The Age of Lasers By Eric Seidel, DMD

The Age of Lasers
By Eric Seidel, DMD

As I have written before, this is a wonderful time for dentistry. Modern innovations continue to change the level and scope of services we can provide. Most of these services are also provided in a faster, more efficient and more comfortable manner. Dental lasers are a great example of one of the benefits of modern dentistry.

Although lasers and laser use in dentistry is not new, they have continued to improve and now offer a host of applications that benefit most of those who visit our office. From pediatrics to orthodontics to adult care, there is an application for lasers that benefits almost all of our patients. We use two types of lasers, allowing us to offer a vast assortment of treatments. We are able to remove cavities, often without the need for anesthesia, and with a better bond strength than using a conventional drill. We also are able to be more conservative, which is a win-win for the doctor and the patient.

Lasers can also be used for treating periodontal, or gum/bone disease, which is a condition that affects a large number of patients that we see. Without the need for invasive procedures, we can simply and effectively sanitize and debride the pocket surrounding the teeth and improve on the job even the best hygienist can do. This in no way suggests that we are replacing the need for good homecare and great cleanings at the hands of our hygienists. However, we are now able to assist them with the stubborn cases that don't resolve with convention treatment modalities. We also use the lasers for treatment of ulcers, taking away the pain associated with them while greatly improving healing time using a "laser Band-Aid". For anyone who suffers from ulcers, this is a complete game changer. We can use them for acute cases of TMJ, also helping relieve pain. They can be used in whitening procedures, to improve the results and reduce the time needed to whiten.

Dental extractions, particularly the surgical types, were often dreaded by patient and doctor alike. We now do laser guided surgical extractions which greatly reduces the amount of physical effort needed to remove the teeth and often decreases post-surgical pain and improves healing. Gum line cavities are able to be treated as we can very carefully gain access to these difficult areas and place beautiful and conservative restorations. When teeth fracture and need crowns, we can do in office crown lengthening to help us save teeth that were otherwise nearly impossible to save. People who are tongue-tied now can have an easy and simple alternative to the former surgical approach that was used. We can often just use a topical anesthetic and have them gain full function with their tongue in a matter of minutes with very fast healing times.

As is always my hope when writing an article, it is not to delve into too much detail but rather inform in a general sense and in a way that is interesting and at the same time easy to understand. However, the applications of our lasers are so broad that I felt compelled to at least share the most common uses of this constantly improving area of dentistry. Although lasers are still not able to completely replace our normal treatment methods, they now offer us great alternatives and enhancements to the work that we perform every day. One of the highlights of my day is being able to perform an otherwise scary procedure for a patient painlessly and often more quickly, and hearing the great feedback from my patients who leave with smiles on their faces. "WOW, that was easy!" So in a selfish way, technology and lasers not only improve the patient experience, but also make it that much more rewarding for the doctor as well. I encourage you to research and find out what laser dentistry can do for you.

Eric Seidel, D.M.D. is co-owner and general dentist at Gettysburg Dental Associates and an Invisalign preferred provider.

Gettysburg Dental Associates
Eric Seidel, DMD  |  Cleveland Null, DDS
www.GettysburgDentalAssociates.com
Just Kids at Gettysburg Dental Associates
Stephanie DeFilippo, DDS  |  Kristin Russo, DMD
www.JustKidsGettysburg.com
353 York Street Front
Gettysburg, PA 17325
Phone: (717) 334-8193
Fax: (717) 334-0884
www.gettysburgfamilysmiles.com