Lasers have been used in medicine for the last thirty years but their use in dentistry is relatively new going back to the first dental laser in the early 90's. This was very limited in what it could do but late in 1999 the OPUS 20 was introduced. In January 2000, we were one of the first three practices in the UK to acquire this revolutionary laser system.

The OPUS 20 combines two lasers in one unit; one laser wavelength for hard tissue (used to treat teeth) and the other for soft tissue (gums and oral mucosa) use. This is the first laser in the UK that can truly replace the drill in most areas of treatment

and can also reduce the need for the use of local anaesthetic. Although this represents a great leap forward in dental care, the drill will still be with us for sometime as a means, for example, of removing old silver fillings or in the preparation of crowns and veneers.

The Erbium laser (hard tissue) can cut the tooth without anything touching the tooth except the laser beam. It sterilizes the cavity whilst it's being prepared and seals the inside of the tooth which results in reduced sensitivity and fewer complications. The process of cutting the tooth can be pain free and almost silent compared with conventional drills.
The Carbon Dioxide (soft tissue) laser can be used in any minor oral surgery work; an area can be cut without any bleeding as the laser closes all the blood vessels. Normally, this is done with reduced need for anesthetic, with reduced inflammation and swelling with less discomfort afterwards, as stitches are not normally needed. This leads to a speedy healing and recovery with much better patient acceptance of the procedures.There are also added benefits such as

less scar tissue after laser treatment and less likelihood of post-operative infection. The dental lasers' ability to reduce bacteria makes it an excellent instrument for the treatment of dental diseases caused by bacterial contamination and for reducing the chance of infection. The nature and intensity of laser light can also be used to treat developing dental disease earlier than ever before. The soft tissue laser has many other uses in the various treatments of gum disease and in root canal therapy. Great strides have been made in these areas in revolutionary different methods of treatment. The development of dental lasers has led to the introduction of totally new techniques for effective treatment of sensitive teeth and the relief for ulcers, to name but a few.

Please click on the links below for further information about Laser Dentistry:-

ESOLA (European Society for Oral Laser Applications)
American Academy of Laser Dentistry