Laser Dentistry

In our opinion, Laser dentistry is one of the most influential advancements in dental technology.  Lasers are used to treat a wide range of dental and cosmetic problems from cavities to gum disease to teeth whitening. The lasers used at our practice are an alternative to the common hand-held scalpel, drills, or other tools.  We are equipped to treat hard and soft tissues with our lasers.  These lasers direct an invisible energy beam onto problem areas and allow us to efficiently remove unwanted tissue with very little discomfort.  The benefit of laser dentistry is that they minimize the pain most often associated with dental procedures, meaning more comfort to our patients.  Often times procedures can even be completed without the use of local anesthetic.  Dental lasers have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration and are safe for both adults and children.  And Laser Dentistry of Erie is proud to offer five different dental lasers! 

Lasers can be confusing so allow us to provide a brief description of what we offer to help patients understand what they can do for you, your health, and your smile.

Lasers are classified according to their wavelength.  What is important is what each can do.  Currently Laser Dentistry of Erie is proud to offer 4 different Lasers. 

SOFT TISSUE LASERS

Soft tissue lasers enable the dentist to treat a multitude of soft tissue pathologies with extreme accuracy, minimal bleeding and minimal post operative discomfort.  Anything from cosmetic re-shaping of the gum tissue to removal of a small fibroma can be completed with a soft tissue laser.  They also used to safely treat and destroy bacteria in gum pockets associated with periodontal disease. This treats and prevents infection thereby allowing the gum tissue to return to a healthy state. 

There are two soft tissue lasers currently used by Laser Dentistry of Erie.  The NdYag laser and the Diode laser.

NdYag Laser:
The NdYag Laser is the only laser available with the FDA approval for the new LANAP procedure.  This is a NON-SURGICAL method of treating gum disease.  It does away with the scalpel, sutures, and pain associated with traditional gum therapy.  At Laser Dentistry of Erie we are proud to have been one of the first in the country offering this treatment.

In addition, the NdYag Laser is helpful in many other soft tissue procedures, many which were done by a scalpel, and sutures, bleeding and pain.  The laser can eliminate most if not all of them.  Offering another benefit, it can desensitize teeth from cold, and assist in exposing cavities, and in treating canker sores.