Dr. Marina Polonsky, leading Dentist at Ottawa’s Alta Vista Dental Clinic, a dentalcorp-supported Practice, explains how laser dentistry can optimize your clinic and improve the patient experience.
Over the past few decades, laser dentistry has undergone a remarkable evolution since its introduction in the 1960s. Initially met with skepticism, lasers are quickly becoming integral in modern dental practices, revolutionizing procedures with precision and efficiency. Today, their widespread use signifies a transformative shift in dental care towards a more minimally invasive approach with reduced use of drugs such as antibiotics and painkillers.
Laser Dentistry 101
Laser dentistry uses focused red or infrared light beams for precise and minimally invasive dental procedures. The lasers can be categorized into distinct types, such as diode lasers, carbon dioxide and erbium lasers, each serving specific purposes in various dental treatments.
Dr. Marina Polonsky, Dentist at Alta Vista Laser Dental Centre in Ottawa, further explains, "Laser dentistry employs advanced laser technology for dental procedures as an adjunct to increase precision and reduce patient discomfort. In certain procedures, lasers can completely replace conventional tools such as scalpels, sutures and drills”
A pioneer in using lasers extensively in her own Practice and achieving positive outcomes for her patients, Dr. Polonsky, delves into the top five advantages of incorporating laser dentistry into all Canadian Dental Practices.
1. Unmatched Precision: Elevating Treatment Accuracy
Dr. Polonsky underscores the precision introduced by laser dentistry, asserting, "The focused light beams allow for microscopic targeting of tissues while minimizing collateral damage. This precision is especially critical in intricate procedures like gum surgeries or cavity preparation, where meticulous accuracy is non-negotiable, especially if the patient chooses to opt-out of freezing for pain management."
This precision not only ensures optimal results but also reduces the risk of complications and the need for prophylactic or post-operative antibiotics and painkillers, leading to excellent clinical outcomes and less ‘chair time’ spent fine-tuning, managing complications or even fixing results.
2. Versatility Unleashed: Addressing Diverse Dental Challenges
The versatility of laser dentistry is at the heart of what makes it so innovative at the Practice level, providing clinicians with a multifaceted toolset. Dr. Polonsky elaborates, "Various types of lasers, such as high and low power diodes and erbium lasers, enable clinicians to address a spectrum of oral health issues. Diode lasers excel in soft tissue procedures like periodontal treatments, tooth whitening, disinfection and photo-bio-modulation, while erbium lasers shine in both soft and hard tissue procedures, including cavity preparation and bone surgeries."
Laser Dentistry streamlines the treatment process, improves visibility for the dentist and reduces pain and complications for the patients, allowing dental professionals to offer specialized services in house and position their practices at the forefront of modern dental care.
3. Faster Healing: Red Light Therapy
Low level laser therapy, also known as PBM or photo-bio-modulation helps to repair damage as it stimulates cellular activity, enhances blood circulation, and reduces inflammation. These diverse benefits all serve to promote quicker healing, explaining the widespread popularity of PBM across several medical fields, whether during a cosmetic facial to stimulate collagen production, or to increase joint mobility in those suffering from arthritis.
Harnessing the therapeutic potential of red and infrared light in dentistry by using laser technology, more selectively targets periodontal pathogens and aids in oral surgeries as it can accelerate wound healing and tissue repair. Lasers in dentistry improve clinical outcomes, ensuring quicker recovery and a more comfortable patient experience.
4. Patient Comfort Elevated: A Gentle Approach to Dental Care
"The patient experience is at the core of dental care, and laser dentistry plays a pivotal role in elevating comfort levels," notes Dr. Polonsky. "The minimally invasive nature of lasers results in less bleeding, swelling, and discomfort. This not only enhances the patient experience but also encourages regular dental care by mitigating the fear associated with traditional methods."
The clinical emphasis on patient comfort underscores the transformative impact of laser dentistry on a patient’s perception of their dental visits. By reducing anxiety and discomfort, laser dentistry contributes to a positive shift in patient attitudes, fostering trust and satisfaction. In fact, patients can educate themselves on the benefits offered by lasers over more conventional methods and then seek dental care providers in their area able and willing to provide laser therapies.
5. Technological Advancement: Staying at the Forefront of Dental Innovation
Embracing laser dentistry signifies more than adopting a new tool; it's a strategic move toward aligning dental practices with the forefront of technological innovation. Dr. Polonsky states, "Investing in laser technology positions dental Practices as leaders in the industry. It reflects a commitment to providing patients with the best possible clinical outcomes based on the latest technological innovations combined with quality care."
The need to stay competitive and relevant in terms of innovation in dentistry is key. Laser dentistry not only ensures current excellence but also future-proofs practices, attracting patients and maintaining competitiveness.
Since Dental schools do not include laser therapy in their curriculum until graduate levels of training, receiving proper training is essential in successful integration of this wonderful technology into dental practice.
Interested in learning about laser dentistry or earning ALD Laser Certification Training? Click here or reach out to Dr. Polonsky at info@cndlaserinstitute.com.
