At Smile Solutions Dr James Van Den Berg, and Dr Rory Nolan, who both have a Masters degree in periodontics (the study of gums and dental bone support), will discuss with you your suitability for laser dentistry.
The use of laser is one of the most significant advances in dentistry in decades. The technique provides a solution for all of us who dislike needles, drills and painful dental procedures. With the advent of dental lasers, patients can now receive a better quality of dental care, with fewer visits and without the discomforts of traditional dentistry.
At Smile Solutions we use (1) Versa Wave (2) Light Touch ErYAG, and (3) Fox diode laser systems. We have found this trio of laser equipment to be the best combination on the market.
Laser fillings
The greatest benefit of laser fillings is that needles are usually not required! This means no more high-pitched drilling noises and no more numb lips. Lasers are more accurate at drilling teeth than conventional drills, as they remove only the decayed part of the tooth and not the enamel. Whereas conventional drilling can cause tiny cracks in the tooth, these do not occur with lasers.
Laser fillings are done in about the same amount of time as a conventional filling. If you require multiple fillings, the laser will actually reduce the amount of time you spend in the dental chair. And unlike conventional fillings, laser fillings can be done in all parts of the mouth during one visit.
Occasionally, a laser dentist may still need to use a drill – for instance, for removal of amalgam fillings. However, because lasers are effective in reducing sensitivity, most patients won't require a needle and those with sensitive teeth will benefit from reduced sensitivity after the filling.
Laser gum surgery
Most soft tissue procedures that would normally be carried out with a scalpel and local anaesthesia can now be carried out more quickly and effectively with laser. Often no local anaesthetic (injection) is required as the laser is virtually painless. No stitches are required and therefore healing can happen up to 5–6 times more quickly.
For example, a cosmetic gum lift across the front six teeth using laser would require you to spend less than half the time in the dental chair, and cost you half as much, as conventional gum surgery. You can achieve a predictable outcome with little or no bleeding and no stitches, and you are unlikely to need post-operative painkillers. You can also have your teeth whitened or prepared for veneers within a week – not the obligatory 6–8 weeks' healing required after conventional gum surgery.
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*These images are simply an educational guide and by no means represent a guarantee of outcome. |
