Tooth Lasers vs. Drills

Jeffrey P. Cranska, DDS

I am a laser dentist. Four years ago, breaking technology and a patented treatment for Laser Periodontal Therapy, made the use of a dental laser practical for me in my family dental practice. Laser use was more of a West Coast thing. Multiple trips to the Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry in Los Angeles, the University of California in San Francisco, Academy of Laser Dentistry Conferences in Tucson and Florida and numerous American Dental Association and other regional dental society meetings were needed for training, accreditation, networking and knowledge of this growing laser technology.

My first laser, a soft tissue (Nd:YAG) laser gave me Laser Periodontal Therapy, an alternative way for me to treat my patient's gum disease (Periodontitis/Gingivitis). This laser gave me a no cut, non-bleeding, no stitches, technique to remove the infection and allow the body to heal itself. The success of this laser has changed how I practice dentistry every day. However, no suitable hard tissue laser, to replace the dental drill, was available to meet my dental demands at that time. Now it is the time to utilize a laser for treating dental cavities. In October, 2002 the new technology was displayed. The Opus Duo E Dental Laser Center, utilizing an Erbium:YAG laser was released. A computerized, more user and patient friendly hard tissue laser is now here.

Laser energy and water are utilized to replace the dental drill to remove decay from teeth. This results with no vibrations, no drill sounds and minimal or no pain. The need for anesthetic is eliminated (no shots) in most cases. Using the precise control of the laser, decay can be removed while leaving as much healthy tooth as possible, perfect for tooth colored filling technology. No worry about bacterial contamination as the laser sterilizes as it works. The laser is ideal for use in children.

My technique is to use the laser in conjunction with air abrasion. I now have the tools to diagnose and treat tooth decay early and painlessly. I utilize bonding to fill and restore the remaining healthy tooth or to seal-out decay in cavity-free teeth. No more reason to watch and wait until tooth decay causes teeth to break or hurt before treatment. The progressive nature of tooth decay always requires dental treatment. Prevention of decay is desired, but early treatment is the next best alternative. Now ways exist to treat decayed teeth earlier, more conservatively and cosmetically without discomfort. Laser Dentistry is another way for the dental patient to receive the latest and best treatment that dental technology can offer.

Dr. Cranska was awarded Advanced Profiency Certification from the Academy of Laser Dentistry at the Annual Conference and Exhibition, Tucson, Arizona, March 2001, Category II Academy of Laser Dentistry Certification from the Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry, 1999 and Standard Profiency Dental Laser Certification from the Laser Clinical Training Center, University of California, San Francisco School of Dentistry, 2000.