Genre: Promotion

FIND US ON Low-intensity laser delivers high-end results " The wonderful thing about dentistry is that there 's always something new being studied or developed to improve the patient experience , deliver better results , or both , " observes Michael J. Andersen , DDS . One innovation that Dr. Andersen introduced to his practice last year is the diode laser . This low-intensity light source allows him to treat the soft tissue of the gums and mouth with gentleness and thoroughness , while reducing blood loss and speeding healing . Dr. Andersen explains that the diode laser replaces two instruments used to make incisions on gum tissue : the scalpel and the electro-surge . " The scalpel offers great precision , but cutting into gum tissue causes a wound that bleeds and often results in a painful healing period , " he describes . " If a patient needs a crown that requires a reduction in gum tissue , the bleeding can interfere with our ability to take an accurate impression of the tooth being treated . The diode laser allows me to ' brush ' the gum tissue with light waves , reducing the tissue without pain and without blood loss , so an impression is easier and quicker to acquire , and recovery is much quicker and more comfortable . " An electro-surge also makes incisions in gum tissue , but uses electrical current that requires the patient to be " grounded " against electrical shock . The device can not be used near conductive materials like metal crowns , implants , or fillings because of the risk of arcing . Other uses Dr. Andersen adds that in orthodontic work , it is often necessary to reduce the space between teeth . This compresses the gum tissue in those spaces , causing it to appear puffed up or bulgy . " I can use the diode laser to reduce the bulging tissue between the teeth to give it a more natural appearance without triggering a sensitive reaction , " he says . " A small amount of peroxide will clean the area and by the time a patient gets home after the appointment , the gum tissue looks and feels comfortable . Within a day or two , the appearance is completely natural . " A diode laser is also a benefit for patients who need a frenectomy , or a reduction of the fibrous muscle under the lip over the front teeth . In some patients , this muscle is exceptionally strong and pulls the gums forward , away from the teeth . The pull of this muscle can even cause the front teeth to separate . " In the past , we had to numb the area thoroughly , clamp the muscle off , use a scalpel to cut it , then place sutures to close the resulting wound , " says Dr. Andersen . " It could take up to two-and-a-half weeks to heal . With the diode laser , we can use a topical anesthetic , ' cut ' the muscle back , and finish without placing a single suture . The area may be sensitive for about a day , but after that there is no discomfort . " One of the newest uses for the diode laser is in the treatment of periodontal disease . Stronger lasers have been used for several years in tooth root planing and scaling to treat bacteria embedded in the deep ' pockets ' in the gums surrounding the teeth . The process left the mouth sensitive , and there was always a certain amount of bacteria left behind . Dr. Andersen and Staff " Using a diode laser to reach deep into the pocket after root planing and scaling , we do n't actually cut into the tissue but rather guide this more gentle laser to sterilize the pocket , " informs Dr. Andersen . " Then , we use a special attachment to the diode laser that allows us to use the light energy to warm the surrounding gum tissue , which increases circulation and speeds the healing process . " The diode laser can also be used to help decontaminate the wound bed of a cold sore or canker sore on the lips or in the mouth . This reduces the sensitivity usually associated with mouth ulcers and reduces healing time . " This treatment needs to be applied before the ulcer begins to heal on its own , or the laser will simple reopen the wound , " cautions Dr. Andersen . " But when these sores are just developing and open , the diode laser offers a real benefit in pain reduction and healing time . " I have been using the diode laser with great success for some time , now , for a variety of applications , and I 've found it to be an excellent advance for keeping my patients more comfortable when tissue has to be reduced or when certain surgical procedures need to be performed . " Michael J. Andersen , DDS , earned his undergraduate degree from Ohio University and his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Case Western Reserve University , Cleveland . Dr. Andersen also completed a post-doctoral program in advanced general ... Read More