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New technology means more solutions—laser assisted gum therapy. We are pleased to announce that we have added a leading edge laser system to our practice. The Odyssey Diode laser is a safe and patient friendly device that can be used to perform minor gum surgeries and preventive procedures that in the past required surgeries. The oral health benefits of the diode laser are possible because the laser light is specifically absorbed by cellular pigments, melanin and hemoglobin. This results in the destruction of bacterial cells that commonly live in deep pockets of gum tissue. The laser can also be focused on a tiny precise point with the delicate fiber optic cable to do exact work and these results in minimal swelling. The laser also coagulates at the same time so there is no more bleeding that is commonly associated with scalpel surgery. The leading edge technology of the Diode Laser is just one more way that we’re making your visits more comfortable while increasing the level of care we provide.
About our lasers: We are pleased to announce that we have added a leading edge laser system to our practice. The Odyssey Diode laser is a safe and patient friendly device that can be used to perform minor gum surgeries and preventive procedures that in the past required surgeries. The term Laser stands for ‘light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation’ a device that can produce and amplify light. This radiation unlike X-ray radiation is non-ionizing or non-DNA altering and therefore causes no DNA changes at the human cellular level. The wavelength of the light produced will determine what types of tissues can be modified by the light’s energy. Light waves that emanate from within the visible and near-infrared portions of the electromagnetic spectrum will be readily absorbed into body pigments like melanin in the skin, and heme found within hemoglobin in blood. They will have virtually no affinity for water and thus, it won’t be absorbed at the surface as it enters soft tissues. With a frequency of 810+/-20 nanometers, the Odyssey Diode Laser’s wave length falls into the lower end of the near-infrared spectrum, making it suitable for soft-tissue applications. Laser light can be emitted in either a continuous or pulsed temporal mode and the Odyssey Diode Lasers are designed to deliver both. The Odyssey Diode Lasers feature an Aluminum, Gallium and Arsenide semi-conductor crystal that is activated or “pumped” when an electrical current is passed through it, and it then produces an elliptical shaped display of monochromatic light. This light is then focused into a very small thread of light and directed into a fiber-optic which carries it to the target tissue. The resultant photo-thermal reaction results in vaporization at the cellular level. The laser creates an intense beam of light energy that moves through a fiber optic cord. This cord is used to focus the light to a tiny precise point in the target tissue. When it enters the targeted tissue, the energy is converted into heat as a result of the tissue’s pigmentation. A photo-thermal reaction occurs that results in a much localized thermal effect causing vaporization (or ablation) of this targeted tissue, with “very little tissue damage.” The power of the laser entering the tissues can be controlled by adjusting the Watts on the control panel according to the procedure being performed. The laser can be used either in a continuous mode which delivers the light energy in a fast and efficient power or in a pulsed mode where the energy is delivered in specified duration and number of pulses per second.
Benefits of Diode lasers for gum therapy: The benefits of Odyssey diode laser is primarily because of the specific wavelength of light it produces and the tiny precise point of light delivery. The wavelength of the light ensures that the light will only be absorbed into the pigmented cells and not into soft tissue surface, bone or teeth. This is a major advantage of this laser as it limits the amount of tissue surfaces affected by the laser light. Because of the pigments present within the bacterial cells, it destroys the bacteria living within the gum tissue and thus can be used in treating gum disease. The laser light is non- ionizing or non-DNA altering and thus has no risk of irreversible tissue changes. The primary use of a soft-tissue laser is the modification or removal of intra-oral soft tissue. The photo-thermal effects of the laser’s energy allow us to modify tissues and control bleeding at the same time by coagulation and therefore little or no bleeding is encountered during the procedures The post-operative response of the laser care will usually produce a cleaner and healthier surgical site with less discomfort when compared to alternative methods of surgery. Laser has a desensitizing effect on the tissues and therefore the procedures tend to be associated with minimal pain. Soft tissue lasers enable minor surgical procedures and decontaminate the area at the same time and therefore there is less chance of infection. The laser also promotes healing for infected and irritated tissues. Since there is a favorable response to laser treatment, the resultant healing is less complicated and often shorter when compared to traditional techniques. In many cases, the laser can also be used to treat deep gingival pockets that harbor bacteria and cause gum disease. An additional benefit of dental diode laser technology is its ability to reduce the pain and longevity of cold sores and fever blisters
Procedures commonly performed with Diode Lasers: The Odyssey Diode Laser is new tool that will improves our ability to perform existing procedures faster and more efficiently and allows us expand the services that we currently offer. As each clinical situation is unique, the best decision whether or not to use the laser is made only after through and complete examination, diagnosis and consultation. Most commonly performed procedures performed with an Odyssey Diode Laser:
Frequently asked questions about Laser Assisted Gum therapy: How does it work? How is it different from other lasers? Why is it used with regular dental cleanings? What procedures are commonly done with soft tissue lasers? What can I expect after Laser gum therapy? What is the cost and will my insurance pay for it.
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Humber Valley Dental - dentists serving Bolton and Caledon |