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DENTAL LASERS FOR GUM DISEASE TREATMENT
Since its debut in 1960, laser technology and dental lasers have become an integral part of some leading dental procedures. Many medical professionals use lasers to perform treatments and procedures in internal surgery, ophthalmology, dermatology, and dentistry.
SEE THE LIGHT
Laser is actually an acronym for “Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation.” Unlike rays of sunlight which are made of a continuum of wavelengths, a laser generates just one ultra-focused beam of light. This is why sunlight can separate into rainbow colors when it is passed through a prism, while laser light will only be a single color.
MEDICAL LASER DEVICES
Medical laser devices typically consist of a source of electricity, mirrors to guide the beam of light, a semiconductor that emits specific light wavelengths when stimulated, and fiber optics that transport light energy. Harnessing this light-producing material and manipulating its wavelength properties allows us to use Laser dentistry to treat or remove human tissue in different diagnostic and surgical procedures.
LASER USAGE IN DENTAL TREATMENTS
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted marketing clearance for soft tissue surgery in 1991. Since then, dental lasers have become a vital part of many common dental procedures. Usage of dental lasers typically falls into one of the following three categories:
1. Disease Diagnosis
2. Soft Tissue Procedures – Used in treatment of the lips, gums, or tongue
3. Hard Tissue Procedures – Used in treatment of the bone, dentin, or enamel
As science and technology continue to advance, dental lasers and laser dentistry continues to evolve and expand into new areas of dentistry. Recent authorizations for the use of lasers in dental treatment include bone re-contouring of the jaw and teeth, as well as disease detection in the tissues.
DENTAL LASERS AND GUM DISEASE
With the Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP®), Dr. Glenn Boyajian is able to vaporize the bacteria and infected tissue that accompanies moderate to severe periodontal disease using the PerioLase® MP-7™. The entire procedure is completed in a single visit and allows us to eradicate bacteria causing gum disease without using a scalpel or damaging healthy tissue. This highly-targeted laser works effectively without cutting away any gum tissue, which means no excess bleeding, pain, or gum recession from the procedure. Dental lasers and laser technology have completely revolutionized the landscape and provide a minimally invasive and highly effective alternative to surgery for gum disease.
