Dental technology has progressed over time, making dental procedures more efficient and effective for both the patients and dental professionals. Using laser therapy in dentistry is one of the ways treatments have improved.
Utilizing laser dental tools and technology, Dr. Alger provides patients with pinpoint-precise treatments while reducing healing time, reducing the patients anxiety and reducing chance of bleeding, swelling and infection.
What is laser therapy?
The word L.A.S.E.R. is an acronym for Light Amplification by the Stimulation of Emission Rradiation. This technology uses laser energy instead of a scalpel to remove or treat gum tissue. At times, Dr. Alger may decide that the laser is his instrument of choice when performing a periodontal surgical procedure.
He determines when dental lasers make the most sense in each situation or when another method is the better choice.
Advanced Laser Technology To Fight Gum Disease in Columbus
Laser treatment can be used to target periodontal disease, also known as gum disease. Dr. Alger may use laser therapy to reach inflamed gum tissue in the tooth root area and remove it. The laser can also be used to take away plaque and tartar buildup along the gum line and beneath it.
The laser may be one treatment modalities that our office uses along with other methods to combat gum disease. Cleaning away inflamed gum tissue and built-up bacterial substances removes contributors to gum disease and promotes healing in the gum tissue.
Types of Lasers Used in Dentistry
The field of dentistry, including the specialty of periodontics, uses various lasers within a range of applications. There are two types of lasers our office uses regularly. One is a diode, which is a simple laser used to refine incisions for cosmetic gum surgical procedures.
Dr. Alger also uses a more sophisticated laser known as the Waterlase Biolase laser. In certain situations, such as soft tissue and bone surgery, we may use this type in place of conventional surgical instruments like scalpels.
Is Laser Therapy Safe?
There is an abundance of research published in dental journals indicating a place for laser treatment and benefits from using it. This technology helps dentists precisely reach the right areas, and it may create shorter recovery times. Also, when applicable, it offers an alternative to traditional surgery that is less invasive and doesn’t require a general anesthetic.
At the same time, some of the claims made about dental laser therapy are exaggerated and not supported by scientific research and statistical findings. For example, Dr. Alger believes that some of the claims of miraculous healing following dental laser procedures are unfounded by research and literature.
Dr. Alger will gladly discuss treatment options available for you, including alternatives to conventional surgical treatment. Laser therapy may provide one such alternative.
Experience Precision Treatment in Gahanna
For more information about laser technology or how Dr. Alger utilizes modern treatment methods, please contact our office today for a consultation. During this visit, we can provide or confirm a diagnosis and discuss treatment options with you.
Dr. Alger is happy to consider various options, including laser therapy, and can compare these options to determine the best one for your treatment plan.
Video Transcript
This laser on the other hand uses a different technology and it’s more sophisticated laser, it is called a Waterlase/ biolase laser. It’s an erbium laser. We’re able to do so many different things with this laser, for example we can use it in treating peri-implant disease, it’s got a side firing laser piece that shoots out to the side to clean the implant surface, we can use it to remove lesions growths fibromas, you can use it for simple frenectomy. Dr. Alger can also use it on the bone! It’s a soft tissue cutting laser and a heart tissue cutting laser. It really has a wide variety of applications. One of the things that I do want to say is that sometimes you will hear claims made by certain laser companies that it’s so innovative that it totally eliminates our need for conventional treatment. We’re not at that point yet but it does enhance our ability to perform surgical treatment in a more effective way.