Laser Dentistry

Laser dental surgery

Robin and Nick over the last few years have embraced this revolution in dentistry and are now considered two of the UK's most foremost experts in this new technology. They lecture to UK dentists and travel to the US for the annual conferences of the World Clinical Laser Institute and the Academy of Laser Dentistry. In the US, it is commonplace for dentists to have lasers. The UK is way behind in that respect.

From initial diagnosis to general dentistry to advanced surgical techniques to techniques for improved healing, lasers play an important role in elevating the art and science of dentistry to new levels of care and excellence.

The Diagnodent Decay Detector

The challenge of detecting decay at the right time for intervention by the dentist with a filling has finally been solved. The common technique of looking at the tooth surface and sticking that sharp metal probe into your tooth has always had its shortcomings. We have always known that decay develops on the inside of a tooth before it reaches such a fairly large size that it causes a hole in the tooth but by the time that hole is seen extensive destruction of the inside of the tooth has occurred.

The Diagnodent is a small harmless laser that we shine onto the tooth surface, that penetrates deep into the tooth and is reflected back. The microprocessor in the machine measures reflection and tells us whether the tooth is healthy or has decay inside. It very accurately does this, telling us how much decay is present. We know less than 1mm of decay can heal itself so intervention with a filling is not always necessary. More than 1mm and we can cut away a very small portion of the enamel to access the decay and remove it before it causes more comprehensive destruction of the tooth. Research has shown that the Diagnodent to be many times more accurate than traditional techniques, resulting in less unnecessary fillings and fillings of a smaller size done at the correct time of intervention. Mara and Carlos also have these lasers.

Waterlase Laser

The American made Waterlase laser is our most versatile laser which we could now not do without. We'd rather retire than not have the use of this remarkable piece of technology. A £50 000 box of magic, it is used in nearly every aspect of dentistry. It's detailed applications are too numerous to list here but here is a brief summary:

Fillings- means no injections, no numbness, no drills and no pain!!!! Infections- sterilizes and removes the infection meaning one visit quick root canal treatments, less pain, quicker healing. Implants- less bleeding, less pain, quicker healing, shorter treatment times.

Gum disease- the only way to treat problematic gums, the only technique available that will stop the progressive loss of teeth and even form more bone around the affected teeth. Soft tissue surgery- less pain and bleeding, quicker and more predictable healing.

Only 15 of these machines are in the UK at present and we are fortunate to have 2 of them.

Low Level Light Therapy

We all know how much better we feel when the sun is out and during summer with the long hours of daylight. There is a scientific reason for this as light makes the cells of our body increase their metabolism making you feel better as a whole. Research has shown which component of daylight has the greatest effect in this respect. We have a laser at this specific wavelength that we use to enhance the dental procedures we undertake. Whether it be after implant replacement, healing ulcers and injuries or making an orthodontic brace painless or other procedures, shining this laser on the tissues has an near unbelieveable effect in healing tissues quicker with less or no pain. As keen sportsman of advancing years we always use this laser on our frequent injuries to get us back in action far quicker than if we relied on nature or regular physiotherapy alone.