Dr. Saitta is one of a minority of general dentists in the country trained to use a laser for gentle, precise and conservative periodontal treatment.
What is a Laser?
A laser is a high tech devise that generates a tiny beam of very concentrated light. This beam of light brings energy into your mouth through a tiny fiber, to help remove areas of infection and remove gum disease around the teeth with great precision and accuracy.
The laser beam sterilizes the affected area and seals off blood vessels, which minimizes the chance of infection or bleeding. Patients are also much more comfortable during and after treatment with laser therapy. The need for local anesthetic is reduced but it is usually used to make sure that you feel absolutely nothing during the treatment
Are Lasers New to Dentistry?
Shortly after the invention of lasers in the early 1960's, lasers were investigated for their use in gum treatment. Recent developments have made it possible to use lasers effectively in the dental office, for treatment of all soft tissues, including gums.
Are Lasers Dangerous?
In the hands of a skilled specially trained dentist like Dr. Saitta, lasers are very safe. In fact the primary safety factor used during laser treatment is proper protective eye wear. Dental lasers are very low powered, which is essential for treating the delicate tissues of the mouth. In addition, the controlled heat and light of the laser destroys many bacteria and viruses in the mouth and inside periodontal pockets.
There are many benefits of laser dentistry. They include:
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Faster healing.
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Reduced risk of infection
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Decreased Sensitivity.
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Less time in the dental chair.
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Less bleeding.
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Less post-treatment discomfort
Is Laser Dental Periodontal Treatment For Me?
After thorough examination, Dr. Saitta can determine if the use of our laser is indicated for you. Apart from the fact that laser treatment is very gentle and quiet and heals with very little post-operative discomfort or bleeding, laser treatment may be very beneficial for the following situations:
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Blood Thinners: If you are on Coumadin or take aspirin every day and your MD does not want you to stop them, then laser treatment is beneficial because of the reduced chance of bleeding during treatment.
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If you have high blood pressure and the use of Epinephrine is contraindicated, then laser treatment is for you.
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If you are allergic or hypersensitive to Epinephrine, causing rapid heartbeat whenever you get Novocaine, then the use of laser treatment is beneficial, since Epinephrine is not necessary to be used.
Conservative Periodontal Treatment:
Chemical curettage may be used to de-epithelialize the inner pocket wall. The laser is then used to remove all debris, vaporize bacteria, and do any necessary gingivoplasty. Scaling and root planing is done conventionally with curettes and ultrasonics. Arestin amay be placed at the base of the periodontal pocket if needed.
There is minimal bleeding and Oxyfresh Aloe Gel is used by the patient to cover any sore spots. A few Motrin are all that is needed for discomfort.
Technique For:
Conservative Periodontal Therapy (CPT)
A B C D
A: Probe indicates pocket depth
B: De-epithelialization of pocket wall, followed by Laser to vaporize bacteria, diseased tissue, & bacterial toxins. Laser removes inner pocket wall (curettage).
C: Ultrasonic scaler and hand instruments used for scaling and root planing
D: Laser used for bleeding control and any gingivoplasty.
