Biolase® Laser Dentistry Treatment
We are excited to provide our patients with state-of-the-art laser dentistry. Our experienced dentists, Dr. Cathy Santone and Dr. Megan Dietz, have incorporated the high-tech Biolase®, ezlaze 940, which is a soft tissue laser that allows our team to perform a number of dental treatments using the specific light wavelength while avoiding the use of more invasive traditional tools. This technology gives our patients the benefit of an especially pleasant experience while receiving the highest level of treatment available.
Laser Dentistry Procedures
Our dental team of doctors and registered dental hygienists are specially-trained in the use of our Biolase® ezlaze 940 dental laser to perform the following dental procedures:
Laser Bacterial Reduction (LBR)
LBR is a non-invasive, painless dental procedure. With the Biolase® ezlaze 940, our dental team is able to kill almost 100% of the bacteria located in the gum pockets around our patient’s teeth. We recommend LBR as an adjunct for our patients with heart disease or heart conditions such as heart murmurs and mitral valve prolapse (MVP), as well as those patients who have diabetes, prosthetic joint replacement, or have had strokes, to protect them from the possibility of becoming infected by the harmful bacteria disrupted during a number of dental procedures.
Laser Assisted Periodontal Therapy (LAPT)
LAPT, or laser periodontal treatment, is used during deep dental cleanings, such as root planing and curettage procedures, to remove the diseased, infected, inflamed, and dead soft tissue within the deep gum pocket. This is a non-surgical procedure, which does not involve the use of a scalpel, and does not require stitches. The removal of the dead tissue with the dental laser also sterilizes the gum pocket and kills the harmful bacteria throughout the procedure. The dental laser stimulates rapid healing of the soft tissue, while routinely reducing the size of the gum pockets and promoting the bone regeneration around our patient’s teeth, which results in a healthier mouth. The laser treatment, in addition to traditional scaling and root planning procedures, can often take the place of surgical periodontal gum procedures.
Non-Surgical Periodontal Treatment
For restorative dentistry patients who are facing the effects if periodontal (gum) disease, Dr. Santone and Dr. Dietz offer a non-surgical periodontal treatment. The non-surgical, laser-assisted method of treating periodontal disease provides our patients with a more affordable, increasingly effective gum treatment, which can be completed in a single office visit.
Gum Lifts (Gingivectomy and Gingivoplasty)
A cosmetic gum lift is the precise shaping and contouring of the gum tissue to improve the health and appearance of the gums around the teeth, especially in the smile zone. The gingivectomy or gingivoplasty is a cosmetic dental smile enhancement procedure performed along with porcelain veneers and dental crowns to improve the outcome of cosmetic dental procedures. The procedure allows access to deep cavities under the gums that would previously require a referral to a gum specialist, as well as surgery. Sculpting of the gum tissue can be performed following the removal of braces to uncover the newly straightened teeth and reduce the red, inflamed, and puffy gums.
Desensitizing Teeth
Dr. Santone and Dr. Dietz can reduce the sensitivity of our patient’s teeth, especially along the gum line with the use of the Biolase® ezlaze 940. When exposed to cold or sweet food, root surfaces can be very sensitive and painful. With the use of the dental laser, our highly-trained team can destroy the bacteria in the dentinal tubes and seal the root to decrease and eliminate tooth sensitivity.
Treatment of Cold Sores and Canker Sores
The dental laser can minimize or prevent the eruption of unsightly and painful cold sores and fever blisters that erupt on your lips when under stress or exposed to the sun. If our patients schedule an appointment the moment they feel the common tingly sensation associated with cold sores, the dental laser will prevent the formation of the blister. If the blister or cold sore is already present, the dental laser will reduce pain and swelling, as well as the overall healing time.
The dental laser can also treat painful mouth sores like canker sores, also called aphthous ulcers, caused by certain foods and trauma to your cheeks, tongue, and inside of the lips. All of these procedures are virtually pain-free and do not require any anesthetic or numbing shots. The treatments are typically quick and effective procedures which our dental team can schedule at your earliest convenience.
Contact Us
Contact our office for more information on laser dentistry.