When the laser was first invented in 1960, scientists called it “a solution looking for a problem”—it’s pretty cool to shoot a focused, coherent beam of light at something, but what can you do with it? Well, nowadays just look around—from a barcode scanner at a cash register, to industrial laser cutting and welding, to LASIK eye surgery, to NASA’s next-generation space flight propulsion system—lasers are everywhere and we keep on finding new applications.
All lasers work by delivering energy in the form of light that’s focused to a small spot; and different lasers interact differently with different materials, whether it’s metal or our body tissues. Depending on their power, wavelength, and pulse duration, lasers are classified with respect to their hazards. To learn more about laser safety, click here.
Lasers have been used in dentistry since the 1990s to treat a number of dental problems. Despite FDA approval, to this day, no laser system has received the American Dental Association's (ADA) Seal of Acceptance to replace more traditional treatment. Having said that, lasers are being used by more and more clinicians to complement and augment traditional therapies in dentistry.
At ICONIC Dentistry we have some of the best-in-class laser systems in existence. Our Solea® system is a powerful Class 4 medical laser that’s literally in a league of its own. Operating at the unique wavelength of 9.3 µm, it can be used in both hard and soft tissue procedures—everything from gingiva and dentin to enamel and bone. During a filling procedure, this laser can evaporate decayed tooth structure without dealing mechanical and thermal damage to the rest of the tooth, in contrast to a regular high-speed dental drill. As a result, anesthetic administration (the shot with a needle) may not be needed, making pain-less experience possible for most of our patients. When used on soft tissues, this laser precisely cuts and coagulates at the same time, resulting in reduced post-operative pain and swelling, and faster healing time. We invite new patients to explore our dedicated page on the Solea® to learn more about this laser and how you deserve nothing less.
Another high-power laser system that’s available through our in-house periodontist is the PerioLase® MVP-7™. This laser system is designed specifically for treatment of periodontal and peri-implant diseases; and when used in the LANAP® Protocol, it’s the only one with FDA approval for true regeneration of periodontal attachment tissues that were lost due to disease. To learn more about this laser and its many benefits to patients please click here for more details.
Our office also offers low-level laser therapy (LLLT), also known as photobiomodulation (PBM) to patients. As opposed to high-power lasers, which uses thermal and ablative mechanisms to “cut” or modify tissues, LLLT works mostly via a photochemical mechanism—the light is absorbed and causes chemical changes—much like photosynthesis in plants. An accidental discovery in 1967 paved the way for today’s use of low-level lasers by healthcare providers in diverse areas of medicine and dentistry that require healing, prevention of tissue death, pain relief, reduction of inflammation, and regenerative medicine.
After much market research including comparing many available units on the market, and speaking to experts in the field of photomedicine, we acquired the absolutely top-of-the-line low-level laser from THOR.
For a more thorough explanation of how low-level laser works, specifically the THOR, and to see a list of oral-facial and dental problems it can help improve, go to our dedicated website.
To learn more about the variety of services we offer, or to schedule an appointment, contact us today at 714-835-4441. If you wish to ask a specific question, please submit through our Contact Us page located here.
