Laser Gum Shaping

Laser dentistry is the latest advancement in dental technology, treating 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.  These lasers direct an invisible energy beam onto problem areas and allow us to efficiently treat decayed teeth, enamel, and gums.  The benefit of laser dentistry is that they minimize the pain most often associated with dental procedures, meaning more comfort to our patients. Clinical studies show that approximately 96% of all patients require no anesthesia when lasers are being used during dental treatments.  Dental lasers have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration and are safe for both adults and children.  Laser Dentistry of Erie is proud to offer the latest in "High Tech Dentistry"

 

Lasers can be confusing.  This brief description of what we offer is to help patients to understand what they can do for you, your health, and your smile.

Dr. Starr was the first dentist to introduce Dental Lasers to Erie in 1990.  For 3 years he taught Laser Dentistry for American Dental Laser, teaching other dentists this new method of addressing your dental needs.  He is a member and one of the founders of the Academy of Laser Dentistry, the benchmark of the best Laser Dentists in the world.

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

 

SOFTSOFT TISSUE LASER

Soft tissue lasers are used to safely treat and destroy bacteria in gum pockets, preventing infection thereby allowing the gum tissue to return to a healthy state. The soft tissue lasers enabled the dentist to treat patients with extreme accuracy, eliminating the need for stitches.  There are two soft tissue lasers that Dr. Starr currently uses at Laser Dentistry of Erie, there are as follows: 

 1.)  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.

2.)  Diode Lasers:

The Diode Lasers are a useful adjunct to the dentist assisting in many soft tissue procedures as well.  Although not as useful as the NdYag, they certainly help with many of the soft tissue or gum procedures as well.  Useful in crown preparation, they can greatly reduce the amount of time you need to spend in the dental chair.

HARD TISSUE DENTAL LASER

Hard tissue lasers are used to remove old composite fillings, repair cavities, and prepare teeth for bonding.  As with soft tissue lasers, they dramatically minimize discomfort and allow the dentist to treat teeth with more precision.  There are currently two hard tissue lasers in use at Laser Dentistry of Erie, they are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

1.)  Erbium Lasers:

 

 

The Erbium family of Lasers is very interesting and unique in that it works on the hard tissues, or tooth and bone.  Many cavities which in the past required a shot to numb the tooth can be done pain free without any needles, pain, or numbing.  This enables Laser Dentistry to perform much more dentistry in a single visit and in a shorter time, all with NO PAIN!!

 

 

 

In addition, the Erbium family of lasers is FDA approved to be used on bone as well and can help to lengthen teeth or remove diseased or unnecessary bone.

 

 

 

 

 

2.)  Diagnodent:

 

 

The Diagnodent is a low level laser light which is placed against the tooth and can detect very early decay.  It is painless, quick, and a very efficient way of diagnosing early cavities so we can treat them before they require more extensive work.  It is an excellent complement to the erbium Laser as we can see the early cavity, and then treat it with the erbium Laser quickly without the need for shots or numbing.  The Diagnodent and the Erbium Laser have been wonderful for children allowing them to experience dental visits with no pain or fear.