About
Laser
Frequently
Asked Questions
What
Are the Benefits of Laser Dentistry?
How
Does the Patient Benefit from Laser Dentistry?
Are
Laser Procedures Painful?
Does
a Patient Have to Sign a Release Form to Have Laser Treatment?
Can
My Hygienists Use the Laser?
What
Are the Benefits of Laser Dentistry?
| Benefits
for the Dentist |
| |
-
Practice
growth and differentiation
-
Precise
incision, excision, and ablation
-
Quality
of work
-
Increased
bond strength
-
Higher
tensile strength
-
Clean,
clear operating field
-
Reduced
stress
-
Greater
through-put of patients
-
Incremental
revenue (more referrals)
-
Greater
efficiency (more procedures/visit)
-
Fiber
delivery provides better access
-
Visibility
in oral cavity
-
No
vibration
-
Minimal
anesthetic requirement
|
| Benefits
for the Patient |
| |
-
Minimal
or no bleeding
-
Faster
healing
-
Reduced
post-operative infection
-
Minimal
or no anesthesia
-
Minimal
pain, inconvenience, discomfort
-
Less
time in chair
-
Precise
wavelength minimizes probability of thermal damage to
surrounding healthy tissue
-
Less
fear, anxiety, stress – No drill sound
-
Conserves
tooth structure
-
Whitening
– single visit procedure and no risk of absorption of
harmful chemicals by the gums
-
No
needles, no drill, no pain!
|
How
Does the Patient Benefit from Laser Dentistry?
Patient comfort is a leading advantage over conventional surgical
modalities. Lasers can reduce the need for anesthetic,
minimize post-operative swelling and discomfort, and enhance patient
recovery.
Since
lasers provide a clean, hemostatic operating field, visibility is
often better than with a scalpel - even down in the pocket.
Also,
several procedures using lasers are more efficient than traditional
surgical modalities, resulting in reduced chair-time for patients
and increased turnover rates for dentists.
Are
Dental Laser Procedures Painful?
A fundamental advantage in laser dentistry is the minimal
requirement for anesthetic. Because lasers’ energy can be
pulsed at such a fast rate, patients’ neurons don’t even
register a response. Lasing can sometimes feel like a mild
sunburn or like a light rubber band snapping.
Does
a Patient Have to Sign a Release Form to Have Laser Treatment?
Dental practitioners can decide for themselves if they want patients
to sign a release form, though it is not required.
Can
My Hygienists Use the Laser?
It depends on the state in which you practice. To find out,
you should call your state board.
Hygienists
are often permitted to perform certain procedures, but are generally
not allowed to remove tissue with the laser. Hygienists must
consult their states’ practice acts before implementing laser
therapy into their treatment plans.
Laser
certification provides confidence and expertise when educating
clients and their medical health care providers. Laser
certification is highly recommended for all hygienists and staff
members.
|