Reduced post-operative pain, faster wound healing, and short recovery periods.

Uses

  • Correct speech and functional problems caused by a tongue tie.
  • Uncover partially erupted wisdom teeth, thereby reducing their risk of chronic infection.
  • Eliminate muscle pulls, a risk factor for gum recession.
  • Predictable management of gum tissue for improved impressions and digital scans during veneer, crown and bridge, and other restorative procedures.
  • Removal of inflamed and swollen tissues caused by certain medications and ill-fitting oral appliances.
  • Perform biopsy procedures and the removal of benign tumors.
  • Treat gum diseases (especially gingivitis and periodontal disease) through removal of infected tissue, reducing local bacterial populations, and encouraging healthy reattachment and support for affected teeth.
  • Remove or reshape excess gum tissue to create improved esthetic contours.
  • Treat abscessed gums and infections within the root canals of teeth.
  • Reduce the discomfort and the recovery period for canker and cold sores.

Credentialing and Safety

The American Dental Association does not offer accreditation specifically in the field of laser dental treatment. There is no such thing as a specialist in this field and if a dental laser is used in accordance with accepted practices then it is considered safe and within the scope of the practice of general dentistry. As with other contrived “specialties” such as cosmetic dentistry, TMJ, and implantology, it is good to be wary of practitioners who claim bogus credentials.

Standard laser safety practices while using lasers include wearing protective eyewear to shield the eyes from accidental damage from the laser beam. The lenses in the safety goggles must be designed to block the precise wavelength of light produced by the laser device or injury may result. Other measures include sterilizing or disposing of any portion of the device that penetrates oral tissue during a procedure. The dental team should also take steps to insure that elevated amounts of oxygen and nitrous oxide are not present in the area in order to prevent a fire. Patients may also be asked not to wear oil based products (such as lip balms) when they come in for their treatment.

If after reading this article you have any questions about lasers in dentistry, another dental topic, or if you need a dental home, please contact my office at 719-590-7100. We enjoy interacting with our patients toward their understanding of dental issues, their oral health, and the benefit of modern dental treatment for them and their loved ones.