Laser-Assisted
Periodontal Therapy

Technology in the dental office

Dentistry has come a long way in making patient check-ups more comfortable. With today's technology, dentists are better equipped to detect and treat decay and perform other procedures with maximum comfort. You might find that your dentist has added some of the relatively newer technologies the next time you visit the dentist. This article presents a brief list of some of the tools available.

What if my dentist does not have this equipment? Dentists keep their eye on new technologies as they are introduced to ensure that they are safe and beneficial for patient use. As members of the Academy of General Dentistry, dentists read clinical studies to determine the efficacy of a product prior to purchasing new equipment.

Intraoral cameras - First developed in 1987, the intraoral camera is a wand-like device with a tiny magnifying lens that projects a picture from a patient's mouth onto a screen. The image, which is magnified up to 40 times its original size, allows the dentist to see fractured enamel, gum recession, fractured lines in teeth, and breakdowns of restorations, and then also allows the patient to see the images.  

After these pictures are taken, dentists are better able to diagnose and recommend treatment plans for their patients. The pictures also can provide documentation for insurance companies.

Lasers - As scientific studies are confirmed, lasers may be a good alternative to the traditional drill as anesthetic is not needed as often. The procedure is more precise and can reduce symptoms and healing times associated with traditional therapies. Currently, your dentist may use lasers for tooth whitening, periodontal (gum) therapy, cavity preparation and removal of the decay. In the future, laser technology may be used to prevent decay by increasing the strength of the tooth.  Laser therapy cannot be used as an alternative for every procedure.

AGD IMPACT, October 2000