The use of lasers in a dental application is becoming more widely accepted and implemented by more dental offices each day. The reason is very simple … laser dentistry allows our dental providers to be more accurate and proficient while providing a safer, more comfortable procedure for patients. 

Lasers have been developed for use with hard tissue (tooth and bone); soft tissue (gum tissue and the soft tissue areas in the mouth); and for diagnostic purposes (decay detection).  Laser is actually an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation, and the procedure will dictate which type of laser is needed.

Hard tissue: Your dentist can use exact precision when preparing a tooth to be filled. Lasers allow for less tooth structure to be removed with the added benefit of destroying bacteria in the cavity.

Soft tissue: Laser dentistry is gaining popularity in the treatment of periodontal disease and procedures such as crown lengthening, osseous surgery and similar issues that involve gum tissue.

What makes using laser technology so advantageous over traditional methods?

• Laser precision reduces impact on surrounding tissue during many dental procedures.
• There is less blood loss due to clotting advantages with laser usage.
• Faster healing time is allowed because many procedures become much less invasive thanks to laser precision.
• Because lasers destroy bacteria on contact, there is much less risk of infection.

Dental offices employ the use of laser technology for other purposes as well:

Teeth Whitening: Lasers are used to enhance the whitening effects of in-office dental whitening.

Surgical Applications: Low intensity lasers can be used to remove benign tumors from soft tissue areas. There are many different types of surgery from cosmetic to alter a “gummy smile” to the more serious issues that allow for repair of tongue restrictions and relief from excess tissue surrounding ill-fitting dental appliances.

Anxious Patients: For many patients, introducing lasers into treatment has provided an avenue for patients that fear needles (many procedures no longer require anesthetic). Down time and discomfort are reduced while safety and patient concerns remain at the forefront.

To learn more about laser dentistry in Dallas TX, contact the office of Dr. Philip R. Kozlow at 972-458-2464 today.

Over the past several years, with the introduction of lasers in the dental office, dental technology has advanced providing treatment for periodontal disease that once seemed possible only in a futuristic movie. But laser dentistry in Dallas TX can demonstrate the advances that you may benefit from today. 

The word laser often conjures up thoughts of a blue sabre swung by a futuristic character. But reality sometimes does imitate the movies, and now lasers are widely used by dentists to treat patients. A light does emanate from the laser during dental procedures requiring the use of safety glasses. Laser is actually an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. There are several types of lasers used in dentistry, and depending on your dental procedure, your dentist will engage a laser for work on hard tissue or soft tissue.

There are many advantages to laser dentistry over the use of traditional instruments. In treating periodontal disease, the use of lasers will kill harmful bacteria during the procedure. Bacteria and residual food particles not removed during daily hygiene brushing and flossing are a major contributor to the plaque build-up that causes periodontal disease. Plaque is removed and bacteria destroyed when using a laser with the added benefit of a reduction in treatment time as well.

The use of a laser allows for the re-generation of healthy tissue over using standard hand pieces. The precision available by use of a laser allows for minimizing damage to healthy surrounding tissue, and quite often this benefit will reduce the need for anesthetic.

But possibly one of the biggest advantages is blood vessels and nerve endings are sealed as the procedure is done with a laser, meaning there may be much less residual discomfort. And with the promise of reduced discomfort, abbreviated healing time and less time in the dental chair because the procedure takes less time using a laser, this translates to much less anxiety for the patient.

There are many other procedures that are improved by the use of a laser. Reshaping gum tissue or the need to remove tissue for biopsy can be performed more efficiently. And regular, daily cleanings may also be performed using this technology. Teeth whitening, dental fillings and many other procedures are now being enhanced with the use of laser technology.

Contact the office of Dr. Philip R. Kozlow at 972-458-2464 for a consultation to see how you may benefit from this exciting new form of treatment.

The symptoms of periodontal disease are wide and varied including red and swollen gum tissue, bleeding gums, bad breath, gum recession and loose teeth.  Having one of these symptoms does not necessarily mean you have periodontal disease, but more than one would indicate seeing your dentist for needed treatment.  Technology has improved over the years and a most successful treatment is available in the form of laser dentistry in Dallas.

Depending on the severity of your disease, your dentist might initiate treatment with scaling and root planning.  This involves a deep cleaning to remove bacterial plaque and tartar.  Scaling consists of scraping calculus from above and below and gum line.  Root planning smoothes the tooth’s root surfaces.

For many with periodontal disease, this procedure is sufficient to stop the progression.  However, it will be necessary to continue to monitor by consistent visits to your dentist.   If deep periodontal pockets and infection remain after root planning and scaling, periodontal surgery might be recommended.

The use of laser dentistry to perform periodontal surgery offers many advantages.  There is much less chance of infection as the light beam from the laser sterilizes the surrounding tissue during the procedure.  During this procedure, the dentist is basically performing a deeper cleaning and removing any diseased tissue, and after completion the gum tissue is positioned to minimize pocket depth.

Laser dentistry is very effective for the particularly anxious patient (no more whirring drill sounds).  The use of lasers allows for faster and more precise techniques which translate to less time in the chair for the patient.  The use of lasers to treat periodontal disease also reduces damage to surrounding tissue, bleeding is minimized due to the high-energy light which aids in the coagulation of blood vessels,  swelling is reduced and post-operative discomfort and healing time are diminished.

Different lifestyle factors can contribute to the development of periodontal disease.  Smoking, substance abuse, stress, and diet are all factors that we can control.  Aging and genetics are also factors that can contribute to the development of this dental disease.  Vigilant brushing and flossing along with regular visits to the dentist are critical to the prevention of periodontal disease.