By Elyse Brumfield, RDH
Supervised and Edited by Dr. Levy Do, DDS

The word “Dentist” seems to have a force - it causes rapid heart beats, sweating, elevated blood pressure and fear! If this sounds like you, you’re not alone! There is something about pain or sensitivity in the mouth that is different from the rest of the body. If any of this sounds like you, then we have some exciting news for you!

We are always looking for new techniques and technology to help make our patients’ appointments as comfortable, effective and pain-free as possible. After much research and training, Dr. Do is implementing the use of soft-tissue laser treatment in our office with the use of the Gemini Diode soft- tissue laser!

What Is a Dental Laser?
Simply put, LASER stands for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation. Even though it is a type of radiation, it is not harmful like ionizing radiation from x-rays or radio waves or microwaves. According to the FDA, it interacts with the body similarly to the way regular light does.

The diode laser is a soft-tissue laser that can be used for treatment around the soft tissue areas such as the gums by emitting a beam of light that is concentrated on melanin and hemoglobin (blood), meaning that it is attracted to diseased areas of tissue, leaving healthy tissue untouched.

What is the Soft Tissue Diode Laser Used For?
The diode laser is used to assist our dental team with dental procedures and treatments such as:

• Treating sensitivity to make you more comfortable and less sensitive during procedures

• Laser bacterial reduction (LBR) for gingivitis and periodontal disease to remove diseased tissue and help the gums heal

• Gingival healing through the stimulation of cellular regeneration

• Cold sore and ulcer removal and healing that can help prevent future outbreaks

• TMJ disorders and pain

• Soft-tissue surgical procedures such as:

  Gingivectomy and Frenectomy

  Crown and bridge preparation

  Implant placement

  Root canal therapy (RCT)

Are Dental Lasers Safe?
You’re probably thinking about Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker and the lightsabers, right? Well, it’s definitely not that powerful and with the proper training and protection, they are extremely safe! They are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in the dental office and our staff has been thoroughly educated and trained to use it. We also provide all of the protective wear such as laser glasses to prevent eye damage.

Does It Hurt?

The diode laser is virtually painless for most procedures. Because the soft-tissue laser is attracted to dark pigment and blood, you may feel minor heat or pressure. With any surgical procedures, we will make sure you are completely comfortable with topical or localized numbing. The healing time can be cut in half for many procedures, making it less painful in the long-run.

How Do Dental Lasers Benefit Me?

The three main ways that the dental laser will benefit you are:

1. It’s virtually pain-free.

2. It’s cost effective.

3. It promotes healing.

If you have a fear of the dental chair, the sound of drilling and pain, or even a history of periodontal disease, this will really benefit you! Call us today to schedule your next appointment and discuss your dental laser options!

References:

https://www.fda.gov/radiation-emitting-products/laser-products-and-instruments/frequently-asked-questions-about-lasers#:~:text=Some%20lasers%20emit%20radiation%20in,its%20interaction%20with%20the%20body.