Minneapolis Cosmetic Dentist Dr Stephen R Bjorklund
St Paul Cosmetic Dentist Technology (page 2)
Laser Enhanced Smiles
As part of our ongoing commitment to provide our patients with the best possible care, we′re pleased to offer the benefits of the dental laser. We hope the following information will "enlighten" you regarding this exciting new technology.
As a patient of Minneapolis Cosmetic Dentist Dr Bjorklund, what does the laser mean to me?
The laser is very precise and allows us to treat gum disease earlier than ever before. We can often intercept problems before they become big and require you to face more serious (and expensive) treatment.
Gum disease may be today's most serious dental problem. When the laser treats soft tissue inside the mouth, there is little or no bleeding. That means you probably won′t need stitches following surgery. It also means less risk of spreading blood—born diseases.
Will it hurt?
The aspect of the laser many patients appreciate most is its comfort. While no treatment is truly painless, the laser greatly reduces the need for anesthetics such as Novocain. This enhances our ability to treat patients who are pregnant or medically compromised. The children we treat are often less fearful. And with the laser, then need for postoperative pain medication is also reduced or eliminated.
Is it safe?
Yes, very safe. Lasers like the one in our office have safely performed millions of procedures. This safety is also supported by hundreds of university studies. Our laser is so precise, it only removes a few cell layers at a time. It delivers its beam in tiny pulses. In any given second, it is actually off longer than it is on. Most procedures use less than three watts of power, less than many portable phones.
Are any precautions necessary?
Laser energy is not radioactive but simply magnified light. However, just as you wear sunglasses while tanning on the beach, you′ll wear special glasses during treatment to protect your eyes from prolonged exposure to the bright light.
What does the laser look like?
The dental laser is a suitcase—sized unit which contains an energy source and a sophisticated electronic control system. The laser light is delivered by a pen—like handpiece connected to the energy source by a lightweight optical fiber.
What does it sound like?
As the pulses of laser energy leave the tip of the optical fiber, there is a slight ticking sound. It is not loud and most of our patients say it is not at all unpleasant.
Is every patient treated with the laser?
Though the laser is a wonderful instrument, it is not appropriate for all procedures. It is frequently used in conjunction with conventional instruments. Please ask St Paul Cosmetic Dentist Dr Bjorklund about the role the laser might play in your treatment.
Dr Stephen R Bjorklund DDS, Cosmetic Dentist - Providing services in Teeth Whitening, One Appointment Crowns, and Extreme Makeover Dentistry to the areas of Minneapolis, St Paul, and Wayzata Minnesota.
St Paul extreme makeover
© copyright 2001 - 2008, Stephen R. Bjorklund, DDS, all rights reserved
