BY
JEFFREY P. CRANSKA, D.D.S.
877 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd Suite 305, Severna Park, MD 21146 |
Introducing
the PerioLase, the first Variable Pulsed Nd:YAG laser for dentistry.
In April
of 1999 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved
the PerioLase Nd:YAG laser for laser curettage (sulcular debridment),
coagulation (hemostatis) and all other soft tissue procedures.
In July 1999, Dr. Jeffrey Cranska acquired the 8.0 watt Nd:YAG
PerioLase for use in our family dental practice. Dr. Cranska
has completed Academy of Laser Dentistry Certification Level
II, laser training for soft tissue procedures and Laser ENAP
training through Millennium Dental Technologies, Dr. Delwin
McCarthy and Dr. Robert Gregg, founding principles in Cerritos,
California. This would soon prove to represent a dedicated effort
by Dr. Cranska, staff and patients to become involved in this
new and revolutionary technology now available to dentistry.
What
is the PerioLase Dental Laser?
The PerioLase is a low powered, pulsed ND:YAG laser designed
by a dentist specifically for laser periodontal surgery. It
is one of the few lasers in the world capable of performing
a wide variety of dental procedures. Manufactured by Lares Research
a dental manufacturer since 1956.
How
long have these been used on patients?
The first Nd:YAD laser gained FDA approval in 1990. The pulsed
laser has been used to treat millions of patients throughout
the world.
How
is laser treatment different?
Treatment with this laser differs from conventional treatment
in that they can be:
 Is
anesthesia required?
Lasers reduce and in some cases eliminate, the need for dental
injections Why
is pain reduced so greatly?
One of the major advantages of laser surgery is decreased postoperative
sensitivity. Lasers have the ability to create some analgesia
in both hard and soft tissues Lasers can deliver energy faster
than it takes to trigger a neural response.
What
are the advantages of using dental lasers?
Lasers are the most versatile instruments made available to general
dentists. They give the dentist the ability to deliver highly
concentrated, controlled energy into some of the most difficult
recesses of the mouth. The ability of a beam of laser light to
ablate (vaporize) tissue with precise precision, to reduce bacteria,
to cauterize, to operate below the threshold of pain, to perform
quickly and to perform new modalities is revolutionizing dentistry.
What
are the advantages of dental laser surgery?
Many soft tissue incisions can be made without anesthesia. The
incisions are precise and normally bloodless. Patients report
a substantial reduction in postoperative pain.
 Does
the PerioLase harm the tooth, pulp or gums?
No
Is
the Laser safe?
Yes, in every way, when used with good clinical judgment.
Does
the PerioLase cut tooth enamel?
No. Vaporizing enamel will be one of the last potentials realized
with a laser.
How
does the laser work?
A laser emits concentrated energy in the form of a light beam.
This beam vaporizes matter. The laser delivers a narrow beam and
the operator vaporizes only a specific number of cell layers within
the circumference of this beam. This gives the dentist precise
control over the laser. The dentist starts and stops the laser
with a foot pedal.
How
is this laser different from others tried in dentistry?
This laser has a sophisticated computer that provides variable
energy outputs. This results in more predictable laser/tissue
effects and treatment outcomes. The system delivers it's energy
through a thin optical fiber, which extend through small diameter
angled tips on light and slender hand pieces. This allows access
into the farthest reaches of the mouth. The combination of safety
and effectiveness in this laser is being proven daily in this
clinical practice.
New
Dental Technology Gently Treats Cavities Without Drills
 |
One
out of every six people puts off going to the dentist
because of fear of pain, needles or drills. As a result,
minor dental problems go unnoticed and untreated until
major dental work cannot be avoided. Recently, however,
a new technology, the MicroPrepTM air abrasion system,
has been developed that allow dentists to treat most
cavities without drills. Following are questions I am
commonly asked in my practice about this new procedure.
For more information, please call (410) 975-9331.
|
How
can you treat cavities without using a drill?
MicroPrep's air abrasion system uses short bursts of microscopic-size
abrasive particles, similar to those found in many commercial
toothpaste whiteners, to remove decay quickly and effectively.
Does
it hurt?
Conventional dental drills generate considerable heat and vibration,
which can cause discomfort. With air abrasion there's no direct
contact to jar sensitive nerves; most patients do not feel pain
or any other unpleasant sensation.
Will
I need a shot?
Because there is generally no pain, there is seldom need to numb
the area in advance.
How
long does the procedure take?
In most cases, air abrasion treatment can be completed without
an anesthetic, so patients spend much less time in the dental
chair. Because the procedure is so gentle and anesthesia is seldom
required, it is possible to treat several teeth in one visit rather
than having to schedule additional appointments.
Is
it equally effective with children and adults?
Yes. Air abrasion is gentle and safe for children, as well as
being effective for adults.
Is
air abrasion used for any other dental procedures besides treating
tooth decay?
Yes. The MicroPrep system allows us to apply preventive sealants
in a matter of seconds, and is also used in a number of cosmetic
and restorative procedures, including veneers and porcelain repair.
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© Jeffrey P.
Cranska D.D.S. Family Dentistry
877 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd Suite 305, Severna Park, MD 21146
Phone: (410) 975-9331 or (410) 974-1164
Fax: (410) 975-9332
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